Stretched

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Kent?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Kent, you need to earn at least $43,280/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $37,505, which means the typical resident is $5,775 below the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 27,336

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$757	$2,523	$30,280	$-7,225
1 Bedroom	$898	$2,993	$35,920	$-1,585
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,082	$3,607	$43,280	+$5,775
3 Bedroom	$1,320	$4,400	$52,800	+$15,295
4 Bedroom	$1,623	$5,410	$64,920	+$27,415

Affordability Breakdown

Where the required salary line crosses above Kent's median income — housing becomes unaffordable for the typical resident.

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$37,505

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$43,280

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

-$5,775

Deficit

Verdict

Stretched

Ratio: 34.6%

The 30% Rule Calculator

Enter your annual salary to see what you can afford in Kent

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Kent's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$938

Studio

$757/mo

1 BR

$898/mo

2 BR

$1,082/mo

3 BR

$1,320/mo

4 BR

$1,623/mo

Your salary is $0 above the median income in Kent.

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

Bars left of the marker line are affordable for Kent's median earner. Bars to the right require above-median income.

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Kent

Kent's rental market puts real pressure on median earners. A 2-bedroom at $1,082/month requires $43,280/year — about $5,775 more than the median household income. Roommates or dual incomes significantly change the equation.

If you're relocating to Kent, target the studio or 1-bedroom tier ($757–$898/month) unless your income exceeds $43,280. A roommate splitting a 2-bedroom effectively halves the individual rent burden to $541/month.

The break-even salary for comfortable living in Kent is approximately $64,920. Below this threshold, expect housing to consume a disproportionate share of your budget, limiting discretionary spending and savings capacity.

Economic Outlook

Local Job Market & Housing Dynamics

Affording rent isn't just about housing prices—it's heavily dependent on local employment opportunities and the strength of the job market in Kent, Ohio.

With a total population of 27,336, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 13,660 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $43,280 annual salary. The ratio of employed residents to the total population provides insight into the local economic health and competition for both jobs and housing.

Employed Workforce

13,660

Active civilian employees in Kent

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Kent

What salary do I need to live in Kent, Ohio?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Kent under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $43,280. The median household income in Kent is $37,505.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Kent on $37,505?

The affordability verdict for Kent is "Stretched". The rent-to-income ratio is 34.6%, meaning there's a $5,775 income gap.

What is the average rent in Kent compared to median income?

The median gross rent in Kent is $898/month. With a median household income of $37,505, residents spend approximately 34.6% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Kent?

A studio in Kent rents for approximately $757/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $30,280 to afford this.

Is Kent considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the deficit of $5,775 and an affordability verdict of "Stretched", Kent is considered a stretched rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $43,280 to the local median household income.

How Kent Compares

Other cities in Ohio with salary requirements