Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Knoxville?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Knoxville, you need to earn at least $40,960/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $63,214, which means the typical resident is $22,254 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 906

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$717	$2,390	$28,680	$-34,534
1 Bedroom	$850	$2,833	$34,000	$-29,214
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,024	$3,413	$40,960	$-22,254
3 Bedroom	$1,249	$4,163	$49,960	$-13,254
4 Bedroom	$1,536	$5,120	$61,440	$-1,774

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$63,214

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$40,960

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$22,254

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 19.4%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Knoxville's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,580

Studio

$717/mo

1 BR

$850/mo

2 BR

$1,024/mo

3 BR

$1,249/mo

4 BR

$1,536/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Knoxville

Knoxville, Pennsylvania stands out as one of the more financially accessible housing markets in the state. The median household income of $63,214 significantly exceeds the $40,960 needed to comfortably afford a 2-bedroom at 30% of gross income — leaving a $22,254 annual surplus for savings, debt repayment, or lifestyle spending.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Knoxville, a studio at $717/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,249/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $49,960.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $61,440 would position you well — though many residents in Knoxville manage on less given the favorable rent-to-income dynamics.

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 Knoxville, Pennsylvania.

With a total population of 906, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 404 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $40,960 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

404

Active civilian employees in Knoxville

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Knoxville

What salary do I need to live in Knoxville, Pennsylvania?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Knoxville under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $40,960. The median household income in Knoxville is $63,214.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Knoxville on $63,214?

The affordability verdict for Knoxville is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 19.4%, meaning median earners have a $22,254 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Knoxville is $850/month. With a median household income of $63,214, residents spend approximately 19.4% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Knoxville?

A studio in Knoxville rents for approximately $717/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $28,680 to afford this.

Is Knoxville considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $22,254 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Knoxville is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $40,960 to the local median household income.

How Knoxville Compares

Other cities in Pennsylvania with salary requirements