Manageable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Pottsville?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Pottsville, you need to earn at least $38,840/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $46,081, which means the typical resident is $7,241 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 13,386

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$680	$2,267	$27,200	$-18,881
1 Bedroom	$806	$2,687	$32,240	$-13,841
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$971	$3,237	$38,840	$-7,241
3 Bedroom	$1,185	$3,950	$47,400	+$1,319
4 Bedroom	$1,457	$4,857	$58,280	+$12,199

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$46,081

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$38,840

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$7,241

Surplus

Verdict

Manageable

Ratio: 25.3%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Pottsville's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,152

Studio

$680/mo

1 BR

$806/mo

2 BR

$971/mo

3 BR

$1,185/mo

4 BR

$1,457/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Pottsville

Renting in Pottsville, Pennsylvania is doable for median earners, but tight. A 2-bedroom requires roughly $38,840/year under the 30% rule, and with a median income of $46,081, residents are operating close to the threshold.

Downsizing to a 1-bedroom ($806/month) or studio ($680/month) materially improves the math. For those needing more space, a 3-bedroom in Pottsville pushes the required income to $47,400.

For comfortable living in Pottsville without financial stress, target a household income of at least $58,260 — this accounts for rent being approximately 30% of take-home pay while leaving adequate room for Pennsylvania's cost of living.

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 Pottsville, Pennsylvania.

With a total population of 13,386, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 5,951 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $38,840 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

5,951

Active civilian employees in Pottsville

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Pottsville

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Pottsville under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $38,840. The median household income in Pottsville is $46,081.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Pottsville on $46,081?

The affordability verdict for Pottsville is "Manageable". The rent-to-income ratio is 25.3%, meaning median earners have a $7,241 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Pottsville is $806/month. With a median household income of $46,081, residents spend approximately 25.3% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Pottsville?

A studio in Pottsville rents for approximately $680/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $27,200 to afford this.

Is Pottsville considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $7,241 and an affordability verdict of "Manageable", Pottsville is considered a manageable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $38,840 to the local median household income.

How Pottsville Compares

Other cities in Pennsylvania with salary requirements