Unaffordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in West Decatur?

To afford a 2-bedroom in West Decatur, you need to earn at least $51,240/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $36,591, which means the typical resident is $14,649 below the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 585

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$897	$2,990	$35,880	$-711
1 Bedroom	$1,063	$3,543	$42,520	+$5,929
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,281	$4,270	$51,240	+$14,649
3 Bedroom	$1,563	$5,210	$62,520	+$25,929
4 Bedroom	$1,922	$6,407	$76,880	+$40,289

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$36,591

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$51,240

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

-$14,649

Deficit

Verdict

Unaffordable

Ratio: 42.0%

The 30% Rule Calculator

Enter your annual salary to see what you can afford in West Decatur

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with West Decatur's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$915

Studio

$897/mo

1 BR

$1,063/mo

2 BR

$1,281/mo

3 BR

$1,563/mo

4 BR

$1,922/mo

Your salary is $0 above the median income in West Decatur.

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to West Decatur

Renting in West Decatur is unaffordable for most median earners. The $14,649 income gap means a 2-bedroom at $1,281/month requires significant above-median earnings or a dual-income household to be sustainable.

For those committed to West Decatur, the realistic options are: (1) target a studio at $897/month, which requires $35,880/year — closer to the median; (2) find a roommate for a 2-bedroom, cutting individual costs to ~$641/month; or (3) negotiate remote work and live in a more affordable Pennsylvania city.

To live comfortably in West Decatur without financial strain, you realistically need a household income of $76,860 or higher. This isn't just about rent — it accounts for Pennsylvania's overall cost of living including transportation, food, and healthcare.

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 West Decatur, Pennsylvania.

With a total population of 585, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 247 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $51,240 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

247

Active civilian employees in West Decatur

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in West Decatur

What salary do I need to live in West Decatur, Pennsylvania?

To afford a 2-bedroom in West Decatur under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $51,240. The median household income in West Decatur is $36,591.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in West Decatur on $36,591?

The affordability verdict for West Decatur is "Unaffordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 42.0%, meaning there's a $14,649 income gap.

What is the average rent in West Decatur compared to median income?

The median gross rent in West Decatur is $1,063/month. With a median household income of $36,591, residents spend approximately 42.0% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in West Decatur?

A studio in West Decatur rents for approximately $897/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $35,880 to afford this.

Is West Decatur considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the deficit of $14,649 and an affordability verdict of "Unaffordable", West Decatur is considered a unaffordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $51,240 to the local median household income.

How West Decatur Compares

Other cities in Pennsylvania with salary requirements