Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Barnwell?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Barnwell, you need to earn at least $28,560/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $38,065, which means the typical resident is $9,505 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 4,643

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$500	$1,667	$20,000	$-18,065
1 Bedroom	$593	$1,977	$23,720	$-14,345
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$714	$2,380	$28,560	$-9,505
3 Bedroom	$871	$2,903	$34,840	$-3,225
4 Bedroom	$1,071	$3,570	$42,840	+$4,775

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$38,065

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$28,560

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$9,505

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 22.5%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Barnwell's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$952

Studio

$500/mo

1 BR

$593/mo

2 BR

$714/mo

3 BR

$871/mo

4 BR

$1,071/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Barnwell

Living in Barnwell is well within reach for most median-income earners. With a $9,505 cushion between what residents earn and what a 2-bedroom requires, households in Barnwell typically have meaningful financial flexibility after housing costs.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Barnwell, a studio at $500/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $871/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $34,840.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $42,840 would position you well — though many residents in Barnwell 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 Barnwell, South Carolina.

With a total population of 4,643, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 1,680 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $28,560 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

1,680

Active civilian employees in Barnwell

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Barnwell

What salary do I need to live in Barnwell, South Carolina?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Barnwell under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $28,560. The median household income in Barnwell is $38,065.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Barnwell on $38,065?

The affordability verdict for Barnwell is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 22.5%, meaning median earners have a $9,505 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Barnwell is $593/month. With a median household income of $38,065, residents spend approximately 22.5% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Barnwell?

A studio in Barnwell rents for approximately $500/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $20,000 to afford this.

Is Barnwell considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $9,505 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Barnwell is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $28,560 to the local median household income.

How Barnwell Compares

Other cities in South Carolina with salary requirements