Manageable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Duncan?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Duncan, you need to earn at least $49,600/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $58,112, which means the typical resident is $8,512 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 4,053

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$868	$2,893	$34,720	$-23,392
1 Bedroom	$1,029	$3,430	$41,160	$-16,952
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,240	$4,133	$49,600	$-8,512
3 Bedroom	$1,513	$5,043	$60,520	+$2,408
4 Bedroom	$1,860	$6,200	$74,400	+$16,288

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$58,112

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$49,600

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$8,512

Surplus

Verdict

Manageable

Ratio: 25.6%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Duncan's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,453

Studio

$868/mo

1 BR

$1,029/mo

2 BR

$1,240/mo

3 BR

$1,513/mo

4 BR

$1,860/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Duncan

Renting in Duncan, South Carolina is doable for median earners, but tight. A 2-bedroom requires roughly $49,600/year under the 30% rule, and with a median income of $58,112, residents are operating close to the threshold.

Downsizing to a 1-bedroom ($1,029/month) or studio ($868/month) materially improves the math. For those needing more space, a 3-bedroom in Duncan pushes the required income to $60,520.

For comfortable living in Duncan without financial stress, target a household income of at least $74,400 — this accounts for rent being approximately 30% of take-home pay while leaving adequate room for South Carolina'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 Duncan, South Carolina.

With a total population of 4,053, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 1,963 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $49,600 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

1,963

Active civilian employees in Duncan

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Duncan

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Duncan under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $49,600. The median household income in Duncan is $58,112.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Duncan on $58,112?

The affordability verdict for Duncan is "Manageable". The rent-to-income ratio is 25.6%, meaning median earners have a $8,512 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Duncan is $1,029/month. With a median household income of $58,112, residents spend approximately 25.6% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Duncan?

A studio in Duncan rents for approximately $868/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $34,720 to afford this.

Is Duncan considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $8,512 and an affordability verdict of "Manageable", Duncan is considered a manageable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $49,600 to the local median household income.

How Duncan Compares

Other cities in South Carolina with salary requirements