Stretched

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Ruby?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Ruby, you need to earn at least $38,080/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $37,083, which means the typical resident is $997 below the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 359

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$666	$2,220	$26,640	$-10,443
1 Bedroom	$790	$2,633	$31,600	$-5,483
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$952	$3,173	$38,080	+$997
3 Bedroom	$1,161	$3,870	$46,440	+$9,357
4 Bedroom	$1,428	$4,760	$57,120	+$20,037

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$37,083

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$38,080

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

-$997

Deficit

Verdict

Stretched

Ratio: 30.8%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Ruby's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$927

Studio

$666/mo

1 BR

$790/mo

2 BR

$952/mo

3 BR

$1,161/mo

4 BR

$1,428/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Ruby

Renting in Ruby is stretched but not impossible. The gap is a relatively narrow $997, suggesting that households slightly above median can find workable arrangements — especially with studios at $666/month.

If you're relocating to Ruby, target the studio or 1-bedroom tier ($666–$790/month) unless your income exceeds $38,080. A roommate splitting a 2-bedroom effectively halves the individual rent burden to $476/month.

The break-even salary for comfortable living in Ruby is approximately $57,120. Below this threshold, expect housing to consume a disproportionate share of your budget, limiting discretionary spending and savings capacity.

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 Ruby, South Carolina.

With a total population of 359, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 134 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $38,080 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

134

Active civilian employees in Ruby

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Ruby

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Ruby under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $38,080. The median household income in Ruby is $37,083.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Ruby on $37,083?

The affordability verdict for Ruby is "Stretched". The rent-to-income ratio is 30.8%, meaning there's a $997 income gap.

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

The median gross rent in Ruby is $790/month. With a median household income of $37,083, residents spend approximately 30.8% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Ruby?

A studio in Ruby rents for approximately $666/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $26,640 to afford this.

Is Ruby considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the deficit of $997 and an affordability verdict of "Stretched", Ruby is considered a stretched rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $38,080 to the local median household income.

How Ruby Compares

Other cities in South Carolina with salary requirements