Stretched

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Gates?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Gates, you need to earn at least $39,280/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $39,145, which means the typical resident is $135 below the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 693

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$687	$2,290	$27,480	$-11,665
1 Bedroom	$815	$2,717	$32,600	$-6,545
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$982	$3,273	$39,280	+$135
3 Bedroom	$1,198	$3,993	$47,920	+$8,775
4 Bedroom	$1,473	$4,910	$58,920	+$19,775

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$39,145

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$39,280

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

-$135

Deficit

Verdict

Stretched

Ratio: 30.1%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Gates's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$979

Studio

$687/mo

1 BR

$815/mo

2 BR

$982/mo

3 BR

$1,198/mo

4 BR

$1,473/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Gates

Renting in Gates is stretched but not impossible. The gap is a relatively narrow $135, suggesting that households slightly above median can find workable arrangements — especially with studios at $687/month.

If you're relocating to Gates, target the studio or 1-bedroom tier ($687–$815/month) unless your income exceeds $39,280. A roommate splitting a 2-bedroom effectively halves the individual rent burden to $491/month.

The break-even salary for comfortable living in Gates is approximately $58,920. 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 Gates, Tennessee.

With a total population of 693, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 223 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $39,280 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

223

Active civilian employees in Gates

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Gates

What salary do I need to live in Gates, Tennessee?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Gates under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $39,280. The median household income in Gates is $39,145.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Gates on $39,145?

The affordability verdict for Gates is "Stretched". The rent-to-income ratio is 30.1%, meaning there's a $135 income gap.

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

The median gross rent in Gates is $815/month. With a median household income of $39,145, residents spend approximately 30.1% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Gates?

A studio in Gates rents for approximately $687/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $27,480 to afford this.

Is Gates considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the deficit of $135 and an affordability verdict of "Stretched", Gates is considered a stretched rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $39,280 to the local median household income.

How Gates Compares

Other cities in Tennessee with salary requirements