Unaffordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Russellville?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Russellville, you need to earn at least $75,240/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $52,143, which means the typical resident is $23,097 below the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 850

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$1,317	$4,390	$52,680	+$537
1 Bedroom	$1,561	$5,203	$62,440	+$10,297
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,881	$6,270	$75,240	+$23,097
3 Bedroom	$2,295	$7,650	$91,800	+$39,657
4 Bedroom	$2,822	$9,407	$112,880	+$60,737

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$52,143

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$75,240

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

-$23,097

Deficit

Verdict

Unaffordable

Ratio: 43.3%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Russellville's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,304

Studio

$1,317/mo

1 BR

$1,561/mo

2 BR

$1,881/mo

3 BR

$2,295/mo

4 BR

$2,822/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Russellville

Russellville, Tennessee is one of the most expensive rental markets relative to local incomes. The median household earning $52,143 faces a staggering $23,097 deficit against the $75,240 needed for a 2-bedroom — meaning the typical resident cannot afford market-rate rent under standard financial guidelines.

For those committed to Russellville, the realistic options are: (1) target a studio at $1,317/month, which requires $52,680/year — closer to the median; (2) find a roommate for a 2-bedroom, cutting individual costs to ~$941/month; or (3) negotiate remote work and live in a more affordable Tennessee city.

To live comfortably in Russellville without financial strain, you realistically need a household income of $112,860 or higher. This isn't just about rent — it accounts for Tennessee'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 Russellville, Tennessee.

With a total population of 850, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 410 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $75,240 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

410

Active civilian employees in Russellville

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Russellville

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Russellville under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $75,240. The median household income in Russellville is $52,143.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Russellville on $52,143?

The affordability verdict for Russellville is "Unaffordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 43.3%, meaning there's a $23,097 income gap.

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

The median gross rent in Russellville is $1,561/month. With a median household income of $52,143, residents spend approximately 43.3% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Russellville?

A studio in Russellville rents for approximately $1,317/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $52,680 to afford this.

Is Russellville considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the deficit of $23,097 and an affordability verdict of "Unaffordable", Russellville is considered a unaffordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $75,240 to the local median household income.

How Russellville Compares

Other cities in Tennessee with salary requirements