Manageable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Rutledge?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Rutledge, you need to earn at least $26,600/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $30,739, which means the typical resident is $4,139 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 1,550

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$465	$1,550	$18,600	$-12,139
1 Bedroom	$552	$1,840	$22,080	$-8,659
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$665	$2,217	$26,600	$-4,139
3 Bedroom	$811	$2,703	$32,440	+$1,701
4 Bedroom	$998	$3,327	$39,920	+$9,181

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$30,739

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$26,600

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$4,139

Surplus

Verdict

Manageable

Ratio: 26.0%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Rutledge's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$768

Studio

$465/mo

1 BR

$552/mo

2 BR

$665/mo

3 BR

$811/mo

4 BR

$998/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Rutledge

Rutledge is borderline manageable — the difference between required salary and median income is just $4,139. This means most households can technically afford a 2-bedroom, but have very little breathing room for savings or emergencies.

Downsizing to a 1-bedroom ($552/month) or studio ($465/month) materially improves the math. For those needing more space, a 3-bedroom in Rutledge pushes the required income to $32,440.

For comfortable living in Rutledge without financial stress, target a household income of at least $39,900 — this accounts for rent being approximately 30% of take-home pay while leaving adequate room for Tennessee'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 Rutledge, Tennessee.

With a total population of 1,550, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 592 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $26,600 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

592

Active civilian employees in Rutledge

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Rutledge

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Rutledge under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $26,600. The median household income in Rutledge is $30,739.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Rutledge on $30,739?

The affordability verdict for Rutledge is "Manageable". The rent-to-income ratio is 26.0%, meaning median earners have a $4,139 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Rutledge is $552/month. With a median household income of $30,739, residents spend approximately 26.0% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Rutledge?

A studio in Rutledge rents for approximately $465/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $18,600 to afford this.

Is Rutledge considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $4,139 and an affordability verdict of "Manageable", Rutledge is considered a manageable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $26,600 to the local median household income.

How Rutledge Compares

Other cities in Tennessee with salary requirements