Unaffordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Hartley?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Hartley, you need to earn at least $79,960/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $50,848, which means the typical resident is $29,112 below the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 514

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$1,399	$4,663	$55,960	+$5,112
1 Bedroom	$1,659	$5,530	$66,360	+$15,512
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,999	$6,663	$79,960	+$29,112
3 Bedroom	$2,439	$8,130	$97,560	+$46,712
4 Bedroom	$2,999	$9,997	$119,960	+$69,112

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$50,848

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$79,960

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

-$29,112

Deficit

Verdict

Unaffordable

Ratio: 47.2%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Hartley's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,271

Studio

$1,399/mo

1 BR

$1,659/mo

2 BR

$1,999/mo

3 BR

$2,439/mo

4 BR

$2,999/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Hartley

Hartley, Texas is one of the most expensive rental markets relative to local incomes. The median household earning $50,848 faces a staggering $29,112 deficit against the $79,960 needed for a 2-bedroom — meaning the typical resident cannot afford market-rate rent under standard financial guidelines.

For those committed to Hartley, the realistic options are: (1) target a studio at $1,399/month, which requires $55,960/year — closer to the median; (2) find a roommate for a 2-bedroom, cutting individual costs to ~$1,000/month; or (3) negotiate remote work and live in a more affordable Texas city.

To live comfortably in Hartley without financial strain, you realistically need a household income of $119,940 or higher. This isn't just about rent — it accounts for Texas'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 Hartley, Texas.

With a total population of 514, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 191 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $79,960 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

191

Active civilian employees in Hartley

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Hartley

What salary do I need to live in Hartley, Texas?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Hartley under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $79,960. The median household income in Hartley is $50,848.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Hartley on $50,848?

The affordability verdict for Hartley is "Unaffordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 47.2%, meaning there's a $29,112 income gap.

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

The median gross rent in Hartley is $1,659/month. With a median household income of $50,848, residents spend approximately 47.2% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Hartley?

A studio in Hartley rents for approximately $1,399/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $55,960 to afford this.

Is Hartley considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the deficit of $29,112 and an affordability verdict of "Unaffordable", Hartley is considered a unaffordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $79,960 to the local median household income.

How Hartley Compares

Other cities in Texas with salary requirements