Manageable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Keene?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Keene, you need to earn at least $46,320/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $53,701, which means the typical resident is $7,381 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 6,451

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$811	$2,703	$32,440	$-21,261
1 Bedroom	$961	$3,203	$38,440	$-15,261
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,158	$3,860	$46,320	$-7,381
3 Bedroom	$1,413	$4,710	$56,520	+$2,819
4 Bedroom	$1,737	$5,790	$69,480	+$15,779

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$53,701

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$46,320

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$7,381

Surplus

Verdict

Manageable

Ratio: 25.9%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Keene's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,343

Studio

$811/mo

1 BR

$961/mo

2 BR

$1,158/mo

3 BR

$1,413/mo

4 BR

$1,737/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Keene

Renting in Keene, Texas is doable for median earners, but tight. A 2-bedroom requires roughly $46,320/year under the 30% rule, and with a median income of $53,701, residents are operating close to the threshold.

Downsizing to a 1-bedroom ($961/month) or studio ($811/month) materially improves the math. For those needing more space, a 3-bedroom in Keene pushes the required income to $56,520.

For comfortable living in Keene without financial stress, target a household income of at least $69,480 — this accounts for rent being approximately 30% of take-home pay while leaving adequate room for Texas'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 Keene, Texas.

With a total population of 6,451, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 2,926 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $46,320 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

2,926

Active civilian employees in Keene

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Keene

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Keene under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $46,320. The median household income in Keene is $53,701.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Keene on $53,701?

The affordability verdict for Keene is "Manageable". The rent-to-income ratio is 25.9%, meaning median earners have a $7,381 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Keene is $961/month. With a median household income of $53,701, residents spend approximately 25.9% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Keene?

A studio in Keene rents for approximately $811/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $32,440 to afford this.

Is Keene considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $7,381 and an affordability verdict of "Manageable", Keene is considered a manageable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $46,320 to the local median household income.

How Keene Compares

Other cities in Texas with salary requirements