Stretched

What Salary Do You Need to Live in South Houston?

To afford a 2-bedroom in South Houston, you need to earn at least $54,520/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $51,006, which means the typical resident is $3,514 below the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 16,169

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$954	$3,180	$38,160	$-12,846
1 Bedroom	$1,131	$3,770	$45,240	$-5,766
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,363	$4,543	$54,520	+$3,514
3 Bedroom	$1,663	$5,543	$66,520	+$15,514
4 Bedroom	$2,045	$6,817	$81,800	+$30,794

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$51,006

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$54,520

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

-$3,514

Deficit

Verdict

Stretched

Ratio: 32.1%

The 30% Rule Calculator

Enter your annual salary to see what you can afford in South Houston

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with South Houston's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,275

Studio

$954/mo

1 BR

$1,131/mo

2 BR

$1,363/mo

3 BR

$1,663/mo

4 BR

$2,045/mo

Your salary is $0 above the median income in South Houston.

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to South Houston

Renting in South Houston is stretched but not impossible. The gap is a relatively narrow $3,514, suggesting that households slightly above median can find workable arrangements — especially with studios at $954/month.

If you're relocating to South Houston, target the studio or 1-bedroom tier ($954–$1,131/month) unless your income exceeds $54,520. A roommate splitting a 2-bedroom effectively halves the individual rent burden to $682/month.

The break-even salary for comfortable living in South Houston is approximately $81,780. 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 South Houston, Texas.

With a total population of 16,169, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 6,935 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $54,520 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

6,935

Active civilian employees in South Houston

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in South Houston

What salary do I need to live in South Houston, Texas?

To afford a 2-bedroom in South Houston under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $54,520. The median household income in South Houston is $51,006.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in South Houston on $51,006?

The affordability verdict for South Houston is "Stretched". The rent-to-income ratio is 32.1%, meaning there's a $3,514 income gap.

What is the average rent in South Houston compared to median income?

The median gross rent in South Houston is $1,131/month. With a median household income of $51,006, residents spend approximately 32.1% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in South Houston?

A studio in South Houston rents for approximately $954/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $38,160 to afford this.

Is South Houston considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the deficit of $3,514 and an affordability verdict of "Stretched", South Houston is considered a stretched rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $54,520 to the local median household income.

How South Houston Compares

Other cities in Texas with salary requirements