Stretched

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Taft Southwest?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Taft Southwest, you need to earn at least $62,160/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $50,239, which means the typical resident is $11,921 below the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 1,468

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$1,088	$3,627	$43,520	$-6,719
1 Bedroom	$1,290	$4,300	$51,600	+$1,361
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,554	$5,180	$62,160	+$11,921
3 Bedroom	$1,896	$6,320	$75,840	+$25,601
4 Bedroom	$2,331	$7,770	$93,240	+$43,001

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$50,239

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$62,160

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

-$11,921

Deficit

Verdict

Stretched

Ratio: 37.1%

The 30% Rule Calculator

Enter your annual salary to see what you can afford in Taft Southwest

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Taft Southwest's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,256

Studio

$1,088/mo

1 BR

$1,290/mo

2 BR

$1,554/mo

3 BR

$1,896/mo

4 BR

$2,331/mo

Your salary is $0 above the median income in Taft Southwest.

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Taft Southwest

Taft Southwest's rental market puts real pressure on median earners. A 2-bedroom at $1,554/month requires $62,160/year — about $11,921 more than the median household income. Roommates or dual incomes significantly change the equation.

If you're relocating to Taft Southwest, target the studio or 1-bedroom tier ($1,088–$1,290/month) unless your income exceeds $62,160. A roommate splitting a 2-bedroom effectively halves the individual rent burden to $777/month.

The break-even salary for comfortable living in Taft Southwest is approximately $93,240. 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 Taft Southwest, Texas.

With a total population of 1,468, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 354 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $62,160 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

354

Active civilian employees in Taft Southwest

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Taft Southwest

What salary do I need to live in Taft Southwest, Texas?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Taft Southwest under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $62,160. The median household income in Taft Southwest is $50,239.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Taft Southwest on $50,239?

The affordability verdict for Taft Southwest is "Stretched". The rent-to-income ratio is 37.1%, meaning there's a $11,921 income gap.

What is the average rent in Taft Southwest compared to median income?

The median gross rent in Taft Southwest is $1,290/month. With a median household income of $50,239, residents spend approximately 37.1% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Taft Southwest?

A studio in Taft Southwest rents for approximately $1,088/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $43,520 to afford this.

Is Taft Southwest considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the deficit of $11,921 and an affordability verdict of "Stretched", Taft Southwest is considered a stretched rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $62,160 to the local median household income.

How Taft Southwest Compares

Other cities in Texas with salary requirements