Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in West Odessa?

To afford a 2-bedroom in West Odessa, you need to earn at least $48,040/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $63,207, which means the typical resident is $15,167 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 30,904

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$841	$2,803	$33,640	$-29,567
1 Bedroom	$997	$3,323	$39,880	$-23,327
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,201	$4,003	$48,040	$-15,167
3 Bedroom	$1,465	$4,883	$58,600	$-4,607
4 Bedroom	$1,802	$6,007	$72,080	+$8,873

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$63,207

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$48,040

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$15,167

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 22.8%

The 30% Rule Calculator

Enter your annual salary to see what you can afford in West Odessa

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with West Odessa's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,580

Studio

$841/mo

1 BR

$997/mo

2 BR

$1,201/mo

3 BR

$1,465/mo

4 BR

$1,802/mo

Your salary is $0 above the median income in West Odessa.

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to West Odessa

Living in West Odessa is well within reach for most median-income earners. With a $15,167 cushion between what residents earn and what a 2-bedroom requires, households in West Odessa typically have meaningful financial flexibility after housing costs.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating West Odessa, a studio at $841/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,465/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $58,600.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $72,060 would position you well — though many residents in West Odessa manage on less given the favorable rent-to-income dynamics.

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 West Odessa, Texas.

With a total population of 30,904, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 13,780 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $48,040 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

13,780

Active civilian employees in West Odessa

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in West Odessa

What salary do I need to live in West Odessa, Texas?

To afford a 2-bedroom in West Odessa under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $48,040. The median household income in West Odessa is $63,207.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in West Odessa on $63,207?

The affordability verdict for West Odessa is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 22.8%, meaning median earners have a $15,167 surplus.

What is the average rent in West Odessa compared to median income?

The median gross rent in West Odessa is $997/month. With a median household income of $63,207, residents spend approximately 22.8% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in West Odessa?

A studio in West Odessa rents for approximately $841/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $33,640 to afford this.

Is West Odessa considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $15,167 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", West Odessa is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $48,040 to the local median household income.

How West Odessa Compares

Other cities in Texas with salary requirements