Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Fairlee?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Fairlee, you need to earn at least $47,600/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $57,625, which means the typical resident is $10,025 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 119

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$833	$2,777	$33,320	$-24,305
1 Bedroom	$988	$3,293	$39,520	$-18,105
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,190	$3,967	$47,600	$-10,025
3 Bedroom	$1,452	$4,840	$58,080	+$455
4 Bedroom	$1,785	$5,950	$71,400	+$13,775

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$57,625

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$47,600

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$10,025

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 24.8%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Fairlee's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,441

Studio

$833/mo

1 BR

$988/mo

2 BR

$1,190/mo

3 BR

$1,452/mo

4 BR

$1,785/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Fairlee

Living in Fairlee is well within reach for most median-income earners. With a $10,025 cushion between what residents earn and what a 2-bedroom requires, households in Fairlee typically have meaningful financial flexibility after housing costs.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Fairlee, a studio at $833/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,452/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $58,080.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $71,400 would position you well — though many residents in Fairlee 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 Fairlee, Vermont.

With a total population of 119, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 58 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $47,600 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

Active civilian employees in Fairlee

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Fairlee

What salary do I need to live in Fairlee, Vermont?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Fairlee under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $47,600. The median household income in Fairlee is $57,625.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Fairlee on $57,625?

The affordability verdict for Fairlee is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 24.8%, meaning median earners have a $10,025 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Fairlee is $988/month. With a median household income of $57,625, residents spend approximately 24.8% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Fairlee?

A studio in Fairlee rents for approximately $833/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $33,320 to afford this.

Is Fairlee considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $10,025 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Fairlee is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $47,600 to the local median household income.

How Fairlee Compares

Other cities in Vermont with salary requirements