Stretched

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Waitsfield?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Waitsfield, you need to earn at least $39,440/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $33,558, which means the typical resident is $5,882 below the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 228

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$690	$2,300	$27,600	$-5,958
1 Bedroom	$818	$2,727	$32,720	$-838
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$986	$3,287	$39,440	+$5,882
3 Bedroom	$1,203	$4,010	$48,120	+$14,562
4 Bedroom	$1,479	$4,930	$59,160	+$25,602

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$33,558

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$39,440

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

-$5,882

Deficit

Verdict

Stretched

Ratio: 35.3%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Waitsfield's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$839

Studio

$690/mo

1 BR

$818/mo

2 BR

$986/mo

3 BR

$1,203/mo

4 BR

$1,479/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Waitsfield

Waitsfield's rental market puts real pressure on median earners. A 2-bedroom at $986/month requires $39,440/year — about $5,882 more than the median household income. Roommates or dual incomes significantly change the equation.

If you're relocating to Waitsfield, target the studio or 1-bedroom tier ($690–$818/month) unless your income exceeds $39,440. A roommate splitting a 2-bedroom effectively halves the individual rent burden to $493/month.

The break-even salary for comfortable living in Waitsfield is approximately $59,160. 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 Waitsfield, Vermont.

With a total population of 228, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 116 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $39,440 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

116

Active civilian employees in Waitsfield

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Waitsfield

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Waitsfield under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $39,440. The median household income in Waitsfield is $33,558.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Waitsfield on $33,558?

The affordability verdict for Waitsfield is "Stretched". The rent-to-income ratio is 35.3%, meaning there's a $5,882 income gap.

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

The median gross rent in Waitsfield is $818/month. With a median household income of $33,558, residents spend approximately 35.3% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Waitsfield?

A studio in Waitsfield rents for approximately $690/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $27,600 to afford this.

Is Waitsfield considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the deficit of $5,882 and an affordability verdict of "Stretched", Waitsfield is considered a stretched rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $39,440 to the local median household income.

How Waitsfield Compares

Other cities in Vermont with salary requirements