Manageable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Wells River?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Wells River, you need to earn at least $35,960/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $36,500, which means the typical resident is $540 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 326

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$629	$2,097	$25,160	$-11,340
1 Bedroom	$746	$2,487	$29,840	$-6,660
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$899	$2,997	$35,960	$-540
3 Bedroom	$1,097	$3,657	$43,880	+$7,380
4 Bedroom	$1,349	$4,497	$53,960	+$17,460

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$36,500

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$35,960

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$540

Surplus

Verdict

Manageable

Ratio: 29.6%

The 30% Rule Calculator

Enter your annual salary to see what you can afford in Wells River

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Wells River's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$913

Studio

$629/mo

1 BR

$746/mo

2 BR

$899/mo

3 BR

$1,097/mo

4 BR

$1,349/mo

Your salary is $0 above the median income in Wells River.

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Wells River

Wells River is borderline manageable — the difference between required salary and median income is just $540. This means most households can technically afford a 2-bedroom, but have very little breathing room for savings or emergencies.

Downsizing to a 1-bedroom ($746/month) or studio ($629/month) materially improves the math. For those needing more space, a 3-bedroom in Wells River pushes the required income to $43,880.

For comfortable living in Wells River without financial stress, target a household income of at least $53,940 — this accounts for rent being approximately 30% of take-home pay while leaving adequate room for Vermont's cost of living.

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 Wells River, Vermont.

With a total population of 326, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 118 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $35,960 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

118

Active civilian employees in Wells River

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Wells River

What salary do I need to live in Wells River, Vermont?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Wells River under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $35,960. The median household income in Wells River is $36,500.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Wells River on $36,500?

The affordability verdict for Wells River is "Manageable". The rent-to-income ratio is 29.6%, meaning median earners have a $540 surplus.

What is the average rent in Wells River compared to median income?

The median gross rent in Wells River is $746/month. With a median household income of $36,500, residents spend approximately 29.6% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Wells River?

A studio in Wells River rents for approximately $629/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $25,160 to afford this.

Is Wells River considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $540 and an affordability verdict of "Manageable", Wells River is considered a manageable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $35,960 to the local median household income.

How Wells River Compares

Other cities in Vermont with salary requirements