Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Madison Heights?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Madison Heights, you need to earn at least $36,680/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $59,570, which means the typical resident is $22,890 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 10,694

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$642	$2,140	$25,680	$-33,890
1 Bedroom	$761	$2,537	$30,440	$-29,130
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$917	$3,057	$36,680	$-22,890
3 Bedroom	$1,119	$3,730	$44,760	$-14,810
4 Bedroom	$1,376	$4,587	$55,040	$-4,530

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$59,570

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$36,680

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$22,890

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 18.5%

The 30% Rule Calculator

Enter your annual salary to see what you can afford in Madison Heights

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Madison Heights's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,489

Studio

$642/mo

1 BR

$761/mo

2 BR

$917/mo

3 BR

$1,119/mo

4 BR

$1,376/mo

Your salary is $0 above the median income in Madison Heights.

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Madison Heights

Madison Heights, Virginia stands out as one of the more financially accessible housing markets in the state. The median household income of $59,570 significantly exceeds the $36,680 needed to comfortably afford a 2-bedroom at 30% of gross income — leaving a $22,890 annual surplus for savings, debt repayment, or lifestyle spending.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Madison Heights, a studio at $642/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,119/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $44,760.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $55,020 would position you well — though many residents in Madison Heights 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 Madison Heights, Virginia.

With a total population of 10,694, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 5,197 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $36,680 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

5,197

Active civilian employees in Madison Heights

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Madison Heights

What salary do I need to live in Madison Heights, Virginia?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Madison Heights under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $36,680. The median household income in Madison Heights is $59,570.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Madison Heights on $59,570?

The affordability verdict for Madison Heights is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 18.5%, meaning median earners have a $22,890 surplus.

What is the average rent in Madison Heights compared to median income?

The median gross rent in Madison Heights is $761/month. With a median household income of $59,570, residents spend approximately 18.5% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Madison Heights?

A studio in Madison Heights rents for approximately $642/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $25,680 to afford this.

Is Madison Heights considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $22,890 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Madison Heights is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $36,680 to the local median household income.

How Madison Heights Compares

Other cities in Virginia with salary requirements