Unaffordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Scottsburg?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Scottsburg, you need to earn at least $43,920/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $31,250, which means the typical resident is $12,670 below the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 124

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$769	$2,563	$30,760	$-490
1 Bedroom	$911	$3,037	$36,440	+$5,190
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,098	$3,660	$43,920	+$12,670
3 Bedroom	$1,340	$4,467	$53,600	+$22,350
4 Bedroom	$1,647	$5,490	$65,880	+$34,630

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$31,250

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$43,920

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

-$12,670

Deficit

Verdict

Unaffordable

Ratio: 42.2%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Scottsburg's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$781

Studio

$769/mo

1 BR

$911/mo

2 BR

$1,098/mo

3 BR

$1,340/mo

4 BR

$1,647/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Scottsburg

Renting in Scottsburg is unaffordable for most median earners. The $12,670 income gap means a 2-bedroom at $1,098/month requires significant above-median earnings or a dual-income household to be sustainable.

For those committed to Scottsburg, the realistic options are: (1) target a studio at $769/month, which requires $30,760/year — closer to the median; (2) find a roommate for a 2-bedroom, cutting individual costs to ~$549/month; or (3) negotiate remote work and live in a more affordable Virginia city.

To live comfortably in Scottsburg without financial strain, you realistically need a household income of $65,880 or higher. This isn't just about rent — it accounts for Virginia's overall cost of living including transportation, food, and healthcare.

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 Scottsburg, Virginia.

With a total population of 124, 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 $43,920 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 Scottsburg

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Scottsburg

What salary do I need to live in Scottsburg, Virginia?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Scottsburg under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $43,920. The median household income in Scottsburg is $31,250.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Scottsburg on $31,250?

The affordability verdict for Scottsburg is "Unaffordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 42.2%, meaning there's a $12,670 income gap.

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

The median gross rent in Scottsburg is $911/month. With a median household income of $31,250, residents spend approximately 42.2% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Scottsburg?

A studio in Scottsburg rents for approximately $769/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $30,760 to afford this.

Is Scottsburg considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the deficit of $12,670 and an affordability verdict of "Unaffordable", Scottsburg is considered a unaffordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $43,920 to the local median household income.

How Scottsburg Compares

Other cities in Virginia with salary requirements