Manageable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Kelso?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Kelso, you need to earn at least $52,040/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $59,405, which means the typical resident is $7,365 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 12,661

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$911	$3,037	$36,440	$-22,965
1 Bedroom	$1,080	$3,600	$43,200	$-16,205
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,301	$4,337	$52,040	$-7,365
3 Bedroom	$1,587	$5,290	$63,480	+$4,075
4 Bedroom	$1,952	$6,507	$78,080	+$18,675

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$59,405

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$52,040

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$7,365

Surplus

Verdict

Manageable

Ratio: 26.3%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Kelso's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,485

Studio

$911/mo

1 BR

$1,080/mo

2 BR

$1,301/mo

3 BR

$1,587/mo

4 BR

$1,952/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Kelso

Renting in Kelso, Washington is doable for median earners, but tight. A 2-bedroom requires roughly $52,040/year under the 30% rule, and with a median income of $59,405, residents are operating close to the threshold.

Downsizing to a 1-bedroom ($1,080/month) or studio ($911/month) materially improves the math. For those needing more space, a 3-bedroom in Kelso pushes the required income to $63,480.

For comfortable living in Kelso without financial stress, target a household income of at least $78,060 — this accounts for rent being approximately 30% of take-home pay while leaving adequate room for Washington'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 Kelso, Washington.

With a total population of 12,661, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 5,610 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $52,040 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

5,610

Active civilian employees in Kelso

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Kelso

What salary do I need to live in Kelso, Washington?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Kelso under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $52,040. The median household income in Kelso is $59,405.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Kelso on $59,405?

The affordability verdict for Kelso is "Manageable". The rent-to-income ratio is 26.3%, meaning median earners have a $7,365 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Kelso is $1,080/month. With a median household income of $59,405, residents spend approximately 26.3% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Kelso?

A studio in Kelso rents for approximately $911/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $36,440 to afford this.

Is Kelso considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $7,365 and an affordability verdict of "Manageable", Kelso is considered a manageable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $52,040 to the local median household income.

How Kelso Compares

Other cities in Washington with salary requirements