Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Wauna?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Wauna, you need to earn at least $74,320/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $100,329, which means the typical resident is $26,009 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 4,689

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$1,301	$4,337	$52,040	$-48,289
1 Bedroom	$1,542	$5,140	$61,680	$-38,649
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,858	$6,193	$74,320	$-26,009
3 Bedroom	$2,267	$7,557	$90,680	$-9,649
4 Bedroom	$2,787	$9,290	$111,480	+$11,151

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$100,329

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$74,320

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$26,009

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 22.2%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Wauna's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$2,508

Studio

$1,301/mo

1 BR

$1,542/mo

2 BR

$1,858/mo

3 BR

$2,267/mo

4 BR

$2,787/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Wauna

Wauna, Washington stands out as one of the more financially accessible housing markets in the state. The median household income of $100,329 significantly exceeds the $74,320 needed to comfortably afford a 2-bedroom at 30% of gross income — leaving a $26,009 annual surplus for savings, debt repayment, or lifestyle spending.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Wauna, a studio at $1,301/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $2,267/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $90,680.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $111,480 would position you well — though many residents in Wauna 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 Wauna, Washington.

With a total population of 4,689, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 2,280 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $74,320 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

2,280

Active civilian employees in Wauna

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Wauna

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Wauna under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $74,320. The median household income in Wauna is $100,329.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Wauna on $100,329?

The affordability verdict for Wauna is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 22.2%, meaning median earners have a $26,009 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Wauna is $1,542/month. With a median household income of $100,329, residents spend approximately 22.2% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Wauna?

A studio in Wauna rents for approximately $1,301/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $52,040 to afford this.

Is Wauna considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $26,009 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Wauna is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $74,320 to the local median household income.

How Wauna Compares

Other cities in Washington with salary requirements