Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Barboursville?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Barboursville, you need to earn at least $43,080/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $61,236, which means the typical resident is $18,156 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 4,394

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$754	$2,513	$30,160	$-31,076
1 Bedroom	$894	$2,980	$35,760	$-25,476
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,077	$3,590	$43,080	$-18,156
3 Bedroom	$1,314	$4,380	$52,560	$-8,676
4 Bedroom	$1,616	$5,387	$64,640	+$3,404

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$61,236

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$43,080

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$18,156

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 21.1%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Barboursville's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,531

Studio

$754/mo

1 BR

$894/mo

2 BR

$1,077/mo

3 BR

$1,314/mo

4 BR

$1,616/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Barboursville

Living in Barboursville is well within reach for most median-income earners. With a $18,156 cushion between what residents earn and what a 2-bedroom requires, households in Barboursville typically have meaningful financial flexibility after housing costs.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Barboursville, a studio at $754/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,314/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $52,560.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $64,620 would position you well — though many residents in Barboursville 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 Barboursville, West Virginia.

With a total population of 4,394, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 1,642 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $43,080 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

1,642

Active civilian employees in Barboursville

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Barboursville

What salary do I need to live in Barboursville, West Virginia?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Barboursville under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $43,080. The median household income in Barboursville is $61,236.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Barboursville on $61,236?

The affordability verdict for Barboursville is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 21.1%, meaning median earners have a $18,156 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Barboursville is $894/month. With a median household income of $61,236, residents spend approximately 21.1% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Barboursville?

A studio in Barboursville rents for approximately $754/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $30,160 to afford this.

Is Barboursville considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $18,156 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Barboursville is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $43,080 to the local median household income.

How Barboursville Compares

Other cities in West Virginia with salary requirements