Stretched

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Bayard?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Bayard, you need to earn at least $32,520/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $26,250, which means the typical resident is $6,270 below the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 263

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$569	$1,897	$22,760	$-3,490
1 Bedroom	$675	$2,250	$27,000	+$750
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$813	$2,710	$32,520	+$6,270
3 Bedroom	$992	$3,307	$39,680	+$13,430
4 Bedroom	$1,220	$4,067	$48,800	+$22,550

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$26,250

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$32,520

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

-$6,270

Deficit

Verdict

Stretched

Ratio: 37.2%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Bayard's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$656

Studio

$569/mo

1 BR

$675/mo

2 BR

$813/mo

3 BR

$992/mo

4 BR

$1,220/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Bayard

Bayard's rental market puts real pressure on median earners. A 2-bedroom at $813/month requires $32,520/year — about $6,270 more than the median household income. Roommates or dual incomes significantly change the equation.

If you're relocating to Bayard, target the studio or 1-bedroom tier ($569–$675/month) unless your income exceeds $32,520. A roommate splitting a 2-bedroom effectively halves the individual rent burden to $407/month.

The break-even salary for comfortable living in Bayard is approximately $48,780. Below this threshold, expect housing to consume a disproportionate share of your budget, limiting discretionary spending and savings capacity.

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 Bayard, West Virginia.

With a total population of 263, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 117 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $32,520 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

117

Active civilian employees in Bayard

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Bayard

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Bayard under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $32,520. The median household income in Bayard is $26,250.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Bayard on $26,250?

The affordability verdict for Bayard is "Stretched". The rent-to-income ratio is 37.2%, meaning there's a $6,270 income gap.

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

The median gross rent in Bayard is $675/month. With a median household income of $26,250, residents spend approximately 37.2% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Bayard?

A studio in Bayard rents for approximately $569/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $22,760 to afford this.

Is Bayard considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the deficit of $6,270 and an affordability verdict of "Stretched", Bayard is considered a stretched rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $32,520 to the local median household income.

How Bayard Compares

Other cities in West Virginia with salary requirements