Unaffordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Beaver?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Beaver, you need to earn at least $64,160/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $29,780, which means the typical resident is $34,380 below the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 918

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$1,123	$3,743	$44,920	+$15,140
1 Bedroom	$1,331	$4,437	$53,240	+$23,460
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,604	$5,347	$64,160	+$34,380
3 Bedroom	$1,957	$6,523	$78,280	+$48,500
4 Bedroom	$2,406	$8,020	$96,240	+$66,460

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$29,780

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$64,160

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

-$34,380

Deficit

Verdict

Unaffordable

Ratio: 64.6%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Beaver's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$745

Studio

$1,123/mo

1 BR

$1,331/mo

2 BR

$1,604/mo

3 BR

$1,957/mo

4 BR

$2,406/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Beaver

Beaver, West Virginia is one of the most expensive rental markets relative to local incomes. The median household earning $29,780 faces a staggering $34,380 deficit against the $64,160 needed for a 2-bedroom — meaning the typical resident cannot afford market-rate rent under standard financial guidelines.

For those committed to Beaver, the realistic options are: (1) target a studio at $1,123/month, which requires $44,920/year — closer to the median; (2) find a roommate for a 2-bedroom, cutting individual costs to ~$802/month; or (3) negotiate remote work and live in a more affordable West Virginia city.

To live comfortably in Beaver without financial strain, you realistically need a household income of $96,240 or higher. This isn't just about rent — it accounts for West 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 Beaver, West Virginia.

With a total population of 918, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 416 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $64,160 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

416

Active civilian employees in Beaver

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Beaver

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Beaver under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $64,160. The median household income in Beaver is $29,780.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Beaver on $29,780?

The affordability verdict for Beaver is "Unaffordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 64.6%, meaning there's a $34,380 income gap.

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

The median gross rent in Beaver is $1,331/month. With a median household income of $29,780, residents spend approximately 64.6% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Beaver?

A studio in Beaver rents for approximately $1,123/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $44,920 to afford this.

Is Beaver considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the deficit of $34,380 and an affordability verdict of "Unaffordable", Beaver is considered a unaffordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $64,160 to the local median household income.

How Beaver Compares

Other cities in West Virginia with salary requirements