Manageable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Dunbar?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Dunbar, you need to earn at least $43,920/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $48,396, which means the typical resident is $4,476 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 7,418

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$769	$2,563	$30,760	$-17,636
1 Bedroom	$911	$3,037	$36,440	$-11,956
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,098	$3,660	$43,920	$-4,476
3 Bedroom	$1,340	$4,467	$53,600	+$5,204
4 Bedroom	$1,647	$5,490	$65,880	+$17,484

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$48,396

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$43,920

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$4,476

Surplus

Verdict

Manageable

Ratio: 27.2%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Dunbar's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,210

Studio

$769/mo

1 BR

$911/mo

2 BR

$1,098/mo

3 BR

$1,340/mo

4 BR

$1,647/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Dunbar

Dunbar is borderline manageable — the difference between required salary and median income is just $4,476. This means most households can technically afford a 2-bedroom, but have very little breathing room for savings or emergencies.

Downsizing to a 1-bedroom ($911/month) or studio ($769/month) materially improves the math. For those needing more space, a 3-bedroom in Dunbar pushes the required income to $53,600.

For comfortable living in Dunbar without financial stress, target a household income of at least $65,880 — this accounts for rent being approximately 30% of take-home pay while leaving adequate room for West Virginia'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 Dunbar, West Virginia.

With a total population of 7,418, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 3,674 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $43,920 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

3,674

Active civilian employees in Dunbar

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Dunbar

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Dunbar under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $43,920. The median household income in Dunbar is $48,396.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Dunbar on $48,396?

The affordability verdict for Dunbar is "Manageable". The rent-to-income ratio is 27.2%, meaning median earners have a $4,476 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Dunbar is $911/month. With a median household income of $48,396, residents spend approximately 27.2% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Dunbar?

A studio in Dunbar rents for approximately $769/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $30,760 to afford this.

Is Dunbar considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $4,476 and an affordability verdict of "Manageable", Dunbar is considered a manageable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $43,920 to the local median household income.

How Dunbar Compares

Other cities in West Virginia with salary requirements