Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Fairmont?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Fairmont, you need to earn at least $41,440/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $55,084, which means the typical resident is $13,644 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 18,402

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$725	$2,417	$29,000	$-26,084
1 Bedroom	$860	$2,867	$34,400	$-20,684
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,036	$3,453	$41,440	$-13,644
3 Bedroom	$1,264	$4,213	$50,560	$-4,524
4 Bedroom	$1,554	$5,180	$62,160	+$7,076

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$55,084

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$41,440

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$13,644

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 22.6%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Fairmont's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,377

Studio

$725/mo

1 BR

$860/mo

2 BR

$1,036/mo

3 BR

$1,264/mo

4 BR

$1,554/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Fairmont

Living in Fairmont is well within reach for most median-income earners. With a $13,644 cushion between what residents earn and what a 2-bedroom requires, households in Fairmont typically have meaningful financial flexibility after housing costs.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Fairmont, a studio at $725/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,264/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $50,560.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $62,160 would position you well — though many residents in Fairmont 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 Fairmont, West Virginia.

With a total population of 18,402, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 8,762 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $41,440 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

8,762

Active civilian employees in Fairmont

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Fairmont

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Fairmont under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $41,440. The median household income in Fairmont is $55,084.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Fairmont on $55,084?

The affordability verdict for Fairmont is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 22.6%, meaning median earners have a $13,644 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Fairmont is $860/month. With a median household income of $55,084, residents spend approximately 22.6% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Fairmont?

A studio in Fairmont rents for approximately $725/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $29,000 to afford this.

Is Fairmont considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $13,644 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Fairmont is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $41,440 to the local median household income.

How Fairmont Compares

Other cities in West Virginia with salary requirements