Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Grafton?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Grafton, you need to earn at least $20,240/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $38,934, which means the typical resident is $18,694 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 4,711

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$354	$1,180	$14,160	$-24,774
1 Bedroom	$420	$1,400	$16,800	$-22,134
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$506	$1,687	$20,240	$-18,694
3 Bedroom	$617	$2,057	$24,680	$-14,254
4 Bedroom	$759	$2,530	$30,360	$-8,574

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$38,934

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$20,240

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$18,694

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 15.6%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Grafton's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$973

Studio

$354/mo

1 BR

$420/mo

2 BR

$506/mo

3 BR

$617/mo

4 BR

$759/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Grafton

Living in Grafton is well within reach for most median-income earners. With a $18,694 cushion between what residents earn and what a 2-bedroom requires, households in Grafton typically have meaningful financial flexibility after housing costs.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Grafton, a studio at $354/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $617/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $24,680.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $30,360 would position you well — though many residents in Grafton 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 Grafton, West Virginia.

With a total population of 4,711, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 1,872 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $20,240 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

1,872

Active civilian employees in Grafton

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Grafton

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Grafton under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $20,240. The median household income in Grafton is $38,934.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Grafton on $38,934?

The affordability verdict for Grafton is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 15.6%, meaning median earners have a $18,694 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Grafton is $420/month. With a median household income of $38,934, residents spend approximately 15.6% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Grafton?

A studio in Grafton rents for approximately $354/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $14,160 to afford this.

Is Grafton considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $18,694 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Grafton is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $20,240 to the local median household income.

How Grafton Compares

Other cities in West Virginia with salary requirements