Unaffordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Keystone?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Keystone, you need to earn at least $29,840/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $18,846, which means the typical resident is $10,994 below the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 99

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$522	$1,740	$20,880	+$2,034
1 Bedroom	$619	$2,063	$24,760	+$5,914
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$746	$2,487	$29,840	+$10,994
3 Bedroom	$910	$3,033	$36,400	+$17,554
4 Bedroom	$1,119	$3,730	$44,760	+$25,914

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$18,846

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$29,840

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

-$10,994

Deficit

Verdict

Unaffordable

Ratio: 47.5%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Keystone's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$471

Studio

$522/mo

1 BR

$619/mo

2 BR

$746/mo

3 BR

$910/mo

4 BR

$1,119/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Keystone

Renting in Keystone is unaffordable for most median earners. The $10,994 income gap means a 2-bedroom at $746/month requires significant above-median earnings or a dual-income household to be sustainable.

For those committed to Keystone, the realistic options are: (1) target a studio at $522/month, which requires $20,880/year — closer to the median; (2) find a roommate for a 2-bedroom, cutting individual costs to ~$373/month; or (3) negotiate remote work and live in a more affordable West Virginia city.

To live comfortably in Keystone without financial strain, you realistically need a household income of $44,760 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 Keystone, West Virginia.

With a total population of 99, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 22 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $29,840 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

Active civilian employees in Keystone

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Keystone

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Keystone under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $29,840. The median household income in Keystone is $18,846.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Keystone on $18,846?

The affordability verdict for Keystone is "Unaffordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 47.5%, meaning there's a $10,994 income gap.

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

The median gross rent in Keystone is $619/month. With a median household income of $18,846, residents spend approximately 47.5% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Keystone?

A studio in Keystone rents for approximately $522/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $20,880 to afford this.

Is Keystone considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the deficit of $10,994 and an affordability verdict of "Unaffordable", Keystone is considered a unaffordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $29,840 to the local median household income.

How Keystone Compares

Other cities in West Virginia with salary requirements