Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Kingwood?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Kingwood, you need to earn at least $30,520/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $74,961, which means the typical resident is $44,441 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 2,997

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$534	$1,780	$21,360	$-53,601
1 Bedroom	$633	$2,110	$25,320	$-49,641
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$763	$2,543	$30,520	$-44,441
3 Bedroom	$931	$3,103	$37,240	$-37,721
4 Bedroom	$1,145	$3,817	$45,800	$-29,161

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$74,961

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$30,520

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$44,441

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 12.2%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Kingwood's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,874

Studio

$534/mo

1 BR

$633/mo

2 BR

$763/mo

3 BR

$931/mo

4 BR

$1,145/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Kingwood

Kingwood, West Virginia stands out as one of the more financially accessible housing markets in the state. The median household income of $74,961 significantly exceeds the $30,520 needed to comfortably afford a 2-bedroom at 30% of gross income — leaving a $44,441 annual surplus for savings, debt repayment, or lifestyle spending.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Kingwood, a studio at $534/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $931/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $37,240.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $45,780 would position you well — though many residents in Kingwood 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 Kingwood, West Virginia.

With a total population of 2,997, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 1,355 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $30,520 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

1,355

Active civilian employees in Kingwood

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Kingwood

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Kingwood under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $30,520. The median household income in Kingwood is $74,961.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Kingwood on $74,961?

The affordability verdict for Kingwood is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 12.2%, meaning median earners have a $44,441 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Kingwood is $633/month. With a median household income of $74,961, residents spend approximately 12.2% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Kingwood?

A studio in Kingwood rents for approximately $534/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $21,360 to afford this.

Is Kingwood considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $44,441 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Kingwood is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $30,520 to the local median household income.

How Kingwood Compares

Other cities in West Virginia with salary requirements