Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Mason?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Mason, you need to earn at least $36,920/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $46,406, which means the typical resident is $9,486 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 818

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$646	$2,153	$25,840	$-20,566
1 Bedroom	$766	$2,553	$30,640	$-15,766
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$923	$3,077	$36,920	$-9,486
3 Bedroom	$1,126	$3,753	$45,040	$-1,366
4 Bedroom	$1,385	$4,617	$55,400	+$8,994

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$46,406

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$36,920

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$9,486

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 23.9%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Mason's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,160

Studio

$646/mo

1 BR

$766/mo

2 BR

$923/mo

3 BR

$1,126/mo

4 BR

$1,385/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Mason

Living in Mason is well within reach for most median-income earners. With a $9,486 cushion between what residents earn and what a 2-bedroom requires, households in Mason typically have meaningful financial flexibility after housing costs.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Mason, a studio at $646/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,126/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $45,040.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $55,380 would position you well — though many residents in Mason 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 Mason, West Virginia.

With a total population of 818, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 236 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $36,920 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

236

Active civilian employees in Mason

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Mason

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Mason under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $36,920. The median household income in Mason is $46,406.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Mason on $46,406?

The affordability verdict for Mason is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 23.9%, meaning median earners have a $9,486 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Mason is $766/month. With a median household income of $46,406, residents spend approximately 23.9% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Mason?

A studio in Mason rents for approximately $646/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $25,840 to afford this.

Is Mason considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $9,486 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Mason is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $36,920 to the local median household income.

How Mason Compares

Other cities in West Virginia with salary requirements