Manageable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Moundsville?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Moundsville, you need to earn at least $40,040/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $46,070, which means the typical resident is $6,030 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 8,056

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$701	$2,337	$28,040	$-18,030
1 Bedroom	$831	$2,770	$33,240	$-12,830
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,001	$3,337	$40,040	$-6,030
3 Bedroom	$1,221	$4,070	$48,840	+$2,770
4 Bedroom	$1,502	$5,007	$60,080	+$14,010

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$46,070

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$40,040

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$6,030

Surplus

Verdict

Manageable

Ratio: 26.1%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Moundsville's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,152

Studio

$701/mo

1 BR

$831/mo

2 BR

$1,001/mo

3 BR

$1,221/mo

4 BR

$1,502/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Moundsville

Renting in Moundsville, West Virginia is doable for median earners, but tight. A 2-bedroom requires roughly $40,040/year under the 30% rule, and with a median income of $46,070, residents are operating close to the threshold.

Downsizing to a 1-bedroom ($831/month) or studio ($701/month) materially improves the math. For those needing more space, a 3-bedroom in Moundsville pushes the required income to $48,840.

For comfortable living in Moundsville without financial stress, target a household income of at least $60,060 — this accounts for rent being approximately 30% of take-home pay while leaving adequate room for West Virginia's cost of living.

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 Moundsville, West Virginia.

With a total population of 8,056, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 3,507 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $40,040 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

3,507

Active civilian employees in Moundsville

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Moundsville

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Moundsville under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $40,040. The median household income in Moundsville is $46,070.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Moundsville on $46,070?

The affordability verdict for Moundsville is "Manageable". The rent-to-income ratio is 26.1%, meaning median earners have a $6,030 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Moundsville is $831/month. With a median household income of $46,070, residents spend approximately 26.1% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Moundsville?

A studio in Moundsville rents for approximately $701/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $28,040 to afford this.

Is Moundsville considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $6,030 and an affordability verdict of "Manageable", Moundsville is considered a manageable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $40,040 to the local median household income.

How Moundsville Compares

Other cities in West Virginia with salary requirements