Manageable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Parkersburg?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Parkersburg, you need to earn at least $36,520/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $41,921, which means the typical resident is $5,401 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 29,685

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$639	$2,130	$25,560	$-16,361
1 Bedroom	$758	$2,527	$30,320	$-11,601
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$913	$3,043	$36,520	$-5,401
3 Bedroom	$1,114	$3,713	$44,560	+$2,639
4 Bedroom	$1,370	$4,567	$54,800	+$12,879

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$41,921

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$36,520

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$5,401

Surplus

Verdict

Manageable

Ratio: 26.1%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Parkersburg's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,048

Studio

$639/mo

1 BR

$758/mo

2 BR

$913/mo

3 BR

$1,114/mo

4 BR

$1,370/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Parkersburg

Renting in Parkersburg, West Virginia is doable for median earners, but tight. A 2-bedroom requires roughly $36,520/year under the 30% rule, and with a median income of $41,921, residents are operating close to the threshold.

Downsizing to a 1-bedroom ($758/month) or studio ($639/month) materially improves the math. For those needing more space, a 3-bedroom in Parkersburg pushes the required income to $44,560.

For comfortable living in Parkersburg without financial stress, target a household income of at least $54,780 — 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 Parkersburg, West Virginia.

With a total population of 29,685, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 11,994 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $36,520 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

11,994

Active civilian employees in Parkersburg

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Parkersburg

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Parkersburg under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $36,520. The median household income in Parkersburg is $41,921.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Parkersburg on $41,921?

The affordability verdict for Parkersburg is "Manageable". The rent-to-income ratio is 26.1%, meaning median earners have a $5,401 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Parkersburg is $758/month. With a median household income of $41,921, residents spend approximately 26.1% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Parkersburg?

A studio in Parkersburg rents for approximately $639/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $25,560 to afford this.

Is Parkersburg considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $5,401 and an affordability verdict of "Manageable", Parkersburg is considered a manageable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $36,520 to the local median household income.

How Parkersburg Compares

Other cities in West Virginia with salary requirements