Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Paw Paw?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Paw Paw, you need to earn at least $48,200/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $58,750, which means the typical resident is $10,550 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 463

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$844	$2,813	$33,760	$-24,990
1 Bedroom	$1,000	$3,333	$40,000	$-18,750
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,205	$4,017	$48,200	$-10,550
3 Bedroom	$1,470	$4,900	$58,800	+$50
4 Bedroom	$1,808	$6,027	$72,320	+$13,570

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$58,750

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$48,200

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$10,550

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 24.6%

The 30% Rule Calculator

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

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Paw Paw's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,469

Studio

$844/mo

1 BR

$1,000/mo

2 BR

$1,205/mo

3 BR

$1,470/mo

4 BR

$1,808/mo

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

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Paw Paw

Living in Paw Paw is well within reach for most median-income earners. With a $10,550 cushion between what residents earn and what a 2-bedroom requires, households in Paw Paw typically have meaningful financial flexibility after housing costs.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Paw Paw, a studio at $844/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,470/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $58,800.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $72,300 would position you well — though many residents in Paw Paw 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 Paw Paw, West Virginia.

With a total population of 463, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 175 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $48,200 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

175

Active civilian employees in Paw Paw

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Paw Paw

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Paw Paw under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $48,200. The median household income in Paw Paw is $58,750.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Paw Paw on $58,750?

The affordability verdict for Paw Paw is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 24.6%, meaning median earners have a $10,550 surplus.

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

The median gross rent in Paw Paw is $1,000/month. With a median household income of $58,750, residents spend approximately 24.6% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Paw Paw?

A studio in Paw Paw rents for approximately $844/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $33,760 to afford this.

Is Paw Paw considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $10,550 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Paw Paw is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $48,200 to the local median household income.

How Paw Paw Compares

Other cities in West Virginia with salary requirements