Unaffordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in West Dunbar?

To afford a 2-bedroom in West Dunbar, you need to earn at least $44,080/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $31,597, which means the typical resident is $12,483 below the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 515

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$771	$2,570	$30,840	$-757
1 Bedroom	$915	$3,050	$36,600	+$5,003
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,102	$3,673	$44,080	+$12,483
3 Bedroom	$1,344	$4,480	$53,760	+$22,163
4 Bedroom	$1,653	$5,510	$66,120	+$34,523

Affordability Breakdown

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

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$31,597

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$44,080

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

-$12,483

Deficit

Verdict

Unaffordable

Ratio: 41.9%

The 30% Rule Calculator

Enter your annual salary to see what you can afford in West Dunbar

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with West Dunbar's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$790

Studio

$771/mo

1 BR

$915/mo

2 BR

$1,102/mo

3 BR

$1,344/mo

4 BR

$1,653/mo

Your salary is $0 above the median income in West Dunbar.

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

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

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to West Dunbar

Renting in West Dunbar is unaffordable for most median earners. The $12,483 income gap means a 2-bedroom at $1,102/month requires significant above-median earnings or a dual-income household to be sustainable.

For those committed to West Dunbar, the realistic options are: (1) target a studio at $771/month, which requires $30,840/year — closer to the median; (2) find a roommate for a 2-bedroom, cutting individual costs to ~$551/month; or (3) negotiate remote work and live in a more affordable West Virginia city.

To live comfortably in West Dunbar without financial strain, you realistically need a household income of $66,120 or higher. This isn't just about rent — it accounts for West Virginia's overall cost of living including transportation, food, and healthcare.

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 West Dunbar, West Virginia.

With a total population of 515, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 238 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $44,080 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

238

Active civilian employees in West Dunbar

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in West Dunbar

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in West Dunbar under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $44,080. The median household income in West Dunbar is $31,597.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in West Dunbar on $31,597?

The affordability verdict for West Dunbar is "Unaffordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 41.9%, meaning there's a $12,483 income gap.

What is the average rent in West Dunbar compared to median income?

The median gross rent in West Dunbar is $915/month. With a median household income of $31,597, residents spend approximately 41.9% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in West Dunbar?

A studio in West Dunbar rents for approximately $771/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $30,840 to afford this.

Is West Dunbar considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the deficit of $12,483 and an affordability verdict of "Unaffordable", West Dunbar is considered a unaffordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $44,080 to the local median household income.

How West Dunbar Compares

Other cities in West Virginia with salary requirements