Wage support

Can local wages support the rent? Read occupations before trusting an average salary

How broad is the pool of local occupations that can carry a market rent?

A market can report a healthy average wage while most common occupations struggle to support its rent. The opposite can also happen: moderate headline pay can be distributed across a broad employment base that gives landlords a deeper potential tenant pool.

RentMarker compares BLS occupation wages with current market rent using one transparent housing-share screen. The output counts how many published occupation groups clear that screen and shows whether support is broad, mixed or narrow. It is a market diagnostic, not a tenant qualification formula.

Demand is stronger when rent is supported across many kinds of work, not merely by one impressive average.
Current evidence

Occupation wage support across rental markets

The chart shows the share of covered occupation groups supporting the rent screen, preserving breadth instead of highlighting only the highest wage.

378 direct metropolitan wage profiles

How broadly do major occupations support current asking rent?

Farther right means more major groups clear the 30% one-wage screen; lower means a smaller median rent-to-wage share.

Major occupation wage support compared with annualized asking rent by metropolitan areaScatter plot of metropolitan areas. The horizontal axis is the share of major occupation groups whose annualized asking rent is no more than 30 percent of annual median wage. The vertical axis is the median rent-to-wage share across published major groups.0%25%50%75%100%0%16%32%48%64%80%Weirton, WV: 86.4% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 18.5%Mansfield, OH: 72.7% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 21.1%Kokomo, IN: 71.4% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 21.2%Johnstown, PA: 81.8% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 21.8%Sheboygan, WI: 72.7% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 22.1%Waterloo, IA: 77.3% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 22.5%Decatur, IL: 77.3% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 22.5%Wheeling, WV: 72.7% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 22.8%Ames, IA: 77.3% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 23.1%Grand Forks, ND: 68.2% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 23.2%Oshkosh, WI: 68.2% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 23.6%Terre Haute, IN: 77.3% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 23.7%Muncie, IN: 70.0% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 23.8%Green Bay, WI: 68.2% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 24.0%Davenport, IA: 77.3% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 24.1%Cape Girardeau, MO: 72.7% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 24.1%Wausau, WI: 72.7% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 24.2%Fond du Lac, WI: 63.6% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 24.3%Battle Creek, MI: 68.2% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 24.3%Saginaw, MI: 63.6% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 24.4%Elmira, NY: 66.7% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 24.5%Longview, WA: 63.6% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 24.9%Jackson, MI: 66.7% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 25.2%Fargo, ND: 77.3% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 25.3%Eau Claire, WI: 54.5% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 25.3%Minot, ND: 72.7% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 25.3%Williamsport, PA: 68.2% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 25.4%Jefferson City, MO: 68.2% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 25.4%Springfield, IL: 59.1% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 25.4%Anniston, AL: 68.2% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 25.6%Pocatello, ID: 68.2% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 25.6%St. Joseph, MO: 72.7% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 25.8%Janesville, WI: 59.1% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 25.9%Muskegon, MI: 63.6% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 26.0%St. Cloud, MN: 59.1% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 26.0%Flint, MI: 63.6% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 26.1%Lima, OH: 63.6% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 26.2%Beckley, WV: 59.1% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 26.2%Parkersburg, WV: 59.1% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 26.2%Youngstown, OH: 68.2% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 26.3%Huntington, WV: 59.1% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 26.4%La Crosse, WI: 68.2% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 26.5%Mankato, MN: 63.6% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 26.5%Lansing, MI: 59.1% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 26.5%Erie, PA: 63.6% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 26.8%Appleton, WI: 59.1% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 26.9%Dubuque, IA: 77.3% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 26.9%Evansville, IN: 72.7% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 26.9%Champaign, IL: 59.1% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 27.0%Duluth, MN: 59.1% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 27.2%Toledo, OH: 54.5% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 27.3%Michigan City, IN: 63.6% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 27.3%Canton, OH: 68.2% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 27.3%Peoria, IL: 63.6% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 27.5%Elkhart, IN: 68.2% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 27.6%Lawrence, KS: 54.5% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 27.8%Albany, GA: 63.6% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 27.9%Kalamazoo, MI: 59.1% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 27.9%Akron, OH: 54.5% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 27.9%Alexandria, LA: 59.1% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 28.2%Altoona, PA: 59.1% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 28.2%Sherman, TX: 52.4% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 28.2%Decatur, AL: 54.5% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 28.3%Beaumont, TX: 54.5% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 28.3%Iowa City, IA: 59.1% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 28.4%Lebanon, PA: 54.5% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 28.4%Binghamton, NY: 54.5% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 28.4%Lawton, OK: 52.4% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 28.5%Springfield, OH: 54.5% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 28.6%Bay City, MI: 59.1% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 28.7%Pueblo, CO: 54.5% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 28.8%Yakima, WA: 54.5% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 28.9%Rockford, IL: 50.0% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 29.0%Bismarck, ND: 50.0% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 29.0%Casper, WY: 54.5% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 29.1%Owensboro, KY: 54.5% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 29.1%Wichita, KS: 59.1% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 29.1%Fort Smith, AR: 54.5% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 29.2%Walla Walla, WA: 54.5% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 29.2%Des Moines, IA: 50.0% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 29.2%Glens Falls, NY: 57.1% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 29.2%Lake Charles, LA: 54.5% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 29.4%Utica, NY: 54.5% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 29.4%Buffalo, NY: 54.5% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 29.6%Baton Rouge, LA: 50.0% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 29.7%Topeka, KS: 50.0% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 29.8%Manhattan, KS: 50.0% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 30.0%Harrisburg, PA: 50.0% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 30.0%Victoria, TX: 50.0% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 30.0%Lewiston, ID: 50.0% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 30.0%Fort Wayne, IN: 50.0% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 30.1%Gettysburg, PA: 50.0% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 30.2%Lincoln, NE: 45.5% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 30.2%Racine, WI: 45.5% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 30.3%Texarkana, TX: 45.5% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 30.3%Lafayette, IN: 50.0% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 30.4%Florence, AL: 50.0% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 30.6%Bloomington, IL: 50.0% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 30.7%Cedar Rapids, IA: 45.5% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 30.7%Omaha, NE: 50.0% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 30.7%Sioux City, IA: 40.9% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 30.7%Monroe, MI: 50.0% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 31.0%Cheyenne, WY: 45.5% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 31.0%Detroit, MI: 45.5% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 31.1%Grand Island, NE: 45.5% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 31.1%Cleveland, OH: 45.5% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 31.1%Macon, GA: 40.9% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 31.1%Bowling Green, KY: 45.5% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 31.2%Milwaukee, WI: 36.4% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 31.2%Spokane, WA: 40.9% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 31.2%McAllen, TX: 45.5% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 31.3%Longview, TX: 45.5% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 31.3%Wichita Falls, TX: 42.9% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 31.4%Louisville, KY: 50.0% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 31.4%Amarillo, TX: 40.9% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 31.4%Elizabethtown, KY: 47.6% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 31.4%Fairbanks, AK: 50.0% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 31.5%Midland, MI: 42.9% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 31.5%Rocky Mount, NC: 40.9% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 31.5%Chico, CA: 36.4% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 31.5%Farmington, NM: 45.5% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 31.5%Columbus, OH: 40.9% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 31.5%Sioux Falls, SD: 45.5% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 31.6%Sierra Vista, AZ: 40.9% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 31.6%Paducah, KY: 45.5% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 31.7%Chambersburg, PA: 45.5% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 31.7%Anchorage, AK: 45.5% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 31.8%Vineland, NJ: 40.9% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 31.8%Scranton, PA: 45.5% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 31.8%Springfield, MO: 40.9% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 32.0%Salem, OR: 36.4% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 32.0%Shreveport, LA: 45.5% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 32.0%Bloomington, IN: 45.5% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 32.0%Kennewick, WA: 40.9% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 32.0%Rochester, NY: 36.4% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 32.1%York, PA: 45.5% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 32.2%Madison, WI: 36.4% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 32.2%Syracuse, NY: 36.4% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 32.2%Clarksville, TN: 36.4% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 32.3%South Bend, IN: 45.5% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 32.4%Enid, OK: 40.9% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 32.5%Kankakee, IL: 45.5% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 32.6%Gadsden, AL: 40.9% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 32.6%Lynchburg, VA: 36.4% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 32.8%Burlington, NC: 40.9% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 32.9%Waco, TX: 36.4% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 33.0%Niles, MI: 40.9% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 33.0%Charleston, WV: 36.4% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 33.0%Huntsville, AL: 45.5% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 33.1%Albany, NY: 31.8% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 33.1%Columbus, GA: 36.4% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 33.1%Mobile, AL: 45.5% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 33.1%Salt Lake City, UT: 31.8% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 33.2%Rochester, MN: 36.4% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 33.2%Idaho Falls, ID: 36.4% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 33.4%Killeen, TX: 45.5% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 33.4%Little Rock, AR: 36.4% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 33.4%Rome, GA: 40.9% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 33.4%Lexington, KY: 31.8% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 33.4%Kingsport, TN: 36.4% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 33.5%Florence, SC: 36.4% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 33.5%San Angelo, TX: 40.9% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 33.6%Albany, OR: 36.4% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 33.7%Portland, OR: 36.4% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 33.7%Greenville, NC: 36.4% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 33.7%Watertown, NY: 38.1% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 33.8%Minneapolis, MN: 36.4% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 33.8%Oklahoma City, OK: 36.4% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 33.8%St. Louis, MO: 40.9% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 33.8%Joplin, MO: 40.9% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 33.8%Cincinnati, OH: 31.8% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 33.9%Greensboro, NC: 36.4% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 33.9%Houma, LA: 33.3% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 33.9%Gulfport, MS: 31.8% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 34.0%Redding, CA: 31.8% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 34.0%Logan, UT: 45.5% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 34.0%Monroe, LA: 31.8% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 34.0%Great Falls, MT: 40.9% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 34.1%Pittsburgh, PA: 40.9% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 34.1%Odessa, TX: 33.3% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 34.1%Dothan, AL: 36.4% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 34.1%Tulsa, OK: 40.9% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 34.2%San Antonio, TX: 40.9% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 34.3%Grants Pass, OR: 31.8% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 34.4%Columbus, IN: 42.9% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 34.6%Reading, PA: 40.9% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 34.7%Midland, TX: 36.4% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 34.7%Kansas City, MO: 36.4% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 34.7%Bakersfield, CA: 36.4% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 34.7%Billings, MT: 45.5% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 34.8%Corpus Christi, TX: 36.4% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 34.9%Birmingham, AL: 36.4% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 34.9%Tuscaloosa, AL: 27.3% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 34.9%El Centro, CA: 40.9% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 35.0%Rapid City, SD: 36.4% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 35.0%Eagle Pass, TX: 42.9% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 35.0%Hagerstown, MD: 31.8% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 35.2%College Station, TX: 31.8% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 35.3%Dalton, GA: 42.9% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 35.3%Columbia, MO: 40.9% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 35.4%Memphis, TN: 40.9% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 35.5%Laredo, TX: 42.9% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 35.5%Lafayette, LA: 31.8% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 35.6%Roanoke, VA: 36.4% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 35.6%Lancaster, PA: 36.4% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 35.6%Tucson, AZ: 31.8% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 35.7%Indianapolis, IN: 33.3% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 35.8%Wenatchee, WA: 31.8% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 35.8%Albuquerque, NM: 36.4% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 35.8%Augusta, GA: 31.8% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 35.9%Hattiesburg, MS: 27.3% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 35.9%Jonesboro, AR: 31.8% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 35.9%Montgomery, AL: 36.4% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 36.0%Pittsfield, MA: 31.8% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 36.0%Helena, MT: 31.8% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 36.1%Spartanburg, SC: 36.4% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 36.2%Lubbock, TX: 40.9% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 36.2%Cleveland, TN: 38.1% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 36.2%Yuma, AZ: 31.8% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 36.2%Lewiston, ME: 31.8% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 36.3%Tyler, TX: 36.4% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 36.3%Greeley, CO: 31.8% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 36.4%Austin, TX: 31.8% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 36.4%Ogden, UT: 31.8% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 36.4%Durham, NC: 31.8% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 36.5%Las Cruces, NM: 36.4% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 36.5%Dover, DE: 27.3% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 36.5%New Orleans, LA: 31.8% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 36.5%Valdosta, GA: 36.4% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 36.5%Hammond, LA: 33.3% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 36.6%Morgantown, WV: 31.8% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 36.7%Bangor, ME: 31.8% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 36.7%Fayetteville, NC: 31.8% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 36.7%Colorado Springs, CO: 31.8% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 36.7%Springfield, MA: 31.8% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 36.8%Corvallis, OR: 31.8% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 36.8%Hanford, CA: 31.8% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 36.8%Denver, CO: 31.8% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 36.9%Bellingham, WA: 36.4% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 36.9%Eugene, OR: 31.8% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 36.9%Chattanooga, TN: 31.8% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 37.0%Carson City, NV: 36.4% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 37.0%Las Vegas, NV: 31.8% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 37.0%Olympia, WA: 27.3% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 37.1%Dallas, TX: 31.8% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 37.2%Jackson, TN: 31.8% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 37.2%Columbia, SC: 31.8% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 37.3%Brownsville, TX: 36.4% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 37.3%Warner Robins, GA: 36.4% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 37.4%Missoula, MT: 36.4% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 37.4%Goldsboro, NC: 31.8% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 37.6%Greenville, SC: 31.8% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 37.6%Medford, OR: 27.3% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 37.6%Seattle, WA: 31.8% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 37.7%Ithaca, NY: 33.3% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 37.8%State College, PA: 31.8% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 37.8%Hot Springs, AR: 33.3% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 37.8%Norwich, CT: 28.6% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 38.0%Sumter, SC: 33.3% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 38.1%Staunton, VA: 31.8% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 38.1%Bremerton, WA: 31.8% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 38.2%Phoenix, AZ: 31.8% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 38.3%Richmond, VA: 31.8% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 38.3%Coeur d'Alene, ID: 22.7% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 38.3%Jacksonville, NC: 33.3% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 38.4%Grand Rapids, MI: 31.8% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 38.5%Hartford, CT: 31.8% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 38.6%Visalia, CA: 27.3% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 38.7%Tallahassee, FL: 22.7% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 38.8%Hinesville, GA: 33.3% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 38.8%Baltimore, MD: 31.8% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 38.8%Blacksburg, VA: 31.8% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 38.9%Philadelphia, PA: 31.8% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 39.0%Grand Junction, CO: 31.8% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 39.3%Morristown, TN: 31.8% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 39.3%Fort Collins, CO: 27.3% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 39.3%Winston, NC: 31.8% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 39.3%Virginia Beach, VA: 31.8% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 39.4%Hickory, NC: 31.8% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 39.4%Lake Havasu City, AZ: 31.8% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 39.5%Fayetteville, AR: 27.3% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 39.5%Jackson, MS: 31.8% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 39.5%Houston, TX: 31.8% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 39.5%Raleigh, NC: 31.8% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 39.6%Sebring, FL: 31.8% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 39.6%Nashville, TN: 31.8% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 39.6%Johnson City, TN: 27.3% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 39.8%El Paso, TX: 36.4% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 39.9%New Haven, CT: 27.3% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 40.1%Twin Falls, ID: 27.3% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 40.2%Atlanta, GA: 31.8% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 40.2%Merced, CA: 22.7% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 40.2%Ocala, FL: 23.8% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 40.3%Yuba City, CA: 27.3% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 40.5%Modesto, CA: 18.2% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 40.6%Sandusky, OH: 31.8% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 40.6%Vallejo, CA: 27.3% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 40.6%Jacksonville, FL: 31.8% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 40.8%Allentown, PA: 31.8% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 40.8%Fresno, CA: 27.3% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 40.8%Mount Vernon, WA: 19.0% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 40.9%Brunswick, GA: 31.8% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 41.0%Reno, NV: 18.2% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 41.0%Savannah, GA: 31.8% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 41.2%Kingston, NY: 22.7% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 41.3%Charlotte, NC: 31.8% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 41.4%The Villages, FL: 33.3% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 41.5%Gainesville, GA: 23.8% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 41.5%Asheville, NC: 27.3% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 41.5%Atlantic City, NJ: 27.3% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 41.7%Burlington, VT: 22.7% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 41.7%Worcester, MA: 27.3% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 41.8%Gainesville, FL: 27.3% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 42.2%Panama City, FL: 31.8% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 42.7%Wilmington, NC: 27.3% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 42.8%Knoxville, TN: 31.8% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 42.8%Auburn, AL: 18.2% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 42.9%Boise City, ID: 27.3% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 42.9%Provo, UT: 27.3% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 43.0%Providence, RI: 22.7% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 43.1%Athens, GA: 22.7% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 43.2%Charlottesville, VA: 22.7% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 43.3%Daphne, AL: 18.2% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 43.3%Sacramento, CA: 27.3% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 43.5%Manchester, NH: 22.7% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 43.7%Myrtle Beach, SC: 22.7% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 43.7%Pensacola, FL: 31.8% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 43.7%Homosassa Springs, FL: 22.7% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 43.9%Cape Coral, FL: 31.8% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 43.9%Boulder, CO: 28.6% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 44.4%Harrisonburg, VA: 27.3% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 44.7%Bozeman, MT: 9.1% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 45.0%Deltona, FL: 27.3% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 45.2%Chicago, IL: 22.7% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 45.4%Bend, OR: 18.2% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 45.7%Washington, DC: 31.8% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 45.8%Palm Bay, FL: 27.3% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 45.8%Punta Gorda, FL: 18.2% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 46.0%Traverse City, MI: 18.2% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 46.2%Santa Fe, NM: 27.3% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 46.5%Lakeland, FL: 27.3% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 46.6%Ann Arbor, MI: 27.3% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 46.7%St. George, UT: 23.8% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 47.1%Charleston, SC: 18.2% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 47.2%Crestview, FL: 27.3% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 47.3%Flagstaff, AZ: 18.2% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 47.4%Hilton Head Island, SC: 18.2% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 47.5%Winchester, VA: 27.3% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 47.7%Tampa, FL: 18.2% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 48.2%Abilene, TX: 13.6% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 48.2%Orlando, FL: 18.2% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 48.4%Pinehurst, NC: 19.0% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 49.2%Portland, ME: 18.2% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 49.3%Santa Rosa, CA: 18.2% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 49.3%Napa, CA: 9.1% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 49.4%Trenton, NJ: 13.6% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 49.7%Riverside, CA: 9.1% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 50.9%North Port, FL: 13.6% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 51.0%Barnstable Town, MA: 4.5% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 51.5%Stockton, CA: 22.7% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 53.1%Sebastian, FL: 9.1% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 53.6%San Francisco, CA: 22.7% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 54.0%San Luis Obispo, CA: 9.1% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 54.4%Bridgeport, CT: 9.5% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 55.0%Salinas, CA: 9.1% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 55.5%Los Angeles, CA: 13.6% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 55.7%Port St. Lucie, FL: 4.5% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 56.9%Oxnard, CA: 9.1% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 57.1%San Jose, CA: 22.7% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 57.2%Boston, MA: 13.6% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 57.6%San Diego, CA: 18.2% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 58.4%Santa Maria, CA: 0.0% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 61.7%Miami, FL: 4.5% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 61.7%Naples, FL: 0.0% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 61.7%Urban Honolulu, HI: 0.0% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 62.4%New York, NY: 9.1% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 66.6%Santa Cruz, CA: 0.0% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 70.7%Kahului, HI: 0.0% of major groups clear the screen; median rent/wage 70.9%WeirtonMansfieldKokomoJohnstownSheboyganWaterlooDecaturMajor groups at or below the 30% rent/wage screen →Median annual rent / annual median wage →
BLS May 2025 OEWS and current Zillow ZORI remain separately dated. Each dot summarizes published major groups; suppressed wages stay absent, and no occupation result enters a RentMarker score.
What the current contract says

Read the distribution before the example

Across 378 metros with complete occupation and rent evidence, 9 meet the broad-support classification and 279 fall into the narrow group. Weirton, WV has the broadest current support share.

Markets compared378BLS occupation coverage
Support threshold30.0%published wage screen
Median group support36.4%share of occupation groups
Broad-support markets9current classification
Open Weirton, WV
01
Look beneath averages

A mean wage can be pulled upward by a small set of jobs

Average pay combines occupations with different employment counts and wage distributions. A high-paying technical or management group can lift the headline even when service, production and support roles face a much tighter housing budget. The average alone cannot describe how many local workers can reach a rent level.

Occupation groups create a more useful breadth test. They are still aggregates and do not show every worker’s hours, household income or benefits. Their role is to reveal concentration: whether a rent thesis depends on a narrow part of the labor market or appears compatible with many job families.

02
Understand the screen

A wage-to-rent threshold is a research rule, not a leasing rule

The study uses one consistent share of published wages to compare metros. Consistency makes the market screen reproducible. It does not account for taxes, household size, a second earner, debt, transportation or utilities, and it should never be presented as an approval requirement.

Changing the threshold changes how many occupations appear supportive. That sensitivity is important. A robust market should not need a precisely chosen cutoff to look viable, and a property model should test the actual likely tenant segment rather than inherit the research threshold.

03
Read concentration

Broad support and employer diversity are related but distinct

Many supportive occupation groups suggest a wider potential tenant base, but those jobs may still depend on a small number of employers. Conversely, a narrow wage-support profile may be stable if a dominant sector has durable demand. Employer concentration and occupation breadth should be investigated separately.

Employment direction adds timing context. Positive job growth does not reveal pay, while occupation wages may come from a different release period than the latest employment estimate. Keeping source and period labels visible prevents a current jobs story from silently upgrading older wage evidence.

04
Connect the unit

The target renter pool depends on location, bedrooms and product

A downtown studio, suburban family home and luxury apartment do not draw the same occupation mix. Commute access, household structure and nearby employment centers affect who considers the property. Metro wage breadth is the opening context for that search, not the final tenant profile.

Use the wage screen to set a conservative rent case and to identify occupations worth researching locally. Then compare actual listings, concessions and total housing cost. If the deal works only for a thin high-wage segment, vacancy and turnover assumptions should reflect that dependence.

Decision workflow

Test how broad the rent-support base really is

  1. 1
    Open occupations

    Move below the metro average and compare published job-family wages.

  2. 2
    Treat the threshold as a screen

    Do not turn a research share into a tenant approval rule.

  3. 3
    Check concentration

    Separate occupation breadth from dependence on a few employers.

  4. 4
    Match the product

    Identify which workers and households realistically consider the unit.

Questions readers ask

Keep the boundary of the evidence visible

These answers are part of the article and the structured data. They state what the current sources can support—and where property-level evidence must take over.

Does the study show whether an applicant can afford rent?

No. It uses aggregate occupation wages for market research. Individual qualification requires lawful, current applicant evidence and consistent screening criteria.

Why not use only median household income?

A household median hides the kinds of jobs and the breadth of wage support. Occupation evidence adds labor-market structure while remaining an area-level measure.

Is broad wage support enough to choose a market?

No. Supply, price, property expenses, migration, risk and the actual tenant segment still affect the decision.

Continue with the evidence

See where wage support is broad, mixed or narrow

The full occupation study keeps the supporting groups, rent evidence and source periods together so the next property search can start with a realistic tenant base.

Build a shortlist Open full research
Source ledger

The releases behind the examples

Every market figure above is rebuilt from these current public-source releases.

bls oewsBLS OEWS — occupation employment and wagesMay 2025 OEWS estimates (released 2026-05-15) · retrieved 2026-08-03cbsa delineationOMB/BLS delineation — metro geographyOMB July 2023 delineation · retrieved 2026-07-30zillow zoriZillow ZORI — metro market rentsMetro_zori_uc_sfrcondomfr_sm_sa_month.csv · retrieved 2026-07-26