BLS occupations + Zillow rent

Which local occupation groups can carry current asking rent?

Across major occupation groups, where does one published median annual wage place current metro asking rent at or below 30 percent?

A metro-wide household income can conceal the labor mix behind rental demand. This study keeps each BLS major occupation group separate, then asks how many group medians clear one transparent rent-to-wage rule.

Direct metros
378
exact BLS metropolitan code matches
Broad wage support
9
at least 75% of major groups clear the screen
Median group support
36.4%
unweighted across included metros
Median rent / wage
34.8%
annual rent divided by annual median wage
What occupation detail changes

One metro rent can sit very differently against its local wage distribution

The exact BLS–RentMarker intersection contains 378 metropolitan areas with at least 20 published major-group annual median wages. Across the median metro, 36.4% of those groups place annualized asking rent at or below 30% of one annual median wage. Only 9 metros clear that screen for at least three quarters of their published major groups.

Weirton, WV has the lowest median rent-to-wage share in this ordering at 18.5%; 86.4% of its published major groups clear the screen. That does not make it a universal affordability winner: the screen uses one occupational wage and omits household structure, taxes, utilities and unit choice.

OEWS describes wage-and-salary jobs, not households. The self-employed are outside its scope, and a modeled occupational median is not a pay offer.

BLS combines six survey panels over three years and may suppress employment or wage fields. Zillow ZORI is a separately dated asking-rent measure, so both periods stay visible rather than being presented as synchronized. Use the occupation explorer to hold one major group constant across metros or inspect the largest published groups inside one labor market.

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.
Decision table

The first 24 rows, with a path to the underlying market

378 total rows Download all rows
Metropolitan occupation wage support compared with annualized Zillow asking rent
RankMetroGroups with wagesGroups at ≤30%Support shareMedian rent / wageLargest groupLargest-group wageOpen
1Weirton, WVBLS 2025-05 · rent 2026-06-30221986.4%18.5%Transportation and Material Moving Occupations$44,290Compare occupations
2Mansfield, OHBLS 2025-05 · rent 2026-06-30221672.7%21.1%Production Occupations$43,850Compare occupations
3Kokomo, INBLS 2025-05 · rent 2026-06-30211571.4%21.2%Production Occupations$75,930Compare occupations
4Johnstown, PABLS 2025-05 · rent 2026-06-30221881.8%21.8%Office and Administrative Support Occupations$40,950Compare occupations
5Sheboygan, WIBLS 2025-05 · rent 2026-06-30221672.7%22.1%Production Occupations$51,850Compare occupations
6Waterloo, IABLS 2025-05 · rent 2026-06-30221777.3%22.5%Production Occupations$50,030Compare occupations
7Decatur, ILBLS 2025-05 · rent 2026-06-30221777.3%22.5%Production Occupations$57,700Compare occupations
8Wheeling, WVBLS 2025-05 · rent 2026-06-30221672.7%22.8%Office and Administrative Support Occupations$39,530Compare occupations
9Ames, IABLS 2025-05 · rent 2026-06-30221777.3%23.1%Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations$30,020Compare occupations
10Grand Forks, NDBLS 2025-05 · rent 2026-06-30221568.2%23.2%Office and Administrative Support Occupations$47,630Compare occupations
11Oshkosh, WIBLS 2025-05 · rent 2026-06-30221568.2%23.6%Production Occupations$57,000Compare occupations
12Terre Haute, INBLS 2025-05 · rent 2026-06-30221777.3%23.7%Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations$27,680Compare occupations
13Muncie, INBLS 2025-05 · rent 2026-06-30201470.0%23.8%Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations$28,110Compare occupations
14Green Bay, WIBLS 2025-05 · rent 2026-06-30221568.2%24.0%Production Occupations$48,010Compare occupations
15Davenport, IABLS 2025-05 · rent 2026-06-30221777.3%24.1%Office and Administrative Support Occupations$45,110Compare occupations
16Cape Girardeau, MOBLS 2025-05 · rent 2026-06-30221672.7%24.1%Office and Administrative Support Occupations$39,440Compare occupations
17Wausau, WIBLS 2025-05 · rent 2026-06-30221672.7%24.2%Production Occupations$48,330Compare occupations
18Fond du Lac, WIBLS 2025-05 · rent 2026-06-30221463.6%24.3%Production Occupations$51,200Compare occupations
19Battle Creek, MIBLS 2025-05 · rent 2026-06-30221568.2%24.3%Production Occupations$48,500Compare occupations
20Saginaw, MIBLS 2025-05 · rent 2026-06-30221463.6%24.4%Office and Administrative Support Occupations$42,350Compare occupations
21Elmira, NYBLS 2025-05 · rent 2026-06-30211466.7%24.5%Office and Administrative Support Occupations$45,120Compare occupations
22Longview, WABLS 2025-05 · rent 2026-06-30221463.6%24.9%Office and Administrative Support Occupations$53,990Compare occupations
23Jackson, MIBLS 2025-05 · rent 2026-06-30211466.7%25.2%Production Occupations$46,570Compare occupations
24Fargo, NDBLS 2025-05 · rent 2026-06-30221777.3%25.3%Office and Administrative Support Occupations$47,490Compare occupations

The visible table is intentionally limited for reading. The CSV contains every row that passes the printed inclusion rule.

Reproduce the screen

Inclusion first, interpretation second.

Include every current metropolitan statistical area whose exact OMB 23-01 CBSA code has a direct May 2025 OEWS all-occupations record, at least 20 major groups with published annual median wages and a current Zillow ZORI value. Micropolitan and OEWS nonmetropolitan areas do not enter.

Methodology version: v10

Method

  1. Annualized asking rent is current monthly Zillow ZORI multiplied by 12; each occupation-group ratio divides that amount by the group's direct OEWS annual median wage.
  2. A group clears the descriptive support rule when annualized rent is at or below 30 percent of its median annual wage. The published group count remains the denominator; suppressed wages stay out rather than being estimated.
  3. Markets are ordered by the median rent-to-wage ratio across their available major groups. Employment counts, jobs per 1,000 and location quotients remain separate direct context, and no score is created.

Counter-signals

  • One worker's median wage is not household income: renters may have multiple earners, part-time work, transfers, debt or other resources and obligations.
  • A strong wage ratio for a small occupation does not describe the typical local worker; the largest employment group and its published share remain visible.
  • Current asking rent and May 2025 occupational wages have different reference periods, so the ratio is a named cross-source screen rather than a synchronized affordability estimate.

Limitations

  • OEWS covers wage-and-salary workers in nonfarm establishments and excludes the self-employed, most agriculture, private households and unpaid family workers.
  • May 2025 estimates combine six survey panels collected over three years and use model-based estimation; employment counts are rounded and some employment or wage values are suppressed.
  • ZORI describes a typical metro asking rent across available units, not the rent paid by workers in a particular occupation, household type, bedroom count or neighborhood.
Move from market to deal

Use the study to narrow the question—not to skip underwriting.

Open a market for its supply, affordability, migration and risk context. Compare a deliberate substitute, then bring a real property price, rent and expenses into the stress test.

Explore occupation wages Stress-test a dealOpen curated comparisons
Source vintages

Every input release used by this study

Release and retrieval dates stay visible so a reader can tell whether two measures describe the same moment.

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