Can A Paramedic Afford Rent in Independence, OR?
Stretched but workable — rent takes 39.3% of gross income.
Independence rent: June 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Oregon state estimate).
About rent and a paramedic salary
Paramedic and EMT base pay sits modestly below the US median household income and is often supplemented by overtime. At the national-average paramedic salary, the 30% rule supports about $1,330 a month in rent.
Cheaper rent nearby
These Oregon cities have lower median rent than Independence, which improves the affordability math on a paramedic salary:
Compare with full rent data for Independence
View full rent data for Independence, OR →Frequently asked questions
Can a paramedic afford rent in Independence, OR?
Median rent in Independence is $1,811 a month. A typical paramedic in Oregon earns about $55,307 a year, which makes that rent 39.3% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is no — rent exceeds the 30% threshold.
How much rent can a paramedic afford in Independence?
Using the 30% rule, a paramedic salary in Oregon (~$55,307/yr) supports up to $1,383 a month in rent. Independence's current median rent is $1,811/mo, which is $428/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a paramedic work to cover rent in Independence?
At an hourly equivalent of about $27 an hour, a paramedic in Oregon works roughly 68.1 hours a month to cover Independence's median rent of $1,811.
Where is rent cheaper than Independence for a paramedic?
Nearby Oregon cities with lower median rent include Molalla ($1,810/mo), Beaverton ($1,810/mo), Milwaukie ($1,810/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a paramedic salary.