Cost of Living in Bledsoe County, Tennessee
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Bledsoe County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Bledsoe County ranks #558 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 18%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Bledsoe County, Tennessee
Rock-bottom rents, rock-bottom incomes
Bledsoe County's 18.8% rent-to-income ratio matches the national affordability crunch despite the lowest absolute rents in this dataset at $779 monthly. With a median household income of just $49,655—34% below the US average—even cheap housing consumes a high share of household earnings.
Among Tennessee's most burdened renters
Bledsoe's 18.8% rent-to-income ratio ties for the highest burden in this survey and exceeds Tennessee's 17.6% average. The $779 rent undercuts the state average significantly, yet income poverty keeps affordability ratios elevated.
Lowest rents, but income poverty persists
Bledsoe's $779 median rent is the cheapest in the region, undercutting Benton County ($788) and far below Anderson ($960). Yet its median home value of $165,400 sits midway between rural counties, reflecting an area with genuine housing scarcity rather than affordability.
Rent burden heaviest on lowest incomes
Bledsoe renters earning the county median of $49,655 spend 18.8% on $779 rent—a higher burden than many counties despite the lowest absolute cost. Homeownership costs average $463 monthly, making ownership the dramatically more affordable path for households able to qualify.
Only consider if income is portable
Bledsoe offers the region's cheapest housing and strongest homeownership affordability for those already inside the market. Relocators should enter cautiously: the county's $49,655 median income signals limited employment opportunities, making remote income or relocation subsidy essential.
Cost of Living Advisory: Bledsoe County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Bledsoe County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $779/month in gross rent, with 24.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Bledsoe County pay $779/month on average, compared to $463/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 41%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $31,160/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $19,843/year. With a median household income of $49,655, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 24.0% of renter households in Bledsoe County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Bledsoe County sits 6% less expensive than Humphreys County ($830/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Bledsoe County
Rent Burden
18.8%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,159
per month
Owner Cost Burden
11.2%
of gross income
The median home in Bledsoe County may be a stretch
Median home value is $165,400. Estimated monthly cost: $1,320 vs. your max of $1,159.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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