Cost of Living in Chester County, Tennessee
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Chester County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Chester County ranks #499 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 16%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Chester County, Tennessee
Chester stands out as affordable
Chester County renters spend just 14.2% of household income on rent, well below the national median and among the best affordability ratios in our eight-county sample. With a median household income of $60,543—respectable for rural Tennessee—Chester delivers genuine housing relief for budget-conscious movers.
Best affordability in the group
Chester's rent-to-income ratio of 14.2% ranks significantly below Tennessee's state average of 17.6%, making it one of the most affordable counties in the dataset. The combination of a lower-than-average rent of $714 and above-average household income of $60,543 creates a rare affordability sweet spot.
Genuinely cheaper living here
Chester's $714 median rent is the lowest among our sample alongside Clay County, while its $60,543 median income outpaces most rural peers. This double advantage—low rent plus decent wages—sets Chester apart from neighboring Claiborne ($736 rent) and Cocke ($787 rent) counties.
Housing leaves room in the budget
The typical Chester household earns $60,543 annually and pays $714 in monthly rent or $692 for ownership, consuming just 14.2% and 13.7% of gross income respectively. That efficiency is rare at this income level and means Chester residents have more breathing room for other necessities and savings.
Top choice for affordability seekers
If maximizing housing affordability is your priority, Chester County delivers genuine value: reasonable rents, solid incomes, and a rent-to-income ratio below the state average. Compare it to nearby rural counties to confirm commute feasibility, but Chester offers some of the best housing economics in this region.
Cost of Living Advisory: Chester County
Affordability Verdict
Chester County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $714/month — about 14.2% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Chester County pay $714/month on average, compared to $692/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 3%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $28,560/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $29,657/year. With a median household income of $60,543, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 24.0% of renter households in Chester County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Roane County where rent averages $767/month, Chester County is approximately 7% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Chester County
Rent Burden
14.2%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,413
per month
Owner Cost Burden
13.7%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Chester County
Median home value is $155,200. Estimated monthly cost: $1,239 vs. your max of $1,413.
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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