Cost of Living in Davidson County, Tennessee
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Davidson County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Davidson County, Tennessee
Davidson's housing costs grip harder than most
At 23.6%, Davidson County's rent-to-income ratio significantly exceeds the national average, signaling that Nashville-area renters dedicate nearly a quarter of earnings to housing—well above the typical American burden. With median rent at $1,485 against a $75,664 median household income (nearly matching the national $74,755), Davidson demonstrates how urban markets compress affordability.
Davidson ranks Tennessee's least affordable county
Davidson's 23.6% rent-to-income ratio towers above Tennessee's 17.6% state average, making it the state's most housing-stressed county by this measure. The $1,485 median rent nearly doubles the state average of $860, reflecting Nashville's emergence as a high-cost regional hub.
Davidson vastly outprices surrounding counties
Davidson's $1,485 rent nearly doubles Dickson County's $972 and tripled Dyer County's $760, illustrating the Nashville metropolitan premium. Even compared to prosperous Fayette County ($883 rent), Davidson's housing costs are dramatically steeper, revealing concentrated urban pressures.
Where Davidson incomes stretch thin
Renters spend $1,485 monthly while homeowners face $1,458 mortgages—both consuming over 23% of the $75,664 median household income. The median home value of $386,600 places homeownership further from reach, particularly for renters already straining under high monthly payments.
Nashville boom has real affordability costs
Davidson County's growth and opportunity come with a 23.6% rent-to-income ratio that demands higher earnings than most Tennessee relocations require. Compare these numbers carefully against more affordable alternatives like Cumberland (17.0%) or Fayette (12.5%) before committing to Nashville-area housing.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Davidson County
Rent Burden
23.6%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,765
per month
Owner Cost Burden
23.1%
of gross income
The median home in Davidson County may be a stretch
Median home value is $386,600. Estimated monthly cost: $3,086 vs. your max of $1,765.
Rent Affordability Guide
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.