Cost of Living in Decatur County, Tennessee
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Decatur County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Decatur County ranks #859 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 27%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Decatur County, Tennessee
Decatur County stretches lowest incomes hardest
Decatur County's 18.6% rent-to-income ratio exceeds the national average, but what matters more is its $46,190 median household income—the lowest among comparable counties—making housing burdens especially acute. At $716 monthly rent, costs are manageable in absolute terms, but they consume a larger percentage of earnings than in wealthier regions.
Decatur ranks among Tennessee's poorest counties
With a 18.6% rent-to-income ratio slightly above Tennessee's 17.6% average, Decatur nonetheless faces distinct challenges rooted in its $46,190 median income—among the state's lowest. The $716 median rent beats the state average, yet represents a heavier proportional burden for residents earning significantly less.
Decatur offers cheapest rents in its cluster
Decatur's $716 rent is the lowest among its regional peers, undercutting Dyer County ($760), Crockett ($854), and Cumberland ($829). However, Decatur's lower incomes mean renters still allocate a higher percentage of earnings to housing than neighbors with slightly higher median incomes.
Decatur's tight household budget math
Renters dedicate $716 monthly while owners pay $552 for mortgages, seemingly affordable until divided against the $46,190 median household income. The median home value of $133,900 remains within reach, but qualifying for mortgages and maintaining other expenses proves challenging for residents earning near or below county median.
Decatur suits those with stable rural employment
Relocating to Decatur works only for candidates with guaranteed income above the county median or significant savings; nominal affordability masks income scarcity. Compare Decatur's numbers against better-earning counties like Dickson ($73,223) or Fayette ($84,764) to assess whether rural opportunity justifies the income trade-off.
Cost of Living Advisory: Decatur County
Affordability Verdict
Decatur County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $716/month representing approximately 18.6% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 23.0%.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Decatur County pay $716/month on average, compared to $552/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 23%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $28,640/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $23,657/year. With a median household income of $46,190, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 23.0% of renter households in Decatur County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Roane County where rent averages $767/month, Decatur County is approximately 7% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Decatur County
Rent Burden
18.6%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,078
per month
Owner Cost Burden
14.3%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Decatur County
Median home value is $133,900. Estimated monthly cost: $1,069 vs. your max of $1,078.
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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