Cost of Living in DeKalb County, Tennessee
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How DeKalb County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
DeKalb County ranks #1,455 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 46%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in DeKalb County, Tennessee
DeKalb faces above-average housing pressure
DeKalb County's 19.1% rent-to-income ratio exceeds both the national average and most Tennessee peers, signaling tighter affordability despite modest absolute rents. At $773 monthly rent against $48,484 median household income—well below the national $74,755—DeKalb residents sacrifice income for rural living, intensifying housing burdens.
DeKalb ranks below-average for Tennessee rents
DeKalb's 19.1% rent-to-income ratio sits above Tennessee's 17.6% state average, placing it among the state's more stretched counties. The $773 median rent falls below the state average of $860, yet the low median income of $48,484 pushes the affordability ratio upward.
DeKalb competes on low rents, not low income
DeKalb's $773 rent approximates Dyer County ($760) and sits above Decatur ($716), but DeKalb's $48,484 median income exceeds Decatur's $46,190. This combination produces DeKalb's above-average rent-to-income ratio—lower nominal rent cannot overcome income disadvantages.
DeKalb's housing consumes significant income share
Renters allocate $773 monthly while owners pay $799 for mortgages, both consuming roughly 19% of the $48,484 median household income. The median home value of $206,600 towers above what most county residents can afford without significant external assistance.
DeKalb offers modest rents but limited income
Considering DeKalb requires confidence in stable employment above the county's $48,484 median or significant savings reserves. Compare this county's 19.1% rent-to-income ratio against wealthier options like Dickson (15.9%) or Fayette (12.5%) to evaluate whether rural proximity justifies higher housing burden.
Cost of Living Advisory: DeKalb County
Affordability Verdict
DeKalb County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $773/month representing approximately 19.1% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 31.0%.
Rent vs. Own
At $773/month rent versus $799/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $26/month cheaper — a 3% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $30,920/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $34,243/year. With a median household income of $48,484, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 31.0% of renter households in DeKalb County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
DeKalb County sits 7% less expensive than Cumberland County ($829/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in DeKalb County
Rent Burden
19.1%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,131
per month
Owner Cost Burden
19.8%
of gross income
The median home in DeKalb County may be a stretch
Median home value is $206,600. Estimated monthly cost: $1,649 vs. your max of $1,131.
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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