Cost of Living in Dickson County, Tennessee
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Dickson County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Dickson County ranks #1,776 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 44%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Dickson County, Tennessee
Dickson combines income and affordability well
Dickson County's 15.9% rent-to-income ratio beats both the national average and most Tennessee peers, reflecting a healthy balance between housing costs and earnings. With median rent at $972 and median household income of $73,223—approaching the national $74,755—Dickson offers one of Tennessee's most stable housing markets.
Dickson leads Tennessee on affordability metrics
Dickson's 15.9% rent-to-income ratio significantly underperforms Tennessee's 17.6% state average, placing it among the state's most affordable counties. The $972 median rent exceeds the state average of $860, yet Dickson's strong median income of $73,223 more than compensates, delivering genuine relief for renters.
Dickson wins on income-to-rent balance
Dickson's $972 rent is the region's highest in absolute terms, but its $73,223 median income dwarfs most peers—Decatur ($46,190), DeKalb ($48,484), and Crockett ($59,049). This income advantage transforms Dickson's higher nominal rents into the lowest proportional burden among its cluster.
Dickson allocates housing costs wisely
Renters dedicate $972 monthly while owners pay $1,021 for mortgages, both consuming roughly 16% of the $73,223 median household income. The median home value of $272,700 sits within reach for many two-income households or single earners at or above the county median.
Dickson suits middle-income families well
Relocating to Dickson works for earners near or above the $73,223 median seeking balanced housing costs and stable employment corridors. Compare Dickson's 15.9% rent-to-income ratio against pricier Davidson (23.6%) or income-poor Decatur (18.6%) to see why it ranks among Tennessee's most practical housing markets.
Cost of Living Advisory: Dickson County
Affordability Verdict
Dickson County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $972/month — about 15.9% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Dickson County pay $972/month on average, compared to $1,021/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 5%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $38,880/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $43,757/year. With a median household income of $73,223, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 23.0% of renter households in Dickson County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Dickson County sits 6% more expensive than Bedford County ($917/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Dickson County
Rent Burden
15.9%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,709
per month
Owner Cost Burden
16.7%
of gross income
The median home in Dickson County may be a stretch
Median home value is $272,700. Estimated monthly cost: $2,177 vs. your max of $1,709.
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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