Cost of Living in Fayette County, Tennessee
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Fayette County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Fayette County ranks #1,020 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 32%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Fayette County, Tennessee
Fayette County's wealth powers housing relief
Fayette County's 12.5% rent-to-income ratio is the lowest among all comparison counties, delivering exceptional housing affordability fueled by the state's highest median household income of $84,764. At $883 monthly rent against this strong earning base, Fayette residents enjoy the greatest financial breathing room for non-housing expenses.
Fayette leads Tennessee on housing relief
Fayette's 12.5% rent-to-income ratio significantly outperforms Tennessee's 17.6% state average, making it the state's most affordable county by this measure. The $883 median rent sits modestly above the state average of $860, but Fayette's $84,764 median income—the state's highest—transforms this into genuine relief.
Fayette towers above peers on income
Fayette's $883 rent sits mid-range among its cluster, but its $84,764 median income dwarfs all comparables—Dickson ($73,223), Crockett ($59,049), and Dyer ($54,973). This income advantage makes Fayette's slightly higher nominal rent feel like a bargain proportionally.
Fayette's income covers housing easily
Renters dedicate $883 monthly while owners pay $1,042 for mortgages, both consuming just 12-15% of the $84,764 median household income—leaving substantial room for savings and discretionary spending. The median home value of $316,000 sits within comfortable reach for dual-income households or single earners at or above county median.
Fayette suits high-earning relocators
Relocating to Fayette makes sense for professionals earning $84,000+ seeking Tennessee's best housing affordability ratio alongside strong income stability. Compare Fayette's 12.5% rent-to-income ratio against stressed Davidson (23.6%) or income-poor Decatur (18.6%) to confirm it represents Tennessee's most financially sustainable housing market.
Cost of Living Advisory: Fayette County
Affordability Verdict
Fayette County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $883/month representing approximately 12.5% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 28.0%.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Fayette County pay $883/month on average, compared to $1,042/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 15%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $35,320/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $44,657/year. With a median household income of $84,764, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 28.0% of renter households in Fayette County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Fayette County sits 6% more expensive than Humphreys County ($830/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Fayette County
Rent Burden
12.5%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,978
per month
Owner Cost Burden
14.8%
of gross income
The median home in Fayette County may be a stretch
Median home value is $316,000. Estimated monthly cost: $2,523 vs. your max of $1,978.
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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