Cost of Living in Grundy County, Tennessee
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Grundy County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Grundy County ranks #1,853 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 41%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Grundy County, Tennessee
Grundy County Above National Housing Burden
Grundy County's 19.0% rent-to-income ratio exceeds the national average, indicating renters here face tighter housing budgets than typical U.S. households. With a median household income of just $45,573 supporting $723 monthly rent, housing consumes a notably larger share of earnings.
Grundy County Struggles with Affordability
At 19.0%, Grundy County's rent-to-income ratio significantly exceeds Tennessee's 17.6% state average, marking it as one of the state's less affordable counties. Renters here face above-average housing cost pressure despite paying close to the state median rent of $860.
Poorest Affordability Among Peers
Grundy County's 19.0% rent-to-income ratio is the worst among comparable rural Tennessee counties, with only Hamblen County ($838 rent) approaching similar stress. The fundamental issue is Grundy's $45,573 median income—lowest in the comparison group—making all housing costs relatively burdensome.
Grundy County Budget Realities
Grundy County renters spend 19.0% of their lowest-in-region $45,573 median income on $723 housing, leaving limited resources for other expenses. Homeowners similarly allocate 14.5% to $551 monthly costs, creating affordability challenges across both renter and owner categories.
Grundy County Requires Careful Budget Planning
If considering Grundy County relocation, carefully assess your income needs—the $45,573 median suggests limited job opportunities and modest wages. While $723 rent and $133,400 median home values are low, affordability improves only if you can secure above-county-median income.
Cost of Living Advisory: Grundy County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Grundy County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $723/month in gross rent, with 27.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Grundy County is $723/month, while owner costs run $551/month. Owning saves approximately $172/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $28,920/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $23,614/year. With a median household income of $45,573, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 27.0% of renter households in Grundy County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Tennessee, Grundy County is less affordable than Warren County by roughly 7% ($723/mo vs $775/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Grundy County
Rent Burden
19.0%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,063
per month
Owner Cost Burden
14.5%
of gross income
The median home in Grundy County may be a stretch
Median home value is $133,400. Estimated monthly cost: $1,065 vs. your max of $1,063.
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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