Cost of Living in Hardeman County, Tennessee
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Hardeman County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Hardeman County ranks #2,497 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 21%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Hardeman County, Tennessee
Rent burden above national average
Hardeman County renters spend 21.3% of income on rent, outpacing the national average of roughly 18%. Median household income of $46,173 lags the national median of $74,755 by a third, making housing costs proportionally harder to bear.
Third-worst affordability in state
Hardeman County's 21.3% rent-to-income ratio ranks among Tennessee's most unaffordable counties, exceeding the state average of 17.6%. The $818 median monthly rent is nearly equal to the state average of $860, yet residents earn significantly less.
Mid-range rents, lower incomes
Hardeman's $818 rent sits between Hancock County ($592) and Hamilton County ($1,163), but household income ($46,173) falls well below Hamilton ($72,568) and Hawkins ($55,278). This combination creates the affordability squeeze.
Tight margins for renters and owners
Renters spend $818 monthly while homeowners pay $748—a narrow $70 gap on a median income of $3,848. Both leave households with barely $3,000 for all other expenses after housing.
Location matters more than rent cost
Hardeman's moderate rents mask weak income growth, making relocation here risky without confirmed employment. Compare job markets and wages in Hardeman against higher-cost neighbors like Hamilton before deciding housing affordability alone is worth the trade-off.
Cost of Living Advisory: Hardeman County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Hardeman County is affordable. The median rent is $818/month against a median household income of $46,173, putting rent at 21.3% of income.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Hardeman County is $818/month, while owner costs run $748/month. Owning saves approximately $70/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $32,720/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $32,057/year. With a median household income of $46,173, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 31.0% of renter households in Hardeman County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Tennessee, Hardeman County is more affordable than Roane County by roughly 7% ($818/mo vs $767/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Hardeman County
Rent Burden
21.3%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,077
per month
Owner Cost Burden
19.4%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Hardeman County
Median home value is $116,800. Estimated monthly cost: $932 vs. your max of $1,077.
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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