Cost of Living in Hardin County, Tennessee
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Hardin County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Hardin County ranks #1,969 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 37%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Hardin County, Tennessee
Hardin rents align with nation
Hardin County's 18.8% rent-to-income ratio sits just slightly above the national average of roughly 18%, making housing costs fairly typical for America. With a median household income of $49,149—below the national median of $74,755—the county offers better affordability than higher-wage regions.
Close to Tennessee average
Hardin County's 18.8% rent-to-income ratio aligns closely with Tennessee's state average of 17.6%, positioning it near the middle of county affordability rankings. The $770 median rent sits slightly below the state average of $860.
Sweet spot between rural and urban
Hardin's $770 rent is cheaper than Hamilton County ($1,163) and Henry County ($741), while household income ($49,149) exceeds rural neighbors like Hancock ($31,995) and Haywood ($43,513). The county strikes a balance between affordability and economic opportunity.
Modest housing costs, modest incomes
Renters spend $770 monthly while homeowners pay $597—a $173 gap favoring ownership on a median income of $4,096. Both leave roughly $3,300 for other expenses, a reasonable cushion by rural Tennessee standards.
Rural balance for budget-conscious movers
Hardin County offers rare middle ground: housing costs below state average with incomes above neighboring rural counties. If you're relocating from higher-cost metros, the 18.8% rent burden here feels manageable, especially compared to Hamilton County's 19.2%.
Cost of Living Advisory: Hardin County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Hardin County is affordable. The median rent is $770/month against a median household income of $49,149, putting rent at 18.8% of income.
Rent vs. Own
At $770/month rent versus $597/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $173/month cheaper — a 22% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $30,800/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $25,586/year. With a median household income of $49,149, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 26.0% of renter households in Hardin County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Tennessee, Hardin County is more affordable than Decatur County by roughly 8% ($770/mo vs $716/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Hardin County
Rent Burden
18.8%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,147
per month
Owner Cost Burden
14.6%
of gross income
The median home in Hardin County may be a stretch
Median home value is $154,000. Estimated monthly cost: $1,229 vs. your max of $1,147.
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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