Cost of Living in Hawkins County, Tennessee
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Hawkins County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Hawkins County, Tennessee
Hawkins beats the national average
Hawkins County renters spend just 16.1% of income on rent, beating the national average of roughly 18% by a meaningful margin. Median household income of $55,278 is below the national median of $74,755, yet residents enjoy better housing affordability than the typical American.
Tennessee's most affordable county
Hawkins County's 16.1% rent-to-income ratio is the best in Tennessee, sitting 1.5 percentage points below the state average of 17.6%. At $744 monthly rent, the county offers genuine affordability without sacrificing economic stability.
Cheap rents paired with strong wages
Hawkins' $744 rent is lower than Henry County ($741) and Henderson County ($812), while household income ($55,278) exceeds both by meaningful margins. The county's combination of low housing costs and higher wages creates Tennessee's best affordability story.
Housing takes just one-sixth of income
Renters spend $744 monthly while homeowners pay $600—a $144 gap on a median income of $4,607. After housing, residents retain over $3,800 for food, healthcare, transport, and savings—genuinely comfortable for rural Tennessee.
Best affordability in the region
Hawkins County delivers the best housing affordability in Tennessee while maintaining competitive wages above neighboring rural counties. If you're relocating from costly metros, Hawkins offers the rare combo of low rents and incomes that actually support them.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Hawkins County
Rent Burden
16.2%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,290
per month
Owner Cost Burden
13.0%
of gross income
The median home in Hawkins County may be a stretch
Median home value is $166,900. Estimated monthly cost: $1,332 vs. your max of $1,290.
Rent Affordability Guide
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.