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
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Hawkins County ranks #1,891 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 40%)
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.
Cost of Living Advisory: Hawkins County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Hawkins County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $744/month in gross rent, with 25.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Hawkins County pay $744/month on average, compared to $600/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 19%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $29,760/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $25,714/year. With a median household income of $55,278, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 25.0% of renter households in Hawkins County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Tennessee, Hawkins County is less affordable than Rhea County by roughly 7% ($744/mo vs $796/mo).
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
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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