Cost of Living in Haywood County, Tennessee
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Haywood County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Haywood County ranks #2,404 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 24%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Haywood County, Tennessee
Haywood rents slightly above national
Haywood County renters spend 20% of income on housing, slightly above the national average near 18%. With median household income of $43,513—nearly 42% below the national median of $74,755—even modest rents create a meaningful burden.
Middle-of-pack affordability struggle
Haywood County's 20% rent-to-income ratio sits well above Tennessee's state average of 17.6%, placing it among the less affordable counties statewide. The $725 median rent is nearly 16% below the state average of $860, yet income constraints make housing still feel expensive.
Lowest rent, not lowest burden
Haywood's $725 median rent ties or beats most neighbors—cheaper than Hardeman ($818), Henry ($741), and Henderson ($812). Yet the county's weak median income of $43,513 converts that rent advantage into a 20% burden, the third-worst in this regional cluster.
Low rent masked by low wages
Renters spend $725 monthly while homeowners pay $687—nearly the same cost on a median income of just $3,626. After housing, households have roughly $2,900 for all other expenses, tight by any standard.
Cheap housing doesn't guarantee comfort
Haywood offers the region's lowest rents, but without strong wage growth, housing affordability becomes a false economy. Research job prospects carefully before moving here—the lowest housing costs mean nothing if income can't support basic living expenses.
Cost of Living Advisory: Haywood County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Haywood County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $725/month in gross rent, with 29.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Haywood County is $725/month, while owner costs run $687/month. Owning saves approximately $38/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $29,000/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $29,443/year. With a median household income of $43,513, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 29.0% of renter households in Haywood County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Haywood County sits 7% less expensive than Bledsoe County ($779/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Haywood County
Rent Burden
20.0%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,015
per month
Owner Cost Burden
18.9%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Haywood County
Median home value is $119,600. Estimated monthly cost: $955 vs. your max of $1,015.
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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