Cost of Living in Henderson County, Tennessee
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Henderson County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Henderson County ranks #1,286 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 41%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Henderson County, Tennessee
Henderson near national housing norm
Henderson County renters spend 18.2% of income on rent, slightly above the national average of roughly 18%. Median household income of $53,471 trails the national median of $74,755 by a quarter, but housing costs remain manageable relative to earnings.
Better than most Tennessee counties
Henderson County's 18.2% rent-to-income ratio sits above Tennessee's state average of 17.6%, but only marginally—placing it in the better half of state county rankings. The $812 median rent slightly exceeds the state average of $860.
Mid-range costs and wages
Henderson's $812 rent ranks higher than Hawkins ($744) and Haywood ($725), while household income ($53,471) sits between Henry ($48,540) and Hawkins ($55,278). The county occupies comfortable middle ground regionally.
Ownership cheaper than renting
Renters spend $812 monthly while homeowners pay $592—a $220 gap favoring ownership on a median income of $4,456. After housing, renting households have roughly $3,600 for other needs, though ownership provides better cash flow.
Solid option for budget-conscious buyers
Henderson County offers slightly above-average affordability paired with reasonable wages—particularly attractive if you can buy rather than rent. The $220 monthly gap between renting and owning suggests that accumulating down payment savings here is achievable.
Cost of Living Advisory: Henderson County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Henderson County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $812/month in gross rent, with 25.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Henderson County is $812/month, while owner costs run $592/month. Owning saves approximately $220/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $32,480/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $25,371/year. With a median household income of $53,471, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 25.0% of renter households in Henderson County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Franklin County where rent averages $863/month, Henderson County is approximately 6% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Henderson County
Rent Burden
18.2%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,248
per month
Owner Cost Burden
13.3%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Henderson County
Median home value is $156,000. Estimated monthly cost: $1,245 vs. your max of $1,248.
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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