Cost of Living in Houston County, Tennessee
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Houston County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Houston County ranks #634 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 20%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Houston County, Tennessee
Houston rents are remarkably affordable nationally
Houston County's 15.1% rent-to-income ratio ranks well below the national benchmark, making it one of Tennessee's most affordable rental markets. With a median household income of $54,475 and median rent of just $685/month, housing remains comfortably within reach for most renters.
Houston leads Tennessee affordability rankings
At 15.1%, Houston County's rent-to-income ratio outpaces Tennessee's 17.6% state average by more than 2.5 percentage points. This positions Houston among the state's most affordable counties, offering renters genuine relief from housing cost pressures.
Among the cheapest in rural East Tennessee
Houston's $685 monthly rent is the lowest among its peer rural counties—$192 below Hickman, $145 below Humphreys, and $115 below Jefferson. The 15.1% rent-to-income ratio edges out even Johnson County's 14.7%, making Houston a standout for budget-conscious renters.
Renters and homeowners both pay less
Houston renters allocate just 15.1% of the $54,475 median income to rent ($685/month), while homeowners invest 13.5% in monthly ownership costs ($612/month). The $150,100 median home value is the lowest in the region, requiring less than three years of gross household income to purchase.
Houston offers Tennessee's best rental deals
If affordability is your priority, Houston County delivers Tennessee's lowest rent-to-income ratio and sub-$700 median rent. Relocate here to pocket savings compared to every neighboring county while accessing a tight-knit rural community.
Cost of Living Advisory: Houston County
Affordability Verdict
Houston County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $685/month — about 15.1% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Houston County is $685/month, while owner costs run $612/month. Owning saves approximately $73/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $27,400/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $26,229/year. With a median household income of $54,475, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 22.0% of renter households in Houston County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Houston County sits 7% less expensive than Claiborne County ($736/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Houston County
Rent Burden
15.1%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,271
per month
Owner Cost Burden
13.5%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Houston County
Median home value is $150,100. Estimated monthly cost: $1,198 vs. your max of $1,271.
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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