Cost of Living in Jackson County, Tennessee
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Jackson County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Jackson County ranks #1,274 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 41%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Jackson County, Tennessee
Jackson faces severe national affordability crisis
Jackson County's 23.3% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the worst affordability levels in the nation, driven by a median household income of just $41,475—44% below the national average. Renters here spend nearly a quarter of all earnings on $804/month rent, far exceeding sustainable housing cost benchmarks.
Tennessee's most unaffordable county for renters
Jackson County's 23.3% rent-to-income ratio dramatically exceeds Tennessee's 17.6% state average, making it the state's most strained rental market. The gap of 5.7 percentage points reflects both below-average wages and mid-range housing costs that create acute affordability pressure.
Worst affordability in the entire region
Jackson's 23.3% ratio towers above every surrounding county—Houston (15.1%), Johnson (14.7%), Humphreys (16.8%), and Hickman (18.4%). The $804 rent is mid-range regionally, but when combined with the county's lowest median income ($41,475), it creates an unaffordable squeeze unique to Jackson.
Renters squeezed hardest; homeownership more viable
Jackson renters allocate a punishing 23.3% of the $41,475 median income to $804/month rent, far exceeding the recommended 25% total housing burden. Homeowners fare better at 13.5% ($468/month), and the $135,200 median home value represents just 3.3 years of gross income—making purchase more feasible than renting.
Jackson requires careful financial planning
Jackson County's severe affordability challenges mean renters face unusually high housing costs relative to available income. Consider this county carefully only if employment opportunities or other factors justify the above-average housing burden compared to neighboring alternatives.
Cost of Living Advisory: Jackson County
Affordability Verdict
Jackson County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $804/month representing approximately 23.3% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 35.0%.
Rent vs. Own
At $804/month rent versus $468/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $336/month cheaper — a 42% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $32,160/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $20,057/year. With a median household income of $41,475, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 35.0% of renter households in Jackson County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Tennessee, Jackson County is more affordable than Perry County by roughly 8% ($804/mo vs $747/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Jackson County
Rent Burden
23.3%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$968
per month
Owner Cost Burden
13.5%
of gross income
The median home in Jackson County may be a stretch
Median home value is $135,200. Estimated monthly cost: $1,079 vs. your max of $968.
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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