Cost of Living in Jefferson County, Tennessee
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Jefferson County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Jefferson County ranks #1,216 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 39%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Jefferson County, Tennessee
Jefferson rents marginally above national average
Jefferson County's 16.7% rent-to-income ratio sits just below the national benchmark, with a median rent of $880/month supported by a solid median household income of $63,084. This balance places Jefferson in the national middle tier for rental affordability.
Slightly better than Tennessee's state average
Jefferson's 16.7% rent-to-income ratio edges below Tennessee's 17.6% state average, positioning the county just above the middle of the state's affordability spectrum. Median rent of $880 exceeds the state average by $20, but stronger incomes ($63,084) keep the burden manageable.
Higher rent, but better income than most peers
Jefferson's $880 median rent is the highest in the region, but its $63,084 median income also leads most neighbors except Knox County. The 16.7% ratio outpaces Hickman (18.4%) and comes close to Houston (15.1%), reflecting Jefferson's positioning as a more prosperous rural area.
Balanced burden across renters and owners
Renters in Jefferson dedicate 16.7% of the $63,084 median income to $880/month rent, while homeowners invest 14.6% in monthly ownership costs ($767/month). The $210,000 median home value represents 3.3 years of gross household income, requiring modest savings for entry but offering stability once purchased.
Jefferson combines higher income with moderate costs
Jefferson County suits those seeking slightly higher rent in exchange for stronger local wages and a more prosperous county profile. Compare its $880 rent against Houston or Johnson County savings to decide whether Jefferson's economic base justifies the premium.
Cost of Living Advisory: Jefferson County
Affordability Verdict
Jefferson County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $880/month — about 16.7% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
At $880/month rent versus $767/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $113/month cheaper — a 13% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $35,200/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $32,871/year. With a median household income of $63,084, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 24.0% of renter households in Jefferson County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Tennessee, Jefferson County is more affordable than Cumberland County by roughly 6% ($880/mo vs $829/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Jefferson County
Rent Burden
16.7%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,472
per month
Owner Cost Burden
14.6%
of gross income
The median home in Jefferson County may be a stretch
Median home value is $210,000. Estimated monthly cost: $1,677 vs. your max of $1,472.
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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