Cost of Living in Johnson County, Tennessee
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Johnson County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Johnson County ranks #472 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 15%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Johnson County, Tennessee
Johnson offers exceptional rental affordability
Johnson County's 14.7% rent-to-income ratio ranks among America's most affordable rental markets, with median rent of $639/month and median household income of $52,152. Renters here enjoy a cost burden well below national norms, freeing income for other essential expenses.
Tennessee's second-most affordable county
Johnson County's 14.7% rent-to-income ratio trails only Houston County (15.1%) in Tennessee affordability rankings, sitting 3 percentage points below the state average of 17.6%. The $639 median rent is the lowest in the region, matching the county's reputation for extreme affordability.
Lowest rent in the entire peer group
Johnson's $639 median rent undercuts every neighbor—$46 below Houston, $191 below Humphreys, and $165 below Hickman—while its 14.7% ratio ranks second-best regionally. This ultra-affordable profile makes Johnson the go-to destination for rent-focused relocators.
Renters and owners both enjoy low costs
Renters in Johnson allocate just 14.7% of the $52,152 median income to $639/month rent, while homeowners invest 10.4% in monthly ownership costs ($453/month). The $175,500 median home value requires just 3.4 years of gross income, among the region's most accessible purchase prices.
Johnson delivers unbeatable Tennessee rent deals
Moving to Johnson County means the lowest rent in your region and the second-best affordability ratio in Tennessee. If housing costs are your priority and you can access employment elsewhere, Johnson offers unmatched savings on $639/month rent.
Cost of Living Advisory: Johnson County
Affordability Verdict
Johnson County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $639/month representing approximately 14.7% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 27.0%.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Johnson County is $639/month, while owner costs run $453/month. Owning saves approximately $186/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $25,560/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $19,414/year. With a median household income of $52,152, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 27.0% of renter households in Johnson County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Tennessee, Johnson County is less affordable than Scott County by roughly 8% ($639/mo vs $691/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Johnson County
Rent Burden
14.7%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,217
per month
Owner Cost Burden
10.4%
of gross income
The median home in Johnson County may be a stretch
Median home value is $175,500. Estimated monthly cost: $1,401 vs. your max of $1,217.
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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