Cost of Living in Lincoln County, Tennessee
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Lincoln County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Lincoln County ranks #1,038 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 33%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Lincoln County, Tennessee
Lincoln County: Affluent and affordably housed
Lincoln County's rent-to-income ratio of 14.9% ranks among the nation's most affordable, well below both the national average and Tennessee's 17.6% state benchmark. With a median income of $63,115—closer to the national average than most rural Tennessee counties—residents enjoy genuine housing security.
Best-affordability county in Tennessee sample
Lincoln ranks at the top tier of Tennessee counties for housing affordability, with a rent-to-income ratio that dramatically undercuts the state average of 17.6%. The county's higher median income of $63,115 combined with reasonable rents creates the strongest financial position in this eight-county comparison.
Wealthier than surrounding rural counties
Lincoln's $63,115 median income and $782 rent place it firmly above the Lauderdale-Lawrence-Lewis cluster to the north, offering more financial stability. The median home value of $209,100 reflects stronger property appreciation potential than the poorer neighbors.
Lowest housing burden among eight counties
Renters pay $782 monthly while homeowners spend $766—nearly equal costs that consume just 14.9% and 14.5% of income respectively. This leaves residents substantially more discretionary income than their peers in rural Tennessee, supporting a higher quality of life.
Affordable small-town living with stronger incomes
Lincoln County offers the rare combination of genuine small-town affordability and above-average household incomes, making it ideal for relocators seeking balance. If you want rural authenticity without financial stress, Lincoln outpaces its neighbors on every affordability metric.
Cost of Living Advisory: Lincoln County
Affordability Verdict
Lincoln County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $782/month — about 14.9% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Lincoln County is $782/month, while owner costs run $766/month. Owning saves approximately $16/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $31,280/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $32,829/year. With a median household income of $63,115, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 22.0% of renter households in Lincoln County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Lincoln County sits 6% less expensive than Overton County ($833/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Lincoln County
Rent Burden
14.9%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,473
per month
Owner Cost Burden
14.6%
of gross income
The median home in Lincoln County may be a stretch
Median home value is $209,100. Estimated monthly cost: $1,669 vs. your max of $1,473.
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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