Cost of Living in Madison County, Tennessee
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Madison County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Madison County ranks #2,922 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 7%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Madison County, Tennessee
Madison's rental burden significantly exceeds peers
At 22.2% of income spent on rent, Madison County residents face a notably heavy housing burden—well above both the national average and Tennessee's 17.6% state benchmark. The median income of $58,189 combined with the state's highest sample rent of $1,076 monthly creates genuine affordability pressure for renters.
Least affordable county in Tennessee sample
Madison ranks last in affordability among these eight counties, with a rent-to-income ratio of 22.2% that exceeds the state average by 4.6 percentage points. This disparity suggests housing demand or supply constraints pushing rents higher than regional norms.
Rents spike despite modest home values
Madison's $1,076 monthly rent—$81 higher than Loudon's despite lower median income—paired with a modest median home value of $189,700 creates an unusual market dynamic. This suggests strong rental demand but weaker ownership fundamentals, likely reflecting proximity to employment centers or housing shortage.
Renters squeezed more than homeowners
Renters bear a 22.2% housing burden at $1,076 monthly, while homeowners pay only 15.8% at $913—a stark 6.4 percentage point gap favoring ownership. This disparity suggests Madison's rental shortage creates inflated rents while property ownership remains moderately priced.
Consider homeownership if Madison calls
Madison County's high rents make it the least affordable for renters in this sample, but homeownership offers relief with much lower monthly burdens. If relocating to Madison, budget aggressively for rent or prioritize saving for a down payment to unlock the ownership advantage.
Cost of Living Advisory: Madison County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Madison County is affordable. The median rent is $1,076/month against a median household income of $58,189, putting rent at 22.2% of income.
Rent vs. Own
At $1,076/month rent versus $913/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $163/month cheaper — a 15% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $43,040/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $39,129/year. With a median household income of $58,189, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 33.0% of renter households in Madison County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Madison County sits 6% more expensive than Sevier County ($1,013/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Madison County
Rent Burden
22.2%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,358
per month
Owner Cost Burden
18.8%
of gross income
The median home in Madison County may be a stretch
Median home value is $189,700. Estimated monthly cost: $1,514 vs. your max of $1,358.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
$0/yr
Needed to stay within recommended threshold
$0/yr
Needed to stay within recommended threshold
$0/yr
Needed to stay within recommended threshold
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
What is the cost of living in Madison County, Tennessee?
What is the median rent in Madison County?
Is Madison County affordable?
How does Madison County's rent compare to the state average?
What is the median home value in Madison County?
Counties with Similar Housing Costs
Planning a Move?
Researching the cost of living in Madison County, Tennessee? Compare moving quotes from top providers and save on your relocation.
Compare Moving QuotesCompare Mortgage Rates in Madison County
Whether you're buying your first home or refinancing, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.
See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
CostByCounty participates in affiliate programs. We may earn a commission when you use our links, at no extra cost to you.