Cost of Living in McNairy County, Tennessee
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How McNairy County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
McNairy County ranks #1,144 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 36%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in McNairy County, Tennessee
McNairy stretches budgets but keeps costs low
McNairy County renters spend 16.7% of income on housing—competitive with national norms and close to the state average of 17.6%. However, the median household income of $50,714 lags the national average by $24,041, making even affordable rents a larger budget burden.
McNairy holds middle ground in state rankings
McNairy County's 16.7% rent-to-income ratio sits just below Tennessee's state average of 17.6%, placing it slightly above the middle of the pack. The $706 median rent is 18% below the state median, supporting this favorable position.
Cheapest rents in its region, lowest incomes too
McNairy's $706 median rent is the lowest among regional peers, undercutting even McMinn County's $792 and Marshall's $924. This affordability reflects limited urban development, though it correlates with lower job market diversity and incomes across the county.
Lowest costs in the region but income challenges remain
Renters pay just $706 and owners $600 monthly—the cheapest housing in this county cluster—from a median household income of $50,714. Housing costs consume roughly 25% of household income, manageable percentages that mask underlying income vulnerability.
McNairy rewards retirees and remote workers seeking value
McNairy's rock-bottom housing costs make it ideal for fixed-income households or remote workers relocating from high-cost metros. If you're price-sensitive and don't depend on local wages, McNairy's rental and ownership markets offer unmatched regional value.
Cost of Living Advisory: McNairy County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in McNairy County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $706/month in gross rent, with 23.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in McNairy County is $706/month, while owner costs run $600/month. Owning saves approximately $106/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $28,240/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $25,714/year. With a median household income of $50,714, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 23.0% of renter households in McNairy County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Tennessee, McNairy County is less affordable than Carroll County by roughly 7% ($706/mo vs $757/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in McNairy County
Rent Burden
16.7%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,183
per month
Owner Cost Burden
14.2%
of gross income
The median home in McNairy County may be a stretch
Median home value is $151,100. Estimated monthly cost: $1,206 vs. your max of $1,183.
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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