Cost of Living in Meigs County, Tennessee
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Meigs County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Meigs County ranks #1,021 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 32%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Meigs County, Tennessee
Meigs matches state averages, beats national norms
Meigs County renters spend 17.4% of their income on housing, slightly below Tennessee's state average of 17.6% and well below national norms. The median household income of $58,395 falls below national averages, yet housing costs remain proportionally affordable.
Meigs sits at the state's affordability waterline
With a 17.4% rent-to-income ratio, Meigs County ranks nearly at Tennessee's state average of 17.6%, placing it in the middle of the state's affordability spectrum. The median rent of $845 is competitive with neighboring counties and 2% below the state median.
Balanced position between cheaper and pricier peers
Meigs' $845 median rent sits between McMinn County's $792 and Monroe County's $699—wait, actually Monroe is cheaper—reflecting mixed housing markets in this region. Ownership costs of $564 are among the lowest regionally, making Meigs attractive for buyers despite modest rental appeal.
Ownership stands out as real value proposition
Renters pay $845 while owners pay just $564 monthly from a median household income of $58,395. This 33% gap between rental and ownership costs suggests strong homeownership value, with owner costs consuming only 12% of household income.
Meigs appeals most to aspiring homeowners
If you're ready to buy, Meigs County's low monthly ownership costs ($564) and median home values ($185,500) offer exceptional value for budget-conscious relocaters. Renters may find more competitive rates in neighboring Monroe or McMinn counties.
Cost of Living Advisory: Meigs County
Affordability Verdict
Meigs County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $845/month representing approximately 17.4% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 27.0%.
Rent vs. Own
At $845/month rent versus $564/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $281/month cheaper — a 33% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $33,800/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $24,171/year. With a median household income of $58,395, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 27.0% of renter households in Meigs County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Tennessee, Meigs County is more affordable than McMinn County by roughly 7% ($845/mo vs $792/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Meigs County
Rent Burden
17.4%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,363
per month
Owner Cost Burden
11.6%
of gross income
The median home in Meigs County may be a stretch
Median home value is $185,500. Estimated monthly cost: $1,481 vs. your max of $1,363.
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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