Cost of Living in Obion County, Tennessee
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Obion County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Obion County ranks #2,074 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 34%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Obion County, Tennessee
Obion County mirrors Tennessee's affordability challenge
Obion County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.4% sits nearly equal to Tennessee's state average of 17.6%, but lags behind the national context where median incomes are higher at $74,755 versus the county's $53,102. Monthly rents of $770 consume a meaningful chunk of local household budgets, signaling moderate housing stress.
Mid-tier affordability within Tennessee
Obion County ranks in Tennessee's middle band for housing affordability, with a rent-to-income ratio hovering just below the state average. The county's lower-than-average median income compounds affordability challenges despite relatively modest rents.
Slightly cheaper than regional peers
Obion County's $770 median rent undercuts Putnam County ($881) and Rhea County ($796), placing it among the cheaper options in its region. Compared to Morgan County ($742), Obion rents run modestly higher, though still below Tennessee's state median of $860.
Rent takes 17.4% of median income
Obion County renters spend $770 monthly on housing from a median household income of $53,102—a 17.4% commitment that tracks closely with state averages. Homeowners face steeper ownership costs at $646 monthly on median home values of $122,700, one of Tennessee's lowest.
Obion offers affordable entry points for homebuyers
Job seekers considering rural Tennessee should note Obion County's combination of low home values ($122,700 median) and moderate ownership costs. The county rewards those prioritizing affordability over proximity to major urban centers.
Cost of Living Advisory: Obion County
Affordability Verdict
Obion County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $770/month — about 17.4% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Obion County is $770/month, while owner costs run $646/month. Owning saves approximately $124/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $30,800/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $27,686/year. With a median household income of $53,102, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 25.0% of renter households in Obion County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Obion County sits 8% more expensive than Decatur County ($716/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Obion County
Rent Burden
17.4%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,239
per month
Owner Cost Burden
14.6%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Obion County
Median home value is $122,700. Estimated monthly cost: $980 vs. your max of $1,239.
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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