Cost of Living in Polk County, Tennessee
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Polk County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Polk County ranks #1,080 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 34%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Polk County, Tennessee
Polk County delivers Tennessee's best rental affordability
Polk County's 13.3% rent-to-income ratio stands among Tennessee's strongest affordability metrics and comfortably beats the state average of 17.6%. At $668 monthly rent from a median household income of $60,227, Polk County renters enjoy genuine housing cost relief compared to peers across the state and nation.
Best-in-class affordability ranking within Tennessee
Polk County ranks among Tennessee's most affordable counties for housing, with a rent-to-income ratio that substantially underperforms the state average. The county combines modest rents with above-median local incomes, creating exceptional affordability for renters.
Lowest rents in the region by far
Polk County's $668 median rent is the lowest across its region, undercutting Morgan County ($742), Perry County ($747), and substantially beating Putnam County ($881) and Overton County ($833). The county emerges as the clear rental value leader for East-Central Tennessee.
Rent claims just 13.3% of income
Polk County renters spend only $668 monthly—13.3% of their median household income of $60,227—enjoying the region's most comfortable housing-to-income ratio. Homeowners invest $587 monthly on ownership costs for homes valued near $136,400, reflecting balanced affordability across housing types.
Polk County is Tennessee's rental value destination
Families prioritizing housing affordability should strongly consider Polk County, where rents run lowest and local incomes remain solid compared to neighboring counties. The county delivers rare affordable-living advantages without requiring relocation to economically distressed areas.
Cost of Living Advisory: Polk County
Affordability Verdict
Polk County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $668/month representing approximately 13.3% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 30.0%.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Polk County is $668/month, while owner costs run $587/month. Owning saves approximately $81/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $26,720/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $25,157/year. With a median household income of $60,227, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 30.0% of renter households in Polk County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Polk County sits 9% more expensive than Fentress County ($614/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Polk County
Rent Burden
13.3%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,405
per month
Owner Cost Burden
11.7%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Polk County
Median home value is $136,400. Estimated monthly cost: $1,089 vs. your max of $1,405.
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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