Cost of Living in Sumner County, Tennessee
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Sumner County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Sumner County ranks #1,108 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 35%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Sumner County, Tennessee
Sumner County's price climb
Sumner County renters spend 18.7% of their income on housing—above the national 17.6% average—despite earning $86,005, well above the national median of $74,755. The median rent of $1,339 reflects rapid growth in this Nashville-adjacent county, making it one of Tennessee's pricier markets.
Priciest among Tennessee counties
Sumner County's 18.7% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the highest in Tennessee, surpassing the state average of 17.6% by a meaningful margin. This premium reflects the county's proximity to Nashville's job markets and rapid residential development over the past decade.
Sumner's premium over peers
At $1,339 per month, Sumner County rent significantly exceeds neighboring Trousdale County ($1,007) and Wilson County (data unavailable), marking it as a high-cost corridor. Homebuyers face the steepest median home value ($364,000) and highest monthly mortgage costs ($1,356) of any county in this analysis.
Nashville spillover pushes costs
Sumner County households earning $86,005 annually spend $1,339 on rent (18.7%) or $1,356 on mortgages (18.9%), consuming nearly one-fifth of gross income for housing. This disproportionate burden reflects the county's transformation into a Nashville suburb, driving up both rents and home prices.
Premium location with a cost
Sumner County offers Nashville-area access and strong median incomes, but renters pay the highest rate in this analysis at 18.7% of income. If Nashville commuting isn't essential, compare this burden to more affordable counties like Van Buren (14.0%) or Trousdale (16.9%).
Cost of Living Advisory: Sumner County
Affordability Verdict
Sumner County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $1,339/month representing approximately 18.7% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 29.0%.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Sumner County is $1,339/month, while owner costs run $1,356/month. Renting saves approximately $17/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $53,560/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $58,114/year. With a median household income of $86,005, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 29.0% of renter households in Sumner County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Cheatham County where rent averages $1,274/month, Sumner County is approximately 5% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Sumner County
Rent Burden
18.7%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$2,007
per month
Owner Cost Burden
18.9%
of gross income
The median home in Sumner County may be a stretch
Median home value is $364,000. Estimated monthly cost: $2,906 vs. your max of $2,007.
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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