Cost of Living in Van Buren County, Tennessee
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Van Buren County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Van Buren County ranks #95 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 3%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Van Buren County, Tennessee
Van Buren's exceptional affordability
Van Buren County renters spend just 14.0% of their income on housing—the lowest ratio among these eight counties and well below the national 17.6% average. With a $705 median rent and $60,281 median income, Van Buren delivers the most aggressive rent relief in this group.
Tennessee's most affordable county
Van Buren County's 14.0% rent-to-income ratio is the lowest in Tennessee among this analysis group, beating the state average of 17.6% by a substantial margin. This exceptional affordability stems from both low rents ($705) and a manageable relationship between housing costs and household earnings.
Van Buren leads in value
Van Buren County's $705 rent undercuts most peers, bested only by Unicoi County ($665) while beating Stewart County ($837) and Sullivan County ($850). Combined with the lowest median home value in this group ($149,200), Van Buren offers unmatched affordability for both renters and homebuyers.
Least burdensome housing ratio
Van Buren County households earning $60,281 spend just $705 on rent (14.0%) or $590 on mortgages (11.7%)—the lowest housing allocation of any county here. This leaves maximum income available for food, transportation, healthcare, and savings.
Van Buren: best value in Tennessee
Van Buren County wins on affordability: the lowest rent burden (14.0%) and lowest home values ($149,200) among all eight counties analyzed. If minimizing housing costs is your priority, Van Buren delivers unmatched value compared to peers like Sumner (18.7%) and Sullivan (18.0%).
Cost of Living Advisory: Van Buren County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Van Buren County is affordable. The median rent is $705/month against a median household income of $60,281, putting rent at 14.0% of income.
Rent vs. Own
At $705/month rent versus $590/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $115/month cheaper — a 16% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $28,200/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $25,286/year. With a median household income of $60,281, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 23.0% of renter households in Van Buren County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Van Buren County sits 7% less expensive than Carroll County ($757/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Van Buren County
Rent Burden
14.0%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,407
per month
Owner Cost Burden
11.7%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Van Buren County
Median home value is $149,200. Estimated monthly cost: $1,191 vs. your max of $1,407.
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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