Cost of Living in Williamson County, Tennessee
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Williamson County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Williamson County ranks #530 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 17%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Williamson County, Tennessee
Williamson County: Prosperity Comes at a Price
Williamson County renters spend 17.3% of income on housing—slightly above Tennessee's 17.6% state average despite paying $1,895 monthly, the highest in this cluster. The county's exceptional median household income of $131,202 makes these premium rents manageable, but only for affluent households well above regional norms.
High Costs, Supported by High Incomes
Williamson County's 17.3% ratio appears reasonable on paper, but reflects an economy serving households earning nearly double Tennessee's median income. This county operates in a different affordability universe than surrounding rural and small-town communities, driven by Nashville-area prosperity.
Wealth Premium Across Housing Markets
Williamson County's $1,895 rent and $673,700 median home value dwarf every neighbor—Washington ($951/$231,700) and Wilson ($1,370/$397,000) pale by comparison. The county commands a wealth premium reflecting its status as an affluent Nashville suburb with strong regional job markets.
Affluent Living Carries Affluent Costs
Renters pay $1,895 monthly while homeowners carry $2,024 on homes valued near $674,000—figures that would burden typical Tennesseans but represent reasonable proportions of Williamson County's exceptional incomes. The county's 17.3% housing ratio masks absolute costs that exclude most working-class households from this market.
Williamson County: For High Earners Only
Relocating to Williamson County makes sense only if your salary aligns with the $131,202 county median or higher—otherwise housing costs will overwhelm your budget. Consider this county a destination for executives and professionals; working-class households should explore more accessible alternatives in surrounding areas.
Cost of Living Advisory: Williamson County
Affordability Verdict
Williamson County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $1,895/month — about 17.3% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
At $1,895/month rent versus $2,024/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $129/month cheaper — a 6% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $75,800/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $86,743/year. With a median household income of $131,202, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 28.0% of renter households in Williamson County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Davidson County where rent averages $1,485/month, Williamson County is approximately 28% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Williamson County
Rent Burden
17.3%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$3,061
per month
Owner Cost Burden
18.5%
of gross income
The median home in Williamson County may be a stretch
Median home value is $673,700. Estimated monthly cost: $5,378 vs. your max of $3,061.
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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