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Cost of Living in Polk County, TN

Population 17,898 · Census ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimates

Median rent$676
Median home value$169,900
Median household income$62,522

The median rent in Polk County, TN is $676/month, 43% lower than the Tennessee median and 52% lower than the U.S. median. The median home value is $169,900, 49% lower than the national median. Households earn a median of $62,522 a year, 10% lower than the state median.

Affordability

Rent as a share of median income: 13.0%
Income needed for median rent (30% rule): $27,040/yr
Home price-to-income ratio: 2.7×
Est. mortgage on the median home (20% down, 6.5% for 30 yrs, principal + interest): $859/mo

Run your own numbers: mortgage calculator · hourly to salary

Polk County vs. Tennessee vs. U.S.

Polk CountyTennesseeU.S.
Median rent$676$1,189$1,413
Median home value$169,900$286,700$332,700
Median household income$62,522$69,595$80,734
Homeownership rate83.6%66.9%65.2%
Bachelor's degree or higher16.6%31.1%35.7%
Poverty rate13.9%13.8%12.5%
Unemployment rate5.3%4.7%5.2%
Work from home8.3%12.9%15.1%
Median age46.938.938.9

FAQ

What is the average rent in Polk County, TN?

The median gross rent in Polk County, TN is $676 per month (ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimate).

How much do I need to earn to live in Polk County, TN?

Using the common 30% rule, renting a median-priced home takes about $27,040 a year in gross income.

Is Polk County, TN expensive to live in?

Rent there is 52% lower than the U.S. median, and the median home costs about 2.7 times the median household income.

Other counties in Tennessee

Shelby County, TNRent $1,232 · Income $63,767Davidson County, TNRent $1,582 · Income $77,853Knox County, TNRent $1,261 · Income $74,222Hamilton County, TNRent $1,253 · Income $76,183Rutherford County, TNRent $1,502 · Income $85,470Williamson County, TNRent $1,969 · Income $135,594

Counties with a similar cost of living

Macon County, MORent $672 · Income $62,357Perry County, INRent $682 · Income $61,151Smith County, MSRent $664 · Income $60,916Pike County, ILRent $676 · Income $59,777Monroe County, OHRent $672 · Income $60,134Bollinger County, MORent $694 · Income $63,814

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates. Estimates have margins of error, especially for smaller places. This product uses the Census Bureau Data API but is not endorsed or certified by the Census Bureau.

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