Cost of Living in Shelby County, TN
Population 919,173 · Census ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimates
The median rent in Shelby County, TN is $1,232/month, 4% higher than the Tennessee median and 13% lower than the U.S. median. The median home value is $249,100, 25% lower than the national median. Households earn a median of $63,767 a year, 8% lower than the state median.
Affordability
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Shelby County vs. Tennessee vs. U.S.
| Shelby County | Tennessee | U.S. | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median rent | $1,232 | $1,189 | $1,413 |
| Median home value | $249,100 | $286,700 | $332,700 |
| Median household income | $63,767 | $69,595 | $80,734 |
| Homeownership rate | 54.1% | 66.9% | 65.2% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 34.3% | 31.1% | 35.7% |
| Poverty rate | 17.8% | 13.8% | 12.5% |
| Unemployment rate | 7.2% | 4.7% | 5.2% |
| Work from home | 10.8% | 12.9% | 15.1% |
| Median age | 35.9 | 38.9 | 38.9 |
FAQ
What is the average rent in Shelby County, TN?
The median gross rent in Shelby County, TN is $1,232 per month (ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimate).
How much do I need to earn to live in Shelby County, TN?
Using the common 30% rule, renting a median-priced home takes about $49,280 a year in gross income.
Is Shelby County, TN expensive to live in?
Rent there is 13% lower than the U.S. median, and the median home costs about 3.9 times the median household income.
Other counties in Tennessee
Counties with a similar cost of living
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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