Tennessee · 2026 Federal Benchmarks

Cost of Living in Decatur County, TN

The median household in Decatur County, TN earns $45,375 a year ($3,781/month) according to U.S. Census Bureau ACS data. Benchmark 2-bedroom rent is $925/month under HUD Fair Market Rents, requiring an annual income of at least $37,000 under the federal 30% housing rule, with overall consumer prices sitting 8.1% below the national baseline.

Key Economic Benchmarks

Median Household Income

$45,375$3,781 per month · U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year
2-Bedroom Rent$925HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rent
Price Parity (RPP)91.9-8.1% vs national baseline
Electricity Rate14.1¢per kWh · EIA Residential TN
Census Population11,579Official resident count

Fair market rent & 30% rule in Decatur County, TN

Official HUD Fair Market Rents evaluated against local household income benchmarks.

Affordable (< 30% of income)
HUD Fair Market Rent$925Monthly market rent
Share of gross income24.5%Recommended max: 30%
Annual income needed$37,000To meet the 30% standard
Max affordable rent$1,134At 30% of $45,375
0%30% (Affordability standard)100%
Compare against:

2026 HUD Fair Market Rent Schedule: Decatur County, TN

Official FY2026 HUD Fair Market Rents for Decatur County, TN. Under the federal 30% housing affordability standard, housing costs are sustainable when they consume 30% or less of gross household income.

HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rent Schedule for Decatur County, TN
Unit SizeMonthly RentAnnual Rent30% Rule Min. Income% of Median Income
Studio / Efficiency$724$8,688$28,96019.1%
1-Bedroom Apartment$736$8,832$29,44019.5%
2-Bedroom ApartmentBenchmark$925$11,100$37,00024.5%
3-Bedroom Home$1,286$15,432$51,44034%
4-Bedroom Home$1,289$15,468$51,56034.1%

See dedicated rental breakdown for Decatur County, TN →

50/30/20 Living Budget in Decatur County, TN

Based on the local median household income of $45,375/year ($3,781/month), here is how a balanced budget allocates expenses:

Needs (50%)$1,891/moRent ($925 2-BR), utilities (~$127/mo), groceries, transit
Wants (30%)$1,134/moDiscretionary spending: dining, leisure, recreation at 91.9 RPP price level
Savings & Debt (20%)$756/moEmergency fund, 401(k), IRA retirement, student loan and debt reduction

Take-Home Pay & Tax Explorer in Tennessee

Explore net income after federal income tax, FICA, and Tennessee state income tax based on the local median baseline.

$45,375
$15,000$95,000
Filing status:
Gross salary breakdown$45,375
Net 85%
Fed 7%
FICA 8%
Annual take-home$38,639After all taxes
Monthly deposit$3,220Estimated per month
Biweekly paycheck$1,486Every 2 weeks (26/yr)
Effective tax rate14.9%Total tax burden
Federal income tax$3,265 / yr
Tennessee state income taxNo state wage tax$0
FICA (Social Security & Medicare)$3,471 / yr

Compare earnings and living costs across Tennessee with official federal datasets:

Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Decatur County, TN

What is the median household income in Decatur County, TN?

According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year survey, the median household income in Decatur County, TN is $45,375 per year (approximately $3,781 per month).

What is the average rent in Decatur County, TN?

According to HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) benchmarks for 2026, standard monthly rents in Decatur County, TN are $724 for a studio, $736 for 1 bedroom, $925 for 2 bedrooms, $1,286 for 3 bedrooms, and $1,289 for 4 bedrooms.

How does the cost of living in Decatur County, TN compare to the national average?

Based on the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parity index, the general price level in Decatur County, TN is 91.9 (8.1% lower than the U.S. national baseline of 100.0).

How much do you need to earn to comfortably afford rent in Decatur County, TN?

Under the standard 30% housing affordability standard, renting a median 2-bedroom home ($925/month) in Decatur County, TN requires a minimum gross household income of $37,000 per year ($3,083 per month).

What is a balanced 50/30/20 monthly budget in Decatur County, TN?

For a typical household earning the median income of $45,375/year ($3,781/month) in Decatur County, TN, a balanced 50/30/20 budget allocates $1,891/month to essential needs (rent, utilities, groceries), $1,134/month to discretionary spending, and $756/month to savings and debt repayment.

What are typical electricity and utility costs in Decatur County, TN?

Residential electricity rates in Tennessee average 14.1¢ per kWh according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). For an average home using 900 kWh per month, the estimated electric bill is approximately $127 per month.