Tennessee · 2026 Federal Benchmarks

Cost of Living in Morristown, TN

The median household in Morristown, TN earns $47,917 a year ($3,993/month) according to U.S. Census Bureau ACS data. Benchmark 2-bedroom rent is $1,135/month under HUD Fair Market Rents, requiring an annual income of at least $45,400 under the federal 30% housing rule, with overall consumer prices sitting 13.6% below the national baseline.

Key Economic Benchmarks

Median Household Income

$47,917$3,993 per month · U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year
2-Bedroom Rent$1,135HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rent
Price Parity (RPP)86.4-13.6% vs national baseline
Electricity Rate14.1¢per kWh · EIA Residential TN
Census Population31,527Official resident count

Fair market rent & 30% rule in Morristown, TN

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

Affordable (< 30% of income)
HUD Fair Market Rent$1,135Monthly market rent
Share of gross income28.4%Recommended max: 30%
Annual income needed$45,400To meet the 30% standard
Max affordable rent$1,198At 30% of $47,917
0%30% (Affordability standard)100%
Compare against:

2026 HUD Fair Market Rent Schedule: Morristown, TN

Official FY2026 HUD Fair Market Rents for Morristown, TN HUD Metro FMR Area. 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 Morristown, TN
Unit SizeMonthly RentAnnual Rent30% Rule Min. Income% of Median Income
Studio / Efficiency$881$10,572$35,24022.1%
1-Bedroom Apartment$887$10,644$35,48022.2%
2-Bedroom ApartmentBenchmark$1,135$13,620$45,40028.4%
3-Bedroom Home$1,444$17,328$57,76036.2%
4-Bedroom Home$1,827$21,924$73,08045.8%

See dedicated rental breakdown for Morristown, TN →

50/30/20 Living Budget in Morristown, TN

Based on the local median household income of $47,917/year ($3,993/month), here is how a balanced budget allocates expenses:

Needs (50%)$1,997/moRent ($1,135 2-BR), utilities (~$127/mo), groceries, transit
Wants (30%)$1,198/moDiscretionary spending: dining, leisure, recreation at 86.4 RPP price level
Savings & Debt (20%)$799/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.

$47,917
$15,000$100,000
Filing status:
Gross salary breakdown$47,917
Net 85%
Fed 7%
FICA 8%
Annual take-home$40,681After all taxes
Monthly deposit$3,390Estimated per month
Biweekly paycheck$1,565Every 2 weeks (26/yr)
Effective tax rate15.1%Total tax burden
Federal income tax$3,570 / yr
Tennessee state income taxNo state wage tax$0
FICA (Social Security & Medicare)$3,666 / yr

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Morristown, TN

What is the median household income in Morristown, TN?

According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year survey, the median household income in Morristown, TN is $47,917 per year (approximately $3,993 per month).

What is the average rent in Morristown, TN?

According to HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) benchmarks for 2026, standard monthly rents in Morristown, TN are $881 for a studio, $887 for 1 bedroom, $1,135 for 2 bedrooms, $1,444 for 3 bedrooms, and $1,827 for 4 bedrooms.

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

Based on the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parity index, the general price level in Morristown, TN is 86.4 (13.6% lower than the U.S. national baseline of 100.0).

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

Under the standard 30% housing affordability standard, renting a median 2-bedroom home ($1,135/month) in Morristown, TN requires a minimum gross household income of $45,400 per year ($3,783 per month).

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

For a typical household earning the median income of $47,917/year ($3,993/month) in Morristown, TN, a balanced 50/30/20 budget allocates $1,997/month to essential needs (rent, utilities, groceries), $1,198/month to discretionary spending, and $799/month to savings and debt repayment.

What are typical electricity and utility costs in Morristown, 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.