DeKalb County, Tennessee

Income Data

-18% vs. Tennessee average
$48,484
Median Household Income
$28,137
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$48,484
-18% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$28,137
-29% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
23.5%
income as % of home value
Rank in Tennessee
#81 / 95
by median household income

How DeKalb County Compares

DeKalb County$48,484
Tennessee Average$58,994
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$48,484
Median Household Income
$28,137
Per Capita Income
$206,600
Median Home Value
23.5%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in DeKalb County, Tennessee

DeKalb County income falls below national levels

DeKalb County's median household income of $48,484 lags the national median of $74,755 by $26,271—a 35% gap. This significant shortfall reflects rural Tennessee's economic challenges relative to national prosperity.

Below Tennessee's state income average

DeKalb's $48,484 median household income sits 18% below Tennessee's state average of $58,994. Among the state's counties, DeKalb ranks among those facing the most serious income and employment challenges.

Competing with similarly challenged rural neighbors

DeKalb's $48,484 edges out only Decatur County ($46,190) among comparison counties but trails Dyer ($54,973), Crockett ($59,049), and Cumberland ($58,475). DeKalb faces steep earnings competition even within its rural peer group.

Affordable housing with limited purchasing power

DeKalb's 19.1% rent-to-income ratio appears manageable, but the median household income of $48,484 provides constrained purchasing power for other necessities. Median home values of $206,600 stretch the typical buyer's capacity given local earning levels.

Financial resilience through careful planning

DeKalb County residents should prioritize building emergency savings—targeting three to six months of expenses given income volatility in rural areas. Explore state-sponsored matched savings programs and financial counseling services designed to help low-to-moderate income households build wealth.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in DeKalb County, Tennessee?
The median household income in DeKalb County, Tennessee is $48,484, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. This represents the midpoint of all household incomes in the county.
How much do people earn in DeKalb County?
The per capita income in DeKalb County is $28,137, which represents the average income per person across the entire county population. The median household income — which accounts for all earners in a household — is $48,484.
How does DeKalb County compare to the Tennessee average?
DeKalb County's median household income of $48,484 is lower than the Tennessee state average of $58,994. The per capita income is $28,137, compared to the state average of $31,458.
What is the per capita income in DeKalb County, Tennessee?
The per capita income in DeKalb County, Tennessee is $28,137, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. Per capita income is calculated by dividing total personal income by total population, providing an average income figure per resident.
Is DeKalb County a low-income area in Tennessee?
DeKalb County's median household income of $48,484 is below the Tennessee average of $58,994. The per capita income of $28,137 is also lower than the state average of $31,458. Lower incomes can reflect the local economic base, rural vs. urban location, and employment opportunities available in the area.
How does DeKalb County rank for income in Tennessee?
DeKalb County ranks #81 out of 95 counties in Tennessee by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $48,484 and per capita income of $28,137, it falls in the bottom third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in DeKalb County

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Your income is above the DeKalb County median

County median: $48,484 per year

vs. County Median

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vs. State Average

-18%

vs. National Median

-35%

vs. DeKalb County MedianAbout equal
vs. Tennessee Average18% below
vs. National Median35% below

Income Adequacy

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Your monthly income ($4,040) vs. median rent ($773/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.

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Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.