IncomeBy County

Houston County, Tennessee

Income Data

U.S. Census Bureau ACS
-8% vs. Tennessee average
$54,475
Median Household Income
$30,169
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$54,475
-8% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$30,169
-24% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
36.3%
income as % of home value
Rank in Tennessee
#56 / 95
by median household income

Economic Indicators

Unemployment Rate
N/A
Labor Force Participation
N/A

How Houston County Compares

Houston County$54,475
Tennessee Average$58,994
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$54,475
Median Household Income
$30,169
Per Capita Income
$150,100
Median Home Value
36.3%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Income Advisory: Houston County

Income Verdict

Houston County has a median household income of $54,475 and per capita income of $30,169 — a gap of $24,306, suggesting a typical mix of dual-income and single-earner households.

Housing Affordability

With median gross rent at $685/month and a median household income of $54,475, rent consumes approximately 15.1% of monthly income — well within affordable thresholds.

Economic Context

With a median household income of $54,475, residents of Houston County likely face budget constraints in higher-cost regions but may find cost of living manageable locally. Per capita income of $30,169 is in line with national norms for individual earners.

Neighbor Context

Houston County earns approximately 7.7% below the Tennessee state median household income of $58,994.

Data Story

About Household Income in Houston County, Tennessee

Houston lags far behind national median

Houston County's median household income of $54,475 falls 27.1% short of the U.S. median of $74,755, marking one of the steeper income gaps in the nation. This disparity reflects limited job diversity and wage stagnation in smaller rural economies.

Among Tennessee's lowest-income counties

At $54,475, Houston ranks below Tennessee's state average of $58,994 and sits among the lower 30% of the state's counties by median household income. Per capita income of $30,169 also falls short of the state's $31,458 average.

Lowest income in immediate area

Houston County's $54,475 median income trails nearby Hickman County ($57,223) and Humphreys County ($59,333), positioning it as the income laggard in this rural cluster. Only Jackson County's $41,475 falls further below.

Housing costs well-managed

Houston County's 15.1% rent-to-income ratio is among the best in the state, meaning renters spend just over one-seventh of earnings on housing. The median home value of $150,100 is notably affordable relative to local incomes.

Leverage affordability for savings

Houston's low cost of living—especially housing—offers residents a rare advantage: the ability to save more despite lower wages. Even modest contributions to emergency funds and retirement accounts compound over time and build long-term security.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Houston County, Tennessee?
The median household income in Houston County, Tennessee is $54,475, 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 Houston County?
The per capita income in Houston County is $30,169, 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 $54,475.
How does Houston County compare to the Tennessee average?
Houston County's median household income of $54,475 is lower than the Tennessee state average of $58,994. The per capita income is $30,169, compared to the state average of $31,458.
What is the per capita income in Houston County, Tennessee?
The per capita income in Houston County, Tennessee is $30,169, 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 Houston County a low-income area in Tennessee?
Houston County's median household income of $54,475 is below the Tennessee average of $58,994. The per capita income of $30,169 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 Houston County rank for income in Tennessee?
Houston County ranks #56 out of 95 counties in Tennessee by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $54,475 and per capita income of $30,169, it falls in the middle third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Houston County

$
1.00x

Your income is above the Houston County median

County median: $54,475 per year

vs. County Median

+0%

vs. State Average

-8%

vs. National Median

-27%

vs. Houston County MedianAbout equal
vs. Tennessee Average▼ 8% below
vs. National Median▼ 27% below

Income Adequacy

Monthly income covers median rent6.6x

Your monthly income ($4,540) vs. median rent ($685/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.

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Counties with Similar Income Levels

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$54,458
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Monroe County
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$54,508
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Walker County
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$54,509
+0%
Edmonson County
Kentucky
$54,512
+0%
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By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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

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