Lake County, Tennessee

Income Data

-48% vs. Tennessee average
$30,500
Median Household Income
$16,275
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$30,500
-48% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$16,275
-59% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
28.5%
income as % of home value
Rank in Tennessee
#95 / 95
by median household income

How Lake County Compares

Lake County$30,500
Tennessee Average$58,994
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$30,500
Median Household Income
$16,275
Per Capita Income
$107,000
Median Home Value
28.5%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Lake County, Tennessee

Lake faces acute income crisis

Lake County's median household income of $30,500 trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by a staggering 59.2%—among the lowest in America. This severe disparity reflects extreme economic distress and limited employment opportunities.

Tennessee's poorest county by income

Lake County ranks as Tennessee's lowest-income county, with $30,500 falling 48.3% below the state average of $58,994. Per capita income of $16,275 is just 51.7% of the state's $31,458 average, signaling systemic economic collapse.

Isolated in poverty among all peers

Lake County's $30,500 falls catastrophically below all neighboring counties: Jackson ($41,475), Houston ($54,475), Hickman ($57,223), and Humphreys ($59,333). No regional county comes close to Lake's income deprivation.

Housing costs dominate household budgets

Lake County's 18.6% rent-to-income ratio masks the true burden: with such low incomes, even modest housing costs consume substantial portions of earnings after basic necessities. The median home value of $107,000 is difficult to afford without substantial assistance.

Access emergency assistance and training

Lake County residents should immediately explore federal poverty assistance programs, food banks, and emergency aid. Workforce development programs, community college training in high-demand fields, and job placement services are critical first steps toward economic stability and future wealth building.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Lake County, Tennessee?
The median household income in Lake County, Tennessee is $30,500, 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 Lake County?
The per capita income in Lake County is $16,275, 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 $30,500.
How does Lake County compare to the Tennessee average?
Lake County's median household income of $30,500 is lower than the Tennessee state average of $58,994. The per capita income is $16,275, compared to the state average of $31,458.
What is the per capita income in Lake County, Tennessee?
The per capita income in Lake County, Tennessee is $16,275, 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 Lake County a low-income area in Tennessee?
Lake County's median household income of $30,500 is below the Tennessee average of $58,994. The per capita income of $16,275 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 Lake County rank for income in Tennessee?
Lake County ranks #95 out of 95 counties in Tennessee by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $30,500 and per capita income of $16,275, it falls in the bottom third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Lake County

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Your income is above the Lake County median

County median: $30,500 per year

vs. County Median

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vs. State Average

-48%

vs. National Median

-59%

vs. Lake County MedianAbout equal
vs. Tennessee Average48% below
vs. National Median59% below

Income Adequacy

Monthly income covers median rent5.4x

Your monthly income ($2,542) vs. median rent ($472/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.