Rutherford County, Tennessee
Income Data
U.S. Census Bureau ACSAt a Glance
Economic Indicators
How Rutherford County Compares
Detailed Income Statistics
Income Advisory: Rutherford County
Income Verdict
Rutherford County has a median household income of $82,588 and per capita income of $37,294 — a gap of $45,294, indicating a strong family-earning economy with multiple earners per household.
Housing Affordability
With median gross rent at $1,405/month and a median household income of $82,588, rent consumes approximately 20.4% of monthly income — well within affordable thresholds.
Economic Context
A median household income of $82,588 suggests moderate-to-strong purchasing power, generally sufficient to cover essentials with room for discretionary spending in most markets. Per capita income of $37,294 is in line with national norms for individual earners.
Neighbor Context
Rutherford County earns approximately 40% above the Tennessee state median household income of $58,994, positioning it favorably within the state.
Data Story
About Household Income in Rutherford County, Tennessee
Rutherford leads nation in income growth
Rutherford County's median household income of $82,588 surpasses the national median of $74,755 by nearly 11%, ranking it among the country's top earners. This premium reflects Murfreesboro's status as a regional job hub and education center.
Rutherford dominates Tennessee rankings
Rutherford County ranks in Tennessee's top 5% with a median household income of $82,588, nearly 40% above the state average of $58,994. The county's economic engine—anchored by Middle Tennessee State University and manufacturing—drives consistent wage growth.
Rutherford pulls ahead of all peers
Rutherford's $82,588 income is the highest among these eight counties, outpacing Robertson ($78,439) by $4,149 and Roane ($66,218) by $16,370. This leadership reflects aggressive suburban development and talent attraction in the Nashville corridor.
Rising costs test household budgets
Rutherford's rent-to-income ratio of 20.4% is the highest among profiled counties, driven by a median home value of $346,400. While incomes are strong, households must carefully manage the $70,400 annual housing cost relative to earnings.
Leverage Rutherford's income momentum
Rutherford's above-average earnings and job growth make it an ideal environment for aggressive wealth-building strategies. Maximize employer retirement matching, invest in taxable brokerage accounts once tax-advantaged vehicles are full, and consider real estate wealth-building opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Income Comparison Calculator
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Your income is above the Rutherford County median
County median: $82,588 per year
vs. County Median
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vs. State Average
+40%
vs. National Median
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Income Adequacy
Your monthly income ($6,882) vs. median rent ($1,405/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.
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Compare RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.