Rutherford County, Tennessee

Income Data

+40% vs. Tennessee average
$82,588
Median Household Income
$37,294
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$82,588
+40% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$37,294
-5% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
23.8%
income as % of home value
Rank in Tennessee
#5 / 95
by median household income

How Rutherford County Compares

Rutherford County$82,588
Tennessee Average$58,994
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$82,588
Median Household Income
$37,294
Per Capita Income
$346,400
Median Home Value
23.8%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

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

What is the median household income in Rutherford County, Tennessee?
The median household income in Rutherford County, Tennessee is $82,588, 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 Rutherford County?
The per capita income in Rutherford County is $37,294, 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 $82,588.
How does Rutherford County compare to the Tennessee average?
Rutherford County's median household income of $82,588 is higher than the Tennessee state average of $58,994. The per capita income is $37,294, compared to the state average of $31,458.
What is the per capita income in Rutherford County, Tennessee?
The per capita income in Rutherford County, Tennessee is $37,294, 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.
Why is Rutherford County income higher than the Tennessee average?
Rutherford County's median household income of $82,588 is higher than the Tennessee average of $58,994. This difference of $23,594 can be attributed to factors such as local industry mix, proximity to major employment centers, educational attainment levels, and cost of living. Counties with higher incomes often have a greater concentration of professional and technical occupations.
How does Rutherford County rank for income in Tennessee?
Rutherford County ranks #5 out of 95 counties in Tennessee by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $82,588 and per capita income of $37,294, it falls in the top third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

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County median: $82,588 per year

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vs. State Average

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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.