Tennessee Housing Affordability
What it takes to afford a home in Tennessee, using Zillow Research home values and Census income data. Tennessee ranks 30 of 51 states for estimated median-home affordability, with typical values about 5% below the cross-state median.
Tennessee affordability summary
At a typical home value of $338,769 against Census ACS median household income of $67,097, Tennessee scores 18/100 (least affordable) for estimated buying affordability. A starter home runs about $194,499 (income needed ~$62,914); a 3-bedroom family home about $336,759 (income needed ~$108,943).
Sources — Home values & rent: Zillow Research, 2026-06 · Income: U.S. Census ACS. Zillow does not endorse this site.
Affordability by home type in Tennessee
How the same income picture shifts across Zillow price tiers:
| Home type | Est. value | Est. payment | Income needed | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starter (bottom tier) | $194,499 | $1,468 | $62,914 | 56 |
| Median (mid tier) | $338,769 | $2,557 | $109,586 | 18 |
| Family home (3BR) | $336,759 | $2,542 | $108,943 | 18 |
Cities in Tennessee
Major Tennessee cities ranked by estimated buying-affordability score, using Zillow city home values and Census city income.
| # | City | Home value | Est. payment | Income needed | Rent burden | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Memphis · TN | $146,746 | $1,108 | $47,486 | 30% | 57 |
What different incomes can afford in Tennessee
Estimated largest home price affordable at each income (10% down, 6.70% rate), compared with the $338,769 typical home:
| Household income | Est. max home price | Typical home in reach? |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $154,542 | Stretch |
| $75,000 | $231,814 | Stretch |
| $100,000 | $309,085 | Stretch |
| $150,000 | $463,627 | Likely |
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How Tennessee compares nationally
- Affordability rank: 30 of 51 states (least affordable — score 18/100)
- Typical home value is 5% below the cross-state median ($356,887)
- Median household income: $67,097 (Census ACS)
- Estimated rent burden: 2900% of median income goes to median rent — above the 30% cost-burdened threshold
- Starter home income needed: $62,914 vs. family home: $108,943
Nearby & related states
Frequently asked questions
What income do you need to buy a home in Tennessee?
With a typical (mid-tier) Tennessee home around $338,769, the estimated payment is about $2,557/month, which generally calls for a household income near $109,586 (keeping housing close to 28% of gross income). A starter home (~$194,499) lowers that to roughly $62,914. Your real figure depends on down payment, rate, and local taxes — model it on Home Payment Atlas.
Is Tennessee affordable compared with other states?
Tennessee ranks 30 of 51 for estimated median-home buying affordability (score 18/100, least affordable), with home values about 5% below the cross-state median. Compare it on the most affordable states ranking.
What does the affordability score mean for Tennessee?
The score (18/100) compares the estimated income needed to afford a typical Tennessee home with the area median household income. A score above 50 means the median income roughly covers the payment; below 50 means the typical household would need to stretch. Tennessee's score of 18 puts it in the "Least affordable" category — meaning a median-income household would need to spend significantly more than the conventional 28% guideline.
Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Tennessee?
Estimated monthly ownership costs (~$2,557) run about $909 more than the estimated median rent ($1,648), so buyers take on a higher monthly obligation in exchange for building equity. This comparison is directional — actual costs depend on your specific down payment, loan terms, property taxes, insurance, and HOA. Run the full math on Home Payment Atlas.
Where do these Tennessee numbers come from?
Home values are Zillow Research ZHVI (2026-06); rent is the Zillow ZORI index; income is U.S. Census ACS median household income. They are estimates for comparison, not appraisals. Customize the mortgage math on the Tennessee page on Home Payment Atlas.
About these estimates & data sources
Home values and rents reflect Zillow Research data (ZHVI and ZORI, 2026-06). Household income reflects U.S. Census ACS data. All figures are estimates for general comparison, not appraisals or quotes — confirm details before relying on them.
Home values and rent: Zillow Research (ZHVI, ZORI), 2026-06. Geography and FIPS codes: U.S. Census Bureau (Cartographic Boundary Files). Household income: U.S. Census ACS. Detailed payment math: Home Payment Atlas. Zillow does not endorse this site.
Figures are educational estimates only and are not financial, legal, tax, mortgage, or real-estate advice, and not a loan offer. Verify every number with lenders, agents, tax authorities, and official sources. See our methodology and terms & disclaimer.