Unaffordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Hickory Valley?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Hickory Valley, you need to earn at least $43,720/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $30,714, which means the typical resident is $13,006 below the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 139

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$765	$2,550	$30,600	$-114
1 Bedroom	$907	$3,023	$36,280	+$5,566
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,093	$3,643	$43,720	+$13,006
3 Bedroom	$1,333	$4,443	$53,320	+$22,606
4 Bedroom	$1,640	$5,467	$65,600	+$34,886

Affordability Breakdown

Where the required salary line crosses above Hickory Valley's median income — housing becomes unaffordable for the typical resident.

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$30,714

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$43,720

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

-$13,006

Deficit

Verdict

Unaffordable

Ratio: 42.7%

The 30% Rule Calculator

Enter your annual salary to see what you can afford in Hickory Valley

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Hickory Valley's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$768

Studio

$765/mo

1 BR

$907/mo

2 BR

$1,093/mo

3 BR

$1,333/mo

4 BR

$1,640/mo

Your salary is $0 above the median income in Hickory Valley.

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

Bars left of the marker line are affordable for Hickory Valley's median earner. Bars to the right require above-median income.

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Hickory Valley

Renting in Hickory Valley is unaffordable for most median earners. The $13,006 income gap means a 2-bedroom at $1,093/month requires significant above-median earnings or a dual-income household to be sustainable.

For those committed to Hickory Valley, the realistic options are: (1) target a studio at $765/month, which requires $30,600/year — closer to the median; (2) find a roommate for a 2-bedroom, cutting individual costs to ~$547/month; or (3) negotiate remote work and live in a more affordable Tennessee city.

To live comfortably in Hickory Valley without financial strain, you realistically need a household income of $65,580 or higher. This isn't just about rent — it accounts for Tennessee's overall cost of living including transportation, food, and healthcare.

Economic Outlook

Local Job Market & Housing Dynamics

Affording rent isn't just about housing prices—it's heavily dependent on local employment opportunities and the strength of the job market in Hickory Valley, Tennessee.

With a total population of 139, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 74 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $43,720 annual salary. The ratio of employed residents to the total population provides insight into the local economic health and competition for both jobs and housing.

Employed Workforce

Active civilian employees in Hickory Valley

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Hickory Valley

What salary do I need to live in Hickory Valley, Tennessee?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Hickory Valley under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $43,720. The median household income in Hickory Valley is $30,714.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Hickory Valley on $30,714?

The affordability verdict for Hickory Valley is "Unaffordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 42.7%, meaning there's a $13,006 income gap.

What is the average rent in Hickory Valley compared to median income?

The median gross rent in Hickory Valley is $907/month. With a median household income of $30,714, residents spend approximately 42.7% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Hickory Valley?

A studio in Hickory Valley rents for approximately $765/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $30,600 to afford this.

Is Hickory Valley considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the deficit of $13,006 and an affordability verdict of "Unaffordable", Hickory Valley is considered a unaffordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $43,720 to the local median household income.

How Hickory Valley Compares

Other cities in Tennessee with salary requirements