Cost of Living in Bolivar, TN
Population 5,171 · Tennessee · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Bolivar's median household income of $38,575 is a meaningful share below the national figure, which shapes most of the downstream economic indicators — from housing affordability to the share of residents living below the poverty line (25% here). At 16.4%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Bolivar is about 55 miles east of Memphis, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 13% lower than Memphis' $157,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Bolivar
The median home value in Bolivar is $136,000 — 55% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $827/month, 37% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $38,575/year is 48% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 16.4%, above the national average of 4.8%. Tennessee charges no state income tax, a meaningful advantage for take-home pay. The climate averages highs of 71.0°F and lows of 48.9°F. Overall, Bolivar has a cost of living index of 52 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 48% less expensive.
Bolivar has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 49 | 53 | 62 | 72 | 80 | 87 | 90 | 90 | 84 | 73 | 61 | 51 |
| Low °F | 29 | 33 | 40 | 48 | 58 | 66 | 69 | 67 | 60 | 48 | 38 | 32 |
| Precip" | 4.07 | 4.40 | 5.55 | 5.12 | 5.58 | 4.76 | 4.37 | 3.53 | 3.58 | 3.63 | 4.33 | 5.01 |
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Bolivar, TN?
Bolivar has a cost index of 52 (100 = national average). It is 48% below the national average.
What is average rent in Bolivar, TN?
The median gross rent in Bolivar is $827 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Bolivar?
The median home value in Bolivar is $136,000 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Bolivar?
The median household income in Bolivar is $38,575 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Bolivar, TN?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Bolivar is 9.6%. Tennessee has no state income tax.
Is Bolivar, TN affordable?
Yes, Bolivar is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 52 — about 48% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Bolivar?
Bolivar has average high temperatures of 71.0°F and average lows of 48.9°F. Annual precipitation is 53.9". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Bolivar at a Glance
- Population
- 5,171
- Median Income
- $38,575
- Home Value
- $136,000
- Median Rent
- $827/mo
- Unemployment
- 16.4%
- Avg High Temp
- 71.0°F
- Sales Tax
- 9.6%
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Explore county-level cost of living data
Tennessee Rankings
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