Cost of Living in Dickson, TN

Population 16,246 · Tennessee · Data vintage 2023

82
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Under 25,000 residents gives Dickson a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $263,000.

Geographically, Dickson is about 35 miles west of Nashville-Davidson, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 31% lower than Nashville-Davidson's $383,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 86
Rent 76

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Dickson

The median home value in Dickson is $263,100 — 14% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $999/month, 24% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $69,074/year is 7% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.4%, 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 71.6°F and lows of 50.1°F, with about 4.7" of annual snowfall. Overall, Dickson has a cost of living index of 82 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 18% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$263,100
14% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$341,138
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$999/mo
24% below avg
Zillow Rent
$1,418/mo
Zillow ZORI
Price-to-Rent Ratio
21.9x
Favors renting
Property Tax Rate
0.7%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$731
1 BR
$809
2 BR
$948
3 BR
$1,265
4 BR
$1,510
Owner-occupied 64.9%
Renter-occupied 35.1%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$999
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,613/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
29.5 min
9% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
7.6%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
79.5%
Carpooled
6.4%
Public transit
1.8%
Walked
0.1%
Bicycle
0.5%
Work from home
7.6%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax (flat) None
Total Sales Tax 9.6%
State rate 7.0%
Avg local rate 2.5%
Property Tax 0.7%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$69,074
7% below avg
Per Capita Income
$36,801
Unemployment Rate
5.4%
12% above avg
Poverty Rate
12.2%
Labor Force Participation
66.4%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 12.3%
Graduate degree 5.8%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 35.7
Male median age 31.9
Female median age 38.7

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
71.6°F
Avg Low
50.1°F
Annual Precip
50.5"
Annual Snowfall
4.7"
30° 48° 65° 83° 100° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 495463738088919084746152
Low °F 303340495866716962503933
Precip" 4.024.474.524.725.024.364.163.793.803.363.864.43
Snow" 2.01.50.70.00.00.00.00.00.00.00.10.4

🏫 Schools

NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data

96%
4-Year Graduation Rate
14.7:1
Student-teacher ratio
18
Public schools
8,240
Total enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Dickson, TN?

Dickson has a cost index of 82 (100 = national average). It is 18% below the national average.

What is average rent in Dickson, TN?

The median gross rent in Dickson is $999 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Dickson?

The median home value in Dickson is $263,100 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Dickson?

The median household income in Dickson is $69,074 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Dickson, TN?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Dickson is 9.6%. Tennessee has no state income tax.

Is Dickson, TN affordable?

Yes, Dickson is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 82 — about 18% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Dickson?

Dickson has average high temperatures of 71.6°F and average lows of 50.1°F. Annual precipitation is 50.5". Average annual snowfall is 4.7". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Dickson at a Glance

Population
16,246
Median Income
$69,074
Home Value
$263,100
Median Rent
$999/mo
Unemployment
5.4%
Avg High Temp
71.6°F
Sales Tax
9.6%
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