Special Interest
Housing in DeKalb County
Both Census and HUD figures represent gross rent — contract rent plus estimated utility costs for electricity, heat, water, and sewer.
Rent in DeKalb County averages $839/month for a 2‑bedroom in 2024, compared to the Tennessee median of $1,189 and the national median of $1,413. Local renters spend approximately 37% of household income on rent, above the national average of 32%.
HUD 2026 50th Percentile Rent Estimates for DeKalb County FMR Area are $784 for a studio, $790 for 1‑bedroom, $1,036 for 2‑bedroom, $1,242 for 3‑bedroom, and $1,666 for 4‑bedroom.
HUD 2026 Rent Estimates reflect market movement since 2024 Census data — a $197 increase for a 2-bedroom in DeKalb County shows a 23% rise over that period.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics annual unemployment rate for DeKalb County was 4.1% in 2024, compared to Tennessee at 3.4% and the national rate of 4.0%.
