Cost of Living in Anderson County, Tennessee
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Anderson County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Anderson County ranks #2,082 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 34%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Anderson County, Tennessee
Anderson rents slightly above US average
Anderson County residents spend 18.2% of their income on rent, edging out the national median of roughly 17%. At a median household income of $63,171—about 15% below the national average of $74,755—renters here face steeper affordability pressure than typical American households.
Middle of the pack statewide
Anderson's rent-to-income ratio of 18.2% ranks slightly above Tennessee's state average of 17.6%, placing it in the moderate affordability zone among the state's counties. The $960 median rent here also exceeds the state average of $860 by about 12%.
Pricier than Campbell, easier than Blount
Anderson's median rent of $960 sits between nearby Campbell County ($715) and Blount County ($1,042), reflecting its position as a mid-tier housing market in East Tennessee. Homebuyers face similar pressure: Anderson's median home value of $215,800 falls below Blount County's $275,700 but exceeds Campbell's $169,500.
Rent claims more than homeownership
At $960 monthly, rent consumes 18.2% of Anderson income, while mortgage costs average $878—a pattern reflecting cheaper homeownership. For renters earning the county median, housing accounts for nearly one in five dollars.
Consider your tenure before deciding
If you're a renter, explore Campbell County's lower $715 median rent before committing to Anderson's $960. Prospective homebuyers may find better value in Campbell ($169,500 median home) while still staying close to comparable income levels across the region.
Cost of Living Advisory: Anderson County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Anderson County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $960/month in gross rent, with 27.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Anderson County is $960/month, while owner costs run $878/month. Owning saves approximately $82/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $38,400/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $37,629/year. With a median household income of $63,171, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 27.0% of renter households in Anderson County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Sevier County where rent averages $1,013/month, Anderson County is approximately 5% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Anderson County
Rent Burden
18.2%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,474
per month
Owner Cost Burden
16.7%
of gross income
The median home in Anderson County may be a stretch
Median home value is $215,800. Estimated monthly cost: $1,723 vs. your max of $1,474.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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