Cost of Living in Blount County, Tennessee
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Blount County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Blount County ranks #1,259 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 40%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Blount County, Tennessee
Blount matches America's income, beats affordability
Blount County's median household income of $74,607 essentially matches the national median of $74,755, yet its rent-to-income ratio of 16.8% beats the national average by roughly 0.6 percentage points. This makes Blount one of Tennessee's most balanced housing markets relative to earnings.
Easiest affordability in Tennessee
Blount's rent-to-income ratio of 16.8% ranks among the lowest in the state, beating Tennessee's average of 17.6% by nearly 1 percentage point. Combined with near-national-average incomes, Blount offers genuine housing relief compared to most other counties surveyed.
Premium prices, premium incomes justify them
Blount's $1,042 median rent and $275,700 median home value are the highest in the region, reflecting a stronger economy and higher-wage jobs. Yet residents actually spend less on rent as a share of income than lower-income counties, thanks to substantially higher earnings.
Wealth creates breathing room
Blount renters spend just 16.8% of their $74,607 income on $1,042 rent, the lowest burden in this survey. Homeownership costs average $969 monthly, reinforcing that higher incomes here allow residents to afford premium housing without strain.
Gateway to East Tennessee prosperity
If job prospects align, Blount County delivers the region's best combination of income and affordable housing, despite higher absolute prices. Professionals relocating from lower-wage areas will find that Blount's wage premium more than compensates for its housing cost premium.
Cost of Living Advisory: Blount County
Affordability Verdict
Blount County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $1,042/month representing approximately 16.8% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 25.0%.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Blount County is $1,042/month, while owner costs run $969/month. Owning saves approximately $73/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $41,680/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $41,529/year. With a median household income of $74,607, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 25.0% of renter households in Blount County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Tennessee, Blount County is more affordable than Dickson County by roughly 7% ($1,042/mo vs $972/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Blount County
Rent Burden
16.8%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,741
per month
Owner Cost Burden
15.6%
of gross income
The median home in Blount County may be a stretch
Median home value is $275,700. Estimated monthly cost: $2,201 vs. your max of $1,741.
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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