Cost of Living in Bradley County, Tennessee
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Bradley County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Bradley County ranks #2,237 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 29%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Bradley County, Tennessee
Bradley slightly underperforms on affordability
Bradley County's rent-to-income ratio of 18.0% edges above the national median, with a median household income of $63,789 trailing the US average of $74,755 by 15%. Renters here face moderately elevated affordability pressure compared to typical American households.
Slightly above Tennessee average burden
Bradley's 18.0% rent-to-income ratio ranks slightly above Tennessee's 17.6% state average, placing it in the mid-range of county affordability. The $959 median rent also exceeds the state average of $860, signaling a tighter market than many rural peers.
Similar to Anderson, cheaper than Blount
Bradley's $959 median rent is nearly identical to Anderson County ($960) and substantially lower than Blount County ($1,042), while the $230,800 median home value falls between these two counties. This positions Bradley as a stable mid-market alternative in the region.
Rent and mortgage costs nearly equal
Bradley renters spend 18.0% of their $63,789 income on $959 rent, while homeowners average $953—showing nearly parity between tenure costs. This suggests a market where both renting and buying carry comparable affordability challenges.
Steady mid-market option for region explorers
Bradley offers stable, middle-ground housing costs without the premium prices of Blount or the rural constraints of Benton. Those seeking a reliable East Tennessee community with moderate affordability should seriously evaluate Bradley alongside neighboring Anderson County.
Cost of Living Advisory: Bradley County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Bradley County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $959/month in gross rent, with 28.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Bradley County pay $959/month on average, compared to $953/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 1%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $38,360/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $40,843/year. With a median household income of $63,789, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 28.0% of renter households in Bradley County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Bradley County sits 5% less expensive than Sevier County ($1,013/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Bradley County
Rent Burden
18.0%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,488
per month
Owner Cost Burden
17.9%
of gross income
The median home in Bradley County may be a stretch
Median home value is $230,800. Estimated monthly cost: $1,843 vs. your max of $1,488.
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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