Cost of Living in Carter County, Tennessee
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Carter County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Carter County ranks #2,118 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 33%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Carter County, Tennessee
Carter's rent gobbles 18.3% of income
Carter County renters dedicate 18.3% of household income to rent, exceeding the national benchmark by roughly 3 percentage points. While still manageable, this ratio signals that affordable housing is tighter here than in the nation overall, and tighter than many Tennessee counties.
Above average affordability pressure
Carter County's rent-to-income ratio of 18.3% ranks it among the less affordable counties in Tennessee, sitting 0.7 points above the state average of 17.6%. The county's median income of $48,435 is one of the lowest in the state, making housing costs bite harder relative to earnings.
Cheaper rents, but lower wages too
Carter's median rent of $738 undercuts the state average and rivals nearby Cocke County ($787), yet the county's below-average median income means renters feel proportionally more strain. Homebuyers face similar challenges: while the $157,200 median home value is reasonable, financing it on $48,435 in annual household income demands careful budgeting.
Housing consumes growing share
The typical Carter household earns just $48,435 annually and pays $738 in monthly rent or $542 for ownership. That means renters commit 18.3% of gross income to housing, while homeowners spend roughly 13.4%—both manageable individually, but together they paint a picture of modest earnings stretched across multiple obligations.
Expect tight affordability here
Carter County offers low rents and reasonable home prices, but only if you have steady income; wages here lag state and national averages. If you're relocating, compare salary prospects carefully against what you'd earn in higher-cost metro areas before committing to the move.
Cost of Living Advisory: Carter County
Affordability Verdict
Carter County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $738/month — about 18.3% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Carter County pay $738/month on average, compared to $542/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 27%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $29,520/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $23,229/year. With a median household income of $48,435, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 25.0% of renter households in Carter County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Tennessee, Carter County is more affordable than Houston County by roughly 8% ($738/mo vs $685/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Carter County
Rent Burden
18.3%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,130
per month
Owner Cost Burden
13.4%
of gross income
The median home in Carter County may be a stretch
Median home value is $157,200. Estimated monthly cost: $1,255 vs. your max of $1,130.
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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