Cost of Living in Claiborne County, Tennessee
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Claiborne County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Claiborne County ranks #292 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 9%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Claiborne County, Tennessee
Claiborne renters feel affordability squeeze
Claiborne County renters spend 19.0% of household income on rent, the highest ratio in our eight-county sample and well above both the national and state averages. With median household income of just $46,587, this county faces genuine housing affordability strain despite its rock-bottom median rent of $736.
Least affordable county in sample
At 19.0%, Claiborne's rent-to-income ratio exceeds Tennessee's state average by 1.4 percentage points and ranks as the worst affordability in our dataset. The challenge stems not from high rents but from the county's substantially below-average household income, which leaves residents with less money after housing costs.
Cheapest rents, but lowest income
Claiborne's $736 median rent is competitive with nearby Carroll ($757) and lower than Cocke ($787), yet the county's median income of $46,587 trails nearly every peer. This income-to-cost mismatch means Claiborne offers the cheapest housing in raw dollars but demands the largest percentage of often-stretched paychecks.
Income gap drives affordability crisis
Claiborne's median household earns $46,587 annually and pays $736 for rent or $536 for ownership, consuming 19.0% and 13.8% of income respectively. While homeownership costs remain manageable, renters here struggle most acutely—a sign that housing assistance and wage growth are urgent needs in this community.
Low cost demands steady income
Claiborne County offers the cheapest rents in this region, but only relocate if you have solid employment prospects or remote income; household earnings lag state and national averages. Verify that any job opportunity in Claiborne pays competitively before committing, since affordable housing alone won't offset below-average wages.
Cost of Living Advisory: Claiborne County
Affordability Verdict
Claiborne County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $736/month representing approximately 19.0% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 27.0%.
Rent vs. Own
At $736/month rent versus $536/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $200/month cheaper — a 27% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $29,440/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $22,971/year. With a median household income of $46,587, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 27.0% of renter households in Claiborne County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Tennessee, Claiborne County is less affordable than Cocke County by roughly 6% ($736/mo vs $787/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Claiborne County
Rent Burden
19.0%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,087
per month
Owner Cost Burden
13.8%
of gross income
The median home in Claiborne County may be a stretch
Median home value is $148,000. Estimated monthly cost: $1,182 vs. your max of $1,087.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
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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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