Cost of Living in Cocke County, Tennessee
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Cocke County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Cocke County ranks #2,197 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 30%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Cocke County, Tennessee
Cocke renters face tightest squeeze
Cocke County renters dedicate 19.5% of household income to rent—the second-highest ratio in our sample and well above the national average. With a median household income of $48,416 and median rent of $787, Cocke residents feel significant affordability pressure despite modest absolute rent levels.
Notably worse than Tennessee average
At 19.5%, Cocke's rent-to-income ratio exceeds Tennessee's state average of 17.6% by nearly 2 percentage points, signaling real affordability stress. The county's below-average household income combined with higher-than-average rent creates a challenging equation for renters here.
Rent creep in a rural county
Cocke's $787 median rent is higher than most rural peers like Carroll ($757), Chester ($714), and Clay ($546), yet the county's median income of $48,416 is among the lowest. This mismatch—higher housing costs meeting lower incomes—makes Cocke one of the least affordable options in this rural group.
Renters squeezed, owners stable
Cocke's median household earns $48,416 annually and pays $787 for rent or $575 for ownership, consuming 19.5% and 14.3% of gross income respectively. Homeowners fare better, but renters here commit a larger share of paychecks to housing than in nearly any other county in this sample.
Weigh rents carefully against income
Cocke County's scenic mountain location attracts newcomers, but renters should note the county's 19.5% rent-to-income ratio—the second-worst in our sample. If you're relocating here, prioritize purchasing a home or securing income above the county median; renting will consume a strain-level share of your paycheck.
Cost of Living Advisory: Cocke County
Affordability Verdict
Cocke County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $787/month representing approximately 19.5% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 24.0%.
Rent vs. Own
At $787/month rent versus $575/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $212/month cheaper — a 27% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $31,480/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $24,643/year. With a median household income of $48,416, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 24.0% of renter households in Cocke County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Claiborne County where rent averages $736/month, Cocke County is approximately 7% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Cocke County
Rent Burden
19.5%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,130
per month
Owner Cost Burden
14.3%
of gross income
The median home in Cocke County may be a stretch
Median home value is $141,800. Estimated monthly cost: $1,132 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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