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
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.
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
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Cocke County, Tennessee?
What is the median rent in Cocke County?
Is Cocke County affordable?
How does Cocke County's rent compare to the state average?
What is the median home value in Cocke County?
Planning a Move?
Researching the cost of living in Cocke County, Tennessee? Compare moving quotes from top providers and save on your relocation.
Compare Moving QuotesCounties with Similar Housing Costs
Compare Mortgage Rates in Cocke County
Whether you're buying your first home or refinancing, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.
See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.