Cost of Living in Fentress County, Tennessee
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Fentress County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Fentress County ranks #915 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 29%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Fentress County, Tennessee
Fentress County Beats National Affordability
With a rent-to-income ratio of 14.5%, Fentress County is significantly more affordable than the national average, where renters typically spend a higher share of earnings on housing. At a median household income of $50,865, local renters are paying just $614 monthly—well below what families earn nationally, creating genuine breathing room in household budgets.
A Tennessee Affordability Leader
Fentress County ranks among the most affordable counties in Tennessee, with its 14.5% rent-to-income ratio beating the state average of 17.6%. Renters here spend $246 less monthly than the statewide median rent of $860, positioning this county as a relative haven for cost-conscious Tennesseans.
Cheapest Rent in Its Region
Fentress County's $614 median rent is the lowest among comparable rural Tennessee counties, undercutting Grainger County ($726) and Greene County ($713) by significant margins. This cost advantage makes Fentress particularly attractive for renters prioritizing low monthly obligations.
Where Your Dollar Goes in Fentress
Renters in Fentress County dedicate 14.5% of their $50,865 median household income to housing, leaving substantial income for other necessities and savings. Homeowners fare even better, with monthly costs of $506 representing just 11.9% of household income—among the lowest owner-cost burdens in the state.
Consider Fentress for Rural Affordability
If you're exploring Tennessee relocation and prioritize low housing costs, Fentress County delivers both low rent and affordable homeownership. Compare its $614 median rent and $151,800 median home values against pricier neighbors to see how much your income stretches here.
Cost of Living Advisory: Fentress County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Fentress County is affordable. The median rent is $614/month against a median household income of $50,865, putting rent at 14.5% of income.
Rent vs. Own
At $614/month rent versus $506/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $108/month cheaper — a 18% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $24,560/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $21,686/year. With a median household income of $50,865, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 29.0% of renter households in Fentress County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Tennessee, Fentress County is less affordable than Unicoi County by roughly 8% ($614/mo vs $665/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Fentress County
Rent Burden
14.5%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,187
per month
Owner Cost Burden
11.9%
of gross income
The median home in Fentress County may be a stretch
Median home value is $151,800. Estimated monthly cost: $1,212 vs. your max of $1,187.
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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