Cost of Living in Grainger County, Tennessee
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Grainger County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Grainger County ranks #541 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 17%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Grainger County, Tennessee
Grainger County Slightly Above National Burden
Grainger County's 17.0% rent-to-income ratio is slightly higher than the national average, indicating renters here face marginally tighter housing budgets. With a median household income of $51,351 and $726 monthly rent, the county sits just above national affordability benchmarks.
Grainger Matches Tennessee Affordability
At 17.0%, Grainger County's rent-to-income ratio is nearly identical to Tennessee's 17.6% state average, reflecting typical affordability challenges across the state. Renters pay $134 less monthly than the state median, providing modest cost savings relative to other Tennessee counties.
Mid-Range Rent Among Eastern Counties
Grainger County's $726 median rent positions it between low-cost Fentress County ($614) and higher-cost Hamblen County ($838), offering a rural-county middle ground. This pricing reflects its character as a moderately developed East Tennessee county.
Grainger County Housing Breakdown
Grainger County renters spend 17.0% of their $51,351 median income on $726 housing, a manageable but notable expense. Homeowners invest just 12.1% of income in $518 monthly costs, showing a significant advantage for those who can purchase.
Grainger County for East Tennessee Value
If you're considering East Tennessee relocation with a modest budget, Grainger County's $726 rent and $172,000 median home values offer reasonable middle-ground pricing. Compare it against cheaper Fentress County or pricier Hamblen to gauge your affordability priorities.
Cost of Living Advisory: Grainger County
Affordability Verdict
Grainger County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $726/month — about 17.0% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Grainger County is $726/month, while owner costs run $518/month. Owning saves approximately $208/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $29,040/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $22,200/year. With a median household income of $51,351, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 29.0% of renter households in Grainger County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Grainger County sits 7% less expensive than Bledsoe County ($779/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Grainger County
Rent Burden
17.0%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,198
per month
Owner Cost Burden
12.1%
of gross income
The median home in Grainger County may be a stretch
Median home value is $172,000. Estimated monthly cost: $1,373 vs. your max of $1,198.
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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