Cost of Living in Greene County, Tennessee
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Greene County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Greene County ranks #1,268 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 40%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Greene County, Tennessee
Greene County Beats National Affordability
Greene County's 15.8% rent-to-income ratio outperforms the national average, giving renters meaningful financial relief compared to typical U.S. households. With a $54,071 median income and $713 monthly rent, Greene renters enjoy solid affordability relative to national norms.
Greene County Among Tennessee's Most Affordable
At 15.8%, Greene County significantly beats Tennessee's 17.6% state average, ranking among the state's more affordable housing markets. Renters here pay $147 less monthly than the state median, providing substantial savings for cost-conscious Tennesseans.
Low-Cost Option in East Tennessee
Greene County's $713 median rent is competitive with rural peers, matching Grainger County and undercutting Hamblen County ($838) substantially. This affordability makes Greene an attractive option for renters prioritizing low housing costs.
Greene County Cost Allocation
Greene County renters allocate 15.8% of their $54,071 median income to $713 housing, preserving strong purchasing power for other needs. Homeowners spend 14.5% of income on $654 monthly costs, among the lowest owner-affordability ratios in the state.
Greene County Offers East Tennessee Value
If you're relocating to East Tennessee and want genuine affordability, Greene County's $713 median rent and $186,400 median home values deliver strong value. Compare it against slightly cheaper Fentress or pricier urban counties to find your ideal cost-of-living match.
Cost of Living Advisory: Greene County
Affordability Verdict
Greene County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $713/month — about 15.8% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Greene County pay $713/month on average, compared to $654/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 8%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $28,520/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $28,029/year. With a median household income of $54,071, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 24.0% of renter households in Greene County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Tennessee, Greene County is less affordable than Roane County by roughly 7% ($713/mo vs $767/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Greene County
Rent Burden
15.8%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,262
per month
Owner Cost Burden
14.5%
of gross income
The median home in Greene County may be a stretch
Median home value is $186,400. Estimated monthly cost: $1,488 vs. your max of $1,262.
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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