Cost of Living in Knox County, Tennessee
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Knox County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Knox County, Tennessee
Knox ranks above national affordability pressure
Knox County's 19.8% rent-to-income ratio exceeds the national benchmark, driven by a median rent of $1,180/month—the region's highest. However, the county's strong median household income of $71,662 (nearly at the national average of $74,755) partially absorbs this premium housing cost burden.
Tennessee's least affordable county for renters
Knox County's 19.8% rent-to-income ratio is the worst among all Tennessee counties studied, exceeding the state average of 17.6% by 2.2 percentage points. The median rent of $1,180 dwarfs the state average of $860, reflecting Knox's status as Tennessee's urban affordability outlier.
Dramatically higher costs than all rural peers
Knox's $1,180 median rent vastly exceeds every rural neighbor—$495 above Houston, $541 above Johnson, and $300 above Jefferson. The 19.8% ratio tops every county in the region, making Knox the price leader for housing in this Tennessee market.
High rent and high home values mark the county
Renters in Knox dedicate 19.8% of the $71,662 median income to $1,180/month rent, while homeowners invest 18.2% in monthly ownership costs ($1,088/month). The $279,700 median home value—the region's highest—requires nearly 4.7 years of gross household income, a substantial barrier for first-time buyers.
Knox suits those prioritizing urban opportunities
Knox County's high housing costs reflect Tennessee's strongest urban economy and job market, centered on Knoxville. Relocate here if career growth and urban amenities justify the $1,180 rent and $279,700 median home value, significantly above all rural alternatives.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Knox County
Rent Burden
19.8%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,672
per month
Owner Cost Burden
18.2%
of gross income
The median home in Knox County may be a stretch
Median home value is $279,700. Estimated monthly cost: $2,233 vs. your max of $1,672.
Rent Affordability Guide
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.