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
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Knox County ranks #2,482 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 21%)
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.
Cost of Living Advisory: Knox County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Knox County is affordable. The median rent is $1,180/month against a median household income of $71,662, putting rent at 19.8% of income.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Knox County pay $1,180/month on average, compared to $1,088/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 $47,200/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $46,629/year. With a median household income of $71,662, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 29.0% of renter households in Knox County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Knox County sits 7% less expensive than Cheatham County ($1,274/month) in terms of median gross rent.
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
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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