Cost of Living in Lake County, Tennessee
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Lake County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Lake County, Tennessee
Lake County faces extreme national poverty
Lake County's median household income of $30,500 is less than 41% of the national average, making it one of America's poorest counties. The 18.6% rent-to-income ratio masks severe underlying deprivation: despite the lowest median rent ($472/month) in the region, residents struggle with the lowest incomes and most limited economic opportunity.
Tennessee's poorest county with strained housing
Lake County's $30,500 median household income ranks as Tennessee's lowest among counties studied, while its 18.6% rent-to-income ratio sits above the state average of 17.6%. This combination reflects a poverty crisis where even modest rents ($472/month) consume disproportionate shares of severely limited household earnings.
Cheapest rent, but bleakest economic picture
Lake's $472 median rent is the region's lowest by far—$213 below Houston and $332 below Jefferson—yet the county's $30,500 income dwarfs all neighbors by 37-52%. No amount of low rent compensates for the county's systemic poverty and lack of robust employment options.
Renters stretched despite lowest rents anywhere
Lake County renters dedicate 18.6% of the $30,500 median income to $472/month rent—a theoretical bargain that nonetheless consumes nearly a fifth of severely limited earnings. Homeowners fare comparatively better at 22% ($559/month), and the $107,000 median home value represents 3.5 years of gross income—daunting for a county with minimal economic mobility.
Lake County requires careful economic assessment
While Lake County offers the region's cheapest rent ($472/month), its extreme poverty and limited job market create serious relocation risks. Consider this county only if you have secure outside income, remote employment, or strong ties to a specific employer—low rent alone cannot offset systemic economic challenges.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Lake County
Rent Burden
18.6%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$712
per month
Owner Cost Burden
22.0%
of gross income
The median home in Lake County may be a stretch
Median home value is $107,000. Estimated monthly cost: $854 vs. your max of $712.
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.