Cost of Living in Rhea County, Tennessee
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Rhea County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Rhea County ranks #1,596 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 49%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Rhea County, Tennessee
Rhea County hovers near Tennessee's affordability baseline
Rhea County's 16.4% rent-to-income ratio sits below Tennessee's state average of 17.6%, indicating relatively favorable rental affordability despite a median household income of $58,133. At $796 monthly rent, Rhea renters dedicate a modest share of earnings to housing compared to state and national benchmarks.
Better-than-average affordability within Tennessee
Rhea County ranks in the upper tier of Tennessee counties for rental affordability, with a rent-to-income ratio meaningfully below the state average. The county's above-median household income combined with moderate rents creates accessible housing conditions for renters.
Mid-range rental costs with solid incomes
Rhea County's $796 median rent sits between Morgan County ($742) and Putnam County ($881), while its median household income of $58,133 ranks among the region's stronger earners. The county offers balanced affordability relative to surrounding East-Central Tennessee peers.
Rent takes 16.4% of median income
Rhea County renters spend $796 monthly—16.4% of their median household income of $58,133—positioning housing costs comfortably below state averages. Homeowners invest $652 monthly on ownership costs for homes valued at $178,500, reflecting a healthy balance between housing costs and income.
Rhea County balances value and community
Families considering relocation should evaluate Rhea County as a solid middle-ground option, offering above-average local incomes and below-average rent burdens compared to Tennessee peers. The county delivers genuine affordability advantages without sacrificing the housing quality found in pricier markets.
Cost of Living Advisory: Rhea County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Rhea County is affordable. The median rent is $796/month against a median household income of $58,133, putting rent at 16.4% of income.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Rhea County is $796/month, while owner costs run $652/month. Owning saves approximately $144/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $31,840/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $27,943/year. With a median household income of $58,133, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 25.0% of renter households in Rhea County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Rhea County sits 7% more expensive than Hawkins County ($744/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Rhea County
Rent Burden
16.4%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,356
per month
Owner Cost Burden
13.5%
of gross income
The median home in Rhea County may be a stretch
Median home value is $178,500. Estimated monthly cost: $1,425 vs. your max of $1,356.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
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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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