Cost of Living in Roane County, Tennessee
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Roane County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Roane County ranks #1,294 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 41%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Roane County, Tennessee
Roane's rent stays well below national strain
At 13.9%, Roane County's rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below the national comfort threshold of 15%, meaning renters here spend a smaller share of earnings on housing than most Americans. The county's median household income of $66,218 falls just slightly below the national median of $74,755, yet residents pay substantially less for housing.
Roane ranks among Tennessee's most affordable
Roane County's 13.9% rent-to-income ratio beats Tennessee's state average of 17.6% by nearly 4 percentage points, placing it in the state's more affordable tier. With a median rent of $767, the county undercuts the state average of $860 by nearly $100 per month.
Roane offers genuine relief to renters
Compared to neighboring Sevier County's $1,013 monthly rent, Roane's $767 represents a meaningful $246 monthly savings for renters. Scott County to the west is the only close peer, though Scott's lower income levels ($42,679) make its cheaper rents less of a true advantage.
Housing takes modest bite from budgets
Roane residents spend roughly $767 on rent or $842 on mortgages against a median income of $66,218 annually—leaving substantial room in household budgets for other expenses. Combined renter and owner costs average about 16% of gross income, well within affordability guidelines.
Roane County welcomes budget-conscious renters
If you're relocating from higher-cost regions, Roane County offers rare affordability without requiring the trade-offs of income or access found in cheaper Appalachian counties. Test the market: compare your current housing costs against Roane's $767 rent and $212,300 median home value to see your potential savings.
Cost of Living Advisory: Roane County
Affordability Verdict
Roane County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $767/month — about 13.9% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
At $767/month rent versus $842/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $75/month cheaper — a 9% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $30,680/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $36,086/year. With a median household income of $66,218, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 28.0% of renter households in Roane County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Tennessee, Roane County is more affordable than Decatur County by roughly 7% ($767/mo vs $716/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Roane County
Rent Burden
13.9%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,545
per month
Owner Cost Burden
15.3%
of gross income
The median home in Roane County may be a stretch
Median home value is $212,300. Estimated monthly cost: $1,695 vs. your max of $1,545.
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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