Cost of Living in Scott County, Tennessee
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Scott County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Scott County, Tennessee
Scott County offers cheap housing, tight budgets
Scott County's 19.4% rent-to-income ratio exceeds national norms despite its bargain-basement rent of $691 monthly, revealing a fundamental challenge: the county's median household income of just $42,679 ranks far below the national average of $74,755. Lower rents can't offset significantly lower wages.
Scott ranks low on both income and affordability
Scott County's 19.4% rent-to-income ratio slightly exceeds Tennessee's 17.6% state average, and its median household income of $42,679 falls roughly $20,000 below the state's economic center. The county represents Tennessee's economic margin, where affordable housing meets limited earning potential.
Scott's cheapest housing reflects its challenges
Scott County's $691 rent is Tennessee's lowest among these eight counties, undercutting Roane County's $767 by $76 monthly, yet the county's median income of $42,679 trails all peers by thousands. Cheap housing masks deeper economic constraints limiting household purchasing power.
Low income makes even cheap rent a strain
Scott residents spend 19.4% of their $42,679 median income on rent despite the county's $691 monthly average, while ownership costs of $499 remain modest in dollar terms but substantial as a percentage of earnings. The $116,800 median home value offers accessibility, but limited income constrains household wealth accumulation.
Scott suits those prioritizing lowest dollar costs
Scott County's appeal lies in absolute affordability—rent under $700 and homes near $117,000—making it attractive for retirees on fixed incomes or remote workers whose earnings don't depend on local opportunity. If your income flows from outside the county, Scott's low costs stretch your budget further than anywhere else in this region.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Scott County
Rent Burden
19.4%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$996
per month
Owner Cost Burden
14.0%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Scott County
Median home value is $116,800. Estimated monthly cost: $932 vs. your max of $996.
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.