Cost of Living in Unicoi County, Tennessee
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Unicoi County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Unicoi County, Tennessee
Unicoi County's quiet affordability
Unicoi County renters spend 15.8% of their income on housing, beating both the national 17.6% average and Tennessee's state average of 17.6%. With the lowest median income in this group at $50,381 and the lowest rent at $665, Unicoi delivers surprising affordability for its lowest-earning households.
Rare bargain in rural Tennessee
Unicoi County ranks among Tennessee's most affordable counties despite having the lowest median household income ($50,381) in this analysis, with a 15.8% rent-to-income ratio below the state average. This achievement reflects extraordinarily low rents that cushion lower-income residents from housing cost burdens.
Unicoi's rents are rock-bottom
Unicoi County's $665 median rent is the lowest of all eight counties analyzed, undercutting even Trousdale County ($805) and Van Buren County ($705). Combined with a modest median home value of $168,200, Unicoi offers the most budget-friendly housing environment in this entire group.
Lowest income, lowest rent
A Unicoi County household earning just $50,381 annually spends $665 on rent (15.8%) or $648 on mortgage ($648), among the lowest absolute dollar amounts in this analysis. This alignment between income and housing costs makes Unicoi exceptionally accessible for lower-wage workers and retirees.
Unicoi for rock-bottom living costs
Unicoi County offers Tennessee's most aggressive affordability: $665 rent on a $50,381 income, yielding a 15.8% burden below state and national averages. If you're seeking the lowest cost of living in East Tennessee, Unicoi's combination of low rents and low home values is hard to beat.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Unicoi County
Rent Burden
15.8%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,176
per month
Owner Cost Burden
15.4%
of gross income
The median home in Unicoi County may be a stretch
Median home value is $168,200. Estimated monthly cost: $1,343 vs. your max of $1,176.
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.