Cost of Living in Union County, Tennessee
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Union County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Union County ranks #1,145 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 36%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Union County, Tennessee
Union County holds steady
Union County renters spend 16.5% of their income on housing—below the national 17.6% average and close to Tennessee's 17.6% state average. With a median income of $61,858 and $849 rent, Union offers a balanced affordability profile for a rural Appalachian county.
Below-average burden statewide
Union County's 16.5% rent-to-income ratio ranks favorably against Tennessee's state average of 17.6%, placing it among the more affordable counties across the state. This modest advantage reflects both reasonable rents and household incomes aligned with state medians.
Union competes with regional peers
At $849 monthly, Union County rent matches neighboring Sullivan County ($850) and Stewart County ($837), keeping it competitive within the rural East Tennessee corridor. The $680 monthly mortgage cost ranks mid-range, reflecting a median home value of $186,300 consistent with county peers.
$61K income, steady housing share
Union County households earning $61,858 allocate 16.5% ($849) to rent or 13.2% ($680) to mortgages—both reasonable percentages that leave room for other expenses. The gap between renter and owner burden suggests Union's housing markets serve both groups relatively fairly.
Union County is a reliable choice
Union County delivers a stable housing equation: below-average rent burdens (16.5%), competitive rents ($849), and modest home values ($186,300). For rural Appalachian living with manageable costs, Union ranks alongside Stewart and Trousdale as a solid relocation option.
Cost of Living Advisory: Union County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Union County is affordable. The median rent is $849/month against a median household income of $61,858, putting rent at 16.5% of income.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Union County is $849/month, while owner costs run $680/month. Owning saves approximately $169/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $33,960/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $29,143/year. With a median household income of $61,858, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 26.0% of renter households in Union County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Gibson County where rent averages $797/month, Union County is approximately 7% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Union County
Rent Burden
16.5%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,443
per month
Owner Cost Burden
13.2%
of gross income
The median home in Union County may be a stretch
Median home value is $186,300. Estimated monthly cost: $1,487 vs. your max of $1,443.
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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