RentData

Average Rent in Grainger County, TN↓ Rents falling 26.8% YoY🔻 3rd cheapest in TN

HUD FY2021 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 919,553

Data review: HUD FY2021Sources: HUD, Zillow, CensusMethodologyEditorial standardsReport a correction
⚠️ Data notice: The most recent HUD data available for this area is FY2021. HUD may have reclassified this metro — figures may not reflect current market conditions.

Market Overview

Grainger County, TN has rental prices ranging from $481/month to $934/month in 2021, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $575/month — 59% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $69,734/year, spending $575/month on a 1-bedroom represents 10% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Grainger County Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $689/month, Grainger County ranks #72 most expensive of the 74 cities tracked in Tennessee — more affordable than 100% of all US cities in our data.

The Grainger County Rental Market

The Grainger County, TN area has a population of about 919,553 and 30% of households renting rather than owning. That is close to the US average renter share of ~34%.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Grainger County, TN have fallen by $252/month (26.8%) over the past year, from $941 to $689. This rate of decrease is significant and reflects softening demand or increased inventory in the local market.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Grainger County, TN without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $23,000. The local median household income of $69,734 exceeds that threshold by $46,734, making Grainger County relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Fair Market Rents

HUD FY2021
Studio
$481
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$575
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$689
↓26.8% YoY
Affordable
3 Bedrooms
$924
Affordable
4 Bedrooms
$934
Affordable
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Is Grainger County, TN Affordable?

Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.

Affordability Index(30% income rule)

To rent a 2BR
$27,560/year
Local median income: $69,734
To buy a median home
—/year
US national median: $75,000
💡 Based on a 2BR rent of $689/month and 20% down on a — home at 7% rate.

Nearby Cities in TNlargest metros in the state

CityStudio1BR2BR3BRHome Value
Nashville$1,585$1,650$1,798$2,309—
Knoxville$1,171$1,178$1,475$1,844—
Stewart County$693$812$995$1,378—
Kingsport$760$845$1,091$1,375—
Johnson City$942$948$1,211$1,461—
Gibson County$693$761$995$1,378—

Rent or Buy in Grainger County?

Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.

Should I Rent or Buy?

Break-even analysis using real Grainger County data

$
Home Value
$350,000
2BR Rent
$689/mo
Mortgage Rate
7%
Monthly P&I
$1,863/mo
🏢 Rent

Renting appears to be the better financial choice for this scenario.

Total monthly buy cost: $2,577/movs rent: $689/mo
Estimates only. Excludes HOA, PMI (if <20% down), closing costs, and tax benefits. Assumes 5% return on invested down payment.

Living in Grainger County

Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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🏘️Neighborhoods in Grainger County

Compare rent & home prices by neighborhood

💵Rent Affordability in Grainger County

Salary needed to afford rent here

🗺️All Cities in TN

See how Grainger County ranks statewide

⚖️Compare Grainger County

Side-by-side rent & cost of living with any city

📋TN Tenant Rights

Deposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections