RentData

Average Rent in Roane County, TN↑ Rents rising 11.4% YoY🔺 8th priciest in TN

HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 54,403

Data review: HUD FY2025Sources: HUD, Zillow, Census, BLSMethodologyEditorial standardsReport a correction

Market Overview

Roane County, TN has rental prices ranging from $915/month to $1,834/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $915/month — 35% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $66,218/year, spending $915/month on a 1-bedroom represents 17% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Roane County Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,092/month, Roane County ranks #8 most expensive of the 73 cities tracked in Tennessee — pricier than 74% of all US cities in our data.

The Roane County Rental Market

The Roane County, TN area has a population of about 54,403 and 22% of households renting rather than owning. That renter share runs below the US average of ~34%, a more homeowner-heavy market where rental inventory can be limited.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Roane County, TN have risen by $112/month (11.4%) over the past year, from $980 to $1,092. This rate of increase is significant and reflects strong rental demand and limited housing supply in the local market.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Roane County, TN without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $36,600. The local median household income of $66,218 exceeds that threshold by $29,618, making Roane County relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Economy & Jobs

Roane County, TN has an unemployment rate of 3.6%, 0.3 percentage points below the national average of 3.9%. Strong employment conditions typically sustain rental demand, as workers relocate to the area and local residents maintain stable housing.

Fair Market Rents

HUD FY2025
Studio
$915
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$915
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$1,092
↑11.4% YoY
Affordable
3 Bedrooms
$1,398
Affordable
4 Bedrooms
$1,834
Average
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Is Roane 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
$43,680/year
Local median income: $66,218
To buy a median home
—/year
US national median: $75,000
💡 Based on a 2BR rent of $1,092/month and 20% down on a — home at 7% rate.

Nearby Cities in TNlargest metros in the state

CityStudio1BR2BR3BRHome Value
Nashville$1,589$1,650$1,827$2,308—
Grainger County$481$575$689$924—
Knoxville$1,256$1,264$1,548$1,989—
Stewart County$625$735$911$1,277—
Kingsport$738$824$1,043$1,343—
Johnson City$890$895$1,119$1,389—

Rent or Buy in Roane County?

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

Should I Rent or Buy?

Break-even analysis using real Roane County data

$
Home Value
$350,000
2BR Rent
$1,092/mo
Mortgage Rate
7%
Monthly P&I
$1,863/mo
🏠 Buy

Buying breaks even after 2 years — worth it if you stay 2+ years.

Total monthly buy cost: $2,577/movs rent: $1,092/mo
Estimates only. Excludes HOA, PMI (if <20% down), closing costs, and tax benefits. Assumes 5% return on invested down payment.

Living in Roane 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 Roane County

Compare rent & home prices by neighborhood

💵Rent Affordability in Roane County

Salary needed to afford rent here

🗺️All Cities in TN

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⚖️Compare Roane County

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

📋TN Tenant Rights

Deposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections