Average Rent in Smith County, TN↑ Rents rising 15.3% YoY🔺 11th priciest in TN
HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 20,196
Market Overview
Smith County, TN has rental prices ranging from $793/month to $1,388/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $798/month — 43% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $62,799/year, spending $798/month on a 1-bedroom represents 15% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.
How Smith County Compares
With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,047/month, Smith County ranks #11 most expensive of the 73 cities tracked in Tennessee — pricier than 70% of all US cities in our data.
The Smith County Rental Market
The Smith County, TN area has a population of about 20,196 and 25% 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 Smith County, TN have risen by $139/month (15.3%) over the past year, from $908 to $1,047. 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 Smith County, TN without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $31,920. The local median household income of $62,799 exceeds that threshold by $30,879, making Smith County relatively accessible compared to local wages.
Economy & Jobs
Smith County, TN has an unemployment rate of 3.2%, 0.7 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 FY2025Is Smith County, TN Affordable?
Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.
Affordability Index(30% income rule)
Nearby Cities in TNlargest metros in the state
| City | Studio | 1BR | 2BR | 3BR | Home 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 Smith County?
Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.
Should I Rent or Buy?
Break-even analysis using real Smith County data
Buying breaks even after 3 years — worth it if you stay 3+ years.
Living in Smith County
Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.
Moving Cost Estimator
Estimate your moving costs based on FMCSA public mover data
Select your origin state to see the estimate
Frequently Asked Questions
Explore More
Compare rent & home prices by neighborhood
💵Rent Affordability in Smith CountySalary needed to afford rent here
🗺️All Cities in TNSee how Smith County ranks statewide
⚖️Compare Smith CountySide-by-side rent & cost of living with any city
📋TN Tenant RightsDeposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections