RentData

Average Rent in Lake County, TN↑ Rents rising 4.4% YoY🔻 5th cheapest in TN

HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 6,691

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

Market Overview

Lake County, TN has rental prices ranging from $692/month to $1,259/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $696/month — 50% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $30,500/year, spending $696/month on a 1-bedroom represents 27% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Lake County Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $899/month, Lake County ranks #69 most expensive of the 73 cities tracked in Tennessee — more affordable than 77% of all US cities in our data.

The Lake County Rental Market

The Lake County, TN area has a population of about 6,691 and 55% of households renting rather than owning. That renter share runs above the US average of ~34%, pointing to a competitive rental market where vacancies clear quickly and rents are less negotiable.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Lake County, TN have risen by $38/month (4.4%) over the past year, from $861 to $899. This modest growth is consistent with broader inflationary trends seen across US rental markets.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Lake County, TN without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $27,840. The local median household income of $30,500 exceeds that threshold by $2,660, making Lake County relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Economy & Jobs

Lake County, TN has an unemployment rate of 4.8%, 0.9 percentage points above the national average of 3.9%. A higher unemployment rate can moderate rental demand over time, which may help keep rent growth in check compared to tighter job markets.

Fair Market Rents

HUD FY2025
Studio
$692
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$696
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$899
↑4.4% YoY
Average
3 Bedrooms
$1,148
Expensive
4 Bedrooms
$1,259
Expensive
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Is Lake 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
$35,960/year
Local median income: $30,500
To buy a median home
—/year
US national median: $75,000
💡 Based on a 2BR rent of $899/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 Lake County?

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

Should I Rent or Buy?

Break-even analysis using real Lake County data

$
Home Value
$350,000
2BR Rent
$899/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: $899/mo
Estimates only. Excludes HOA, PMI (if <20% down), closing costs, and tax benefits. Assumes 5% return on invested down payment.

Living in Lake 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 Lake County

Compare rent & home prices by neighborhood

💵Rent Affordability in Lake County

Salary needed to afford rent here

🗺️All Cities in TN

See how Lake County ranks statewide

⚖️Compare Lake County

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

📋TN Tenant Rights

Deposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections