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

Rhea County, TN has rental prices ranging from $681/month to $1,192/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $685/month — 51% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $58,133/year, spending $685/month on a 1-bedroom represents 14% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Rhea County Compares

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

The Rhea County Rental Market

The Rhea County, TN area has a population of about 33,299 and 27% 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 Rhea 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 Rhea County, TN without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $27,400. The local median household income of $58,133 exceeds that threshold by $30,733, making Rhea County relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Economy & Jobs

Rhea County, TN has an unemployment rate of 4.5%, 0.6 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.

Is Rhea County, TN Affordable?

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

Rent or Buy in Rhea County?

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

Living in Rhea County

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