Cost of Living in Dunlap, TN
Population 5,546 · Tennessee · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Dunlap's median household income of $38,666 is a meaningful share below the national figure, which shapes most of the downstream economic indicators — from housing affordability to the share of residents living below the poverty line (40% here). At 8.8%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Located 20 miles northwest of Chattanooga, Dunlap falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 43% lower than Chattanooga's $259,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Dunlap
The median home value in Dunlap is $148,300 — 51% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $890/month, 32% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $38,666/year is 48% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 8.8%, above the national average of 4.8%. Tennessee charges no state income tax, a meaningful advantage for take-home pay. The climate averages highs of 72.2°F and lows of 51.5°F, with about 3.6" of annual snowfall. Overall, Dunlap has a cost of living index of 56 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 44% less expensive.
Dunlap has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 51 | 56 | 64 | 74 | 81 | 88 | 91 | 90 | 84 | 74 | 62 | 53 |
| Low °F | 32 | 36 | 42 | 50 | 59 | 67 | 71 | 70 | 64 | 51 | 40 | 35 |
| Precip" | 5.02 | 5.03 | 5.34 | 4.87 | 3.94 | 4.18 | 5.08 | 3.67 | 4.23 | 3.59 | 4.80 | 5.25 |
| Snow" | 1.0 | 1.2 | 1.1 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.3 |
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Dunlap, TN?
Dunlap has a cost index of 56 (100 = national average). It is 44% below the national average.
What is average rent in Dunlap, TN?
The median gross rent in Dunlap is $890 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Dunlap?
The median home value in Dunlap is $148,300 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Dunlap?
The median household income in Dunlap is $38,666 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Dunlap, TN?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Dunlap is 9.6%. Tennessee has no state income tax.
Is Dunlap, TN affordable?
Yes, Dunlap is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 56 — about 44% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Dunlap?
Dunlap has average high temperatures of 72.2°F and average lows of 51.5°F. Annual precipitation is 55". Average annual snowfall is 3.6". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Dunlap at a Glance
- Population
- 5,546
- Median Income
- $38,666
- Home Value
- $148,300
- Median Rent
- $890/mo
- Unemployment
- 8.8%
- Avg High Temp
- 72.2°F
- Sales Tax
- 9.6%
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Tennessee Rankings
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