Cost of Living in Elizabethton, TN

Population 14,364 · Tennessee · Data vintage 2023

54
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

At $44,834, median household incomes in Elizabethton land roughly 40% below the US median, a gap that tends to persist across local labor-market indicators. At 6.6%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.

Geographically, Elizabethton lies roughly 100 miles east of the nearest major metro, Knoxville. Median home values run roughly 25% lower than Knoxville's $214,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 52
Rent 57

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Elizabethton

The median home value in Elizabethton is $159,700 — 48% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $751/month, 43% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $44,834/year is 40% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.6%, 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 68.2°F and lows of 44.9°F, with about 9.2" of annual snowfall. Overall, Elizabethton has a cost of living index of 54 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 46% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$159,700
48% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$224,792
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$751/mo
43% below avg
Zillow Rent
$1,025/mo
Zillow ZORI
Price-to-Rent Ratio
17.7x
Favors buying
Property Tax Rate
0.7%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$731
1 BR
$809
2 BR
$948
3 BR
$1,265
4 BR
$1,510
Owner-occupied 62.1%
Renter-occupied 37.9%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$751
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,365/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
23.0 min
15% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
10.7%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
78.1%
Carpooled
6.4%
Walked
2.3%
Work from home
10.7%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax (flat) None
Total Sales Tax 9.6%
State rate 7.0%
Avg local rate 2.5%
Property Tax 0.7%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$44,834
40% below avg
Per Capita Income
$28,915
Unemployment Rate
6.6%
37% above avg
Poverty Rate
19.0%
Labor Force Participation
51.2%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 17.7%
Graduate degree 7.5%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 40.6
Male median age 39.4
Female median age 42.4

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
68.2°F
Avg Low
44.9°F
Annual Precip
44"
Annual Snowfall
9.2"
20° 38° 55° 73° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 475159697784868681705950
Low °F 262935435261656356443429
Precip" 3.653.813.963.793.823.925.003.762.842.523.143.76
Snow" 3.03.01.10.10.00.00.00.00.00.00.31.7

🏫 Schools

NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data

89.3%
4-Year Graduation Rate
13.7:1
Student-teacher ratio
20
Public schools
7,680
Total enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Elizabethton, TN?

Elizabethton has a cost index of 54 (100 = national average). It is 46% below the national average.

What is average rent in Elizabethton, TN?

The median gross rent in Elizabethton is $751 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Elizabethton?

The median home value in Elizabethton is $159,700 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Elizabethton?

The median household income in Elizabethton is $44,834 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Elizabethton, TN?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Elizabethton is 9.6%. Tennessee has no state income tax.

Is Elizabethton, TN affordable?

Yes, Elizabethton is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 54 — about 46% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Elizabethton?

Elizabethton has average high temperatures of 68.2°F and average lows of 44.9°F. Annual precipitation is 44". Average annual snowfall is 9.2". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Elizabethton at a Glance

Population
14,364
Median Income
$44,834
Home Value
$159,700
Median Rent
$751/mo
Unemployment
6.6%
Avg High Temp
68.2°F
Sales Tax
9.6%
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