Cost of Living in Erwin, TN

Population 6,001 · Tennessee · Data vintage 2023

51
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

At $45,422, median household incomes in Erwin land roughly 39% below the US median, a gap that tends to persist across local labor-market indicators.

Located 85 miles east of Knoxville, Erwin is far enough out that local conditions diverge meaningfully from the big-metro baseline. Median home values run roughly 23% lower than Knoxville's $214,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 54
Rent 46

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

About the Cost of Living in Erwin

The median home value in Erwin is $165,100 — 46% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $602/month, 54% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $45,422/year is 39% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.0%, below 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, Erwin has a cost of living index of 51 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 49% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$165,100
46% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$216,875
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$602/mo
54% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
22.9x
Favors renting
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 68.6%
Renter-occupied 31.4%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$602
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,216/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
22.6 min
16% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
4.2%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
82.5%
Carpooled
7.5%
Walked
5.9%
Work from home
4.2%

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
$45,422
39% below avg
Per Capita Income
$27,950
Unemployment Rate
4.0%
17% below avg
Poverty Rate
15.9%
Labor Force Participation
53.6%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 13.3%
Graduate degree 4.2%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 45
Male median age 44.5
Female median age 45

🌤 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

92%
4-Year Graduation Rate
14.2:1
Student-teacher ratio
7
Public schools
2,336
Total enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Erwin, TN?

Erwin has a cost index of 51 (100 = national average). It is 49% below the national average.

What is average rent in Erwin, TN?

The median gross rent in Erwin is $602 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Erwin?

The median home value in Erwin is $165,100 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Erwin?

The median household income in Erwin is $45,422 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Erwin, TN?

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

Is Erwin, TN affordable?

Yes, Erwin is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 51 — about 49% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Erwin?

Erwin 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.

Erwin at a Glance

Population
6,001
Median Income
$45,422
Home Value
$165,100
Median Rent
$602/mo
Unemployment
4.0%
Avg High Temp
68.2°F
Sales Tax
9.6%
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