Cost of Living in La Follette, TN

Population 7,308 · Tennessee · Data vintage 2023

42
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

At $34,678, median household incomes in La Follette land roughly 54% below the US median, a gap that tends to persist across local labor-market indicators. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 7.3% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.

Geographically, La Follette is about 30 miles northwest of Knoxville, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 50% lower than Knoxville's $214,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 35
Rent 53

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

About the Cost of Living in La Follette

The median home value in La Follette is $106,000 — 65% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $690/month, 47% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $34,678/year is 54% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 7.3%, 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 70.4°F and lows of 49.3°F. Overall, La Follette has a cost of living index of 42 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 58% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$106,000
65% below avg
Median Rent
$690/mo
47% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
12.8x
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 40.0%
Renter-occupied 60.0%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$690
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,304/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
29.1 min
8% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
6.8%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
83.2%
Carpooled
8.1%
Walked
0.7%
Bicycle
0.5%
Work from home
6.8%

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
$34,678
54% below avg
Per Capita Income
$22,540
Unemployment Rate
7.3%
52% above avg
Poverty Rate
30.7%
Labor Force Participation
49.4%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 5.1%
Graduate degree 2.1%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 40.1
Male median age 41.5
Female median age 38.9

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
70.4°F
Avg Low
49.3°F
Annual Precip
55.5"
30° 45° 60° 75° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 485362728086898883726051
Low °F 303340485765696861493833
Precip" 5.075.595.125.204.074.555.543.463.833.124.625.36

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in La Follette, TN?

La Follette has a cost index of 42 (100 = national average). It is 58% below the national average.

What is average rent in La Follette, TN?

The median gross rent in La Follette is $690 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in La Follette?

The median home value in La Follette is $106,000 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in La Follette?

The median household income in La Follette is $34,678 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in La Follette, TN?

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

Is La Follette, TN affordable?

Yes, La Follette is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 42 — about 58% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in La Follette?

La Follette has average high temperatures of 70.4°F and average lows of 49.3°F. Annual precipitation is 55.5". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

La Follette at a Glance

Population
7,308
Median Income
$34,678
Home Value
$106,000
Median Rent
$690/mo
Unemployment
7.3%
Avg High Temp
70.4°F
Sales Tax
9.6%
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