Cost of Living in Mount Carmel, TN

Population 5,504 · Tennessee · Data vintage 2023

60
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Buyers in Mount Carmel can reasonably expect a home to cost less than three years of household income — $180,000 against $71,336 in typical earnings — a ratio that has collapsed to 5:1 or worse in much of the country. At 7.7%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.

Geographically, Mount Carmel lies roughly 80 miles northeast of the nearest major metro, Knoxville. Median home values run roughly 16% lower than Knoxville's $214,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 59
Rent 61

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

About the Cost of Living in Mount Carmel

The median home value in Mount Carmel is $179,700 — 41% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $804/month, 39% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $71,336/year is 4% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 7.7%, 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, Mount Carmel has a cost of living index of 60 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 40% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$179,700
41% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$189,132
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$804/mo
39% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
18.6x
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 88.5%
Renter-occupied 11.5%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$804
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,418/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
26.7 min
1% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
12.2%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
73.3%
Carpooled
10.9%
Bicycle
0.3%
Work from home
12.2%

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
$71,336
4% below avg
Per Capita Income
$34,282
Unemployment Rate
7.7%
60% above avg
Poverty Rate
5.9%
Labor Force Participation
57.1%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 11.1%
Graduate degree 3.8%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 41.8
Male median age 42.9
Female median age 41.5

🌤 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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Mount Carmel, TN?

Mount Carmel has a cost index of 60 (100 = national average). It is 40% below the national average.

What is average rent in Mount Carmel, TN?

The median gross rent in Mount Carmel is $804 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Mount Carmel?

The median home value in Mount Carmel is $179,700 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Mount Carmel?

The median household income in Mount Carmel is $71,336 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Mount Carmel, TN?

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

Is Mount Carmel, TN affordable?

Yes, Mount Carmel is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 60 — about 40% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Mount Carmel?

Mount Carmel 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.

Mount Carmel at a Glance

Population
5,504
Median Income
$71,336
Home Value
$179,700
Median Rent
$804/mo
Unemployment
7.7%
Avg High Temp
68.2°F
Sales Tax
9.6%
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