Cost of Living in Oliver Springs, TN

Population 3,384 · Tennessee · Data vintage 2023

49
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Oliver Springs's median household income of $38,295 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 (19% here). At 8.7%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.

Oliver Springs sits roughly 20 miles west of Knoxville — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 30% lower than Knoxville's $214,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 49

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

About the Cost of Living in Oliver Springs

The median home value in Oliver Springs is $149,600 — 51% below the national median of $305,000. The median household income of $38,295/year is 49% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 8.7%, 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 68.7°F and lows of 48.4°F, with about 4.4" of annual snowfall. Overall, Oliver Springs has a cost of living index of 49 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 51% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$149,600
51% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$218,729
Zillow ZHVI
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 70.5%
Renter-occupied 29.6%

🛒 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
28.6 min
6% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
8.1%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
89.7%
Carpooled
2.2%
Work from home
8.1%

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
$38,295
49% below avg
Per Capita Income
$22,065
Unemployment Rate
8.7%
80% above avg
Poverty Rate
19.1%
Labor Force Participation
41.9%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 4.9%
Graduate degree 3.1%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 45.3
Male median age 45.1
Female median age 54.3

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
68.7°F
Avg Low
48.4°F
Annual Precip
59.7"
Annual Snowfall
4.4"
20° 38° 55° 73° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 475161707884878781715949
Low °F 293239475664686761483732
Precip" 5.505.935.555.584.504.765.903.724.133.295.005.84
Snow" 1.81.40.60.00.00.00.00.00.00.00.00.6

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 41 — Good
89.5%
Good air days/yr
105
Max AQI recorded
0
PM2.5 days
237
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Oliver Springs, TN?

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

What is the average home price in Oliver Springs?

The median home value in Oliver Springs is $149,600 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Oliver Springs?

The median household income in Oliver Springs is $38,295 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Oliver Springs, TN?

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

Is Oliver Springs, TN affordable?

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

What is the weather like in Oliver Springs?

Oliver Springs has average high temperatures of 68.7°F and average lows of 48.4°F. Annual precipitation is 59.7". Average annual snowfall is 4.4". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Oliver Springs at a Glance

Population
3,384
Median Income
$38,295
Home Value
$149,600
Unemployment
8.7%
Avg High Temp
68.7°F
Sales Tax
9.6%
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