Cost of Living in Rockwood, TN
Population 5,510 · Tennessee · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Rockwood's median household income of $37,867 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). Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 8.4% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Rockwood is about 40 miles west of Knoxville, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 38% lower than Knoxville's $214,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Rockwood
The median home value in Rockwood is $132,100 — 57% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $725/month, 45% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $37,867/year is 49% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 8.4%, 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 65.3°F and lows of 45.4°F. Overall, Rockwood has a cost of living index of 48 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 52% less expensive.
Rockwood has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 44 | 48 | 56 | 66 | 74 | 80 | 83 | 83 | 77 | 68 | 56 | 47 |
| Low °F | 26 | 30 | 36 | 44 | 53 | 60 | 64 | 63 | 57 | 45 | 36 | 30 |
| Precip" | 4.95 | 5.13 | 5.44 | 5.47 | 5.18 | 4.93 | 5.46 | 3.61 | 4.14 | 3.14 | 4.74 | 5.34 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Rockwood, TN?
Rockwood has a cost index of 48 (100 = national average). It is 52% below the national average.
What is average rent in Rockwood, TN?
The median gross rent in Rockwood is $725 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Rockwood?
The median home value in Rockwood is $132,100 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Rockwood?
The median household income in Rockwood is $37,867 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Rockwood, TN?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Rockwood is 9.6%. Tennessee has no state income tax.
Is Rockwood, TN affordable?
Yes, Rockwood is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 48 — about 52% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Rockwood?
Rockwood has average high temperatures of 65.3°F and average lows of 45.4°F. Annual precipitation is 57.5". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Rockwood at a Glance
- Population
- 5,510
- Median Income
- $37,867
- Home Value
- $132,100
- Median Rent
- $725/mo
- Unemployment
- 8.4%
- Avg High Temp
- 65.3°F
- Sales Tax
- 9.6%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Tennessee Rankings
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