Cost of Living in Sweetwater, TN
Population 6,462 · Tennessee · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Sweetwater's median household income of $44,661 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 (18% here). Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 8.6% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Sweetwater is about 40 miles southwest 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 22% lower than Knoxville's $214,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Sweetwater
The median home value in Sweetwater is $166,000 — 46% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $625/month, 52% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $44,661/year is 40% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 8.6%, 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, Sweetwater has a cost of living index of 52 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 48% less expensive.
Sweetwater 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 | 47 | 51 | 61 | 70 | 78 | 84 | 87 | 87 | 81 | 71 | 59 | 49 |
| Low °F | 29 | 32 | 39 | 47 | 56 | 64 | 68 | 67 | 61 | 48 | 37 | 32 |
| Precip" | 5.50 | 5.93 | 5.55 | 5.58 | 4.50 | 4.76 | 5.90 | 3.72 | 4.13 | 3.29 | 5.00 | 5.84 |
| Snow" | 1.8 | 1.4 | 0.6 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.6 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Sweetwater, TN?
Sweetwater has a cost index of 52 (100 = national average). It is 48% below the national average.
What is average rent in Sweetwater, TN?
The median gross rent in Sweetwater is $625 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Sweetwater?
The median home value in Sweetwater is $166,000 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Sweetwater?
The median household income in Sweetwater is $44,661 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Sweetwater, TN?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Sweetwater is 9.6%. Tennessee has no state income tax.
Is Sweetwater, TN affordable?
Yes, Sweetwater is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 52 — about 48% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Sweetwater?
Sweetwater 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.
Sweetwater at a Glance
- Population
- 6,462
- Median Income
- $44,661
- Home Value
- $166,000
- Median Rent
- $625/mo
- Unemployment
- 8.6%
- Avg High Temp
- 68.7°F
- Sales Tax
- 9.6%
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Tennessee Rankings
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