Cost of Living in Unicoi, TN
Population 3,815 · Tennessee · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Household incomes in Unicoi run well below national norms — a median of $41,455 versus the $74,580 US figure. Housing costs partially offset that gap (typical home values around $197,000). At 6.5%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Located 90 miles east of Knoxville, Unicoi is far enough out that local conditions diverge meaningfully from the big-metro baseline. Median home values run roughly 8% lower than Knoxville's $214,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Unicoi
The median home value in Unicoi is $196,500 — 36% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $695/month, 47% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $41,455/year is 44% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.5%, 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, Unicoi has a cost of living index of 60 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 40% less expensive.
Unicoi 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 | 59 | 69 | 77 | 84 | 86 | 86 | 81 | 70 | 59 | 50 |
| Low °F | 26 | 29 | 35 | 43 | 52 | 61 | 65 | 63 | 56 | 44 | 34 | 29 |
| Precip" | 3.65 | 3.81 | 3.96 | 3.79 | 3.82 | 3.92 | 5.00 | 3.76 | 2.84 | 2.52 | 3.14 | 3.76 |
| Snow" | 3.0 | 3.0 | 1.1 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.3 | 1.7 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Unicoi, TN?
Unicoi has a cost index of 60 (100 = national average). It is 40% below the national average.
What is average rent in Unicoi, TN?
The median gross rent in Unicoi is $695 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Unicoi?
The median home value in Unicoi is $196,500 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Unicoi?
The median household income in Unicoi is $41,455 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Unicoi, TN?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Unicoi is 9.6%. Tennessee has no state income tax.
Is Unicoi, TN affordable?
Yes, Unicoi 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 Unicoi?
Unicoi 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.
Unicoi at a Glance
- Population
- 3,815
- Median Income
- $41,455
- Home Value
- $196,500
- Median Rent
- $695/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.5%
- Avg High Temp
- 68.2°F
- Sales Tax
- 9.6%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Tennessee Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs