Cost of Living in Whiteville, TN

Population 4,689 · Tennessee · Data vintage 2023

45
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Whiteville's median household income of $43,438 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 (28% here). Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 15.7% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.

Geographically, Whiteville is about 50 miles east of Memphis, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 45% lower than Memphis' $157,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 29
Rent 69

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

About the Cost of Living in Whiteville

The median home value in Whiteville is $87,000 — 71% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $905/month, 31% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $43,438/year is 42% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 15.7%, 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 71.0°F and lows of 48.9°F. Overall, Whiteville has a cost of living index of 45 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 55% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$87,000
71% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$211,635
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$905/mo
31% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
8.0x
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 40.7%
Renter-occupied 59.3%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$905
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,519/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
30.4 min
13% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
0

Commute Mode

Drove alone
90.9%
Carpooled
5.2%
Walked
2.2%

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
$43,438
42% below avg
Per Capita Income
$8,032
Unemployment Rate
15.7%
226% above avg
Poverty Rate
28.1%
Labor Force Participation
11.0%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 3.0%
Graduate degree 1.8%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 38.7
Male median age 38.9
Female median age 34.5

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
71.0°F
Avg Low
48.9°F
Annual Precip
53.9"
20° 38° 55° 73° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 495362728087909084736151
Low °F 293340485866696760483832
Precip" 4.074.405.555.125.584.764.373.533.583.634.335.01

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Whiteville, TN?

Whiteville has a cost index of 45 (100 = national average). It is 55% below the national average.

What is average rent in Whiteville, TN?

The median gross rent in Whiteville is $905 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Whiteville?

The median home value in Whiteville is $87,000 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Whiteville?

The median household income in Whiteville is $43,438 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Whiteville, TN?

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

Is Whiteville, TN affordable?

Yes, Whiteville is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 45 — about 55% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Whiteville?

Whiteville has average high temperatures of 71.0°F and average lows of 48.9°F. Annual precipitation is 53.9". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Whiteville at a Glance

Population
4,689
Median Income
$43,438
Home Value
$87,000
Median Rent
$905/mo
Unemployment
15.7%
Avg High Temp
71.0°F
Sales Tax
9.6%
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🗺️ County data for Tennessee

Explore county-level cost of living data

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