Cost of Living in Wildwood Lake, TN

Population 3,490 · Tennessee · Data vintage 2023

64
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Under 25,000 residents gives Wildwood Lake a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $197,000. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 6.0% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.

Wildwood Lake sits roughly 25 miles east of Chattanooga — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 24% lower than Chattanooga's $259,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 64
Rent 63

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

About the Cost of Living in Wildwood Lake

The median home value in Wildwood Lake is $196,600 — 36% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $832/month, 37% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $61,824/year is 17% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.0%, 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 72.2°F and lows of 51.5°F, with about 3.6" of annual snowfall. Overall, Wildwood Lake has a cost of living index of 64 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 36% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$196,600
36% below avg
Median Rent
$832/mo
37% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
19.7x
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 73.9%
Renter-occupied 26.1%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$832
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,446/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
23.8 min
12% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
5.0%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
82.3%
Carpooled
12.7%
Work from home
5.0%

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
$61,824
17% below avg
Per Capita Income
$27,067
Unemployment Rate
6.0%
25% above avg
Poverty Rate
19.1%
Labor Force Participation
60.6%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 12.0%
Graduate degree 3.3%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 42.7
Male median age 42.9
Female median age 42.6

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
72.2°F
Avg Low
51.5°F
Annual Precip
55"
Annual Snowfall
3.6"
30° 48° 65° 83° 100° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 515664748188919084746253
Low °F 323642505967717064514035
Precip" 5.025.035.344.873.944.185.083.674.233.594.805.25
Snow" 1.01.21.10.00.00.00.00.00.00.00.00.3

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Wildwood Lake, TN?

Wildwood Lake has a cost index of 64 (100 = national average). It is 36% below the national average.

What is average rent in Wildwood Lake, TN?

The median gross rent in Wildwood Lake is $832 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Wildwood Lake?

The median home value in Wildwood Lake is $196,600 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in Wildwood Lake?

The median household income in Wildwood Lake is $61,824 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Wildwood Lake, TN?

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

Is Wildwood Lake, TN affordable?

Yes, Wildwood Lake is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 64 — about 36% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Wildwood Lake?

Wildwood Lake has average high temperatures of 72.2°F and average lows of 51.5°F. Annual precipitation is 55". Average annual snowfall is 3.6". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Wildwood Lake at a Glance

Population
3,490
Median Income
$61,824
Home Value
$196,600
Median Rent
$832/mo
Unemployment
6.0%
Avg High Temp
72.2°F
Sales Tax
9.6%
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