Carter County, Tennessee
Income Data
At a Glance
How Carter County Compares
Detailed Income Statistics
Data Story
About Household Income in Carter County, Tennessee
Carter County lags far behind national earnings
Carter County's median household income of $48,435 falls short of the U.S. median of $74,755 by roughly $26,300, or 35%. The county ranks among America's lower-income communities, reflecting limited job opportunities and wage stagnation in the region.
Near the bottom statewide in Tennessee
At $48,435, Carter County ranks among Tennessee's lowest-earning counties, trailing the state average of $58,994 by $10,559. Only a handful of Tennessee counties earn less, underscoring persistent economic challenges in this Appalachian area.
Lowest earners in a struggling region
Carter County's $48,435 median income ranks it among the weakest in East Tennessee, slightly below Cocke County ($48,416) and well behind Chester County ($60,543). The county faces steeper income challenges than most of its neighbors.
Rent is manageable but wages are tight
An 18.3% rent-to-income ratio keeps housing costs reasonable, yet Carter County's low overall earnings strain household budgets across other necessities. Residents spend proportionally more on food, transportation, and healthcare than higher-earning Tennessee counties.
Invest in skills and savings
Carter County workers should prioritize skill-building through community colleges and vocational training—investments that historically raise earning potential. Start small with automatic savings programs; even $50 monthly compounds meaningfully over decades.
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Income Comparison Calculator
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Your income is above the Carter County median
County median: $48,435 per year
vs. County Median
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vs. State Average
-18%
vs. National Median
-35%
Income Adequacy
Your monthly income ($4,036) vs. median rent ($738/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.
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Compare RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.