Carter County, Tennessee

Income Data

-18% vs. Tennessee average
$48,435
Median Household Income
$29,232
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$48,435
-18% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$29,232
-26% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
30.8%
income as % of home value
Rank in Tennessee
#82 / 95
by median household income

How Carter County Compares

Carter County$48,435
Tennessee Average$58,994
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$48,435
Median Household Income
$29,232
Per Capita Income
$157,200
Median Home Value
30.8%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Carter County, Tennessee?
The median household income in Carter County, Tennessee is $48,435, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. This represents the midpoint of all household incomes in the county.
How much do people earn in Carter County?
The per capita income in Carter County is $29,232, which represents the average income per person across the entire county population. The median household income — which accounts for all earners in a household — is $48,435.
How does Carter County compare to the Tennessee average?
Carter County's median household income of $48,435 is lower than the Tennessee state average of $58,994. The per capita income is $29,232, compared to the state average of $31,458.
What is the per capita income in Carter County, Tennessee?
The per capita income in Carter County, Tennessee is $29,232, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. Per capita income is calculated by dividing total personal income by total population, providing an average income figure per resident.
Is Carter County a low-income area in Tennessee?
Carter County's median household income of $48,435 is below the Tennessee average of $58,994. The per capita income of $29,232 is also lower than the state average of $31,458. Lower incomes can reflect the local economic base, rural vs. urban location, and employment opportunities available in the area.
How does Carter County rank for income in Tennessee?
Carter County ranks #82 out of 95 counties in Tennessee by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $48,435 and per capita income of $29,232, it falls in the bottom third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Carter County

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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%

vs. Carter County MedianAbout equal
vs. Tennessee Average18% below
vs. National Median35% below

Income Adequacy

Monthly income covers median rent5.5x

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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Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.