Cocke County, Tennessee

Income Data

-18% vs. Tennessee average
$48,416
Median Household Income
$27,442
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$48,416
-18% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$27,442
-30% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
34.1%
income as % of home value
Rank in Tennessee
#83 / 95
by median household income

How Cocke County Compares

Cocke County$48,416
Tennessee Average$58,994
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$48,416
Median Household Income
$27,442
Per Capita Income
$141,800
Median Home Value
34.1%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Cocke County, Tennessee

Cocke County trails national income significantly

Cocke County's median household income of $48,416 falls roughly $26,300 short of the U.S. median of $74,755, a 35% gap. The county ranks among America's lower-income areas, reflecting economic stagnation common to rural mountain communities.

Near bottom among Tennessee counties

At $48,416, Cocke County's median income ranks it among Tennessee's lowest-earning counties, $10,578 below the state average of $58,994. Only a handful of Tennessee counties earn less, highlighting persistent economic struggles in this Appalachian region.

Among the region's weakest earners

Cocke County's $48,416 median income aligns closely with Carter County ($48,435) and sits just above Claiborne County ($46,587). The county faces similar economic headwinds as its isolated rural neighbors across East Tennessee.

High rent burden strains tight budgets

Cocke County's 19.5% rent-to-income ratio is the highest among its peers, meaning residents dedicate nearly one-fifth of earnings to housing alone. Combined with low overall incomes, this leaves minimal resources for healthcare, food, and emergency savings.

Build financial resilience gradually

Cocke County workers should focus on establishing emergency savings through automatic transfers of even $25–50 monthly, accessible through most employers. Explore free financial counseling and investigate skill-development programs that could increase earnings potential over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Cocke County, Tennessee?
The median household income in Cocke County, Tennessee is $48,416, 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 Cocke County?
The per capita income in Cocke County is $27,442, 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 $48,416.
How does Cocke County compare to the Tennessee average?
Cocke County's median household income of $48,416 is lower than the Tennessee state average of $58,994. The per capita income is $27,442, compared to the state average of $31,458.
What is the per capita income in Cocke County, Tennessee?
The per capita income in Cocke County, Tennessee is $27,442, 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 Cocke County a low-income area in Tennessee?
Cocke County's median household income of $48,416 is below the Tennessee average of $58,994. The per capita income of $27,442 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 Cocke County rank for income in Tennessee?
Cocke County ranks #83 out of 95 counties in Tennessee by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $48,416 and per capita income of $27,442, it falls in the bottom third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Cocke County

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Your income is above the Cocke County median

County median: $48,416 per year

vs. County Median

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vs. State Average

-18%

vs. National Median

-35%

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

Income Adequacy

Monthly income covers median rent5.1x

Your monthly income ($4,035) vs. median rent ($787/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.