Grainger County, Tennessee

Income Data

-13% vs. Tennessee average
$51,351
Median Household Income
$28,789
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$51,351
-13% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$28,789
-27% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
29.9%
income as % of home value
Rank in Tennessee
#67 / 95
by median household income

How Grainger County Compares

Grainger County$51,351
Tennessee Average$58,994
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$51,351
Median Household Income
$28,789
Per Capita Income
$172,000
Median Home Value
29.9%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Grainger County, Tennessee

Grainger County income trails nation

Grainger County's median household income of $51,351 falls $23,404 short of the national median of $74,755—a 31% gap. The county ranks among lower-income areas nationally, reflecting limited job growth and wage pressures common to rural Appalachia.

Below Tennessee state average income

At $51,351, Grainger County trails Tennessee's state average of $58,994 by $7,643, placing it among the lower-income counties statewide. The county faces structural economic challenges that depress household earnings compared to state and national peers.

Struggling with peer counties

Grainger County's $51,351 median income exceeds only Grundy County ($45,573) in this group, trailing higher earners like Franklin and Giles counties by over $10,000. The county shares income challenges with Fentress County ($50,865), both struggling regionally.

Rent burden creeps higher

Grainger County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.0% indicates housing costs claim a growing share of household earnings. While median home values of $172,000 remain moderate, the ratio suggests some households may strain to afford adequate housing.

Save aggressively from modest income

Despite lower earnings, Grainger County residents can build wealth through disciplined saving and smart spending. Even small monthly contributions to savings accounts and employer retirement plans compound significantly over working lifetimes, creating long-term financial security.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Grainger County, Tennessee?
The median household income in Grainger County, Tennessee is $51,351, 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 Grainger County?
The per capita income in Grainger County is $28,789, 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 $51,351.
How does Grainger County compare to the Tennessee average?
Grainger County's median household income of $51,351 is lower than the Tennessee state average of $58,994. The per capita income is $28,789, compared to the state average of $31,458.
What is the per capita income in Grainger County, Tennessee?
The per capita income in Grainger County, Tennessee is $28,789, 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 Grainger County a low-income area in Tennessee?
Grainger County's median household income of $51,351 is below the Tennessee average of $58,994. The per capita income of $28,789 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 Grainger County rank for income in Tennessee?
Grainger County ranks #67 out of 95 counties in Tennessee by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $51,351 and per capita income of $28,789, it falls in the bottom third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Grainger County

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Your income is above the Grainger County median

County median: $51,351 per year

vs. County Median

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vs. State Average

-13%

vs. National Median

-31%

vs. Grainger County MedianAbout equal
vs. Tennessee Average13% below
vs. National Median31% below

Income Adequacy

Monthly income covers median rent5.9x

Your monthly income ($4,279) vs. median rent ($726/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.