Grainger County, Tennessee
Income Data
U.S. Census Bureau ACSAt a Glance
Economic Indicators
How Grainger County Compares
Detailed Income Statistics
Income Advisory: Grainger County
Income Verdict
Grainger County has a median household income of $51,351 and per capita income of $28,789 — a gap of $22,562, suggesting a higher share of single-earner or non-family households.
Housing Affordability
With median gross rent at $726/month and a median household income of $51,351, rent consumes approximately 17.0% of monthly income — well within affordable thresholds.
Economic Context
With a median household income of $51,351, residents of Grainger County likely face budget constraints in higher-cost regions but may find cost of living manageable locally. Per capita income of $28,789 suggests below-average individual earnings, which may reflect local employment mix or industrial composition.
Neighbor Context
Grainger County earns approximately 13% below the Tennessee state median household income of $58,994.
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
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Income Comparison Calculator
See how your household income compares in Grainger County
Your income is above the Grainger County median
County median: $51,351 per year
vs. County Median
+0%
vs. State Average
-13%
vs. National Median
-31%
Income Adequacy
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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Compare RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.