Rhea County, Tennessee

Income Data

-1% vs. Tennessee average
$58,133
Median Household Income
$28,160
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$58,133
-1% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$28,160
-29% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
32.6%
income as % of home value
Rank in Tennessee
#45 / 95
by median household income

How Rhea County Compares

Rhea County$58,133
Tennessee Average$58,994
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$58,133
Median Household Income
$28,160
Per Capita Income
$178,500
Median Home Value
32.6%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Rhea County, Tennessee

Rhea County Trails National Income Standard

Rhea County's median household income of $58,133 falls $16,622 short of the national median of $74,755, a 22% gap. Typical households earn roughly three-quarters of what average American households make.

Nearly Matches Tennessee's State Average

Rhea County's $58,133 median income nearly aligns with Tennessee's state average of $58,994, placing it at the statewide baseline. The per capita income of $28,160 falls below the state average of $31,458, suggesting some income concentration.

Third-Strongest Income in Peer Group

Rhea County's $58,133 median income ranks third among its rural peers, behind only Polk County ($60,227) and Putnam County ($56,537). The county substantially outpaces lower-income neighbors like Overton ($46,159) and Pickett ($44,591).

Moderate Rent, High Home Values

Rhea County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.4% remains comfortably affordable for renters. However, the median home value of $178,500 represents 3.1 years of gross household income—higher than several peers—creating a wealth-building challenge for aspiring homeowners.

Balanced Approach to Home and Savings

Rhea County households should weigh homeownership timing carefully given elevated home prices relative to income. Prioritize building robust savings and exploring first-time homebuyer programs before committing to purchase; simultaneously, invest in retirement accounts to build wealth beyond real estate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Rhea County, Tennessee?
The median household income in Rhea County, Tennessee is $58,133, 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 Rhea County?
The per capita income in Rhea County is $28,160, 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 $58,133.
How does Rhea County compare to the Tennessee average?
Rhea County's median household income of $58,133 is lower than the Tennessee state average of $58,994. The per capita income is $28,160, compared to the state average of $31,458.
What is the per capita income in Rhea County, Tennessee?
The per capita income in Rhea County, Tennessee is $28,160, 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 Rhea County a low-income area in Tennessee?
Rhea County's median household income of $58,133 is below the Tennessee average of $58,994. The per capita income of $28,160 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 Rhea County rank for income in Tennessee?
Rhea County ranks #45 out of 95 counties in Tennessee by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $58,133 and per capita income of $28,160, it falls in the middle third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Rhea County

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County median: $58,133 per year

vs. County Median

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vs. State Average

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vs. National Median

-22%

vs. Rhea County MedianAbout equal
vs. Tennessee Average1% below
vs. National Median22% below

Income Adequacy

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Your monthly income ($4,844) vs. median rent ($796/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.