IncomeBy County

Unicoi County, Tennessee

Income Data

U.S. Census Bureau ACS
-15% vs. Tennessee average
$50,381
Median Household Income
$29,087
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$50,381
-15% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$29,087
-26% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
30.0%
income as % of home value
Rank in Tennessee
#73 / 95
by median household income

Economic Indicators

Unemployment Rate
N/A
Labor Force Participation
N/A

How Unicoi County Compares

Unicoi County$50,381
Tennessee Average$58,994
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$50,381
Median Household Income
$29,087
Per Capita Income
$168,200
Median Home Value
30.0%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Income Advisory: Unicoi County

Income Verdict

Unicoi County has a median household income of $50,381 and per capita income of $29,087 — a gap of $21,294, suggesting a higher share of single-earner or non-family households.

Housing Affordability

With median gross rent at $665/month and a median household income of $50,381, rent consumes approximately 15.8% of monthly income — well within affordable thresholds.

Economic Context

With a median household income of $50,381, residents of Unicoi County likely face budget constraints in higher-cost regions but may find cost of living manageable locally. Per capita income of $29,087 suggests below-average individual earnings, which may reflect local employment mix or industrial composition.

Neighbor Context

Unicoi County earns approximately 14.6% below the Tennessee state median household income of $58,994.

Data Story

About Household Income in Unicoi County, Tennessee

Unicoi Faces Significant Income Gap

Unicoi County's median household income of $50,381 falls about $24,374 below the national median of $74,755, representing a stark 33% gap. This substantial shortfall places Unicoi among the lowest-income counties nationally.

Well Below Tennessee's State Median

Unicoi County's $50,381 income trails Tennessee's state average of $58,994 by $8,613, positioning it in the lower tier of state counties. This gap reflects persistent economic challenges in East Tennessee's mountain communities.

Lowest Earner Among Regional Peers

Unicoi County ranks at the bottom of its region with $50,381 in median income, significantly behind Sullivan County ($56,802) and other neighboring counties. The county faces the steepest economic challenges among its immediate neighbors.

Housing Affordability Under Pressure

While Unicoi County's 15.8% rent-to-income ratio appears manageable, the median home value of $168,200 still represents a substantial burden for households earning just $50,381. Many residents are likely priced out of homeownership even at these lower valuations.

Wealth-Building Requires Focused Effort

Unicoi County residents face the tightest financial constraints among regional peers, making every dollar count in building long-term wealth. Pursuing education, skills training, or higher-wage employment opportunities may offer the most realistic path to improved financial security.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Unicoi County, Tennessee?
The median household income in Unicoi County, Tennessee is $50,381, 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 Unicoi County?
The per capita income in Unicoi County is $29,087, 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 $50,381.
How does Unicoi County compare to the Tennessee average?
Unicoi County's median household income of $50,381 is lower than the Tennessee state average of $58,994. The per capita income is $29,087, compared to the state average of $31,458.
What is the per capita income in Unicoi County, Tennessee?
The per capita income in Unicoi County, Tennessee is $29,087, 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 Unicoi County a low-income area in Tennessee?
Unicoi County's median household income of $50,381 is below the Tennessee average of $58,994. The per capita income of $29,087 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 Unicoi County rank for income in Tennessee?
Unicoi County ranks #73 out of 95 counties in Tennessee by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $50,381 and per capita income of $29,087, it falls in the bottom third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Unicoi County

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1.00x

Your income is above the Unicoi County median

County median: $50,381 per year

vs. County Median

+0%

vs. State Average

-15%

vs. National Median

-33%

vs. Unicoi County MedianAbout equal
vs. Tennessee Average▼ 15% below
vs. National Median▼ 33% below

Income Adequacy

Monthly income covers median rent6.3x

Your monthly income ($4,198) vs. median rent ($665/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.

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By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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

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