Special Interest
Housing in Rhea County
Both Census and HUD figures represent gross rent — contract rent plus estimated utility costs for electricity, heat, water, and sewer.
Rent in Rhea County averages $839/month for a 2‑bedroom in 2024, compared to the Tennessee median of $1,189 and the national median of $1,413. Local renters spend approximately 30% of household income on rent, below the national average of 32%.
HUD 2026 50th Percentile Rent Estimates for Rhea County FMR Area are $756 for a studio, $761 for 1‑bedroom, $998 for 2‑bedroom, $1,316 for 3‑bedroom, and $1,321 for 4‑bedroom.
HUD 2026 Rent Estimates reflect market movement since 2024 Census data — a $159 increase for a 2-bedroom in Rhea County shows a 19% rise over that period.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics annual unemployment rate for Rhea County was 4.2% in 2024, compared to Tennessee at 3.4% and the national rate of 4.0%.
