Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Blount County, Tennessee
Blount County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,475 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,090 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $28.37 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,475
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 7% more than in Tennessee
- Typical rent
- $1,090
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 8% less than in Tennessee
- Wage needed
- $28.37
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $59,000 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 40%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 18% less than in Tennessee
Only here
Renting in Blount County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
-
Nearby, in Monroe County, the typical rent is $714: 34% less than in Blount County ($1,090).
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At $77,365, Blount County ranks 10th among the 95 counties in Tennessee for the highest typical household income.
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau (Average 2020–2024).
Fair market rent
What HUD sets for each size
Every year HUD (the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) publishes a Fair Market Rent (FMR) for each home size in Blount County. It is used to work out how much a Section 8 voucher covers. The table shows what you need to earn to pay it without spending more than 30% of income.
The fair market rent covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone. HUD generally sets it at the 40th percentile: 4 in 10 standard-quality homes rented recently cost less. 24 CFR §888.113(a)
According to Zillow (ZORI), the typical asking rent in Blount County was $1,803 a month in September 2026: 0.9% more than 12 months ago. It is an index of market listings, not a HUD limit. Zillow data
| Size | Fair rent per month | Hourly wage | Income needed per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,171 | $22.52 | $46,840 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,178 | $22.65 | $47,120 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,475 | $28.37 | $59,000 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,844 | $35.46 | $73,760 |
| 4 bedrooms | $2,122 | $40.81 | $84,880 |
HUD area: Knoxville, TN HUD Metro FMR Area. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2027
By ZIP code
The fair market rent for your ZIP code
HUD also publishes fair market rents by ZIP code (Small Area FMRs) for 11 ZIP codes in Blount County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,030 in 37777 to $1,560 in 37701. 2 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,475).
Where HUD designates these areas, or where the housing agency chooses to use them, the voucher is figured on the ZIP code's rent instead of the county's. Ask your agency which one it uses. 24 CFR §982.503(a)(1)
| 37701 | Knoxville, TN | $1,240 | $1,250 | $1,560 | $1,950 | $2,240 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 37737 | Knoxville, TN | $1,230 | $1,240 | $1,550 | $1,940 | $2,230 |
| 37777 | Knoxville, TN | $820 | $820 | $1,030 | $1,290 | $1,480 |
| 37801 | Knoxville, TN | $1,090 | $1,100 | $1,370 | $1,720 | $1,970 |
| 37801 | Monroe County, TN | $1,090 | $1,100 | $1,370 | $1,720 | $1,970 |
| 37803 | Knoxville, TN | $1,100 | $1,100 | $1,380 | $1,730 | $1,990 |
| 37804 | Knoxville, TN | $1,150 | $1,160 | $1,450 | $1,810 | $2,090 |
| 37853 | Knoxville, TN | $870 | $880 | $1,100 | $1,380 | $1,580 |
| 37878 | Knoxville, TN | $1,050 | $1,070 | $1,320 | $1,670 | $1,880 |
| 37882 | Knoxville, TN | $1,020 | $1,020 | $1,280 | $1,600 | $1,840 |
| 37886 | Knoxville, TN | $1,110 | $1,120 | $1,380 | $1,740 | $1,940 |
- 37701 · Knoxville, TN $1,560$1,950
- 37737 · Knoxville, TN $1,550$1,940
- 37777 · Knoxville, TN $1,030$1,290
- 37801 · Knoxville, TN $1,370$1,720
- 37801 · Monroe County, TN $1,370$1,720
- 37803 · Knoxville, TN $1,380$1,730
- 37804 · Knoxville, TN $1,450$1,810
- 37853 · Knoxville, TN $1,100$1,380
- 37878 · Knoxville, TN $1,320$1,670
- 37882 · Knoxville, TN $1,280$1,600
- 37886 · Knoxville, TN $1,380$1,740
Source: Small Area Fair Market Rents (HUD) Fiscal year 2027 Small Area Fair Market Rents (HUD) (external site)
Rent burden
How many households spend too much
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Blount County, 40% of renter households are in that position; in Tennessee, 49%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).
Paying too much rent leaves little for food, transportation and savings. If that is you, the agencies below can guide you for free.
40%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
12,778 households rent in Blount County
- Spend half or more of their income 18%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 22%
- Spend less than 30% 60%
Compared with the state and the country
- Blount 40%
- Tennessee 49%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Blount County
HUD lists 12 properties with homes for low-income households in Blount County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC), HUD-assisted buildings and public housing. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest.
- with tax credits (LIHTC)
- 5
- HUD-assisted
- 6
- public housing
- 1
1,217 homes in all; 1,212 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Maryville Housing Authority Public housing 135 W Broadway Ave, Maryville 37801 400 homes, 399 low-income · Run by Maryville Housing Authority · (865) 983-4958
- Atchley Homes Tax credit (LIHTC) 1811 Atchley DR, Maryville 37801 124 low-income homes · 2 bd: 104 · 3 bd: 20 · In service since 2011 · For families
- Atchley Homes HUD-assisted 100 Atchley Apartments, Maryville 37801 124 homes, 123 low-income · For families · (865) 982-0572
- Maryville Towers HUD-assisted 210 McGhee St, Maryville 37801 118 low-income homes · For older adults · (865) 983-4958, ext. 170
- Meadowood Apartments HUD-assisted 944 N Wright Rd, Alcoa 37701 100 homes, 99 low-income · For families · (865) 982-4802
- The Overlook Village Tax credit (LIHTC) 105 Overlook Cir, Maryville 37801 96 low-income homes · In service since 2018
- Laurel Branch Tax credit (LIHTC) 106 Laurel Branch Dr, Maryville 37801 92 low-income homes · 2 bd: 46 · 3 bd: 46
- Foothills Village Tax credit (LIHTC) 527 Foothills Village Cir, Maryville 37801 90 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 42 · 3 bd: 40 · In service since 2013 · For people with disabilities, families
- Airway Ridge Tax credit (LIHTC) 101 Airway Ridge Rd, Louisville 37777 48 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 32 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 2011 · For people with disabilities, families
- Honey Alexander HUD-assisted 1710 Cherry Dr, Maryville 37804 10 homes, 9 low-income · For people with disabilities · (865) 983-5522
- Horizon House II HUD-assisted 401 McGhee St, Maryville 37801 9 homes, 8 low-income · For people with disabilities · (865) 681-1443
- Woodgrove Apts HUD-assisted 826 Holly St, Maryville 37804 6 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (865) 525-7500
Source: HUD, retrieved November 6, 2026. LIHTC database, updated May 14, 2025; Assisted multifamily properties, updated October 23, 2026; Public housing developments, updated October 23, 2026.
Section 8
The Section 8 voucher in Blount County
The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. Your public housing agency runs it. 1 agency serves in Blount County. Here is what the rules say:
The rules, with their source
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You apply at the public housing agency. If you qualify, your name usually goes on a waiting list. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or noncitizens with eligible status as HUD defines it. Source: HUD
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Generally, your family must have very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income, by family size (the middle column of the table). Source: 24 CFR §5.603, §982.201(b)
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Each year, at least 75% of the families an agency admits from its list must have extremely low income (the 30% column). Source: 24 CFR §982.201(b)(2)
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If the rent is below the payment standard, the family generally pays 30% of its adjusted monthly income. If it is above, the family pays more. Source: 24 CFR §982.1(a)(3)
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When you move in, if the rent is above the payment standard, your share cannot go over 40% of your adjusted monthly income. Source: 24 CFR §982.508
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Each agency sets a payment standard for each size. Without asking HUD, it can go from 90% to 110% of the fair market rent. Source: 24 CFR §982.503(b), (c)
| People | Extremely low (30%) | Very low (50%) | Low |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $21,800 | $36,300 | $58,100 |
| 2 people | $24,900 | $41,500 | $66,400 |
| 3 people | $28,000 | $46,700 | $74,700 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $51,850 | $82,950 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $56,000 | $89,600 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $60,150 | $96,250 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $64,300 | $102,900 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $68,450 | $109,500 |
Area median income: $103,700. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Knoxville, TN HUD Metro FMR Area. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $1,054 – $1,288
- 1 bedroom $1,060 – $1,296
- 2 bedrooms $1,328 – $1,623
- 3 bedrooms $1,660 – $2,028
- 4 bedrooms $1,910 – $2,334
The range the rule allows: 90% to 110% of the county's fair market rent. Your agency publishes its own.
Housing agencies that serve this place
- Maryville Housing Authority Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 356 vouchers · 399 public housing units (865) 983-4958 Maryville Housing Authority: jsharpe@mhatn.com
Housing agencies in Tennessee Source: HUD, Retrieved November 6, 2026
Your rights as a tenant in Tennessee
What Tennessee law says about deposits, notices and eviction, with the citation for each rule.
See your rights, rule by ruleCompare these rules with other states →
A summary of state law, not legal advice. Cities may have additional rules.
- If I fall behind on rent, what notice must I get?
- 14 days
- T.C.A. §66-28-505(a)(1)-(2)
- How much notice ends a month-to-month rental?
- 30 days
- T.C.A. §66-28-512(b)
Help
Where to get help with rent in Blount County
These are the nearest HUD-approved agencies. They counsel for free or at low cost.
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University of Tennessee Extension Office
2621 Morgan Cir, Knoxville · 18 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Pre-purchase counseling
- and 2 more
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KNOX HOUSING PARTNERSHIP, INCORPORATED dba HOMESOURCE EAST TENNESSEE
109 Winona St, Knoxville · 20 miles away · Spanish
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 5 more
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Knoxville Area Urban League
1514 E 5th Ave, Knoxville · 20 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 5 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Blount County. Change the rent, the deposit and the fees to yours: the numbers stay in your browser.
Count power on top of the rent: in Tennessee, the average home bill was $143 a month in 2024 (EIA). See electricity and gas costs
Your move
We use the place's fair market rent and the state's deposit rule.
Adjust advanced details
Let's do the math
Cash to move in
$2,950
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,475
- Security deposit
- $1,475
- Total
- $2,950
When you'll have it
Enter what you can set aside each month to see how long it takes.
What helps
- Ask for a receipt for every payment and keep a copy of the lease.
- On move-in day, walk through the home and take dated photos.
- Never send money for a home you haven't seen or a lease you haven't read.
This is a planning estimate, not a price. What you are asked for depends on the landlord, your lease and your state's and city's rules. It is not legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
What is the fair market rent in Blount County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $1,171; 1 bedroom: $1,178; 2 bedrooms: $1,475; 3 bedrooms: $1,844; 4 bedrooms: $2,122. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Blount County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,475) without spending more than 30% of income takes $28.37 an hour full time, or $59,000 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Blount County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $51,850 a year (Fiscal year 2026). The family usually pays 30% of its adjusted monthly income. You apply at the housing agency.
How much does Section 8 pay in Blount County?
The voucher pays up to your housing agency's payment standard, minus your share. The rule lets the agency set it between 90% and 110% of the fair market rent: for 2 bedrooms here, between $1,328 and $1,623 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Blount County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,030 in 37777 to $1,560 in 37701. Where HUD designates these areas, or where the housing agency chooses to use them, the voucher is figured on the ZIP code's rent instead of the county's. Ask your agency which one it uses.
How many low-income apartments are there in Blount County?
HUD lists 12 properties with homes for low-income households in Blount County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC), HUD-assisted buildings and public housing. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest. For tax-credit apartments and HUD-assisted buildings, you apply directly at the building's management office. They tell you whether units are open and how to apply; HUD does not have that information.
How many households spend too much on rent in Blount County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Blount County, 40% of renter households are in that position; in Tennessee, 49%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).