Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Greene County, Tennessee
Greene County has a HUD fair market rent of $995 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $737 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $19.13 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $995
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 28% less than in Tennessee
- Typical rent
- $737
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 38% less than in Tennessee
- Wage needed
- $19.13
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $39,800 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 42%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 14% less than in Tennessee
Only here
Renting in Greene County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
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Among the neighboring counties, Hancock County has the lowest typical rent ($622), 16% below the $737 in Greene County.
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16% of households in Greene County have no internet at home, against 8% in Tennessee.
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 Greene 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 Greene County was $1,271 a month in September 2026: 1.9% 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 | $693 | $13.33 | $27,720 |
| 1 bedroom | $789 | $15.17 | $31,560 |
| 2 bedrooms | $995 | $19.13 | $39,800 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,268 | $24.38 | $50,720 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,365 | $26.25 | $54,600 |
HUD area: Greene County, TN. 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 10 ZIP codes in Greene County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,000 in 37810 to $1,090 in 37809. 10 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($995).
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)
| 37616 | Greene County, TN | $720 | $820 | $1,040 | $1,320 | $1,430 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 37641 | Greene County, TN | $800 | $810 | $1,020 | $1,260 | $1,400 |
| 37641 | Johnson City, TN | $800 | $810 | $1,020 | $1,260 | $1,400 |
| 37743 | Cocke County, TN | $700 | $800 | $1,010 | $1,290 | $1,380 |
| 37743 | Greene County, TN | $700 | $800 | $1,010 | $1,290 | $1,380 |
| 37745 | Greene County, TN | $700 | $800 | $1,010 | $1,280 | $1,380 |
| 37745 | Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA | $700 | $800 | $1,010 | $1,280 | $1,380 |
| 37809 | Greene County, TN | $760 | $860 | $1,090 | $1,390 | $1,490 |
| 37810 | Greene County, TN | $690 | $790 | $1,000 | $1,270 | $1,360 |
| 37818 | Greene County, TN | $710 | $810 | $1,020 | $1,300 | $1,400 |
- 37616 · Greene County, TN $1,040$1,320
- 37641 · Greene County, TN $1,020$1,260
- 37641 · Johnson City, TN $1,020$1,260
- 37743 · Cocke County, TN $1,010$1,290
- 37743 · Greene County, TN $1,010$1,290
- 37745 · Greene County, TN $1,010$1,280
- 37745 · Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA $1,010$1,280
- 37809 · Greene County, TN $1,090$1,390
- 37810 · Greene County, TN $1,000$1,270
- 37818 · Greene County, TN $1,020$1,300
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 Greene County, 42% 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.
42%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
6,501 households rent in Greene County
- Spend half or more of their income 19%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 23%
- Spend less than 30% 58%
Compared with the state and the country
- Greene 42%
- Tennessee 49%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Greene County
HUD lists 13 properties with homes for low-income households in Greene 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
- 7
- public housing
- 1
891 homes in all; 830 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Earl H. Smith Homes Public housing 225A Ross Blvd, Greeneville 37743 332 homes, 324 low-income · Run by Greeneville Housing Authority · Average payment: $406 a month · Average wait: 8 months · (423) 638-3111
- Plaza Towers HUD-assisted 224 Thornwood Dr, Greeneville 37745 114 homes, 113 low-income · For older adults · (423) 639-4044
- Greeneville Terrace Apartments HUD-assisted 406 Elk St, Greeneville 37745 100 low-income homes · For older adults · (423) 639-5291
- Hidden Oaks Tax credit (LIHTC) 1108 W Summer St, Greeneville 37743 72 low-income homes · 2 bd: 32 · 3 bd: 40 · In service since 2006 · For people with disabilities, families
- Indian Hills HUD-assisted 48 Indian Hills Cir, Greeneville 37743 52 homes, 51 low-income · For families · (423) 639-3866
- Crestview Terrace Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1600 Highway 70 Byp, Greeneville 37743 50 low-income homes · 1 bd: 34 · 2 bd: 16 · In service since 1996
- Baileyton Terrace Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 7600 Horton Hwy, Baileyton 37745 40 low-income homes · 1 bd: 40 · In service since 1995
- Blue Springs Village Tax credit (LIHTC) 2995 Blue Springs Pkwy, Greeneville 37743 40 low-income homes · 1 bd: 4 · 2 bd: 25 · 3 bd: 11 · In service since 2006 · For people with disabilities, families
- Woodridge Apartments HUD-assisted 1001 Light St, Greeneville 37743 15 low-income homes · For older adults · (423) 586-1494
- Crockett Development HUD-assisted 801 Arnold Rd, Greeneville 37743 11 homes, 10 low-income · For people with disabilities · (423) 467-3723
- Crockett Residential HUD-assisted 1006 Arnold Rd, Greeneville 37743 10 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (423) 578-3946
- Woodridge Apartments Annex HUD-assisted 1101 Light Street, Greeneville 37743 5 low-income homes · For older adults · (423) 586-1494
- Barton Greene Tax credit (LIHTC) 601 E Barton Ridge Rd, Greeneville 37745 50 homes · In service since 2013 · For families
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 Greene 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 Greene 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 | $16,950 | $28,250 | $45,200 |
| 2 people | $21,640 | $32,300 | $51,650 |
| 3 people | $27,320 | $36,350 | $58,100 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $40,350 | $64,550 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $43,600 | $69,750 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $46,850 | $74,900 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $50,050 | $80,050 |
| 8 people | $53,300 | $53,300 | $85,250 |
Area median income: $80,700. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Greene County, TN. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $624 – $762
- 1 bedroom $710 – $868
- 2 bedrooms $896 – $1,095
- 3 bedrooms $1,141 – $1,395
- 4 bedrooms $1,229 – $1,502
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
- Greeneville Housing Authority Public housing · 324 public housing units (423) 638-3111 Greeneville Housing Authority: grneha@comcast.net
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 Greene County
This HUD-approved agency has an office in Greene County. They counsel for free or at low cost.
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Telamon Corporation - Tennessee Branch
100 Erin Ln, Bulls Gap · Spanish
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 8 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Greene 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
$1,990
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $995
- Security deposit
- $995
- Total
- $1,990
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 Greene County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $693; 1 bedroom: $789; 2 bedrooms: $995; 3 bedrooms: $1,268; 4 bedrooms: $1,365. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Greene County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($995) without spending more than 30% of income takes $19.13 an hour full time, or $39,800 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Greene County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $40,350 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 Greene 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 $896 and $1,095 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Greene County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,000 in 37810 to $1,090 in 37809. 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 Greene County?
HUD lists 13 properties with homes for low-income households in Greene 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 Greene County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Greene County, 42% of renter households are in that position; in Tennessee, 49%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).