Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Knox County, Tennessee
Knox 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 $1,261 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
- $1,261
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 6% more 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
- 50%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 3% more than in Tennessee
Only here
Renting in Knox County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
-
Knox County has the highest typical rent in its area: $1,261, more than any of its 6 neighboring counties; next is Blount County ($1,090).
-
Knox County has the 9th highest typical rent of the 95 counties in Tennessee ($1,261).
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 Knox 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 Knox County was $1,729 a month in September 2026: 0.8% 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 27 ZIP codes in Knox County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,020 in 37806 to $2,210 in 37934. 12 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)
| 37721 | Knoxville, TN | $1,010 | $1,020 | $1,250 | $1,610 | $1,880 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 37806 | Grainger County, TN | $810 | $810 | $1,020 | $1,280 | $1,460 |
| 37806 | Knoxville, TN | $810 | $810 | $1,020 | $1,280 | $1,460 |
| 37849 | Knoxville, TN | $1,090 | $1,090 | $1,370 | $1,710 | $1,970 |
| 37871 | Knoxville, TN | $840 | $850 | $1,050 | $1,310 | $1,580 |
| 37871 | Morristown, TN | $840 | $850 | $1,050 | $1,310 | $1,580 |
| 37871 | Sevier County, TN | $840 | $850 | $1,050 | $1,310 | $1,580 |
| 37902 | Knoxville, TN | $1,510 | $1,520 | $1,900 | $2,380 | $2,730 |
| 37909 | Knoxville, TN | $1,160 | $1,170 | $1,460 | $1,830 | $2,100 |
| 37912 | Knoxville, TN | $1,090 | $1,090 | $1,370 | $1,710 | $1,970 |
| 37914 | Knoxville, TN | $1,060 | $1,070 | $1,340 | $1,680 | $1,930 |
| 37915 | Knoxville, TN | $950 | $960 | $1,200 | $1,500 | $1,730 |
| 37916 | Knoxville, TN | $1,200 | $1,210 | $1,510 | $1,890 | $2,170 |
| 37917 | Knoxville, TN | $1,270 | $1,280 | $1,600 | $2,000 | $2,300 |
| 37918 | Knoxville, TN | $1,160 | $1,170 | $1,460 | $1,830 | $2,100 |
| 37919 | Knoxville, TN | $1,380 | $1,390 | $1,740 | $2,180 | $2,500 |
| 37920 | Knoxville, TN | $1,100 | $1,110 | $1,390 | $1,740 | $2,000 |
| 37920 | Sevier County, TN | $1,100 | $1,110 | $1,390 | $1,740 | $2,000 |
| 37921 | Knoxville, TN | $1,210 | $1,210 | $1,520 | $1,900 | $2,190 |
| 37922 | Knoxville, TN | $1,660 | $1,670 | $2,090 | $2,610 | $3,010 |
| 37923 | Knoxville, TN | $1,400 | $1,410 | $1,770 | $2,210 | $2,550 |
| 37924 | Knoxville, TN | $1,060 | $1,070 | $1,340 | $1,680 | $1,930 |
| 37929 | Knoxville, TN | $1,220 | $1,230 | $1,540 | $1,930 | $2,220 |
| 37931 | Knoxville, TN | $1,470 | $1,480 | $1,850 | $2,310 | $2,660 |
| 37932 | Knoxville, TN | $1,520 | $1,530 | $1,920 | $2,400 | $2,760 |
| 37934 | Knoxville, TN | $1,750 | $1,770 | $2,210 | $2,760 | $3,180 |
| 37938 | Knoxville, TN | $1,180 | $1,190 | $1,490 | $1,860 | $2,140 |
- 37721 · Knoxville, TN $1,250$1,610
- 37806 · Grainger County, TN $1,020$1,280
- 37806 · Knoxville, TN $1,020$1,280
- 37849 · Knoxville, TN $1,370$1,710
- 37871 · Knoxville, TN $1,050$1,310
- 37871 · Morristown, TN $1,050$1,310
- 37871 · Sevier County, TN $1,050$1,310
- 37902 · Knoxville, TN $1,900$2,380
- 37909 · Knoxville, TN $1,460$1,830
- 37912 · Knoxville, TN $1,370$1,710
- 37914 · Knoxville, TN $1,340$1,680
- 37915 · Knoxville, TN $1,200$1,500
- 37916 · Knoxville, TN $1,510$1,890
- 37917 · Knoxville, TN $1,600$2,000
- 37918 · Knoxville, TN $1,460$1,830
- 37919 · Knoxville, TN $1,740$2,180
- 37920 · Knoxville, TN $1,390$1,740
- 37920 · Sevier County, TN $1,390$1,740
- 37921 · Knoxville, TN $1,520$1,900
- 37922 · Knoxville, TN $2,090$2,610
- 37923 · Knoxville, TN $1,770$2,210
- 37924 · Knoxville, TN $1,340$1,680
- 37929 · Knoxville, TN $1,540$1,930
- 37931 · Knoxville, TN $1,850$2,310
- 37932 · Knoxville, TN $1,920$2,400
- 37934 · Knoxville, TN $2,210$2,760
- 37938 · Knoxville, TN $1,490$1,860
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 Knox County, 50% 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.
50%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
70,029 households rent in Knox County
- Spend half or more of their income 24%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 26%
- Spend less than 30% 50%
Compared with the state and the country
- Knox 50%
- Tennessee 49%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Knox County
HUD lists 100 properties with homes for low-income households in Knox 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)
- 47
- HUD-assisted
- 59
- public housing
- 3
9,882 homes in all; 9,699 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Montgomery Village HUD-assisted 4530 Joe Lewis Rd, Knoxville 37920 380 low-income homes · For families · (865) 403-1110
- Townview Towers Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 1100 Lula Powell Dr, Knoxville 37915 299 low-income homes · Studio: 175 · 1 bd: 124 · In service since 2015 · For families · (865) 525-1262
- Summit Towers Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 201 Locust St, Knoxville 37902 278 low-income homes · 1 bd: 278 · In service since 2004 · For older adults · (865) 525-5069
- Northgate Terrace HUD-assisted 4301 Whittle Springs Rd, Knoxville 37917 273 low-income homes · For older adults
- Cagle Terrace HUD-assisted 515 Renford Rd, Knoxville 37919 272 low-income homes · For older adults
- Morningside Gardens Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 1800 Linden Ave, Knoxville 37917 268 low-income homes · 1 bd: 268 · In service since 2003 · For older adults · (865) 523-4133
- North Ridge Crossing HUD-assisted 712 Breda Dr, Knoxville 37918 268 low-income homes · For families · (865) 403-1320
- Lonsdale HUD-assisted 2020 Minnesota Ave, Knoxville 37921 260 low-income homes · For families · (865) 403-1350
- Guy B Love Towers HUD-assisted 1171 Armstrong Ave, Knoxville 37917 249 low-income homes · For families · (865) 403-1360
- Westview Towers Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 7823 Gleason Dr, Knoxville 37919 240 low-income homes · Studio: 108 · 1 bd: 132 · In service since 2007 · For older adults · (865) 693-6211
- Isabella Towers HUD-assisted 1515 Isabella Cir, Knoxville 37915 236 homes, 234 low-income · For older adults · (865) 403-1100
- Western Heights HUD-assisted 1621 Jourolman Ave, Knoxville 37921 232 low-income homes · For families
- Broadway Towers HUD-assisted 1508 McCroskey Ave, Knoxville 37917 215 homes, 213 low-income · For older adults · (865) 524-4092
- Pinnacle Park Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 320 Hall Of Fame Dr, Knoxville 37915 200 low-income homes · 1 bd: 100 · 2 bd: 80 · 3 bd: 20 · In service since 2017 · For people with disabilities, families · (865) 523-9303
- Holston Oaks Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 1930 Natchez Ave, Knoxville 37915 198 low-income homes · 1 bd: 44 · 2 bd: 86 · 3 bd: 68
- Autumn Landing/Natures Cove HUD-assisted 2639 Bakertown Rd, Knoxville 37931 197 low-income homes · For families
- Holston Oaks HUD-assisted 1928 Natchez Ave, Knoxville 37915 199 homes, 195 low-income · For families · (865) 523-1731
- The Vista at Summit Hill Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 957 E Hill Ave, Knoxville 37915 175 low-income homes · 1 bd: 43 · 2 bd: 96 · 3 bd: 36 · In service since 2018 · For families · (865) 403-1300
- Southside Flats Tax credit (LIHTC) 2712 E Martin Mill Pike, Knoxville 37920 172 low-income homes · 1 bd: 84 · 2 bd: 51 · 3 bd: 37 · In service since 2020
- Sunnybrook Apts HUD-assisted 4500 Doris Cir, Knoxville 37918 152 homes, 150 low-income · For older adults · (865) 922-9124
- The Pines Apartments HUD-assisted 5944 Tannahill Dr, Knoxville 37909 152 homes, 150 low-income · For families · (865) 690-5301
- Big Oak Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 3807 Middlebrook Pike, Knoxville 37921 150 low-income homes · 1 bd: 20 · 2 bd: 100 · 3 bd: 30 · In service since 2018 · For families · (865) 637-1343
- Pines Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1233 Francis Rd, Knoxville 37909 150 low-income homes · 2 bd: 63 · 3 bd: 70 · 4 bd: 8 · In service since 2008
- Stonewall I & Stonewall II Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 3423 Sevier Ave, Knoxville 37920 146 low-income homes · 1 bd: 48 · 2 bd: 86 · 3 bd: 12 · For people with disabilities, families · (865) 577-8208
- Ridgebrook Apartments HUD-assisted 2121 Ridgebrook Ln, Knoxville 37921 144 low-income homes · For families · (865) 523-7771
- Ridgebrook Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 2100 Ridgebrook Ln, Knoxville 37921 144 low-income homes · 2 bd: 72 · 3 bd: 72 · In service since 2007 · For people with disabilities
- Cassell Ridge Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1209 Cassell Valley Way, Knoxville 37912 140 low-income homes · 2 bd: 87 · 3 bd: 53 · In service since 2005
- Prestwick Ridge Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 441 Prestwick Ridge Way, Knoxville 37919 136 low-income homes · 2 bd: 72 · 3 bd: 64 · In service since 1996
- Western Heights Addition Public housing 1414 W Oldham Ave, Knoxville 37921 132 low-income homes · Run by Knoxville's Community Development Corp. · (865) 403-1100
- Clear Springs Apartments HUD-assisted 1716 Merchant Dr, Knoxville 37912 109 homes, 108 low-income · For families · (865) 688-4673
- Candleridge Plaza HUD-assisted 3405 Harrow Gate Ln, Powell 37849 101 homes, 100 low-income · For older adults · (865) 938-3394
- Golden Age Retirement Village HUD-assisted 1109 Beaman Lake Rd, Knoxville 37914 101 homes, 100 low-income · For older adults · (865) 637-3470
- Rocky Top Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1807 Rocky View Way, Knoxville 37918 97 low-income homes · 1 bd: 18 · 2 bd: 48 · 3 bd: 30 · In service since 2001 · For people with disabilities
- Hillside Place Tax credit (LIHTC) 2000 Edgeview Way, Knoxville 37918 96 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 52 · 3 bd: 32 · In service since 1998 · For people with disabilities, families
- River View Park Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 3209 River Maple Way, Knoxville 37914 96 low-income homes · 2 bd: 60 · 3 bd: 36 · In service since 2007 · For people with disabilities
- Overlook Senior Housing HUD-assisted 119-6 Dogwood Terrace Blvd, Knoxville 37923 95 low-income homes · For older adults · (865) 690-0313
- Austin Homes 3 HUD-assisted 237 S Bell St, Knoxville 37915 43 low-income homes · For families · (865) 403-1100
- Sutherland View Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 3210 Atchley Ridge Way, Knoxville 37919 92 low-income homes · 1 bd: 40 · 3 bd: 46 · In service since 2007 · For people with disabilities, families
- Cedar Springs Apartments HUD-assisted 364 Cedar View Way, Knoxville 37919 91 low-income homes · For families · (865) 693-3644
- Five Points Phase I Elderly Tax credit (LIHTC) Mcconnell Street, Knoxville 37915 90 low-income homes · 1 bd: 84 · 2 bd: 6 · In service since 2017 · For people with disabilities
- Residences at Five Points HUD-assisted 2061 Bethel Ave, Knoxville 37915 90 low-income homes · For older adults · (865) 403-1392
- Five Points 2 HUD-assisted 381 McConnell St, Knoxville 37915 84 low-income homes · For families · (865) 403-1390
- Five Points Phase 4 Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 400 McConnell St, Knoxville 37915 82 low-income homes · 1 bd: 14 · 2 bd: 23 · 3 bd: 23 · 4 bd: 22 · In service since 2020 · For people with disabilities, families
- Five Points 3 Tax credit (LIHTC) 304 S Kyle St, Knoxville 37915 80 low-income homes · 1 bd: 48 · 2 bd: 14 · 3 bd: 18 · In service since 2019
- Five Points 3 HUD-assisted 308 McConnell St, Knoxville 37915 80 low-income homes · For families
- Summercrest Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 3900 Summercrest Way, Knoxville 37918 80 low-income homes · 2 bd: 64 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 2001 · For people with disabilities
- Peaks of Knoxville Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 4013 Peaks Landing Way, Knoxville 37918 76 low-income homes · 2 bd: 28 · 3 bd: 24 · 4 bd: 24 · In service since 2002 · For people with disabilities, families
- Dunhill Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1000 Dunhill Way, Knoxville 37919 74 low-income homes · 2 bd: 74 · In service since 2000 · For people with disabilities
- Lyons Den Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 3610 Lyons Way, Knoxville 37917 74 low-income homes · 2 bd: 30 · 3 bd: 44 · In service since 2002 · For people with disabilities
- Cassell View Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1111 Elk Hill Way, Knoxville 37912 72 low-income homes · 1 bd: 36 · 2 bd: 36 · In service since 2008 · For people with disabilities
- Holston Ridge Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1230 Mystic River Way, Knoxville 37912 72 low-income homes · In service since 2011 · For people with disabilities
- Oak Crest Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 919 Knotty Oak Way, Knoxville 37920 72 low-income homes · 2 bd: 36 · 3 bd: 36 · In service since 2007 · For people with disabilities, families
- One South Place Tax credit (LIHTC) 1331 Bertie Rand St, Knoxville 37920 72 low-income homes · 2 bd: 72 · In service since 1998 · For people with disabilities
- Wilson Village Tax credit (LIHTC) 2020 Wilson Rd, Knoxville 37912 72 low-income homes · 1 bd: 4 · 2 bd: 56 · 3 bd: 12 · In service since 2008 · For people with disabilities
- Covenant Village HUD-assisted 322 Forestal Dr, Knoxville 37918 70 low-income homes · For families · (865) 689-6115
- Passport Homes & Residences HUD-assisted 317 McConnell St, Knoxville 37915 61 low-income homes · For families · (865) 403-1105
- Pine Ridge Apartments HUD-assisted 4700 Schubert Rd, Knoxville 37912 125 homes, 60 low-income · For families · (865) 688-6991
- Eastport Elderly Complex Tax credit (LIHTC) 569 McConnell St, Knoxville 37915 60 low-income homes · 1 bd: 60 · In service since 2011 · For older adults
- Kensington Addition Apts II Tax credit (LIHTC) 427 Tammy Dr, Powell 37849 60 low-income homes · 1 bd: 40 · 2 bd: 20 · In service since 2009
- Residences at Eastport II HUD-assisted 381 McConnell St, Knoxville 37915 60 low-income homes · For older adults · (865) 403-1180
- Sterchi Ridge Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) Haynes Sterchi RD., Knoxville 37912 60 low-income homes · 2 bd: 32 · 3 bd: 28 · In service since 2017
- White Oak Crossing Tax credit (LIHTC) 290 Quaker Way, Knoxville 37920 60 low-income homes · 2 bd: 11 · 3 bd: 49 · In service since 2018
- Kensington Assoc Apts II Tax credit (LIHTC) 427 Tammy Dr, Powell 37849 59 low-income homes · In service since 2008
- Minvilla Manor Tax credit (LIHTC) 447 N Broadway St, Knoxville 37917 57 low-income homes · In service since 2010 · For people with disabilities, people experiencing homelessness
- Belle Meade Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 7209 Old Clinton Pike, Knoxville 37921 56 low-income homes · 1 bd: 24 · 2 bd: 32 · In service since 2008
- Flenniken Square Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 512 Flennwood Way, Knoxville 37920 51 low-income homes · 2 bd: 35 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 1997 · For people with disabilities
- Evergreen Villas HUD-assisted 7620 Old Clinton Pike, Powell 37849 51 homes, 50 low-income · For older adults · (865) 938-0606
- Passport Homes Tax credit (LIHTC) 741 Alfredda Delaney St, Knoxville 37921 50 low-income homes · 2 bd: 33 · 3 bd: 7 · In service since 2003 · For families
- Flenniken Housing Tax credit (LIHTC) 115 Flenniken Ave, Knoxville 37920 48 low-income homes · Studio: 16 · 1 bd: 32 · In service since 2011 · For families
- Mechanicsville I and II HUD-assisted 1415 Moses Ave, Knoxville 37921 48 low-income homes · For families
- Valley Oaks HUD-assisted 3504 Oak Branch Cir, Knoxville 37917 48 low-income homes · For families · (865) 594-8619
- ST. Marys Villa HUD-assisted 4129 E Emory Rd, Knoxville 37938 47 homes, 46 low-income · For older adults · (865) 925-0818
- First Creek at Austin Homes HUD-assisted 1250 Burge Avenue, Knoxville 37915 43 low-income homes · For families · (865) 403-1300
- The Verandas HUD-assisted 107 Flenniken Ave, Knoxville 37920 42 low-income homes · For older adults · (865) 403-1258
- Riverbirch Valley Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 6924 Mary Sharp Way, Knoxville 37931 40 low-income homes · 2 bd: 40 · In service since 2000
- St. Marys Riverview II HUD-assisted 5845 E Governor John Sevier Hwy, Knoxville 37924 39 homes, 38 low-income · For older adults · (865) 523-2835
- Maude Booth Gardens HUD-assisted 4452 Maud Booth Way, Knoxville 37917 38 homes, 37 low-income · For older adults · (865) 546-7090
- ST. Marys Riverview I HUD-assisted 5845 E John Sevier Hwy, Knoxville 37924 38 homes, 37 low-income · For older adults · (865) 523-2834
- Sutherland Square Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 330 Saint Francis Way, Knoxville 37919 36 low-income homes · 3 bd: 36 · In service since 2001 · For families
- University Avenue Affordable Housing Pro Tax credit (LIHTC) 1225 University Ave, Knoxville 37921 33 low-income homes · 2 bd: 12 · 3 bd: 20 · 4 bd: 1 · In service since 2000
- Suncrest Estates Tax credit (LIHTC) 7410 Smokey Falls Way, Knoxville 37924 32 low-income homes · 2 bd: 20 · 3 bd: 12 · In service since 2005 · For families
- Residences at Eastport I HUD-assisted 579 McConnell St, Knoxville 37915 25 low-income homes · For older adults · (865) 403-1180
- Five Points Senior Duplexes HUD-assisted 317 McConnell St, Knoxville 37915 20 low-income homes · For older adults
- Five Points Multiplexes HUD-assisted 300 S Chestnut St, Knoxville 37914 17 low-income homes · For families · (865) 403-1100
- Hiawassee Square Apts II Tax credit (LIHTC) 3404 Dill St, Knoxville 37917 12 low-income homes · 2 bd: 4 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 2001 · For people with disabilities, families
- Sertoma Housing Group Home I HUD-assisted 1136 Groner Dr, Knoxville 37915 12 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (865) 525-6277
- Beta Development Company Group Home HUD-assisted 3706 Washington Pike, Knoxville 37917 11 homes, 10 low-income · For people with disabilities · (865) 546-5026
- Beta Home, Inc. HUD-assisted 1809 Luttrell St, Knoxville 37917 11 homes, 10 low-income · For people with disabilities · (865) 521-7683
- Breakthrough Phase I HUD-assisted 2112 Thurman Ln, Knoxville 37920 10 homes, 9 low-income · For people with disabilities · (865) 771-4500
- Breakthrough Phase III HUD-assisted 2144 Thurman Ln, Knoxville 37920 10 homes, 9 low-income · For people with disabilities · (865) 771-4500
- Breakthrough Phase II HUD-assisted 2130 Thurman Ln, Knoxville 37920 9 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (865) 771-4500
- Goodman Powell Court HUD-assisted 4209 Coffey St, Knoxville 37920 9 homes, 8 low-income · For people with disabilities · (865) 679-7645
- Horizon House I HUD-assisted 1903 Piney Grove Church Rd, Knoxville 37909 9 homes, 8 low-income · For people with disabilities · (865) 693-9229
- Sertoma Group Home II River Shores HUD-assisted 1916 River Shores Dr, Knoxville 37914 9 homes, 8 low-income · For people with disabilities · (865) 637-8710
- Shamrock Place HUD-assisted 701 Shamrock Ave, Knoxville 37917 9 homes, 8 low-income · For people with disabilities · (865) 296-0358
- Sertoma Group Home III HUD-assisted 812 Glenoaks Dr, Knoxville 37912 8 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (865) 689-8448
- Grand House II Tax credit (LIHTC) 4428 Grandview Dr, Knoxville 37919 1 low-income home · 3 bd: 1 · In service since 1996
- Five Points Phase 2 Tax credit (LIHTC) 360 McConnell St, Knoxville 37915 84 homes · 1 bd: 18 · 2 bd: 42 · 3 bd: 16 · 4 bd: 8 · In service since 2018
- North Ridge Crossing Public housing 3911 Nerva Rd, Knoxville 37918 34 homes · Run by Knoxville's Community Development Corp. · (865) 403-1100
- Passport Homes Public housing 1500 University Ave, Knoxville 37921 22 homes · Run by Knoxville's Community Development Corp. · (865) 403-1100
9 properties have two programs at the same address and appear once. Search HUD's map
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 Knox County
The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. Your public housing agency runs it. 2 agencies serve in Knox County. Here is what the rules say:
The rules, with their source
-
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
-
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)
-
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)
-
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)
-
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
-
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
- Knoxville's Community Development Corp. Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 4,256 vouchers · 154 public housing units (865) 403-1100 Knoxville's Community Development Corp.: bbentley@kcdc.org
- East Tennessee Human Resource Agency Section 8 vouchers · 847 vouchers (865) 691-2551 East Tennessee Human Resource Agency: LCondrey@ethra.org
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 Knox County
These HUD-approved agencies have offices in Knox County. They counsel for free or at low cost.
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KNOX HOUSING PARTNERSHIP, INCORPORATED dba HOMESOURCE EAST TENNESSEE
109 Winona St, Knoxville · 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
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 5 more
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University of Tennessee Extension Office
2621 Morgan Cir, Knoxville
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Pre-purchase counseling
- and 2 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Knox 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 Knox 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 Knox 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 Knox 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 Knox 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 Knox County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,020 in 37806 to $2,210 in 37934. 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 Knox County?
HUD lists 100 properties with homes for low-income households in Knox 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 Knox County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Knox County, 50% of renter households are in that position; in Tennessee, 49%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).