09/20/2026
East Tennessee has moved away from the rapid price increases of the pandemic years. However, homes remain unaffordable for many buyers, especially first-time and moderate-income households, because prices have risen so much faster than incomes over the past six years.
Based on the region’s median household income of $76,000, the maximum affordable home price is $275,000. Families making the median income could afford only 13% of active listings. To afford just half of all homes for sale, a family would need to earn more than $130,000, nearly twice the median household income.
Why does affordable housing matter so much?
Because it’s essential to a healthy economy. Our region needs workers across every income level, along with a healthy mix of jobs, housing and resources that meet their needs. That balance is how our economy will thrive.
