City Report · TN

Cleveland

Pop. 48,829·50th most expensive in Tennessee·One of the most affordable rental markets in the US
Median rent (all units)
$1,413/mo
Year-over-Year
+2.5%
Month-over-Month
-1.8%
vs US Median
-$549
Falling (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Cleveland · $1,413
More affordable than 81% of US cities · National median $1,962/mo
Rent Reality Score
70/100
Good value
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are 10% below what Cleveland's 10-year trend predicts — a better deal than its own history suggests.

Actual rent
$1,413/mo
Expected by trend
$1,574/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Cleveland's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$867
1 BR
$963
2 BR
$1,263
3 BR
$1,650
4 BR+
$1,673
Fair Market Rent (HUD)
$1,263/mo

These are HUD Fair Market Rents, the payment standard for a Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8). They often differ from the $1,413 market median above, and that is expected: FMR is the 40th percentile of standard-quality units and counts gross rent, so it includes essential utilities such as electricity, water, gas, sewer, and trash. The market median is asking rent, which usually excludes utilities. HUD sets FMR once a year; market rent here updates monthly.

Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents. Read the methodology →

Rent trends

12-month history

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Last updated: August 17, 2026

Annual cost
$16,956/yr
At $1,413/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Balanced Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are roughly steady, with neither renters nor landlords holding a strong edge right now.
Based on rent-price momentum (+2.5% YoY, -1.8% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Cleveland, TN is roughly split between renters and owners, has a median income below the national average, 30.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
48,829
Median income
$58,559
Median age
36.4
Renters
52%
Age distribution
20.9%
27.8%
22%
18.8%
Under 1820.9%
18–3427.8%
35–5422%
55–6410.5%
65+18.8%
Gender
48.3%
51.7%
Male48.3%
Female51.7%
Race & ethnicity
77.1%
White77.1%
Black7.3%
Hispanic11.4%
Asian2.3%
Other1.9%
Education (25+)
12.4%
25.9%
31.5%
30.2%
No HS diploma12.4%
HS diploma25.9%
Some college31.5%
Bachelor's+30.2%
Housing tenure
48%
52%
Owner48%
Renter52%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates

2021 vs 2026

How Cleveland, TN has changed in 5 years

Rent
$1,070 → $1,413
up 32.1%
Income
$48,431 → $58,559
up 20.9%
Population
46,747 → 48,829
up 4.5%
Renter share
52.4% → 52%
-0.4 pts
Bachelor's+
28.5% → 30.2%
+1.7 pts
Median age
34 → 36.4
+2.4 yrs

Since 2021, the typical rent in Cleveland, TN has climbed from $1,070 to $1,413, a 32.1% change over five years. On the earnings side, the typical household in Cleveland, TN now reports about $58,559, up from $48,431 in 2021. That spread, with rent up faster than earnings, points to a tougher affordability environment than five years ago. The population has grown by 4.5% since 2021, moving from about 46,747 residents to roughly 48,829. For context, the 2021 to 2026 window covers an unusually volatile run for US rents nationally, and Cleveland, TN reflects that arc in its own way.

Community

Discussions about Cleveland

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View Cleveland rent history (2015–2026) →
Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in Cleveland on your salary?

At $1,413/mo, how Cleveland rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Cleveland rent by bedroom count

Median rent for each apartment size in Cleveland. Click any size for full breakdown.

Local insights

Tips for renters in Cleveland

About renting in Cleveland, TN

Last updated: August 17, 2026

The median rent in Cleveland is $1,413/mo as of August 2026. A studio apartment averages $867/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $1,263/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $963/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $1,650/mo.

At 29% of local median household income ($58,559/yr), Cleveland ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 2.5% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Cleveland an affordable city for renters?

Cleveland is considered affordable for renters. At $1,413/mo, rent takes approximately 29% of the local median household income ($58,559/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Cleveland falls comfortably within that range.

How much income do you need to rent in Cleveland?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $57,000/year (~$27/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $1,413/mo in Cleveland. The local median household income is $58,559/yr, meaning the typical Cleveland household meets that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Cleveland?

Rent in Cleveland has increased 2.5% over the past year as of August 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

Which Cleveland neighborhoods have the lowest rent?

The most affordable ZIP codes in Cleveland are 37312 ($1,355/mo), 37311 ($1,385/mo), and 37323 ($1,678/mo). Citywide, the median rent in Cleveland is $1,413/mo.

How does Cleveland rent compare to other cities in Tennessee?

Cleveland is one of the more affordable cities in Tennessee for rent, ranking #50 out of 62 tracked cities at $1,413/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Cleveland?

Soddy-Daisy is nearby and more affordable at $1,408/mo, which is $5 less than Cleveland.

What percentage of Cleveland residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 52% of Cleveland households are renters, while 48% are owner-occupied. With a majority renter population, Cleveland has a strong rental market.

How does Cleveland rent compare to the national average?

Cleveland's median rent of $1,413/mo is $549 (28%) below the US national median of $1,962/mo. Within Tennessee, it ranks #50 out of 62 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
29%
AFFORDABLE

At $1,413/mo, rent takes ~29% of Cleveland's median household income ($58,559/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Cleveland 29%Benchmark 30%
State income taxNone
Run the Cleveland affordability calculator →
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Cleveland, TN

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