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City Report · TN

Oak Ridge

Pop. 32,693·33rd most expensive in Tennessee·Rental market data updated monthly for Oak Ridge, TN
Median rent (all units)
$1,673/mo
Year-over-Year
-1.5%
Month-over-Month
+1.0%
vs US Median
-$292
Rising (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Oak Ridge · $1,673
More affordable than 63% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo
Rent Reality Score
65/100
Good value
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are 7% below what Oak Ridge's 10-year trend predicts — a better deal than its own history suggests.

Actual rent
$1,673/mo
Expected by trend
$1,806/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Oak Ridge's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,150
1 BR
$1,150
2 BR
$1,410
3 BR
$1,810
4 BR+
$2,150
Research median
$1,410/mo

Bedroom estimates are gross rents that include essential utilities (electricity, water, gas, sewer, trash).

Rent trends

12-month history

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Last updated: July 20, 2026

Annual cost
$20,076/yr
At $1,673/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 (-1.5% YoY, +1.0% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Oak Ridge, TN is majority owner-occupied, 40.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
32,693
Median income
$72,311
Median age
39.3
Renters
34.2%
Age distribution
23.3%
21.2%
22.7%
13.2%
19.6%
Under 1823.3%
18–3421.2%
35–5422.7%
55–6413.2%
65+19.6%
Gender
48.9%
51.1%
Male48.9%
Female51.1%
Race & ethnicity
80.3%
White80.3%
Black5.9%
Hispanic6.8%
Asian2.6%
Other4.3%
Education (25+)
21.5%
30.9%
40.2%
No HS diploma7.3%
HS diploma21.5%
Some college30.9%
Bachelor's+40.2%
Housing tenure
65.8%
34.2%
Owner65.8%
Renter34.2%

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

2023 vs 2026

How Oak Ridge, TN has changed in 5 years

Rent
$1,442 → $1,673
up 16.0%
Income
$60,542 → $72,311
up 19.4%
Population
31,087 → 32,693
up 5.2%
Renter share
37.4% → 34.2%
-3.2 pts
Bachelor's+
38.2% → 40.2%
+2.0 pts

Compared with 2023, rent in Oak Ridge, TN has climbed by $231 per month, settling near $1,673 after starting the period at $1,442. On the earnings side, the typical household in Oak Ridge, TN now reports about $72,311, up from $60,542 in 2021. Income growth outran rent by about 3.4 percentage points, easing the affordability math somewhat compared with 2021. Headcount in the area went from 31,087 to 32,693 between 2021 and 2024, a 5.2% change. About 34.2% of households rent today, against 37.4% in 2021. Educational attainment has shifted as well, with the share of adults holding a bachelor's degree or higher climbed from 38.2% to 40.2%. For context, the 2023 to 2026 window covers an unusually volatile run for US rents nationally, and Oak Ridge, TN reflects that arc in its own way.

Community

Discussions about Oak Ridge

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View Oak Ridge rent history (2015–2026) →
Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in Oak Ridge on your salary?

At $1,673/mo, how Oak Ridge rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Oak Ridge rent by bedroom count

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

Local insights

Tips for renters in Oak Ridge

About renting in Oak Ridge, TN

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in Oak Ridge is $1,673/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $1,150/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $1,410/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $1,150/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $1,810/mo.

At 28% of local median household income ($72,311/yr), Oak Ridge ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have decreased 1.5% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Oak Ridge an affordable city for renters?

Oak Ridge is considered affordable for renters. At $1,673/mo, rent takes approximately 28% of the local median household income ($72,311/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Oak Ridge falls comfortably within that range.

How much income do you need to rent in Oak Ridge?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $67,000/year (~$32/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $1,673/mo in Oak Ridge. The local median household income is $72,311/yr, meaning the typical Oak Ridge household meets that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Oak Ridge?

Rent in Oak Ridge has decreased 1.5% over the past year as of July 2026, offering some relief compared to 12 months ago.

How does Oak Ridge rent compare to other cities in Tennessee?

Oak Ridge is middle-of-the-pack for Tennessee for rent, ranking #33 out of 65 tracked cities at $1,673/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Oak Ridge?

Kingston is nearby and more affordable at $1,285/mo, which is $388 less than Oak Ridge.

What percentage of Oak Ridge residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 34.2% of Oak Ridge households are renters, while 65.8% are owner-occupied. Oak Ridge leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does Oak Ridge rent compare to the national average?

Oak Ridge's median rent of $1,673/mo is $292 (15%) below the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within Tennessee, it ranks #33 out of 65 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
28%
AFFORDABLE

At $1,673/mo, rent takes ~28% of Oak Ridge's median household income ($72,311/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Oak Ridge 28%Benchmark 30%
State income taxNone
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Oak Ridge, TN

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