Can A Licensed Practical Nurse Afford Rent in Oak Ridge, TN?
Stretched but workable — rent takes 35.9% of gross income.
Oak Ridge rent: June 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Tennessee state estimate).
About rent and a licensed practical nurse salary
LPN pay sits modestly above the US median household income and covers comfortable rent in most lower- and mid-cost metros. At the national-average LPN salary, the 30% rule supports about $1,520 a month in rent. The per-city pages show which markets stay in range.
Cheaper rent nearby
These Tennessee cities have lower median rent than Oak Ridge, which improves the affordability math on a licensed practical nurse salary:
Compare with full rent data for Oak Ridge
View full rent data for Oak Ridge, TN →Frequently asked questions
Can a licensed practical nurse afford rent in Oak Ridge, TN?
Median rent in Oak Ridge is $1,673 a month. A typical licensed practical nurse in Tennessee earns about $55,927 a year, which makes that rent 35.9% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is no — rent exceeds the 30% threshold.
How much rent can a licensed practical nurse afford in Oak Ridge?
Using the 30% rule, a licensed practical nurse salary in Tennessee (~$55,927/yr) supports up to $1,398 a month in rent. Oak Ridge's current median rent is $1,673/mo, which is $275/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a licensed practical nurse work to cover rent in Oak Ridge?
At an hourly equivalent of about $27 an hour, a licensed practical nurse in Tennessee works roughly 62.2 hours a month to cover Oak Ridge's median rent of $1,673.
Where is rent cheaper than Oak Ridge for a licensed practical nurse?
Nearby Tennessee cities with lower median rent include Dickson ($1,672/mo), Hixson ($1,672/mo), Gallatin ($1,670/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a licensed practical nurse salary.