Affordable & Income-Based Housing in Chattanooga

Affordability in Chattanooga

The median monthly rent in Chattanooga is $1,256 and the median household income is $64,523 per year, according to Census ACS 5-Year data (2024). Nearly half of Chattanooga residents -- 48% -- are renters, reflecting strong demand for affordable options across the city.

Safety

According to FBI Crime Data Explorer, the Chattanooga Police Department reported a violent crime rate of 826 per 100,000 residents in 2024. Crime rates are not directly comparable across cities due to differences in reporting practices and local definitions.

Getting Around Chattanooga

The area around assisted properties in Chattanooga scores a 54 (Somewhat Walkable) for walkability, a 34 (Some Transit) for public transit, and a 45 for bikeability, according to Walk Score. These scores reflect conditions near the assisted housing locations and will vary by specific property.

Schools

According to NCES Common Core of Data, 1 school district serves Chattanooga with 49 public schools -- including 25 elementary, 9 middle, and 15 high schools. Ratings vary by school, so renters should check the assigned schools for a specific address before applying.

Cost of Renting in Chattanooga

The median household income in Chattanooga is $64,523 per year, according to Census ACS 5-Year estimates. The median market rent is $1,256 per month, also per Census ACS 5-Year data, which means housing costs can stretch budgets for many residents.

Income-based and HUD-assisted housing can significantly reduce that burden. Rent at these properties is typically capped as a percentage of your household income rather than tied to market rates.

• Median household income: $64,523/year (Census ACS 5-Year)
• Median market rent: $1,256/month (Census ACS 5-Year)
• Renter households: 48% of occupied housing units (Census ACS 5-Year)
• Affordable units tracked on Lease Lantern: 2,466 across 29 properties

Flood and Environmental Exposure

All 29 assisted properties in Chattanooga have been mapped for flood risk. Of those, 3 are located in high-risk flood zones. The remaining 26 properties carry low or minimal flood exposure according to flood mapping data.