Appreciation Investing in Knoxville, TN

Appreciation Score: 4.2/10Ranked #28 of 52 markets

Data-driven appreciation analysis for Knoxville, TN — score breakdown, key investment metrics, and how it compares to other markets.

Last updated: May 2026

Score Breakdown

Appreciation Score:4.2
Population Growth(40%)
+5.5%4.8
Median Household Income(25%)
$71,6624.6
Low Vacancy(20%)
8.1%4.9
Metro Size (Demand)(15%)
487,4011.3

Key Metrics for Appreciation

Pop. Growth

+5.5%

Strong

Median Income

$71,662

Household income

Vacancy Rate

8.1%

Moderate supply

Population

487K

Metro demand indicator

Appreciation Investment Thesis

Knoxville offers Tennessee tax advantages with strong University of Tennessee-driven rental demand. Low property taxes boost effective returns compared to similar-sized markets.

How Knoxville Compares

RankCityAppreciation ScoreCap RateMedian Price
#25Des Moines, IA4.76.6%$200,000
#26Chicago, IL4.46.0%$275,000
#27Charleston, SC4.35.0%$385,000
#28Knoxville, TN4.25.8%$270,000
#29Oklahoma City, OK3.77.7%$175,000
#30Cincinnati, OH3.67.0%$195,000
#31Louisville, KY3.57.3%$195,000

Showing markets ranked near Knoxville for this strategy.

Quick Math: Estimated Annual Return

Annual Gross Rent ($1,400/mo)$16,800
Less: Vacancy (8.1%)-$1,361
Less: Property Tax (0.68%)-$1,836
Less: Insurance (~0.5%)-$1,350
Less: Maintenance (~1.5%)-$4,050
Estimated NOI$8,203
Implied Cap Rate3.0%

Based on median market data. Your actual returns will vary based on specific property, financing, and management costs. Always run your own analysis before investing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the appreciation score for Knoxville, TN?

Knoxville, TN scores 4.2 out of 10 on our appreciation score, ranking #28 out of 52 markets we track. Weighted composite: population growth (40%), median household income (25%), low vacancy (20%), metro size/demand (15%). Scale 0–10.

Is Knoxville a good city for appreciation investing?

Knoxville, TN ranks #28 for appreciation investing with a score of 4.2/10. While not a top-ranked market for this strategy, it may have strengths in other investing approaches.

What is the average cap rate in Knoxville?

The average cap rate in Knoxville, TN is 5.8%. The median home price is $270,000 with a median monthly rent of $1,400, resulting in a rent-to-price ratio of 0.52%.

What are the property taxes in Knoxville?

The effective property tax rate in Knoxville, TN is 0.68%. On a $270,000 property, that translates to approximately $1,836 per year in property taxes.

How does Knoxville compare to other appreciation markets?

Among our 52 tracked markets, Knoxville, TN ranks #28 for appreciation investing. It falls in the middle of the pack for this strategy.

What is driving population growth in Knoxville?

Knoxville, TN has a 5-year population growth rate of +5.5% and a median household income of $71,662. Strong job growth and migration trends are fueling above-average population increases, which typically correlates with sustained home price appreciation.

Run Your Own Numbers for Knoxville

Use our free calculators pre-filled with Knoxville, TN market data, or adjust the numbers for your specific deal.

Cap Rate Calculator (Knoxville Data)Cash-on-Cash Return CalculatorCap Rate CalculatorMortgage/DSCR Calculator

Knoxville by Strategy

Cash Flow4.3BRRRR4.4House Hacking4.7Appreciation4.2

Market Data

Knoxville Cap Rate DetailsAll Appreciation RankingsAll Tennessee MarketsFull 52-City Data Table

Find Financing

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