Whether you’ve lived here your whole life or you’re new to the city — Chattanooga has changed a lot in the last 10 years. Allow us to reintroduce the Scenic City.

Previous Census data showed that, from 2010 to 2020, Chattanooga’s population increased by approximately 8%, and the Scenic City only continues to grow.

The most recent data released shows that in 2021, Hamilton County experienced an increase in population of about 0.8%, which is 2,928 people (or ~1,000 more people than the Tivoli Theatre can hold).

The data also revealed that Chattanooga has a median home value of $174,900.

Median home listing prices across the Greater Chattanooga area:

Chattanooga | $285,000 median listing price | 21.2% increase year-over-year
Soddy-Daisy | $259,900 median listing price | 25.5% increase year-over-year
East Ridge | $229,900 median listing price | 34.8% increase year-over-year
Ooltewah | $424,500 median listing price | 21.3% increase year-over-year
Red Bank | $275,000 median listing price | 32.1% increase year-over-year

Where are the renters? In Tennessee, 33.5% of the total occupied housing units are rented + the median rent costs are $897. Here’s what the majority of Tennessee renters are paying:

96,330 pay less than $500
396,598 pay $500-$999
230,605 pay $1,000-$1,499
67,185 pay $1,500-$1,999
16,571 pay $2,000-$2,499
4,497 pay $2,500-$2,999
4,840 pay $3,000+

So, can you afford to live here? Hamilton County’s median household income projection, comparing 2015 to 2020, increased from $48,000 to $57,000, or +17.3%. Nearby:

Marion County increased from $41,000 to $50,000, or +21.1%
Bradley County increased from $42,000 to $52,000, or +23.2%.

This data comes as Mayor Kelly recently announced a $100 million affordable housing initiative for the next five years that aims to create + preserve affordable homes for residents. The initiative will encompass supportive, low-income, and workforce housing up to 120% area median income. Stay updated or get involved here.