Real Estate Investing in Knoxville, Tennessee
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in Knoxville, TN? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
For Homebuyers
GOOD FIT
Grade B (78/100)
Solid choice — values are growing steadily and the market is stable enough to buy with confidence.
For Investors
MIXED
3.1 / 5
(48/100)
A middle-of-the-road market. Workable, but the best opportunities may be nearby ZIPs rather than this one.
Risks to Know
1 flag
- Elevated vacancy: 8.7% vacancy may signal weakening demand.
What’s happening in Knoxville, TN?
Click any question — our AI will research it live from the web and show you sources.
🏦 30-yr Fixed Rate:
6.76%
as of Sep 10
Source: Freddie Mac PMMS
Avg Investability
★★★★★
Avg Home Value
$207,092
Avg Monthly Rent
$1,756
ZIP Codes
33
Market Trends — Knoxville, TN
Home Value History
Rent History
Local Pulse Report
AI-researched developments and news for Knoxville, TN. Updated on demand as visitors ask.
Growth & development in Knoxville, TN Updated 145 days ago
Knoxville is experiencing significant growth in mixed-use developments, new businesses, and infrastructure improvements, particularly in downtown and surrounding areas.
Opportunities
- Regas Square, a mixed-use redevelopment with upscale condos and retail, is transforming an iconic downtown site. — This expands high-end housing and retail options in a walkable urban core. Katelyn Warren, Realtor
- The Augusta Quarry at Fort Dickerson Park is reopening with new swim platforms, paths, vendor areas, and restrooms. — This enhances recreational opportunities and accessibility for residents. City of Knoxville
- First Creek at Austin Phase 2, completed in August 2024, added 180 mixed-income housing units. — This significantly increases housing inventory and provides diverse housing options. Knoxville's Community Development Corp.
- Several new businesses, including Tesoro Gelato, Wabi Wear Repair, and Otsu restaurant, have opened in downtown Knoxville. — These additions expand consumer choices and contribute to local economic vibrancy. Inside of Knoxville
- Knoxville Utilities Board (KUB) is investing in over 500 megawatts of solar energy, making Knoxville a leader in solar power. — This increases access to renewable energy and supports environmental sustainability goals. TVA, KUB, Origis Energy
Concerns
- Edgewell Personal Care will close its East Knoxville plant by the end of 2027, impacting 132 workers. — This results in job losses and reduces local manufacturing employment. WBIR
- The median sale price of a home in Knoxville was down 0.9% in March 2026 compared to last year. — This indicates a slight decrease in housing market value, potentially impacting homeowners. Redfin
Bottom line: Knoxville is experiencing substantial development and new business growth, though some manufacturing job losses are anticipated.
Local news & events in Knoxville, TN Updated 145 days ago
Knoxville has seen a significant decrease in violent and property crimes, alongside ongoing community events and concerns about growth and environmental issues.
Opportunities
- Knoxville experienced no murders in the first quarter of 2026, a first since 1988, with overall violent crime down significantly. — This dramatically improves public safety and residents' sense of security. Knoxville Police Department
- Property crimes, including burglary, car burglaries, and motor vehicle thefts, saw double-digit reductions in the first quarter of 2026. — This reduces financial losses and stress for residents, enhancing their quality of life. Knoxville Police Department
- Knoxville continues to host numerous community events and festivals, such as the Dogwood Arts Festival and Market Square Farmers Market. — These events provide diverse opportunities for recreation, cultural engagement, and community gathering. Eventbrite, New2Knox, Downtown Knoxville
- D1 Training and Tennessee Orthopaedic Alliance opened a new joint facility at Covenant Health Park in April 2026. — This expands access to health and fitness resources for residents. Inside of Knoxville
Concerns
- Knoxville's water sources, including the Tennessee River, are on the state's impaired list due to E. coli, nitrogen, and phosphorus. — This poses public health dangers, restricts safe recreational use, and increases water treatment costs. The Daily Beacon
- Land clearing for residential and commercial development in Knoxville threatens local wildlife habitats and disrupts food chains. — This leads to a decline in biodiversity and can negatively impact the local ecosystem. The Impact of Land Clearing on Local Wildlife
- Some Knoxville residents are concerned about increased traffic and the potential loss of the city's charm due to rapid population growth. — This can lead to longer commutes, increased congestion, and a perceived degradation of community character. WVLT News
- Affordable housing residents at Moss Grove Apartments received erroneous rent increase notices in September 2025, causing concern. — Such errors create significant anxiety and uncertainty for vulnerable residents regarding their housing stability. WBIR
- Climate change is intensifying challenges in Knoxville, including extreme heat, storms, flash flooding, and air pollution. — These environmental changes threaten property, health, and increase economic vulnerabilities for residents. City of Knoxville
Bottom line: Knoxville is experiencing positive trends in crime reduction and community engagement, but faces ongoing challenges with environmental quality and the impacts of rapid growth.
Schools in Knoxville, TN Updated 145 days ago
Knox County Schools (KCS) has seen significant changes recently, including improved state performance ratings, declining enrollment leading to staffing cuts, and major facility projects and rezoning efforts.
Opportunities
- Knox County Schools achieved an "advancing" designation in December 2025, the second-highest tier in state accountability rankings, after being in the bottom 5% three years prior. — This indicates improved academic performance and increased opportunities for students. WBIR
- English and language arts proficiency in KCS increased by almost 4% since 2021, and math proficiency is up about 3% in the same period. — These gains demonstrate enhanced foundational learning skills for students. WBIR
- Graduation rates in Knox County Schools rose from just under 90% to 93% between 2022 and 2024. — A higher graduation rate signifies more students successfully completing their secondary education. WBIR
- Knox County Schools broke ground in May 2025 on a new elementary school in Farragut, which will be the largest in the county's history and is expected to open for the 2027-2028 school year. — This new facility will alleviate overcrowding and provide modern learning spaces for a growing population. YouTube
- KCS has been essentially fully staffed for the past two years, with fewer than 10 teaching vacancies among over 4,700 educators at the start of the 2025-26 school year. — Consistent staffing ensures stable learning environments and better educational support for students. Education Week
Concerns
- Total enrollment in Knox County Schools dropped from a peak of 61,125 in 2021–2022 to 59,303 in 2025–2026, a decline of roughly 1,800 students. — Declining enrollment can lead to reduced funding and potential school closures or consolidations. Katherine Bike | Substack
- The Knox County School Board voted in April 2026 to eliminate 57 teaching positions for the upcoming school year due to declining enrollment and limited revenue growth. — Staffing cuts may increase class sizes or reduce specialized support for students. WBIR
- A proposed $66 million K-8 school in Lonsdale, planned for a vote in January 2026, would close or repurpose several existing schools, causing community concern about losing close-knit school environments. — School closures can disrupt established communities and parental preferences for neighborhood schools. WBIR
- Knox County Schools approved rezoning for Powell Elementary in March 2026, moving around 300 students to a less crowded elementary, despite parental opposition. — Rezoning can disrupt student routines and parental convenience, even if intended to balance enrollment. WVLT
- The Knoxville Preparatory School's Charter is set to be terminated, with the school announcing its closure in February 2026. — The closure of a charter school reduces educational options for families who chose that specific program. WBIR
Bottom line: Knox County Schools is improving academic performance and investing in new facilities, but faces challenges with declining enrollment and associated staffing and rezoning decisions.
Civic & policy in Knoxville, TN Updated 145 days ago
Knoxville and Knox County have seen recent activity in zoning, taxation, and state legislation, impacting housing, public safety, and local governance.
Opportunities
- Knoxville City Council is considering zoning changes to allow more housing units and amending building height and setback rules for single-family residential neighborhoods (November 9, 2025). — These changes could increase housing supply and offer more diverse housing options for residents. The Knoxville Focus
- Knox County is in the final stages of adopting 'Advance Knox,' a 20-year growth plan to guide development and infrastructure proactively (April 1, 2026). — This plan aims to improve infrastructure and manage growth, potentially reducing traffic congestion and improving quality of life. WBIR
- Tennessee's new laws effective July 1, 2025, include online boating license exams and expanded immunity for those seeking medical help during alcohol overdoses. — These laws offer increased convenience for residents and provide greater protections in emergency situations. WGNS Radio
- A new state law effective January 1, 2026, allows individuals with insurance covering birth control to obtain a year's supply at one time. — This change makes it easier for patients to access necessary medication without frequent refills. WBIR
Concerns
- Knoxville voters rejected a proposed 0.5% sales tax increase in November 2025, stalling plans for housing and infrastructure projects. — The rejection means a loss of potential funding for critical city projects, including affordable housing and infrastructure improvements. WUOT
- Knoxville City Council rejected a proposal for an alternative 911 response team that would have sent behavioral health experts and medics to non-violent calls (April 1, 2026). — This decision means police officers will continue to respond to all 911 calls, potentially missing an opportunity for specialized, non-law enforcement intervention. WBIR
- Knox County enacted a mineral severance tax increase to 20 cents per ton, effective November 1, 2025. — This new tax could increase costs for industries involved in mineral extraction, potentially affecting local businesses. TN.gov
- A state bill to expand Tennessee's Education Savings Account program to include Knox County and raise income caps failed in the Senate (April 23, 2026). — This means that families in Knox County will not have access to the expanded ESA program, limiting educational choices for some. WBIR
Bottom line: Knoxville and Knox County are navigating significant decisions regarding urban development, public services, and taxation, with mixed outcomes for residents.
AI-generated from public web sources. Always verify with official records. Not financial, legal, or investment advice.
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Best ZIP codes in Knoxville, TN
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Landlord Ground Truth
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Property managers serving Knox County
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Knoxville, TN
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Knoxville, TN
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Knoxville, TN
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Listings are shown for convenience — Repit doesn’t endorse or vet these companies. Ratings shown come only from email-verified visitors.
Avg Home Value
$207,092
Avg Monthly Rent
$1,756
1% Rule
✗ Below
Landlord Friendly (TN)
★★★★★
❄️
Cool Market
— Knoxville, TN metro
54
Days to pending
11.7%
Listings with price cuts
0.0%
Sale-to-list ratio
📅 Data as of August 29, 2026 — updated weekly
🎓 Colleges & Universities in Knoxville
9 Colleges
55,929 Students
2,984 Off-Campus Renters
B+
4-Year Public · 36,304 students
C+
2-Year Public · 1,206 students
📍 ~798 students rent off-campus
C+
4-Year Private · 950 students
C
2-Year Public · 8,710 students
📍 ~2,186 students rent off-campus
C
Vocational For-Profit · 75 students
C
4-Year For-Profit · 8,234 students
C
Vocational For-Profit · 337 students
D
4-Year Public · 0 students
D
Vocational For-Profit · 113 students
Investor Insight: With 2,984 students living off-campus, Knoxville has substantial rental demand from the college population — typically stable, lease-renewing tenants.
Neighborhoods in Knoxville
Alice Bell
33 ZIP codes
Beaumont
33 ZIP codes
Belle Morris
33 ZIP codes
Burlington
33 ZIP codes
College Hills
33 ZIP codes
Colonial Village
33 ZIP codes
Deane Hill
33 ZIP codes
Downtown Knoxville
33 ZIP codes
Edgewood
33 ZIP codes
Forest Brook
33 ZIP codes
Forest Hills
33 ZIP codes
Fort Sanders
33 ZIP codes
Fountaincrest
33 ZIP codes
Fourth and Gill
33 ZIP codes
Holston Hills
33 ZIP codes
Inskip
33 ZIP codes
Island Home
33 ZIP codes
Kingston Pike
33 ZIP codes
Lake Forest
33 ZIP codes
Lonas Drive
33 ZIP codes
ZIP Codes in Knoxville, TN
37918
Home Value
$336,034
Rent
$1,611/mo
37920
Home Value
$324,675
Rent
$1,915/mo
37922
Home Value
$647,855
Rent
$1,804/mo
37919
Home Value
$557,861
Rent
$1,594/mo
37931
Home Value
$438,568
Rent
$1,715/mo
37923
Home Value
$408,144
Rent
$1,639/mo
37921
Home Value
$293,863
Rent
$1,710/mo
37917
Home Value
$257,131
Rent
$1,729/mo
37932
Home Value
$540,459
Rent
$2,153/mo
37912
Home Value
$292,137
Rent
$1,264/mo
37914
Home Value
$256,507
Rent
$1,609/mo
37938
Home Value
$393,501
Rent
$2,100/mo
37909
Home Value
$383,055
Rent
$1,549/mo
37916
Home Value
$506,882
Rent
$1,353/mo
37924
Home Value
$343,708
Rent
$2,419/mo
37915
Home Value
$204,364
Rent
$1,724/mo
37902
Home Value
$649,287
Rent
$1,966/mo
37717
Home Value
$0
37802
Home Value
$0
37831
Home Value
$0
37901
Home Value
$0
37927
Home Value
$0
37928
Home Value
$0
37929
Home Value
$0
37930
Home Value
$0
37933
Home Value
$0
37939
Home Value
$0
37940
Home Value
$0
37950
Home Value
$0
37995
Home Value
$0
37996
Home Value
$0
37997
Home Value
$0
37998
Home Value
$0
Screen every ZIP in Knoxville
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View PlansFrequently Asked Questions About Knoxville, TN
How does Knoxville, TN stack up for property investment?
Knoxville, TN sits at an investability rating of 3.1/5, with median home values near $207K and average rents around $1,756/mo. That combination puts it in the resilient tier for investor interest.
How much is rent in Knoxville, TN?
Rents in Knoxville, TN run near $1,756/mo. Compared with median home prices of $207K that produces solid gross yields for typical rentals.
Are homes affordable in Knoxville, TN?
Knoxville, TN home values average about $207K. That price point suits investors targeting rentals with $1,756/mo in monthly income.
Are tenants stable in Knoxville, TN?
Knoxville, TN draws a steady base of working renters. Demand at the $1,756/mo rent level is reasonable for standard single-family and small multi rentals.
Do landlords face vacancy issues in Knoxville, TN?
Expect elevated vacancy in Knoxville, TN. Rents at $1,756/mo are absorbed by the tenant base without meaningful lag.
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