According to a new analysis from United Way of the National Capital Area, rent in the Knoxville metro area rose more than 60% between 2019 and 2024 while wages grew by 26.7% over the same period.

The 33.6% disparity was the largest gap among the 100 largest housing markets evaluated in the nationwide study.

It's very sad. I have to wonder how many in the Knoxville metro area couldn't afford their rent hike and had to move and where did they move?

Washington State is looking to cap rent increases to 7% a year. Oregon and California already have state rent regulations.

New York City’s [rent regulation] system covers 2 million people — almost a quarter of the population. San Francisco and Los Angeles — and more recently, St. Paul, Minn., and Montgomery County, Md. — are among the 200 local governments that regulate rents.

More than 30 states "prevent local jurisdictions from enacting rent regulations."

Something needs to be done. It could be rent regulations or required affordable housing. However, government should be careful to not disrupt existing neighborhoods without great considerations to possible zoning changes.

Nearly half of all renters in Knox County considered 'cost-burdened' because of rent prices

Metros where renters are the most overextended in Tennessee

"Rents are not only maxing out renters' housing budgets, but are the biggest strain on their overall finances, even as inflation drives up expenses across the board," said Hale.

Rents in the US just hit another record high

According to reports, Knoxville's rent prices increased by 27% compared to last year and is now one of the top-5 cities with the fastest rising rent. The median price of living in a one-bedroom apartment in Knoxville is now $1,070 per month, according to reports.

Reports show Knoxville is in top five cities with fastest rising rent

Drowning in rent prices? You're not alone. The cost of living in Knoxville has increased 30% in the past year