Voucher-vs-Market Gap: Chattanooga, TN-GA MSA
Open-data reference.
In Chattanooga, TN-GA MSA, the HUD 2-BR FMR ($1,426) compared to the Census ACS 2-BR median gross rent ($1,058) produces a 34.8% gap. Vouchers comfortably cover market rent, voucher holders have flexibility in unit choice.
- 5th percentile by gap severity (of 359 metros)
- HUD FMR × Census ACS 2-BR median gross rent
- Classification: generous
What the Voucher-vs-Market Gap in Chattanooga, TN-GA MSA Tells You
In Chattanooga, TN-GA MSA (CBSA 16860), the HUD FY2025 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent of $1,426/month is joined with the Census ACS median 2-bedroom gross rent market median of $1,058/month. The derived gap is +34.8%, which PlainVoucher classifies as "generous". Negative percentages mean the HUD voucher reference falls short of the median 2-BR rent; positive percentages mean the voucher overshoots the open market with room to spare.
Ranked against 359 metros we track, Chattanooga, TN-GA MSA sits at the 5th percentile by gap severity, meaning 5% of metros show an equal or smaller gap. A positive gap indicates the HUD reference runs above the median 2-BR rent here, voucher holders generally have better unit selection within the payment standard and lease-up times can be faster than in gap-stressed metros.
The gap metric is a PlainVoucher-derived figure, not a HUD-published statistic: we compute it as (HUD 2-BR FMR − Census ACS 2-BR median gross rent) ÷ Census ACS 2-BR median gross rent × 100, refreshed whenever either upstream dataset changes. Because the Census ACS median gross rent reflects rents paid by all current tenants (not asking rents for newly available units, which typically run higher), treat the gap as a directional signal, not a dollar-perfect forecast. Use it to compare Chattanooga, TN-GA MSA against peer metros in our gap directory, to flag portability candidates via the portability guide, or as a negotiation anchor with landlords at lease-up.
The numbers
- HUD 2-BR FMR (FY2025): $1,426/mo
- Census ACS 2-BR median gross rent: $1,058/mo
- Gap: +34.8%
- Classification: generous
What this means
A negative gap means the HUD payment standard exceeds the median 2-BR rent. Voucher holders in Chattanooga, TN-GA MSA typically have good unit options at or below the payment standard, and may be able to lease up quickly once a voucher is issued. This is a favorable market from a voucher-holder's perspective.
How we compute this
Every month, the Census ACS median gross rent is joined with HUD's latest published Fair Market Rent for the metro. The formula:
gap % = (HUD 2-BR FMR − Census ACS 2-BR median gross rent) / Census ACS 2-BR median gross rent × 100
Positive gap = voucher falls short. Negative gap = voucher covers market. See methodology for the full cross-dataset join.
Related
- Full payment standards for Chattanooga, TN-GA MSA
- Payment Standards vs. FMR (guide)
- Voucher Portability, moving to a metro with better coverage
Nearby metro gaps
Compare the voucher-vs-market gap in metros near Chattanooga, TN-GA MSA:
- Clarksville, TN-KY HUD Metro FMR Area · CBSA 17300
- Cleveland, TN MSA · CBSA 17420
- Jackson, TN HUD Metro FMR Area · CBSA 27180
- Johnson City, TN MSA · CBSA 27740
- Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA MSA · CBSA 28700
Source: HUD USER Fair Market Rent FY2025, Census ACS median gross rent. Computed at build time from public data. Gap percent is a derived metric unique to PlainVoucher, not a HUD-published figure. See our methodology for the full calculation.
⚠ Disclaimer. Median gross rent reflects rents paid by current tenants; asking rents for available units typically run higher, so a voucher holder searching today may face a tighter market than the median implies. Actual PHA payment standards can differ from HUD FMR by ±10%. Always confirm the current payment standard and market conditions with your PHA and a local housing counselor. PlainVoucher is not affiliated with HUD or any PHA.