Baxter, TN
Population 1,278 · Tennessee
About Baxter, TN
Baxter is a small town located in Tennessee with a population of 1,278 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $56,806 per year, which is 24% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 40.8 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Baxter features a median home value of $198,800, which is 19% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Baxter in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $850, 27% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 690 total housing units, 66% are owner-occupied (362 units) and 34% are renter-occupied (185 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Baxter shows an unemployment rate of 1.8%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 22.6%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Baxter have an average one-way commute time of 20.6 minutes.
Education & Demographics
13.6% of Baxter residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 1.9% White, 2.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 1.8% of the population being foreign-born.
How Baxter Ranks in Tennessee
Cost of Living in Baxter, TN
Compared to national averages, Baxter has a median household income of $56,806 (24% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $198,800, which is 19% below the national median. Monthly rent at $850 is 27% below the US average of $1,163. Within Tennessee, Baxter's income is 10% below the state average of $62,849, and home values are 7% below the state median of $214,371.
Why Live in Baxter, TN?
Baxter offers affordable housing with a median home value of $198,800, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $850/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.8%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 20.6 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($56,806) that falls below the national average. However, Baxter’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Baxter has a population of 1,278 with a median age of 40.8 years. Compare Baxter with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Tennessee.
Similar Cities Near Baxter
Cities in Tennessee with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ardmore | 1,280 | $55,000 | $160,200 | Compare |
| Midtown | 1,281 | $39,597 | $135,700 | Compare |
| Wartburg | 1,266 | $24,833 | $181,000 | Compare |
| Henning | 1,259 | $43,616 | $75,000 | Compare |
| Bradford | 1,240 | $40,536 | $101,600 | Compare |
| Crump | 1,240 | $39,032 | $144,400 | Compare |
| Atwood | 1,230 | $36,583 | $86,900 | Compare |
| Rockvale | 1,229 | $80,750 | $440,000 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Tennessee
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Baxter With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Baxter
What is the population of Baxter, TN?
The population of Baxter, TN is 1,278 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Tennessee.
What is the median household income in Baxter?
The median household income in Baxter, TN is $56,806 per year, which is 24% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Baxter?
The median home value in Baxter, TN is $198,800, which is 19% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Baxter?
The median monthly rent in Baxter, TN is $850, which is 27% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Baxter?
The unemployment rate in Baxter, TN is 1.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Baxter, TN a good place to live?
Baxter offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 1,278 and a median age of 40.8, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Baxter, TN?
13.6% of residents in Baxter aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Baxter?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Baxter, TN: median home value is $198,800 (19% below national), median rent is $850/month, and median household income is $56,806. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.5x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Baxter?
The poverty rate in Baxter, TN is 22.6%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Baxter, TN?
Baxter's population is 1.9% White, 2.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 1.3% two or more races. 1.8% of residents are foreign-born.