Bells, TN
Population 2,531 · Tennessee
About Bells, TN
Bells is a small town located in Tennessee with a population of 2,531 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $54,132 per year, which is 28% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 33.1 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Bells features a median home value of $164,000, which is 33% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Bells in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,014, 13% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,043 total housing units, 51% are owner-occupied (504 units) and 49% are renter-occupied (485 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Bells shows an unemployment rate of 2.8%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 21.9%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Bells have an average one-way commute time of 21.7 minutes.
Education & Demographics
13.8% of Bells 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 11.3% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 4.0% Asian residents, with 7.3% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Bells, TN
Compared to national averages, Bells has a median household income of $54,132 (28% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $164,000, which is 33% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,014 is 13% below the US average of $1,163. Within Tennessee, Bells's income is 14% below the state average of $62,849, and home values are 23% below the state median of $214,371.
Why Live in Bells, TN?
Bells offers affordable housing with a median home value of $164,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,014/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.8%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 21.7 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($54,132) that falls below the national average. However, Bells’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Bells has a population of 2,531 with a median age of 33.1 years. Compare Bells with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Tennessee.
Similar Cities Near Bells
Cities in Tennessee with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strawberry Plains | 2,531 | $77,855 | $180,000 | Compare |
| White Pine | 2,557 | $55,000 | $196,600 | Compare |
| Maynardville | 2,501 | $47,102 | $179,700 | Compare |
| Mosheim | 2,500 | $46,523 | $134,200 | Compare |
| Alamo | 2,565 | $52,768 | $117,000 | Compare |
| Parsons | 2,578 | $32,129 | $107,400 | Compare |
| Waynesboro | 2,483 | $45,000 | $81,400 | Compare |
| Walnut Hill | 2,480 | $65,074 | $172,500 | 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 Bells With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Bells
What is the population of Bells, TN?
The population of Bells, TN is 2,531 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 Bells?
The median household income in Bells, TN is $54,132 per year, which is 28% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Bells?
The median home value in Bells, TN is $164,000, which is 33% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Bells?
The median monthly rent in Bells, TN is $1,014, which is 13% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Bells?
The unemployment rate in Bells, TN is 2.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Bells, TN a good place to live?
Bells offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 2,531 and a median age of 33.1, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Bells, TN?
13.8% of residents in Bells 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 Bells?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Bells, TN: median home value is $164,000 (33% below national), median rent is $1,014/month, and median household income is $54,132. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Bells?
The poverty rate in Bells, TN is 21.9%, 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 Bells, TN?
Bells's population is 11.3% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 4.0% Asian, and 18.6% two or more races. 7.3% of residents are foreign-born.