Big Sandy, TN
Population 589 · Tennessee
About Big Sandy, TN
Big Sandy is a small community located in Tennessee with a population of 589 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $43,036 per year, which is 43% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 36.8 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Big Sandy features a median home value of $62,300, which is 75% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Big Sandy one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $692, 40% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 348 total housing units, 49% are owner-occupied (127 units) and 51% are renter-occupied (132 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Big Sandy shows an unemployment rate of 4.4%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 17.3%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Big Sandy have an average one-way commute time of 28.3 minutes.
Education & Demographics
7.1% of Big Sandy 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 0.0% White, 2.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.7% of the population being foreign-born.
How Big Sandy Ranks in Tennessee
Cost of Living in Big Sandy, TN
Compared to national averages, Big Sandy has a median household income of $43,036 (43% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $62,300, which is 75% below the national median. Monthly rent at $692 is 40% below the US average of $1,163. Within Tennessee, Big Sandy's income is 32% below the state average of $62,849, and home values are 71% below the state median of $214,371.
Why Live in Big Sandy, TN?
Big Sandy offers affordable housing with a median home value of $62,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $692/month.
Potential considerations include median household income ($43,036) that falls below the national average. However, Big Sandy’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Big Sandy has a population of 589 with a median age of 36.8 years. Compare Big Sandy with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Tennessee.
Similar Cities Near Big Sandy
Cities in Tennessee with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Henry | 588 | $48,125 | $75,000 | Compare |
| Woodland Mills | 584 | $77,368 | $125,300 | Compare |
| Minor Hill | 598 | $43,077 | $140,200 | Compare |
| Petersburg | 579 | $58,942 | $144,600 | Compare |
| Finger | 600 | $55,556 | $92,800 | Compare |
| Parker's Crossroads | 578 | $70,313 | $178,800 | Compare |
| Walnut Grove CDP (Sumner County), Tennessee | 576 | $123,063 | $476,400 | Compare |
| Townsend | 570 | $84,155 | $332,800 | 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 Big Sandy With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Big Sandy
What is the population of Big Sandy, TN?
The population of Big Sandy, TN is 589 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Tennessee.
What is the median household income in Big Sandy?
The median household income in Big Sandy, TN is $43,036 per year, which is 43% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Big Sandy?
The median home value in Big Sandy, TN is $62,300, which is 75% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Big Sandy?
The median monthly rent in Big Sandy, TN is $692, which is 40% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Big Sandy?
The unemployment rate in Big Sandy, TN is 4.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Big Sandy, TN a good place to live?
Big Sandy offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 589 and a median age of 36.8, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Big Sandy, TN?
7.1% of residents in Big Sandy 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 Big Sandy?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Big Sandy, TN: median home value is $62,300 (75% below national), median rent is $692/month, and median household income is $43,036. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Big Sandy?
The poverty rate in Big Sandy, TN is 17.3%, 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 Big Sandy, TN?
Big Sandy's population is 0.0% White, 2.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.3% two or more races. 0.7% of residents are foreign-born.