Bolivar, TN
Population 5,171 · Tennessee
About Bolivar, TN
Bolivar is a small town located in Tennessee with a population of 5,171 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $38,575 per year, which is 49% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 35.9 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Bolivar features a median home value of $136,000, which is 44% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Bolivar one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $827, 29% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,495 total housing units, 56% are owner-occupied (1,252 units) and 44% are renter-occupied (964 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Bolivar shows an unemployment rate of 16.4%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 24.6%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Bolivar have an average one-way commute time of 31.4 minutes.
Education & Demographics
11.9% of Bolivar 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 2.0% White, 2.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 1.2% Asian residents, with 0.6% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Bolivar, TN
Compared to national averages, Bolivar has a median household income of $38,575 (49% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $136,000, which is 44% below the national median. Monthly rent at $827 is 29% below the US average of $1,163. Within Tennessee, Bolivar's income is 39% below the state average of $62,849, and home values are 37% below the state median of $214,371.
Why Live in Bolivar, TN?
Bolivar offers affordable housing with a median home value of $136,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $827/month.
Potential considerations include median household income ($38,575) that falls below the national average. However, Bolivar’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Bolivar has a population of 5,171 with a median age of 35.9 years. Compare Bolivar with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Tennessee.
Similar Cities Near Bolivar
Cities in Tennessee with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Madisonville | 5,184 | $45,274 | $202,600 | Compare |
| Smithville | 5,158 | $29,507 | $153,500 | Compare |
| Pleasant View | 5,111 | $101,591 | $362,700 | Compare |
| Medina | 5,268 | $93,964 | $261,400 | Compare |
| Ashland City | 5,318 | $73,921 | $259,900 | Compare |
| Sparta | 4,915 | $43,989 | $200,600 | Compare |
| Mount Carmel | 5,504 | $71,336 | $179,700 | Compare |
| Rockwood | 5,510 | $37,867 | $132,100 | 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 Bolivar With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Bolivar
What is the population of Bolivar, TN?
The population of Bolivar, TN is 5,171 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 Bolivar?
The median household income in Bolivar, TN is $38,575 per year, which is 49% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Bolivar?
The median home value in Bolivar, TN is $136,000, which is 44% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Bolivar?
The median monthly rent in Bolivar, TN is $827, which is 29% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Bolivar?
The unemployment rate in Bolivar, TN is 16.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Bolivar, TN a good place to live?
Bolivar offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 5,171 and a median age of 35.9, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Bolivar, TN?
11.9% of residents in Bolivar 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 Bolivar?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Bolivar, TN: median home value is $136,000 (44% below national), median rent is $827/month, and median household income is $38,575. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.5x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Bolivar?
The poverty rate in Bolivar, TN is 24.6%, 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 Bolivar, TN?
Bolivar's population is 2.0% White, 2.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 1.2% Asian, and 66.9% two or more races. 0.6% of residents are foreign-born.