Cowan, TN
Population 1,777 · Tennessee
About Cowan, TN
Cowan is a small town located in Tennessee with a population of 1,777 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $37,295 per year, which is 50% 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 Cowan features a median home value of $122,500, which is 50% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Cowan one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $716, 38% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 757 total housing units, 56% are owner-occupied (383 units) and 44% are renter-occupied (301 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Cowan shows an unemployment rate of 12.7%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 38.7%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Cowan have an average one-way commute time of 27.4 minutes.
Education & Demographics
11.7% of Cowan 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 0.6% White, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, and 0.4% Asian residents, with 0.4% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Cowan, TN
Compared to national averages, Cowan has a median household income of $37,295 (50% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $122,500, which is 50% below the national median. Monthly rent at $716 is 38% below the US average of $1,163. Within Tennessee, Cowan's income is 41% below the state average of $62,849, and home values are 43% below the state median of $214,371.
Why Live in Cowan, TN?
Cowan offers affordable housing with a median home value of $122,500, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $716/month.
Potential considerations include median household income ($37,295) that falls below the national average. However, Cowan’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Cowan has a population of 1,777 with a median age of 36.8 years. Compare Cowan with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Tennessee.
Similar Cities Near Cowan
Cities in Tennessee with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Celina | 1,782 | $33,430 | $167,600 | Compare |
| New Market | 1,789 | $70,913 | $166,400 | Compare |
| Walden | 1,762 | $135,000 | $600,900 | Compare |
| Loretto | 1,757 | $51,771 | $133,000 | Compare |
| Mowbray Mountain | 1,797 | $96,607 | $365,600 | Compare |
| Unionville | 1,751 | $76,671 | $260,300 | Compare |
| Burns | 1,746 | $67,321 | $285,600 | Compare |
| Cross Plains | 1,809 | $72,734 | $295,000 | 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 Cowan With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Cowan
What is the population of Cowan, TN?
The population of Cowan, TN is 1,777 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 Cowan?
The median household income in Cowan, TN is $37,295 per year, which is 50% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Cowan?
The median home value in Cowan, TN is $122,500, which is 50% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Cowan?
The median monthly rent in Cowan, TN is $716, which is 38% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Cowan?
The unemployment rate in Cowan, TN is 12.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Cowan, TN a good place to live?
Cowan offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,777 and a median age of 36.8, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Cowan, TN?
11.7% of residents in Cowan 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 Cowan?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Cowan, TN: median home value is $122,500 (50% below national), median rent is $716/month, and median household income is $37,295. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.3x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Cowan?
The poverty rate in Cowan, TN is 38.7%, 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 Cowan, TN?
Cowan's population is 0.6% White, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, 0.4% Asian, and 9.3% two or more races. 0.4% of residents are foreign-born.