Dayton, TN
Population 7,191 · Tennessee
About Dayton, TN
Dayton is a small town located in Tennessee with a population of 7,191 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $56,692 per year, which is 25% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 39.7 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Dayton features a median home value of $152,200, which is 38% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Dayton in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $807, 31% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 3,274 total housing units, 52% are owner-occupied (1,529 units) and 48% are renter-occupied (1,432 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Dayton shows an unemployment rate of 2.5%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 20.3%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Dayton have an average one-way commute time of 18.9 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
20.0% of Dayton 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 4.3% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, and 7.8% Asian residents, with 10.2% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Dayton, TN
Compared to national averages, Dayton has a median household income of $56,692 (25% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $152,200, which is 38% below the national median. Monthly rent at $807 is 31% below the US average of $1,163. Within Tennessee, Dayton's income is 10% below the state average of $62,849, and home values are 29% below the state median of $214,371.
Why Live in Dayton, TN?
Dayton offers affordable housing with a median home value of $152,200, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $807/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.5%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 18.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($56,692) that falls below the national average. However, Dayton’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Dayton has a population of 7,191 with a median age of 39.7 years. Compare Dayton with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Tennessee.
Similar Cities Near Dayton
Cities in Tennessee with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Savannah | 7,219 | $41,396 | $163,100 | Compare |
| La Follette | 7,308 | $34,678 | $106,000 | Compare |
| Church Hill | 7,057 | $69,433 | $192,600 | Compare |
| Fayetteville | 7,037 | $50,890 | $191,100 | Compare |
| Greenbrier | 6,960 | $82,308 | $310,400 | Compare |
| Tellico Village | 6,901 | $98,214 | $484,900 | Compare |
| Newport | 6,881 | $40,096 | $124,300 | Compare |
| Ripley | 7,718 | $39,047 | $152,200 | 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 Dayton With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Dayton
What is the population of Dayton, TN?
The population of Dayton, TN is 7,191 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 Dayton?
The median household income in Dayton, TN is $56,692 per year, which is 25% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Dayton?
The median home value in Dayton, TN is $152,200, which is 38% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Dayton?
The median monthly rent in Dayton, TN is $807, which is 31% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Dayton?
The unemployment rate in Dayton, TN is 2.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Dayton, TN a good place to live?
Dayton offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 7,191 and a median age of 39.7, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Dayton, TN?
20.0% of residents in Dayton 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 Dayton?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Dayton, TN: median home value is $152,200 (38% below national), median rent is $807/month, and median household income is $56,692. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Dayton?
The poverty rate in Dayton, TN is 20.3%, 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 Dayton, TN?
Dayton's population is 4.3% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, 7.8% Asian, and 3.0% two or more races. 10.2% of residents are foreign-born.