Dresden, TN
Population 2,974 · Tennessee
About Dresden, TN
Dresden is a small town located in Tennessee with a population of 2,974 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $50,998 per year, which is 32% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 42.3 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Dresden features a median home value of $104,200, which is 57% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Dresden one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $731, 37% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,537 total housing units, 65% are owner-occupied (946 units) and 35% are renter-occupied (511 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Dresden shows an unemployment rate of 0.0%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 9.7%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Dresden have an average one-way commute time of 23.2 minutes.
Education & Demographics
15.6% of Dresden 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 1.6% White, 0.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Dresden, TN
Compared to national averages, Dresden has a median household income of $50,998 (32% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $104,200, which is 57% below the national median. Monthly rent at $731 is 37% below the US average of $1,163. Within Tennessee, Dresden's income is 19% below the state average of $62,849, and home values are 51% below the state median of $214,371.
Why Live in Dresden, TN?
Dresden offers affordable housing with a median home value of $104,200, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $731/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.0%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 9.7%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 23.2 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($50,998) that falls below the national average. However, Dresden’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Dresden has a population of 2,974 with a median age of 42.3 years. Compare Dresden with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Tennessee.
Similar Cities Near Dresden
Cities in Tennessee with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bean Station | 2,990 | $50,114 | $156,400 | Compare |
| Sewanee | 3,000 | $128,295 | $377,200 | Compare |
| South Pittsburg | 3,040 | $54,347 | $160,700 | Compare |
| Mascot | 2,904 | $53,663 | $172,700 | Compare |
| Brighton | 2,865 | $77,589 | $190,500 | Compare |
| Tazewell | 2,864 | $41,852 | $163,900 | Compare |
| Belle Meade | 2,824 | $250,001 | $2,000,001 | Compare |
| Decherd | 2,816 | $34,646 | $118,600 | 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 Dresden With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Dresden
What is the population of Dresden, TN?
The population of Dresden, TN is 2,974 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 Dresden?
The median household income in Dresden, TN is $50,998 per year, which is 32% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Dresden?
The median home value in Dresden, TN is $104,200, which is 57% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Dresden?
The median monthly rent in Dresden, TN is $731, which is 37% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Dresden?
The unemployment rate in Dresden, TN is 0.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Dresden, TN a good place to live?
Dresden offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 2,974 and a median age of 42.3, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Dresden, TN?
15.6% of residents in Dresden 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 Dresden?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Dresden, TN: median home value is $104,200 (57% below national), median rent is $731/month, and median household income is $50,998. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Dresden?
The poverty rate in Dresden, TN is 9.7%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Dresden, TN?
Dresden's population is 1.6% White, 0.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 1.2% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.