East Cleveland, TN
Population 2,207 · Tennessee
About East Cleveland, TN
East Cleveland is a small town located in Tennessee with a population of 2,207 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $46,968 per year, which is 38% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 34.7 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in East Cleveland features a median home value of $113,800, which is 54% below the national median of $244,900. This makes East Cleveland one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $918, 21% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 751 total housing units, 36% are owner-occupied (244 units) and 64% are renter-occupied (428 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 East Cleveland shows an unemployment rate of 12.6%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 23.3%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in East Cleveland have an average one-way commute time of 22.3 minutes.
Education & Demographics
0.8% of East Cleveland 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 2.6% White, 0.3% Hispanic or Latino, 1.2% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 3.3% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in East Cleveland, TN
Compared to national averages, East Cleveland has a median household income of $46,968 (38% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $113,800, which is 54% below the national median. Monthly rent at $918 is 21% below the US average of $1,163. Within Tennessee, East Cleveland's income is 25% below the state average of $62,849, and home values are 47% below the state median of $214,371.
Why Live in East Cleveland, TN?
East Cleveland offers affordable housing with a median home value of $113,800, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $918/month, and short commute times averaging just 22.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($46,968) that falls below the national average. However, East Cleveland’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
East Cleveland has a population of 2,207 with a median age of 34.7 years. Compare East Cleveland with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Tennessee.
Similar Cities Near East Cleveland
Cities in Tennessee with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Union | 2,208 | $78,343 | $295,100 | Compare |
| Pegram | 2,216 | $102,396 | $337,400 | Compare |
| Ridgetop | 2,198 | $68,884 | $301,300 | Compare |
| Pine Crest | 2,173 | $54,900 | $181,100 | Compare |
| Surgoinsville | 2,246 | $47,500 | $170,000 | Compare |
| Jamestown | 2,156 | $24,688 | $96,000 | Compare |
| Gladeville | 2,263 | $94,693 | $457,300 | Compare |
| Bluff City | 2,268 | $59,783 | $147,400 | 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 East Cleveland With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about East Cleveland
What is the population of East Cleveland, TN?
The population of East Cleveland, TN is 2,207 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 East Cleveland?
The median household income in East Cleveland, TN is $46,968 per year, which is 38% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in East Cleveland?
The median home value in East Cleveland, TN is $113,800, which is 54% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in East Cleveland?
The median monthly rent in East Cleveland, TN is $918, which is 21% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in East Cleveland?
The unemployment rate in East Cleveland, TN is 12.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is East Cleveland, TN a good place to live?
East Cleveland offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 2,207 and a median age of 34.7, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is East Cleveland, TN?
0.8% of residents in East Cleveland 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 East Cleveland?
Key cost-of-living indicators for East Cleveland, TN: median home value is $113,800 (54% below national), median rent is $918/month, and median household income is $46,968. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in East Cleveland?
The poverty rate in East Cleveland, TN is 23.3%, 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 East Cleveland, TN?
East Cleveland's population is 2.6% White, 0.3% Hispanic or Latino, 1.2% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 13.3% two or more races. 3.3% of residents are foreign-born.