Etowah, TN
Population 3,621 · Tennessee
About Etowah, TN
Etowah is a small town located in Tennessee with a population of 3,621 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $43,614 per year, which is 42% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 42.1 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 Etowah features a median home value of $165,900, which is 32% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Etowah in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $817, 30% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,871 total housing units, 63% are owner-occupied (932 units) and 37% are renter-occupied (541 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Etowah shows an unemployment rate of 18.1%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 15.5%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Etowah have an average one-way commute time of 19.6 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
22.5% of Etowah 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 6.8% White, 1.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 3.5% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Etowah, TN
Compared to national averages, Etowah has a median household income of $43,614 (42% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $165,900, which is 32% below the national median. Monthly rent at $817 is 30% below the US average of $1,163. Within Tennessee, Etowah's income is 31% below the state average of $62,849, and home values are 23% below the state median of $214,371.
Why Live in Etowah, TN?
Etowah offers affordable housing with a median home value of $165,900, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $817/month, and short commute times averaging just 19.6 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($43,614) that falls below the national average. However, Etowah’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Etowah has a population of 3,621 with a median age of 42.1 years. Compare Etowah with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Tennessee.
Similar Cities Near Etowah
Cities in Tennessee with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jasper | 3,610 | $73,875 | $173,900 | Compare |
| Gatlinburg | 3,643 | $57,760 | $286,500 | Compare |
| Camden | 3,664 | $48,700 | $123,600 | Compare |
| Tiptonville | 3,687 | $22,979 | $109,400 | Compare |
| Centerville | 3,543 | $51,250 | $205,100 | Compare |
| Spurgeon | 3,749 | $66,091 | $197,500 | Compare |
| Wildwood Lake | 3,490 | $61,824 | $196,600 | Compare |
| Hohenwald | 3,790 | $38,791 | $93,800 | 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 Etowah With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Etowah
What is the population of Etowah, TN?
The population of Etowah, TN is 3,621 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 Etowah?
The median household income in Etowah, TN is $43,614 per year, which is 42% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Etowah?
The median home value in Etowah, TN is $165,900, which is 32% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Etowah?
The median monthly rent in Etowah, TN is $817, which is 30% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Etowah?
The unemployment rate in Etowah, TN is 18.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Etowah, TN a good place to live?
Etowah offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 3,621 and a median age of 42.1, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Etowah, TN?
22.5% of residents in Etowah 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 Etowah?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Etowah, TN: median home value is $165,900 (32% below national), median rent is $817/month, and median household income is $43,614. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.8x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Etowah?
The poverty rate in Etowah, TN is 15.5%, 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 Etowah, TN?
Etowah's population is 6.8% White, 1.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 6.2% two or more races. 3.5% of residents are foreign-born.