Gates, TN
Population 612 · Tennessee
About Gates, TN
Gates is a small community located in Tennessee with a population of 612 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $39,815 per year, which is 47% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 31.8 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 Gates features a median home value of $88,500, which is 64% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Gates one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $759, 35% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 268 total housing units, 42% are owner-occupied (99 units) and 58% are renter-occupied (135 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 Gates shows an unemployment rate of 24.4%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 24.2%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Gates have an average one-way commute time of 36.6 minutes, suggesting many residents commute to jobs in a nearby metro area.
Education & Demographics
10.9% of Gates 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 3.8% 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.
How Gates Ranks in Tennessee
Cost of Living in Gates, TN
Compared to national averages, Gates has a median household income of $39,815 (47% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $88,500, which is 64% below the national median. Monthly rent at $759 is 35% below the US average of $1,163. Within Tennessee, Gates's income is 37% below the state average of $62,849, and home values are 59% below the state median of $214,371.
Why Live in Gates, TN?
Gates offers affordable housing with a median home value of $88,500, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $759/month.
Potential considerations include median household income ($39,815) that falls below the national average. However, Gates’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Gates has a population of 612 with a median age of 31.8 years. Compare Gates with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Tennessee.
Similar Cities Near Gates
Cities in Tennessee with a similar population size.
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.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Gates
What is the population of Gates, TN?
The population of Gates, TN is 612 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Tennessee.
What is the median household income in Gates?
The median household income in Gates, TN is $39,815 per year, which is 47% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Gates?
The median home value in Gates, TN is $88,500, which is 64% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Gates?
The median monthly rent in Gates, TN is $759, which is 35% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Gates?
The unemployment rate in Gates, TN is 24.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Gates, TN a good place to live?
Gates offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 612 and a median age of 31.8, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Gates, TN?
10.9% of residents in Gates 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 Gates?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Gates, TN: median home value is $88,500 (64% below national), median rent is $759/month, and median household income is $39,815. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.2x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Gates?
The poverty rate in Gates, TN is 24.2%, 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 Gates, TN?
Gates's population is 3.8% White, 0.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 60.6% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.