Jellico, TN
Population 1,821 · Tennessee
About Jellico, TN
Jellico is a small town located in Tennessee with a population of 1,821 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $41,111 per year, which is 45% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 54 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 Jellico features a median home value of $143,000, which is 42% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Jellico one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $407, 65% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,141 total housing units, 52% are owner-occupied (514 units) and 48% are renter-occupied (474 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Jellico shows an unemployment rate of 17.4%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 24.8%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Jellico have an average one-way commute time of 26.1 minutes.
Education & Demographics
19.5% of Jellico 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 0.0% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.9% of the population being foreign-born.
How Jellico Ranks in Tennessee
Cost of Living in Jellico, TN
Compared to national averages, Jellico has a median household income of $41,111 (45% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $143,000, which is 42% below the national median. Monthly rent at $407 is 65% below the US average of $1,163. Within Tennessee, Jellico's income is 35% below the state average of $62,849, and home values are 33% below the state median of $214,371.
Why Live in Jellico, TN?
Jellico offers affordable housing with a median home value of $143,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $407/month.
Potential considerations include median household income ($41,111) that falls below the national average. However, Jellico’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Jellico has a population of 1,821 with a median age of 54 years. Compare Jellico with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Tennessee.
Similar Cities Near Jellico
Cities in Tennessee with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monteagle | 1,818 | $53,005 | $299,400 | Compare |
| McEwen | 1,814 | $71,563 | $152,700 | Compare |
| Vonore | 1,829 | $59,563 | $269,200 | Compare |
| Rocky Top | 1,830 | $30,119 | $112,200 | Compare |
| Cornersville | 1,832 | $63,438 | $219,300 | Compare |
| Cross Plains | 1,809 | $72,734 | $295,000 | Compare |
| Mowbray Mountain | 1,797 | $96,607 | $365,600 | Compare |
| New Market | 1,789 | $70,913 | $166,400 | 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 Jellico With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Jellico
What is the population of Jellico, TN?
The population of Jellico, TN is 1,821 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 Jellico?
The median household income in Jellico, TN is $41,111 per year, which is 45% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Jellico?
The median home value in Jellico, TN is $143,000, which is 42% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Jellico?
The median monthly rent in Jellico, TN is $407, which is 65% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Jellico?
The unemployment rate in Jellico, TN is 17.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Jellico, TN a good place to live?
Jellico offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,821 and a median age of 54, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Jellico, TN?
19.5% of residents in Jellico 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 Jellico?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Jellico, TN: median home value is $143,000 (42% below national), median rent is $407/month, and median household income is $41,111. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.5x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Jellico?
The poverty rate in Jellico, TN is 24.8%, 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 Jellico, TN?
Jellico's population is 0.0% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 5.2% two or more races. 0.9% of residents are foreign-born.