Karns, TN
Population 3,835 · Tennessee
About Karns, TN
Karns is a small town located in Tennessee with a population of 3,835 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $101,161 per year, which is 35% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 39.2 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Karns features a median home value of $284,700, which is 16% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Karns in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,793, 54% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,449 total housing units, 77% are owner-occupied (1,101 units) and 23% are renter-occupied (338 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Karns shows an unemployment rate of 8.5%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 4.6%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Karns have an average one-way commute time of 25.5 minutes.
Education & Demographics
43.1% of Karns residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 3.0% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 1.5% of the population being foreign-born.
How Karns Ranks in Tennessee
Cost of Living in Karns, TN
Compared to national averages, Karns has a median household income of $101,161 (35% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $284,700, which is 16% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,793 is 54% above the US average of $1,163. Within Tennessee, Karns's income is 61% above the state average of $62,849, and home values are 33% above the state median of $214,371.
Why Live in Karns, TN?
Karns offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $101,161, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 43.1% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 4.6%, better than the national average.
Karns has a population of 3,835 with a median age of 39.2 years. Compare Karns with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Tennessee.
Similar Cities Near Karns
Cities in Tennessee with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unicoi | 3,815 | $41,455 | $196,500 | Compare |
| Oneida | 3,793 | $43,506 | $164,000 | Compare |
| Hohenwald | 3,790 | $38,791 | $93,800 | Compare |
| Spurgeon | 3,749 | $66,091 | $197,500 | Compare |
| Livingston | 3,957 | $35,997 | $115,600 | Compare |
| White Bluff | 3,961 | $68,109 | $271,500 | Compare |
| Tiptonville | 3,687 | $22,979 | $109,400 | Compare |
| Algood | 4,002 | $40,514 | $179,400 | 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 Karns With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Karns
What is the population of Karns, TN?
The population of Karns, TN is 3,835 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 Karns?
The median household income in Karns, TN is $101,161 per year, which is 35% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Karns?
The median home value in Karns, TN is $284,700, which is 16% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Karns?
The median monthly rent in Karns, TN is $1,793, which is 54% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Karns?
The unemployment rate in Karns, TN is 8.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Karns, TN a good place to live?
Karns offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 3,835 and a median age of 39.2, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Karns, TN?
43.1% of residents in Karns aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Karns?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Karns, TN: median home value is $284,700 (16% above national), median rent is $1,793/month, and median household income is $101,161. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.8x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Karns?
The poverty rate in Karns, TN is 4.6%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Karns, TN?
Karns's population is 3.0% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 5.1% two or more races. 1.5% of residents are foreign-born.