La Follette, TN
Population 7,308 · Tennessee
About La Follette, TN
La Follette is a small town located in Tennessee with a population of 7,308 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $34,678 per year, which is 54% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 40.1 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in La Follette features a median home value of $106,000, which is 57% below the national median of $244,900. This makes La Follette one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $690, 41% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 3,651 total housing units, 40% are owner-occupied (1,300 units) and 60% are renter-occupied (1,949 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 La Follette shows an unemployment rate of 7.3%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 30.7%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in La Follette have an average one-way commute time of 25.5 minutes.
Education & Demographics
7.2% of La Follette 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 2.2% White, 1.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, and 1.5% Asian residents, with 1.9% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in La Follette, TN
Compared to national averages, La Follette has a median household income of $34,678 (54% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $106,000, which is 57% below the national median. Monthly rent at $690 is 41% below the US average of $1,163. Within Tennessee, La Follette's income is 45% below the state average of $62,849, and home values are 51% below the state median of $214,371.
Why Live in La Follette, TN?
La Follette offers affordable housing with a median home value of $106,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $690/month.
Potential considerations include median household income ($34,678) that falls below the national average. However, La Follette’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
La Follette has a population of 7,308 with a median age of 40.1 years. Compare La Follette with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Tennessee.
Similar Cities Near La Follette
Cities in Tennessee with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Savannah | 7,219 | $41,396 | $163,100 | Compare |
| Dayton | 7,191 | $56,692 | $152,200 | Compare |
| Church Hill | 7,057 | $69,433 | $192,600 | Compare |
| Fayetteville | 7,037 | $50,890 | $191,100 | Compare |
| Greenbrier | 6,960 | $82,308 | $310,400 | Compare |
| Tellico Village | 6,901 | $98,214 | $484,900 | Compare |
| Ripley | 7,718 | $39,047 | $152,200 | Compare |
| Newport | 6,881 | $40,096 | $124,300 | 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 La Follette With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about La Follette
What is the population of La Follette, TN?
The population of La Follette, TN is 7,308 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 La Follette?
The median household income in La Follette, TN is $34,678 per year, which is 54% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in La Follette?
The median home value in La Follette, TN is $106,000, which is 57% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in La Follette?
The median monthly rent in La Follette, TN is $690, which is 41% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in La Follette?
The unemployment rate in La Follette, TN is 7.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is La Follette, TN a good place to live?
La Follette offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 7,308 and a median age of 40.1, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is La Follette, TN?
7.2% of residents in La Follette 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 La Follette?
Key cost-of-living indicators for La Follette, TN: median home value is $106,000 (57% below national), median rent is $690/month, and median household income is $34,678. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.1x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in La Follette?
The poverty rate in La Follette, TN is 30.7%, 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 La Follette, TN?
La Follette's population is 2.2% White, 1.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, 1.5% Asian, and 0.2% two or more races. 1.9% of residents are foreign-born.