Mountain City, TN
Population 2,275 · Tennessee
About Mountain City, TN
Mountain City is a small town located in Tennessee with a population of 2,275 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $36,902 per year, which is 51% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 54.3 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 Mountain City features a median home value of $186,800, which is 24% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Mountain City in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $420, 64% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,241 total housing units, 56% are owner-occupied (600 units) and 44% are renter-occupied (463 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Mountain City shows an unemployment rate of 8.0%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 32.2%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Mountain City have an average one-way commute time of 24.3 minutes.
Education & Demographics
8.9% of Mountain City 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 0.8% White, 0.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, and 6.7% Asian residents, with 3.4% of the population being foreign-born.
How Mountain City Ranks in Tennessee
Cost of Living in Mountain City, TN
Compared to national averages, Mountain City has a median household income of $36,902 (51% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $186,800, which is 24% below the national median. Monthly rent at $420 is 64% below the US average of $1,163. Within Tennessee, Mountain City's income is 41% below the state average of $62,849, and home values are 13% below the state median of $214,371.
Why Live in Mountain City, TN?
Mountain City offers affordable housing with a median home value of $186,800, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $420/month, and short commute times averaging just 24.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($36,902) that falls below the national average. However, Mountain City’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Mountain City has a population of 2,275 with a median age of 54.3 years. Compare Mountain City with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Tennessee.
Similar Cities Near Mountain City
Cities in Tennessee with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plainview | 2,276 | $61,343 | $151,200 | Compare |
| Bluff City | 2,268 | $59,783 | $147,400 | Compare |
| Gladeville | 2,263 | $94,693 | $457,300 | Compare |
| Spring City | 2,299 | $35,957 | $151,600 | Compare |
| Surgoinsville | 2,246 | $47,500 | $170,000 | Compare |
| Dyer | 2,334 | $50,962 | $117,600 | Compare |
| Pegram | 2,216 | $102,396 | $337,400 | Compare |
| New Union | 2,208 | $78,343 | $295,100 | 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 Mountain City With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Mountain City
What is the population of Mountain City, TN?
The population of Mountain City, TN is 2,275 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 Mountain City?
The median household income in Mountain City, TN is $36,902 per year, which is 51% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Mountain City?
The median home value in Mountain City, TN is $186,800, which is 24% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Mountain City?
The median monthly rent in Mountain City, TN is $420, which is 64% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Mountain City?
The unemployment rate in Mountain City, TN is 8.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Mountain City, TN a good place to live?
Mountain City offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 2,275 and a median age of 54.3, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Mountain City, TN?
8.9% of residents in Mountain City 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 Mountain City?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Mountain City, TN: median home value is $186,800 (24% below national), median rent is $420/month, and median household income is $36,902. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.1x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Mountain City?
The poverty rate in Mountain City, TN is 32.2%, 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 Mountain City, TN?
Mountain City's population is 0.8% White, 0.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, 6.7% Asian, and 2.8% two or more races. 3.4% of residents are foreign-born.