Obion, TN
Population 1,088 · Tennessee
About Obion, TN
Obion is a small town located in Tennessee with a population of 1,088 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $49,018 per year, which is 35% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 44.5 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 Obion features a median home value of $91,300, which is 63% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Obion one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $870, 25% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 615 total housing units, 54% are owner-occupied (277 units) and 46% are renter-occupied (238 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Obion shows an unemployment rate of 1.5%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 26.5%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Obion have an average one-way commute time of 24.8 minutes.
Education & Demographics
7.8% of Obion 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 3.6% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 2.3% of the population being foreign-born.
How Obion Ranks in Tennessee
Cost of Living in Obion, TN
Compared to national averages, Obion has a median household income of $49,018 (35% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $91,300, which is 63% below the national median. Monthly rent at $870 is 25% below the US average of $1,163. Within Tennessee, Obion's income is 22% below the state average of $62,849, and home values are 57% below the state median of $214,371.
Why Live in Obion, TN?
Obion offers affordable housing with a median home value of $91,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $870/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.5%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 24.8 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($49,018) that falls below the national average. However, Obion’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Obion has a population of 1,088 with a median age of 44.5 years. Compare Obion with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Tennessee.
Similar Cities Near Obion
Cities in Tennessee with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Orlinda | 1,088 | $74,886 | $298,400 | Compare |
| Gainesboro | 1,086 | $45,313 | $148,500 | Compare |
| Lyles | 1,079 | $49,688 | $196,000 | Compare |
| Allardt | 1,078 | $52,125 | $151,200 | Compare |
| Fall Branch | 1,077 | $49,083 | $152,200 | Compare |
| Altamont | 1,100 | $40,221 | $85,900 | Compare |
| Coalmont | 1,103 | $58,362 | $138,400 | Compare |
| Sharon | 1,105 | $33,385 | $95,900 | 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 Obion With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Obion
What is the population of Obion, TN?
The population of Obion, TN is 1,088 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 Obion?
The median household income in Obion, TN is $49,018 per year, which is 35% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Obion?
The median home value in Obion, TN is $91,300, which is 63% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Obion?
The median monthly rent in Obion, TN is $870, which is 25% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Obion?
The unemployment rate in Obion, TN is 1.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Obion, TN a good place to live?
Obion offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 1,088 and a median age of 44.5, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Obion, TN?
7.8% of residents in Obion 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 Obion?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Obion, TN: median home value is $91,300 (63% below national), median rent is $870/month, and median household income is $49,018. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.9x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Obion?
The poverty rate in Obion, TN is 26.5%, 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 Obion, TN?
Obion's population is 3.6% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 5.1% two or more races. 2.3% of residents are foreign-born.