Rockwood, TN
Population 5,510 · Tennessee
About Rockwood, TN
Rockwood is a small town located in Tennessee with a population of 5,510 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $37,867 per year, which is 50% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 41.9 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Rockwood features a median home value of $132,100, which is 46% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Rockwood one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $725, 38% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,767 total housing units, 56% are owner-occupied (1,289 units) and 44% are renter-occupied (1,023 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Rockwood shows an unemployment rate of 8.4%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 18.7%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Rockwood have an average one-way commute time of 28.4 minutes.
Education & Demographics
11.1% of Rockwood 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 2.1% White, 3.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 1.3% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Rockwood, TN
Compared to national averages, Rockwood has a median household income of $37,867 (50% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $132,100, which is 46% below the national median. Monthly rent at $725 is 38% below the US average of $1,163. Within Tennessee, Rockwood's income is 40% below the state average of $62,849, and home values are 38% below the state median of $214,371.
Why Live in Rockwood, TN?
Rockwood offers affordable housing with a median home value of $132,100, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $725/month.
Potential considerations include median household income ($37,867) that falls below the national average. However, Rockwood’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Rockwood has a population of 5,510 with a median age of 41.9 years. Compare Rockwood with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Tennessee.
Similar Cities Near Rockwood
Cities in Tennessee with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mount Carmel | 5,504 | $71,336 | $179,700 | Compare |
| Dunlap | 5,546 | $38,666 | $148,300 | Compare |
| Lafayette | 5,643 | $44,924 | $189,800 | Compare |
| Ashland City | 5,318 | $73,921 | $259,900 | Compare |
| McKenzie | 5,706 | $35,988 | $140,200 | Compare |
| Medina | 5,268 | $93,964 | $261,400 | Compare |
| Madisonville | 5,184 | $45,274 | $202,600 | Compare |
| Bolivar | 5,171 | $38,575 | $136,000 | 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 Rockwood With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Rockwood
What is the population of Rockwood, TN?
The population of Rockwood, TN is 5,510 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 Rockwood?
The median household income in Rockwood, TN is $37,867 per year, which is 50% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Rockwood?
The median home value in Rockwood, TN is $132,100, which is 46% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Rockwood?
The median monthly rent in Rockwood, TN is $725, which is 38% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Rockwood?
The unemployment rate in Rockwood, TN is 8.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Rockwood, TN a good place to live?
Rockwood offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 5,510 and a median age of 41.9, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Rockwood, TN?
11.1% of residents in Rockwood 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 Rockwood?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Rockwood, TN: median home value is $132,100 (46% below national), median rent is $725/month, and median household income is $37,867. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.5x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Rockwood?
The poverty rate in Rockwood, TN is 18.7%, 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 Rockwood, TN?
Rockwood's population is 2.1% White, 3.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 1.1% two or more races. 1.3% of residents are foreign-born.