Rocky Top, TN
Population 1,830 · Tennessee
About Rocky Top, TN
Rocky Top is a small town located in Tennessee with a population of 1,830 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $30,119 per year, which is 60% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 30.1 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Rocky Top features a median home value of $112,200, which is 54% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Rocky Top one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $697, 40% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 897 total housing units, 33% are owner-occupied (242 units) and 67% are renter-occupied (496 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 Rocky Top shows an unemployment rate of 14.8%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 43.5%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Rocky Top have an average one-way commute time of 21.6 minutes.
Education & Demographics
8.6% of Rocky Top 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 0.0% White, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 2.5% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Rocky Top, TN
Compared to national averages, Rocky Top has a median household income of $30,119 (60% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $112,200, which is 54% below the national median. Monthly rent at $697 is 40% below the US average of $1,163. Within Tennessee, Rocky Top's income is 52% below the state average of $62,849, and home values are 48% below the state median of $214,371.
Why Live in Rocky Top, TN?
Rocky Top offers affordable housing with a median home value of $112,200, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $697/month, and short commute times averaging just 21.6 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($30,119) that falls below the national average. However, Rocky Top’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Rocky Top has a population of 1,830 with a median age of 30.1 years. Compare Rocky Top with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Tennessee.
Similar Cities Near Rocky Top
Cities in Tennessee with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vonore | 1,829 | $59,563 | $269,200 | Compare |
| Cornersville | 1,832 | $63,438 | $219,300 | Compare |
| Jellico | 1,821 | $41,111 | $143,000 | Compare |
| Monteagle | 1,818 | $53,005 | $299,400 | Compare |
| McEwen | 1,814 | $71,563 | $152,700 | Compare |
| Cross Plains | 1,809 | $72,734 | $295,000 | Compare |
| Decatur | 1,860 | $48,203 | $218,800 | Compare |
| Mowbray Mountain | 1,797 | $96,607 | $365,600 | 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 Rocky Top With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Rocky Top
What is the population of Rocky Top, TN?
The population of Rocky Top, TN is 1,830 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 Rocky Top?
The median household income in Rocky Top, TN is $30,119 per year, which is 60% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Rocky Top?
The median home value in Rocky Top, TN is $112,200, which is 54% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Rocky Top?
The median monthly rent in Rocky Top, TN is $697, which is 40% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Rocky Top?
The unemployment rate in Rocky Top, TN is 14.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Rocky Top, TN a good place to live?
Rocky Top offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,830 and a median age of 30.1, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Rocky Top, TN?
8.6% of residents in Rocky Top 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 Rocky Top?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Rocky Top, TN: median home value is $112,200 (54% below national), median rent is $697/month, and median household income is $30,119. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.7x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Rocky Top?
The poverty rate in Rocky Top, TN is 43.5%, 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 Rocky Top, TN?
Rocky Top's population is 0.0% White, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 2.0% two or more races. 2.5% of residents are foreign-born.