Rutherford, TN
Population 1,203 · Tennessee
About Rutherford, TN
Rutherford is a small town located in Tennessee with a population of 1,203 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $50,000 per year, which is 33% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 35.8 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 Rutherford features a median home value of $91,500, which is 63% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Rutherford one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $718, 38% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 572 total housing units, 75% are owner-occupied (371 units) and 25% are renter-occupied (125 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Rutherford shows an unemployment rate of 0.0%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 11.2%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Rutherford have an average one-way commute time of 27.1 minutes.
Education & Demographics
19.9% of Rutherford 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 1.7% White, 6.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 1.2% of the population being foreign-born.
How Rutherford Ranks in Tennessee
Cost of Living in Rutherford, TN
Compared to national averages, Rutherford has a median household income of $50,000 (33% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $91,500, which is 63% below the national median. Monthly rent at $718 is 38% below the US average of $1,163. Within Tennessee, Rutherford's income is 20% below the state average of $62,849, and home values are 57% below the state median of $214,371.
Why Live in Rutherford, TN?
Rutherford offers affordable housing with a median home value of $91,500, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $718/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.0%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 11.2%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include median household income ($50,000) that falls below the national average. However, Rutherford’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Rutherford has a population of 1,203 with a median age of 35.8 years. Compare Rutherford with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Tennessee.
Similar Cities Near Rutherford
Cities in Tennessee with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Erin | 1,212 | $34,500 | $137,500 | Compare |
| Gleason | 1,179 | $58,906 | $83,700 | Compare |
| Rockvale | 1,229 | $80,750 | $440,000 | Compare |
| Atwood | 1,230 | $36,583 | $86,900 | Compare |
| Rossville | 1,173 | $121,116 | $459,800 | Compare |
| Bradford | 1,240 | $40,536 | $101,600 | Compare |
| Crump | 1,240 | $39,032 | $144,400 | Compare |
| Winfield | 1,166 | $40,268 | $101,000 | 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 Rutherford With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Rutherford
What is the population of Rutherford, TN?
The population of Rutherford, TN is 1,203 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 Rutherford?
The median household income in Rutherford, TN is $50,000 per year, which is 33% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Rutherford?
The median home value in Rutherford, TN is $91,500, which is 63% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Rutherford?
The median monthly rent in Rutherford, TN is $718, which is 38% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Rutherford?
The unemployment rate in Rutherford, TN is 0.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Rutherford, TN a good place to live?
Rutherford offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 1,203 and a median age of 35.8, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Rutherford, TN?
19.9% of residents in Rutherford 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 Rutherford?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Rutherford, TN: median home value is $91,500 (63% below national), median rent is $718/month, and median household income is $50,000. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.8x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Rutherford?
The poverty rate in Rutherford, TN is 11.2%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Rutherford, TN?
Rutherford's population is 1.7% White, 6.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 2.0% two or more races. 1.2% of residents are foreign-born.