Rutledge, TN
Population 1,521 · Tennessee
About Rutledge, TN
Rutledge is a small town located in Tennessee with a population of 1,521 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $41,000 per year, which is 45% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 49.2 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 Rutledge features a median home value of $152,300, which is 38% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Rutledge in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $568, 51% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 677 total housing units, 53% are owner-occupied (316 units) and 47% are renter-occupied (280 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Rutledge shows an unemployment rate of 5.2%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 22.4%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Rutledge have an average one-way commute time of 27.2 minutes.
Education & Demographics
14.5% of Rutledge 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 2.8% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.3% Asian residents, with 4.4% of the population being foreign-born.
How Rutledge Ranks in Tennessee
Cost of Living in Rutledge, TN
Compared to national averages, Rutledge has a median household income of $41,000 (45% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $152,300, which is 38% below the national median. Monthly rent at $568 is 51% below the US average of $1,163. Within Tennessee, Rutledge's income is 35% below the state average of $62,849, and home values are 29% below the state median of $214,371.
Why Live in Rutledge, TN?
Rutledge offers affordable housing with a median home value of $152,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $568/month.
Potential considerations include median household income ($41,000) that falls below the national average. However, Rutledge’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Rutledge has a population of 1,521 with a median age of 49.2 years. Compare Rutledge with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Tennessee.
Similar Cities Near Rutledge
Cities in Tennessee with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Banner Hill | 1,519 | $66,270 | $120,700 | Compare |
| Chapel Hill | 1,531 | $77,826 | $276,700 | Compare |
| Watertown | 1,511 | $62,991 | $228,400 | Compare |
| Tennessee Ridge | 1,546 | $56,583 | $151,800 | Compare |
| Spencer | 1,494 | $46,563 | $135,000 | Compare |
| Kenton | 1,487 | $40,993 | $96,400 | Compare |
| Norris | 1,472 | $73,448 | $306,300 | Compare |
| Lone Oak | 1,463 | $53,214 | $241,100 | 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 Rutledge With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Rutledge
What is the population of Rutledge, TN?
The population of Rutledge, TN is 1,521 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 Rutledge?
The median household income in Rutledge, TN is $41,000 per year, which is 45% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Rutledge?
The median home value in Rutledge, TN is $152,300, which is 38% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Rutledge?
The median monthly rent in Rutledge, TN is $568, which is 51% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Rutledge?
The unemployment rate in Rutledge, TN is 5.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Rutledge, TN a good place to live?
Rutledge offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,521 and a median age of 49.2, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Rutledge, TN?
14.5% of residents in Rutledge 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 Rutledge?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Rutledge, TN: median home value is $152,300 (38% below national), median rent is $568/month, and median household income is $41,000. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.7x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Rutledge?
The poverty rate in Rutledge, TN is 22.4%, 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 Rutledge, TN?
Rutledge's population is 2.8% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.3% Asian, and 1.8% two or more races. 4.4% of residents are foreign-born.