Selmer, TN
Population 4,456 · Tennessee
About Selmer, TN
Selmer is a small town located in Tennessee with a population of 4,456 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $48,092 per year, which is 36% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 40.5 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Selmer features a median home value of $111,600, which is 54% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Selmer one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $671, 42% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,424 total housing units, 67% are owner-occupied (1,252 units) and 33% are renter-occupied (629 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Selmer shows an unemployment rate of 2.2%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 22.8%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Selmer have an average one-way commute time of 23.2 minutes.
Education & Demographics
11.4% of Selmer 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, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.7% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Selmer, TN
Compared to national averages, Selmer has a median household income of $48,092 (36% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $111,600, which is 54% below the national median. Monthly rent at $671 is 42% below the US average of $1,163. Within Tennessee, Selmer's income is 23% below the state average of $62,849, and home values are 48% below the state median of $214,371.
Why Live in Selmer, TN?
Selmer offers affordable housing with a median home value of $111,600, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $671/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.2%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 23.2 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($48,092) that falls below the national average. However, Selmer’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Selmer has a population of 4,456 with a median age of 40.5 years. Compare Selmer with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Tennessee.
Similar Cities Near Selmer
Cities in Tennessee with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oak Grove CDP (Washington County), Tennessee | 4,483 | $63,625 | $241,100 | Compare |
| Huntingdon | 4,413 | $49,421 | $128,900 | Compare |
| Apison | 4,397 | $104,741 | $397,800 | Compare |
| Louisville | 4,369 | $83,485 | $314,700 | Compare |
| Harrogate | 4,355 | $63,257 | $178,600 | Compare |
| Lake Tansi | 4,562 | $56,078 | $233,700 | Compare |
| Coopertown | 4,576 | $120,066 | $380,700 | Compare |
| Waverly | 4,278 | $45,600 | $164,700 | 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 Selmer With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Selmer
What is the population of Selmer, TN?
The population of Selmer, TN is 4,456 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 Selmer?
The median household income in Selmer, TN is $48,092 per year, which is 36% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Selmer?
The median home value in Selmer, TN is $111,600, which is 54% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Selmer?
The median monthly rent in Selmer, TN is $671, which is 42% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Selmer?
The unemployment rate in Selmer, TN is 2.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Selmer, TN a good place to live?
Selmer offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 4,456 and a median age of 40.5, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Selmer, TN?
11.4% of residents in Selmer 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 Selmer?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Selmer, TN: median home value is $111,600 (54% below national), median rent is $671/month, and median household income is $48,092. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Selmer?
The poverty rate in Selmer, TN is 22.8%, 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 Selmer, TN?
Selmer's population is 0.0% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 15.6% two or more races. 0.7% of residents are foreign-born.