Sewanee, TN
Population 3,000 · Tennessee
About Sewanee, TN
Sewanee is a small town located in Tennessee with a population of 3,000 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $128,295 per year, which is 71% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 21.7 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 Sewanee features a median home value of $377,200, which is 54% above the national median of $244,900. This places Sewanee in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,186, 2% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 544 total housing units, 80% are owner-occupied (429 units) and 20% are renter-occupied (106 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Sewanee 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 Sewanee have an average one-way commute time of 14.1 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
79.8% of Sewanee residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 1.5% White, 0.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 3.1% Asian residents, with 4.5% of the population being foreign-born.
How Sewanee Ranks in Tennessee
Cost of Living in Sewanee, TN
Compared to national averages, Sewanee has a median household income of $128,295 (71% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $377,200, which is 54% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,186 is 2% above the US average of $1,163. Within Tennessee, Sewanee's income is 104% above the state average of $62,849, and home values are 76% above the state median of $214,371.
Why Live in Sewanee, TN?
Sewanee offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $128,295, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.0%, and a well-educated community where 79.8% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 11.2%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 14.1 minutes.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $377,200. However, Sewanee’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Sewanee has a population of 3,000 with a median age of 21.7 years. Compare Sewanee with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Tennessee.
Similar Cities Near Sewanee
Cities in Tennessee with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bean Station | 2,990 | $50,114 | $156,400 | Compare |
| Dresden | 2,974 | $50,998 | $104,200 | Compare |
| South Pittsburg | 3,040 | $54,347 | $160,700 | Compare |
| Mascot | 2,904 | $53,663 | $172,700 | Compare |
| Brighton | 2,865 | $77,589 | $190,500 | Compare |
| Tazewell | 2,864 | $41,852 | $163,900 | Compare |
| Belle Meade | 2,824 | $250,001 | $2,000,001 | Compare |
| Decherd | 2,816 | $34,646 | $118,600 | 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 Sewanee With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Sewanee
What is the population of Sewanee, TN?
The population of Sewanee, TN is 3,000 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 Sewanee?
The median household income in Sewanee, TN is $128,295 per year, which is 71% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Sewanee?
The median home value in Sewanee, TN is $377,200, which is 54% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Sewanee?
The median monthly rent in Sewanee, TN is $1,186, which is 2% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Sewanee?
The unemployment rate in Sewanee, 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 Sewanee, TN a good place to live?
Sewanee offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 3,000 and a median age of 21.7, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Sewanee, TN?
79.8% of residents in Sewanee aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Sewanee?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Sewanee, TN: median home value is $377,200 (54% above national), median rent is $1,186/month, and median household income is $128,295. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.9x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Sewanee?
The poverty rate in Sewanee, 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 Sewanee, TN?
Sewanee's population is 1.5% White, 0.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 3.1% Asian, and 2.4% two or more races. 4.5% of residents are foreign-born.