Smithville, TN
Population 5,158 · Tennessee
About Smithville, TN
Smithville is a small town located in Tennessee with a population of 5,158 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $29,507 per year, which is 61% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 42.3 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 Smithville features a median home value of $153,500, which is 37% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Smithville in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $676, 42% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,187 total housing units, 48% are owner-occupied (1,013 units) and 52% are renter-occupied (1,099 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 Smithville shows an unemployment rate of 7.3%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 38.3%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Smithville have an average one-way commute time of 17.1 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
14.2% of Smithville 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 17.3% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 1.5% Asian residents, with 10.1% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Smithville, TN
Compared to national averages, Smithville has a median household income of $29,507 (61% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $153,500, which is 37% below the national median. Monthly rent at $676 is 42% below the US average of $1,163. Within Tennessee, Smithville's income is 53% below the state average of $62,849, and home values are 28% below the state median of $214,371.
Why Live in Smithville, TN?
Smithville offers affordable housing with a median home value of $153,500, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $676/month, and short commute times averaging just 17.1 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($29,507) that falls below the national average. However, Smithville’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Smithville has a population of 5,158 with a median age of 42.3 years. Compare Smithville with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Tennessee.
Similar Cities Near Smithville
Cities in Tennessee with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bolivar | 5,171 | $38,575 | $136,000 | Compare |
| Madisonville | 5,184 | $45,274 | $202,600 | Compare |
| Pleasant View | 5,111 | $101,591 | $362,700 | Compare |
| Medina | 5,268 | $93,964 | $261,400 | Compare |
| Ashland City | 5,318 | $73,921 | $259,900 | Compare |
| Sparta | 4,915 | $43,989 | $200,600 | Compare |
| Mount Carmel | 5,504 | $71,336 | $179,700 | Compare |
| Rockwood | 5,510 | $37,867 | $132,100 | 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 Smithville With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Smithville
What is the population of Smithville, TN?
The population of Smithville, TN is 5,158 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 Smithville?
The median household income in Smithville, TN is $29,507 per year, which is 61% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Smithville?
The median home value in Smithville, TN is $153,500, which is 37% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Smithville?
The median monthly rent in Smithville, TN is $676, which is 42% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Smithville?
The unemployment rate in Smithville, TN is 7.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Smithville, TN a good place to live?
Smithville offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 5,158 and a median age of 42.3, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Smithville, TN?
14.2% of residents in Smithville 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 Smithville?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Smithville, TN: median home value is $153,500 (37% below national), median rent is $676/month, and median household income is $29,507. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.2x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Smithville?
The poverty rate in Smithville, TN is 38.3%, 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 Smithville, TN?
Smithville's population is 17.3% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 1.5% Asian, and 2.5% two or more races. 10.1% of residents are foreign-born.