South Carthage, TN
Population 2,049 · Tennessee
About South Carthage, TN
South Carthage is a small town located in Tennessee with a population of 2,049 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $47,610 per year, which is 37% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 33.5 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 South Carthage features a median home value of $195,800, which is 20% below the national median of $244,900. This positions South Carthage in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $832, 28% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 796 total housing units, 61% are owner-occupied (473 units) and 39% are renter-occupied (298 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in South Carthage shows an unemployment rate of 3.1%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 25.9%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in South Carthage have an average one-way commute time of 36.7 minutes, suggesting many residents commute to jobs in a nearby metro area.
Education & Demographics
19.7% of South Carthage 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 0.1% White, 0.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.2% Asian residents, with 0.2% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in South Carthage, TN
Compared to national averages, South Carthage has a median household income of $47,610 (37% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $195,800, which is 20% below the national median. Monthly rent at $832 is 28% below the US average of $1,163. Within Tennessee, South Carthage's income is 24% below the state average of $62,849, and home values are 9% below the state median of $214,371.
Why Live in South Carthage, TN?
South Carthage offers affordable housing with a median home value of $195,800, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $832/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.1%.
Potential considerations include median household income ($47,610) that falls below the national average. However, South Carthage’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
South Carthage has a population of 2,049 with a median age of 33.5 years. Compare South Carthage with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Tennessee.
Similar Cities Near South Carthage
Cities in Tennessee with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lakesite | 2,026 | $92,847 | $299,300 | Compare |
| Caryville | 2,079 | $61,932 | $193,300 | Compare |
| Dover | 2,080 | $72,616 | $199,300 | Compare |
| Greenfield | 2,085 | $41,798 | $88,400 | Compare |
| Estill Springs | 2,008 | $49,148 | $166,700 | Compare |
| Falling Water | 2,090 | $113,160 | $398,400 | Compare |
| Biltmore | 1,998 | $49,280 | $117,800 | Compare |
| Hunter | 1,997 | $51,763 | $163,100 | 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 South Carthage With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about South Carthage
What is the population of South Carthage, TN?
The population of South Carthage, TN is 2,049 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 South Carthage?
The median household income in South Carthage, TN is $47,610 per year, which is 37% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in South Carthage?
The median home value in South Carthage, TN is $195,800, which is 20% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in South Carthage?
The median monthly rent in South Carthage, TN is $832, which is 28% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in South Carthage?
The unemployment rate in South Carthage, TN is 3.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is South Carthage, TN a good place to live?
South Carthage offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 2,049 and a median age of 33.5, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is South Carthage, TN?
19.7% of residents in South Carthage 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 South Carthage?
Key cost-of-living indicators for South Carthage, TN: median home value is $195,800 (20% below national), median rent is $832/month, and median household income is $47,610. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.1x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in South Carthage?
The poverty rate in South Carthage, TN is 25.9%, 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 South Carthage, TN?
South Carthage's population is 0.1% White, 0.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.2% Asian, and 0.7% two or more races. 0.2% of residents are foreign-born.