South Cleveland, TN
Population 7,748 · Tennessee
About South Cleveland, TN
South Cleveland is a small town located in Tennessee with a population of 7,748 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $64,607 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 39.1 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in South Cleveland features a median home value of $195,700, which is 20% below the national median of $244,900. This positions South Cleveland in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $880, 24% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 3,341 total housing units, 77% are owner-occupied (2,361 units) and 23% are renter-occupied (719 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in South Cleveland shows an unemployment rate of 8.7%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 9.0%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in South Cleveland have an average one-way commute time of 20.6 minutes.
Education & Demographics
10.2% of South Cleveland 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 8.4% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, and 2.9% Asian residents, with 4.6% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in South Cleveland, TN
Compared to national averages, South Cleveland has a median household income of $64,607 (14% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $195,700, which is 20% below the national median. Monthly rent at $880 is 24% below the US average of $1,163. Within Tennessee, South Cleveland's income is 3% above the state average of $62,849, and home values are 9% below the state median of $214,371.
Why Live in South Cleveland, TN?
South Cleveland offers affordable housing with a median home value of $195,700, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $880/month, and a low poverty rate of 9.0%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 20.6 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($64,607) that falls below the national average. However, South Cleveland’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
South Cleveland has a population of 7,748 with a median age of 39.1 years. Compare South Cleveland with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Tennessee.
Similar Cities Near South Cleveland
Cities in Tennessee with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ripley | 7,718 | $39,047 | $152,200 | Compare |
| Humboldt | 7,799 | $42,873 | $111,300 | Compare |
| Thompson's Station | 7,855 | $122,139 | $598,200 | Compare |
| Lexington | 7,943 | $49,253 | $173,200 | Compare |
| La Follette | 7,308 | $34,678 | $106,000 | Compare |
| Milan | 8,194 | $45,608 | $121,400 | Compare |
| Savannah | 7,219 | $41,396 | $163,100 | Compare |
| Dayton | 7,191 | $56,692 | $152,200 | 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 Cleveland With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about South Cleveland
What is the population of South Cleveland, TN?
The population of South Cleveland, TN is 7,748 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 Cleveland?
The median household income in South Cleveland, TN is $64,607 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in South Cleveland?
The median home value in South Cleveland, TN is $195,700, 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 Cleveland?
The median monthly rent in South Cleveland, TN is $880, which is 24% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in South Cleveland?
The unemployment rate in South Cleveland, TN is 8.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is South Cleveland, TN a good place to live?
South Cleveland offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 7,748 and a median age of 39.1, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is South Cleveland, TN?
10.2% of residents in South Cleveland 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 Cleveland?
Key cost-of-living indicators for South Cleveland, TN: median home value is $195,700 (20% below national), median rent is $880/month, and median household income is $64,607. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in South Cleveland?
The poverty rate in South Cleveland, TN is 9.0%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is South Cleveland, TN?
South Cleveland's population is 8.4% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, 2.9% Asian, and 4.4% two or more races. 4.6% of residents are foreign-born.