Sweetwater, TN
Population 6,462 · Tennessee
About Sweetwater, TN
Sweetwater is a small town located in Tennessee with a population of 6,462 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $44,661 per year, which is 41% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 43.2 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 Sweetwater features a median home value of $166,000, which is 32% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Sweetwater in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $625, 46% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 3,075 total housing units, 55% are owner-occupied (1,567 units) and 45% are renter-occupied (1,286 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Sweetwater shows an unemployment rate of 8.6%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 18.2%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Sweetwater have an average one-way commute time of 21.4 minutes.
Education & Demographics
17.4% of Sweetwater 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 5.2% White, 2.1% Hispanic or Latino, 1.0% Black or African American, and 0.4% Asian residents, with 2.2% of the population being foreign-born.
How Sweetwater Ranks in Tennessee
Cost of Living in Sweetwater, TN
Compared to national averages, Sweetwater has a median household income of $44,661 (41% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $166,000, which is 32% below the national median. Monthly rent at $625 is 46% below the US average of $1,163. Within Tennessee, Sweetwater's income is 29% below the state average of $62,849, and home values are 23% below the state median of $214,371.
Why Live in Sweetwater, TN?
Sweetwater offers affordable housing with a median home value of $166,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $625/month, and short commute times averaging just 21.4 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($44,661) that falls below the national average. However, Sweetwater’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Sweetwater has a population of 6,462 with a median age of 43.2 years. Compare Sweetwater with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Tennessee.
Similar Cities Near Sweetwater
Cities in Tennessee with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Munford | 6,459 | $86,492 | $234,600 | Compare |
| Henderson | 6,349 | $57,727 | $130,100 | Compare |
| Pigeon Forge | 6,345 | $53,839 | $258,700 | Compare |
| Lynchburg, Moore County metropolitan government, Tennessee | 6,611 | $66,687 | $259,300 | Compare |
| Green Hill | 6,617 | $91,397 | $345,000 | Compare |
| Loudon | 6,235 | $58,810 | $220,900 | Compare |
| Jonesborough | 6,056 | $63,155 | $247,900 | Compare |
| Newport | 6,881 | $40,096 | $124,300 | 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 Sweetwater With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Sweetwater
What is the population of Sweetwater, TN?
The population of Sweetwater, TN is 6,462 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 Sweetwater?
The median household income in Sweetwater, TN is $44,661 per year, which is 41% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Sweetwater?
The median home value in Sweetwater, TN is $166,000, which is 32% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Sweetwater?
The median monthly rent in Sweetwater, TN is $625, which is 46% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Sweetwater?
The unemployment rate in Sweetwater, TN is 8.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Sweetwater, TN a good place to live?
Sweetwater offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 6,462 and a median age of 43.2, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Sweetwater, TN?
17.4% of residents in Sweetwater 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 Sweetwater?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Sweetwater, TN: median home value is $166,000 (32% below national), median rent is $625/month, and median household income is $44,661. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.7x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Sweetwater?
The poverty rate in Sweetwater, TN is 18.2%, 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 Sweetwater, TN?
Sweetwater's population is 5.2% White, 2.1% Hispanic or Latino, 1.0% Black or African American, 0.4% Asian, and 4.6% two or more races. 2.2% of residents are foreign-born.