Tellico Plains, TN
Population 1,124 · Tennessee
About Tellico Plains, TN
Tellico Plains is a small town located in Tennessee with a population of 1,124 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $43,859 per year, which is 42% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 35 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 Tellico Plains features a median home value of $168,000, which is 31% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Tellico Plains in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $613, 47% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 514 total housing units, 73% are owner-occupied (309 units) and 27% are renter-occupied (114 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Tellico Plains shows an unemployment rate of 7.9%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 27.8%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Tellico Plains have an average one-way commute time of 32.1 minutes.
Education & Demographics
15.9% of Tellico Plains 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 0.0% White, 2.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 3.6% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Tellico Plains Ranks in Tennessee
Cost of Living in Tellico Plains, TN
Compared to national averages, Tellico Plains has a median household income of $43,859 (42% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $168,000, which is 31% below the national median. Monthly rent at $613 is 47% below the US average of $1,163. Within Tennessee, Tellico Plains's income is 30% below the state average of $62,849, and home values are 22% below the state median of $214,371.
Why Live in Tellico Plains, TN?
Tellico Plains offers affordable housing with a median home value of $168,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $613/month.
Potential considerations include median household income ($43,859) that falls below the national average. However, Tellico Plains’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Tellico Plains has a population of 1,124 with a median age of 35 years. Compare Tellico Plains with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Tennessee.
Similar Cities Near Tellico Plains
Cities in Tennessee with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mason | 1,126 | $47,143 | $129,900 | Compare |
| Wildwood | 1,133 | $55,388 | $195,000 | Compare |
| Sharon | 1,105 | $33,385 | $95,900 | Compare |
| Alexandria | 1,145 | $48,542 | $213,000 | Compare |
| Coalmont | 1,103 | $58,362 | $138,400 | Compare |
| Altamont | 1,100 | $40,221 | $85,900 | Compare |
| Scotts Hill | 1,158 | $37,837 | $114,200 | Compare |
| Obion | 1,088 | $49,018 | $91,300 | 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 Tellico Plains With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Tellico Plains
What is the population of Tellico Plains, TN?
The population of Tellico Plains, TN is 1,124 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 Tellico Plains?
The median household income in Tellico Plains, TN is $43,859 per year, which is 42% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Tellico Plains?
The median home value in Tellico Plains, TN is $168,000, which is 31% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Tellico Plains?
The median monthly rent in Tellico Plains, TN is $613, which is 47% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Tellico Plains?
The unemployment rate in Tellico Plains, TN is 7.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Tellico Plains, TN a good place to live?
Tellico Plains offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,124 and a median age of 35, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Tellico Plains, TN?
15.9% of residents in Tellico Plains 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 Tellico Plains?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Tellico Plains, TN: median home value is $168,000 (31% below national), median rent is $613/month, and median household income is $43,859. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.8x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Tellico Plains?
The poverty rate in Tellico Plains, TN is 27.8%, 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 Tellico Plains, TN?
Tellico Plains's population is 0.0% White, 2.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 3.6% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.