Whitwell, TN
Population 1,863 · Tennessee
About Whitwell, TN
Whitwell is a small town located in Tennessee with a population of 1,863 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $62,500 per year, which is 17% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 44.7 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 Whitwell features a median home value of $121,700, which is 50% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Whitwell one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $834, 28% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,030 total housing units, 72% are owner-occupied (557 units) and 28% are renter-occupied (221 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Whitwell shows an unemployment rate of 4.3%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 13.1%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Whitwell have an average one-way commute time of 38.4 minutes, suggesting many residents commute to jobs in a nearby metro area.
Education & Demographics
7.2% of Whitwell 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, 2.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.9% Asian residents, with 2.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Whitwell, TN
Compared to national averages, Whitwell has a median household income of $62,500 (17% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $121,700, which is 50% below the national median. Monthly rent at $834 is 28% below the US average of $1,163. Within Tennessee, Whitwell's income is 1% below the state average of $62,849, and home values are 43% below the state median of $214,371.
Why Live in Whitwell, TN?
Whitwell offers affordable housing with a median home value of $121,700, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $834/month.
Potential considerations include median household income ($62,500) that falls below the national average. However, Whitwell’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Whitwell has a population of 1,863 with a median age of 44.7 years. Compare Whitwell with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Tennessee.
Similar Cities Near Whitwell
Cities in Tennessee with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charlotte | 1,864 | $57,656 | $232,700 | Compare |
| Decatur | 1,860 | $48,203 | $218,800 | Compare |
| Bon Aqua Junction | 1,877 | $33,295 | $174,800 | Compare |
| Cornersville | 1,832 | $63,438 | $219,300 | Compare |
| Rocky Top | 1,830 | $30,119 | $112,200 | Compare |
| Vonore | 1,829 | $59,563 | $269,200 | Compare |
| Valley Forge | 1,900 | $50,259 | $145,500 | Compare |
| Jellico | 1,821 | $41,111 | $143,000 | 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 Whitwell With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Whitwell
What is the population of Whitwell, TN?
The population of Whitwell, TN is 1,863 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 Whitwell?
The median household income in Whitwell, TN is $62,500 per year, which is 17% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Whitwell?
The median home value in Whitwell, TN is $121,700, which is 50% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Whitwell?
The median monthly rent in Whitwell, TN is $834, which is 28% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Whitwell?
The unemployment rate in Whitwell, TN is 4.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Whitwell, TN a good place to live?
Whitwell offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,863 and a median age of 44.7, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Whitwell, TN?
7.2% of residents in Whitwell 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 Whitwell?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Whitwell, TN: median home value is $121,700 (50% below national), median rent is $834/month, and median household income is $62,500. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.9x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Whitwell?
The poverty rate in Whitwell, TN is 13.1%, 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 Whitwell, TN?
Whitwell's population is 5.2% White, 2.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.9% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 2.0% of residents are foreign-born.