Bells, TN demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
2,373
-6.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$56,027/yr
3.5% year-over-year change
Housing units
997
-4.4% year-over-year change

Bells population

How many people live in Bells

Bells is home to 2,373 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 46% of Bells locals are male, and 54% are female.

Total population
2,373
-6.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
46%
1,092
Female
54%
1,281
Value Percent YoY change
Male 1,092 46% -4.9%
Female 1,281 54% -7.4%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Bells is 32, with the population distributed as follows: about 29.9% are children under 15, then 9.8% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 28% of the population, while another 18% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 14.3% are 65 or older.

Median age
32
Age breakdown
Under 15
29.9%
15 to 24
9.8%
25 to 44
28%
45 to 64
18%
Over 65
14.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 710 29.9% -4.2%
15 to 24 232 9.8% -3.7%
25 to 44 664 28% -11.1%
45 to 64 428 18% -9.7%
Over 65 339 14.3% 3.4%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Bells, 92.3% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.3% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 6.4% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 15.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
92.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.3%
Non-citizens
6.4%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 2,191 92.3% -6.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 30 1.3% 15.4%
Non-citizens 152 6.4% -6.2%
Racial breakdown
White
57.9%
Black or African American
20.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
15.4%
Other
6.2%
Value Percent
White 1,374 57.9%
Black or African American 485 20.4%
Two or more races 366 15.4%
Other 148 6.2%

Households in Bells

A peek inside Bells households

Bells has 939 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 75% are families, while the remaining 25% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
939
-5.1% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
235
Family households
704
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 235 25% 23.0%
Family households 704 75% -11.8%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Bells

The housing landscape of Bells

Bells's housing consists of 997 units, with 77.7% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 2.8% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 4.3% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
997
-4.4% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 775 77.7%
1 unit, attached 28 2.8%
2 units 88 8.8%
5 to 9 units 12 1.2%
10 to 19 units 11 1.1%
20 to 49 units 40 4%
Mobile home 43 4.3%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Bells

In Bells, the median construction year is 1994. About 6% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 2.1% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 60 6% -3.2%
Built between 1940 and 1949 21 2.1% -36.4%
Built between 1950 and 1959 48 4.8% -14.3%
Built between 1960 and 1969 22 2.2% 37.5%
Built between 1970 and 1979 164 16.4% -16.8%
Built between 1980 and 1989 83 8.3% 13.7%
Built between 1990 and 1999 287 28.8% -9.8%
Built between 2000 and 2009 244 24.5% 4.3%
Built between 2010 and 2019 68 6.8% 25.9%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Bells occupancy rates

Out of the 939 occupied housing units in Bells, 50.4% are owner-occupied, while 49.6% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 5.8% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
939
-5.1% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
466
Owner occupied
473
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 466 49.6% -3.9%
Owner occupied 473 50.4% -6.2%
Unoccupied housing units
5.8%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Bells housing costs

Housing costs in Bells come to a median of $938 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,001.

Median housing costs per month
$938/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Bells
$1,001/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Bells

Bells education at a glance

About 45.7% of the population in Bells went to high school, while 24.1% pursued college studies. Another 6.9% earned an associate degree and 8.3% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 5.8% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 151 9.2% 25.8%
High school diploma 747 45.7% -12.5%
College diploma 393 24.1% -9.4%
Associate degree 112 6.9% -15.8%
Bachelor's degree 136 8.3% -1.4%
Graduate degree 94 5.8% -1.1%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Bells

How much people earn in Bells

The average annual household income in Bells was $97,751 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2.8% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $56,027, reflecting a +3.5% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Bells
$97,751/year
2.8% year-over-year change
Median household income in Bells
$56,027/year
3.5% year-over-year change

Bells income by age

In Bells, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $32,857. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $71,688 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $61,467, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $61,250 in earnings. Overall, 73.7% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $61,467 47.2%
25 - 44 $32,857 -14.0%
45 - 64 $71,688 1.4%
Over 65 $61,250 -0.8%
Above poverty level
1,672
Below poverty level
596
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 1,672 73.7% -11.2%
Below poverty level 596 26.3% 10.0%

Average renter income in Bells

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Bells, their median household income was $30,822 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 39%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$30,822
Rent-to-income ratio
39%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Bells

Workforce and job types in Bells

The job market in Bells is powered by 1,206 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 54.8% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 45.2% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 5.3% run their own businesses, 80.1% are employed by private companies, and 13.5% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
1,206
-3.8% year-over-year change
White collar
661
Blue collar
545
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 661 54.8% -8.2%
Blue collar 545 45.2% 2.2%
Employer type
Self employees
5.3%
Private companies
80.1%
Governmental workers
13.5%
Not for profit companies
1.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 64 5.3% -24.7%
Private companies 966 80.1% 0.0%
Governmental workers 163 13.5% -11.4%
Not for profit companies 13 1.1% -27.8%
Unemployment rate
2.7%
-8.3% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Bells stands at 2.7%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Bells

How people get around in Bells

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 1,157 97.5% -3.6%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Bells by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
38006 5,303 2,010 $70,047 $91,746

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FAQs about Bells demographics 

What is the total population of Bells?

Bells has a total population of 2,373 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by -6.2% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Bells?

The gender ratio in Bells is as follows:
  • 46% males (1,092 residents)
  • 54% females (1,281 residents)

What is the median age in Bells?

The median age in Bells is 32.

What is the age distribution of the population in Bells?

The age distribution in Bells is as follows:
  • Under 15: 29.9% (710 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 9.8% (232 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 28% (664 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 18% (428 residents)
  • Over 65: 14.3% (339 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Bells?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Bells is as follows:
  • White: 57.9% (1,374 residents)
  • Black or African American: 20.4% (485 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 15.4% (366 residents)
  • Other: 6.2% (148 residents)

What percentage of the population in Bells are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 92.3% of the population in Bells.

How many housing units are there in Bells?

There are 997 housing units in Bells, reflecting a -4.4% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Bells and what is the average household size?

Bells has a total of 939 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Bells?

Bells has a median household income of $56,027, representing a +3.5% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Bells?

The employment rate is 97.3% in Bells, with a workforce of 1,206 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 54.8% (661 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 45.2% (545 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 5.3% (64 residents)
  • Private companies: 80.1% (966 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 13.5% (163 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 1.1% (13 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025