Big Sandy, TN demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
507
-13.9% year-over-year change
Median household income
$47,500/yr
10.4% year-over-year change
Housing units
314
-9.8% year-over-year change

Big Sandy population

How many people live in Big Sandy

Big Sandy is home to 507 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 51.1% of Big Sandy locals are male, and 48.9% are female.

Total population
507
-13.9% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
51.1%
259
Female
48.9%
248
Value Percent YoY change
Male 259 51.1% -13.4%
Female 248 48.9% -14.5%
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 Big Sandy is 44, with the population distributed as follows: about 22.3% are children under 15, then 3.4% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 24.5% of the population, while another 22.1% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 27.8% are 65 or older.

Median age
44.5
Age breakdown
Under 15
22.3%
15 to 24
3.4%
25 to 44
24.5%
45 to 64
22.1%
Over 65
27.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 113 22.3% -25.2%
15 to 24 17 3.4% -62.2%
25 to 44 124 24.5% -5.3%
45 to 64 112 22.1% -20.6%
Over 65 141 27.8% 16.5%
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 Big Sandy, 99% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1% have gained naturalized citizenship. There’s also a share of 4.3% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
99%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1%
Non-citizens
0%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 502 99% -14.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 5 1% 25.0%
Racial breakdown
White
95.7%
Black or African American
0%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
4.3%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 485 95.7%
Two or more races 22 4.3%

Households in Big Sandy

A peek inside Big Sandy households

Big Sandy has 232 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 59% are families, while the remaining 41% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
232
-10.4% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
95
Family households
137
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 95 41% -14.4%
Family households 137 59% -7.4%
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 Big Sandy

The housing landscape of Big Sandy

Big Sandy's housing consists of 314 units, with 77.1% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 15.6% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
314
-9.8% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 242 77.1%
2 units 8 2.6%
3 or 4 units 12 3.8%
10 to 19 units 3 1%
Mobile home 49 15.6%
Homes built since 2020
3
0.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Big Sandy

In Big Sandy, the median construction year is 1975. About 7% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 9.2% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 7% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 5.1% between 2010 and 2019, and 1% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 22 7% 15.8%
Built between 1940 and 1949 29 9.2% 45.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 53 16.9% -10.2%
Built between 1960 and 1969 24 7.6% -11.1%
Built between 1970 and 1979 60 19.1% -6.2%
Built between 1980 and 1989 51 16.2% -12.1%
Built between 1990 and 1999 34 10.8% -38.2%
Built between 2000 and 2009 22 7% -37.1%
Built between 2010 and 2019 16 5.1% 100.0%
Built in 2020 or later 3 1% 0.0%
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.

Big Sandy occupancy rates

Out of the 232 occupied housing units in Big Sandy, 58.6% are owner-occupied, while 41.4% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 26.1% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
232
-10.4% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
96
Owner occupied
136
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 96 41.4% -27.3%
Owner occupied 136 58.6% 7.1%
Unoccupied housing units
26.1%
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.

Big Sandy housing costs

Housing costs in Big Sandy come to a median of $742 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $771.

Median housing costs per month
$742/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 Big Sandy
$771/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 Big Sandy

Big Sandy education at a glance

About 68.5% of the population in Big Sandy went to high school, while 18.1% pursued college studies. Another 2.3% earned an associate degree and 5.2% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 0.8% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 20 5.2% -33.3%
High school diploma 265 68.5% -1.5%
College diploma 70 18.1% -12.5%
Associate degree 9 2.3% -40.0%
Bachelor's degree 20 5.2% -23.1%
Graduate degree 3 0.8% 50.0%
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 Big Sandy

How much people earn in Big Sandy

The average annual household income in Big Sandy was $52,325 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +9% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $47,500, reflecting a +10.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Big Sandy
$52,325/year
9.0% year-over-year change
Median household income in Big Sandy
$47,500/year
10.4% year-over-year change

Big Sandy income by age

In Big Sandy, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $56,875. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $72,083 overall. Overall, 81.5% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $56,875 4.1%
45 - 64 $72,083 40.6%
Over 65 $23,864 7.7%
Above poverty level
413
Below poverty level
94
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 413 81.5% -15.2%
Below poverty level 94 18.5% -7.8%

Average renter income in Big Sandy

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Big Sandy, their median household income was $28,571 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 32.4%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$28,571
Rent-to-income ratio
32.4%
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 Big Sandy

Workforce and job types in Big Sandy

The job market in Big Sandy is powered by 171 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 49.1% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 50.9% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 3.5% run their own businesses, 86% are employed by private companies, and 7% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
171
-27.9% year-over-year change
White collar
84
Blue collar
87
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 84 49.1% -33.3%
Blue collar 87 50.9% -21.6%
Employer type
Self employees
3.5%
Private companies
86%
Governmental workers
7%
Not for profit companies
3.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 6 3.5% -53.9%
Private companies 147 86% -29.0%
Governmental workers 12 7% 20.0%
Not for profit companies 6 3.5% -14.3%
Unemployment rate
10.5%
81.8% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Big Sandy stands at 10.5%, 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 Big Sandy

How people get around in Big Sandy

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 155 90.6% -28.2%
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 Big Sandy by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
38221 3,098 1,468 $52,714 $60,880

Explore more communities

FAQs about Big Sandy demographics 

What is the total population of Big Sandy?

Big Sandy has a total population of 507 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 -13.9% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Big Sandy?

The gender ratio in Big Sandy is as follows:
  • 51.1% males (259 residents)
  • 48.9% females (248 residents)

What is the median age in Big Sandy?

The median age in Big Sandy is 44.5.

What is the age distribution of the population in Big Sandy?

The age distribution in Big Sandy is as follows:
  • Under 15: 22.3% (113 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 3.4% (17 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 24.5% (124 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 22.1% (112 residents)
  • Over 65: 27.8% (141 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Big Sandy?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Big Sandy is as follows:
  • White: 95.7% (485 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0% (0 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: 4.3% (22 residents)
  • Other: 0% (0 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 99% of the population in Big Sandy.

How many housing units are there in Big Sandy?

There are 314 housing units in Big Sandy, reflecting a -9.8% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Big Sandy has a total of 232 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Big Sandy?

Big Sandy has a median household income of $47,500, representing a +10.4% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Big Sandy?

The employment rate is 89.5% in Big Sandy, with a workforce of 171 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 49.1% (84 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 50.9% (87 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 3.5% (6 residents)
  • Private companies: 86% (147 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 7% (12 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 3.5% (6 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