Cowan, TN demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
1,934
8.8% year-over-year change
Median household income
$46,406/yr
24.4% year-over-year change
Housing units
730
-3.6% year-over-year change

Cowan population

How many people live in Cowan

Cowan is home to 1,934 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 44% of Cowan locals are male, and 56% are female.

Total population
1,934
8.8% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
44%
850
Female
56%
1,084
Value Percent YoY change
Male 850 44% 4.7%
Female 1,084 56% 12.3%
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 Cowan is 36, with the population distributed as follows: about 19.8% are children under 15, then 20.6% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 19.4% of the population, while another 21.6% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 18.7% are 65 or older.

Median age
35.6
Age breakdown
Under 15
19.8%
15 to 24
20.6%
25 to 44
19.4%
45 to 64
21.6%
Over 65
18.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 382 19.8% 9.8%
15 to 24 398 20.6% 9.0%
25 to 44 376 19.4% 30.1%
45 to 64 417 21.6% -4.1%
Over 65 361 18.7% 6.2%
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 Cowan, 99.3% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.7% 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
99.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.7%
Non-citizens
0%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 1,921 99.3% 8.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 13 0.7% 62.5%
Racial breakdown
White
82.7%
Black or African American
12.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
4.3%
Other
0.2%
Value Percent
White 1,600 82.7%
Black or African American 246 12.7%
Asian 1 0%
Two or more races 84 4.3%
Other 3 0.2%

Households in Cowan

A peek inside Cowan households

Cowan has 696 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 63.1% are families, while the remaining 36.9% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
696
1.8% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
257
Family households
439
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 257 36.9% -0.4%
Family households 439 63.1% 3.0%
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 Cowan

The housing landscape of Cowan

Cowan's housing consists of 730 units, with 73.4% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1.4% 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 8.9% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
730
-3.6% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 536 73.4%
1 unit, attached 10 1.4%
2 units 88 12%
3 or 4 units 22 3%
5 to 9 units 5 0.7%
20 to 49 units 4 0.6%
Mobile home 65 8.9%
Homes built since 2020
8
-82.6% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Cowan

In Cowan, the median construction year is 1969. About 14.9% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 12% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 6% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 4.5% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.1% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 109 14.9% 18.5%
Built between 1940 and 1949 88 12% -4.3%
Built between 1950 and 1959 103 14.1% 43.1%
Built between 1960 and 1969 70 9.6% 27.3%
Built between 1970 and 1979 154 21.1% -12.5%
Built between 1980 and 1989 43 5.9% -15.7%
Built between 1990 and 1999 78 10.7% -12.4%
Built between 2000 and 2009 44 6% -17.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 33 4.5% 6.5%
Built in 2020 or later 8 1.1% -82.6%
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.

Cowan occupancy rates

Out of the 696 occupied housing units in Cowan, 59.5% are owner-occupied, while 40.5% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 4.7% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
696
1.8% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
282
Owner occupied
414
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 282 40.5% -6.3%
Owner occupied 414 59.5% 8.1%
Unoccupied housing units
4.7%
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.

Cowan housing costs

Housing costs in Cowan come to a median of $777 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $787.

Median housing costs per month
$777/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 Cowan
$787/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 Cowan

Cowan education at a glance

About 52.9% of the population in Cowan went to high school, while 22.4% pursued college studies. Another 7.5% earned an associate degree and 8.6% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 3.1% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 71 5.4% -10.1%
High school diploma 695 52.9% -1.1%
College diploma 295 22.4% 18.9%
Associate degree 99 7.5% 45.6%
Bachelor's degree 113 8.6% 34.5%
Graduate degree 41 3.1% 0.0%
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 Cowan

How much people earn in Cowan

The average annual household income in Cowan was $56,138 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +15.1% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $46,406, reflecting a +24.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Cowan
$56,138/year
15.1% year-over-year change
Median household income in Cowan
$46,406/year
24.4% year-over-year change

Cowan income by age

In Cowan, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $69,583. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $49,375 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $36,250, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $30,750 in earnings. Overall, 70.3% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $36,250 -1.1%
25 - 44 $69,583 36.4%
45 - 64 $49,375 13.4%
Over 65 $30,750 30.9%
Above poverty level
1,316
Below poverty level
555
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 1,316 70.3% 22.9%
Below poverty level 555 29.7% -14.5%

Average renter income in Cowan

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Cowan, their median household income was $31,875 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 29.6%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$31,875
Rent-to-income ratio
29.6%
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 Cowan

Workforce and job types in Cowan

The job market in Cowan is powered by 693 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 40% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 60% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 7.9% run their own businesses, 80.5% are employed by private companies, and 7.1% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
693
20.9% year-over-year change
White collar
277
Blue collar
416
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 277 40% 0.7%
Blue collar 416 60% 39.6%
Employer type
Self employees
7.9%
Private companies
80.5%
Governmental workers
7.1%
Not for profit companies
4.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 55 7.9% 7.8%
Private companies 558 80.5% 22.4%
Governmental workers 49 7.1% 40.0%
Not for profit companies 31 4.5% 0.0%
Unemployment rate
10.5%
-2.4% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Cowan 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 Cowan

How people get around in Cowan

Commuting methods vary: 91.8% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.5% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 620 91.8% 20.4%
Walk 17 2.5% 88.9%
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 Cowan by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
37318 2,103 731 $52,125 $60,796

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FAQs about Cowan demographics 

What is the total population of Cowan?

Cowan has a total population of 1,934 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 +8.8% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Cowan?

The gender ratio in Cowan is as follows:
  • 44% males (850 residents)
  • 56% females (1,084 residents)

What is the median age in Cowan?

The median age in Cowan is 35.6.

What is the age distribution of the population in Cowan?

The age distribution in Cowan is as follows:
  • Under 15: 19.8% (382 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 20.6% (398 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 19.4% (376 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 21.6% (417 residents)
  • Over 65: 18.7% (361 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Cowan?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Cowan is as follows:
  • White: 82.7% (1,600 residents)
  • Black or African American: 12.7% (246 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (1 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 4.3% (84 residents)
  • Other: 0.2% (3 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 99.3% of the population in Cowan.

How many housing units are there in Cowan?

There are 730 housing units in Cowan, reflecting a -3.6% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Cowan has a total of 696 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Cowan?

Cowan has a median household income of $46,406, representing a +24.4% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 89.5% in Cowan, with a workforce of 693 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 40% (277 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 60% (416 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 7.9% (55 residents)
  • Private companies: 80.5% (558 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 7.1% (49 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 4.5% (31 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