Etowah, TN demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
3,658
1.0% year-over-year change
Median household income
$39,291/yr
-9.9% year-over-year change
Housing units
1,895
1.3% year-over-year change

Etowah population

How many people live in Etowah

Etowah is home to 3,658 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50.7% of Etowah locals are male, and 49.3% are female.

Total population
3,658
1.0% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50.7%
1,854
Female
49.3%
1,804
Value Percent YoY change
Male 1,854 50.7% 0.1%
Female 1,804 49.3% 2.0%
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 Etowah is 43, with the population distributed as follows: about 20.8% are children under 15, then 9.8% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 21.8% of the population, while another 24.6% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 23% are 65 or older.

Median age
42.6
Age breakdown
Under 15
20.8%
15 to 24
9.8%
25 to 44
21.8%
45 to 64
24.6%
Over 65
23%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 760 20.8% 1.7%
15 to 24 359 9.8% -8.2%
25 to 44 798 21.8% -1.5%
45 to 64 899 24.6% 4.2%
Over 65 842 23% 4.0%
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

At the same time, 2.7% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 12.6% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
97.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0%
Non-citizens
2.7%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 3,556 97.2% 1.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 2 0% -90.0%
Non-citizens 100 2.7% -6.5%
Racial breakdown
White
83.6%
Black or African American
3.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
12.6%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 3,060 83.6%
Black or African American 135 3.7%
Two or more races 461 12.6%
Other 2 0%

Households in Etowah

A peek inside Etowah households

Etowah has 1,524 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 57.1% are families, while the remaining 42.9% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
1,524
3.5% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
654
Family households
870
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 654 42.9% 7.7%
Family households 870 57.1% 0.5%
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 Etowah

The housing landscape of Etowah

Etowah's housing consists of 1,895 units, with 86.1% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 0.7% 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 2.3% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
1,895
1.3% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,632 86.1%
1 unit, attached 14 0.7%
2 units 153 8.1%
3 or 4 units 37 2%
5 to 9 units 11 0.6%
20 to 49 units 5 0.3%
Mobile home 43 2.3%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Etowah

In Etowah, the median construction year is 1966. About 18.1% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 8.3% 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 343 18.1% 14.7%
Built between 1940 and 1949 157 8.3% -4.8%
Built between 1950 and 1959 309 16.3% 14.9%
Built between 1960 and 1969 218 11.5% 18.5%
Built between 1970 and 1979 247 13% -23.5%
Built between 1980 and 1989 258 13.6% 14.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 81 4.3% -1.2%
Built between 2000 and 2009 273 14.4% -9.9%
Built between 2010 and 2019 9 0.5% -55.0%
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.

Etowah occupancy rates

Out of the 1,524 occupied housing units in Etowah, 61.2% are owner-occupied, while 38.8% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 19.6% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
1,524
3.5% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
591
Owner occupied
933
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 591 38.8% 9.2%
Owner occupied 933 61.2% 0.1%
Unoccupied housing units
19.6%
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.

Etowah housing costs

Housing costs in Etowah come to a median of $703 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $741.

Median housing costs per month
$703/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 Etowah
$741/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 Etowah

Etowah education at a glance

About 53.7% of the population in Etowah went to high school, while 14% pursued college studies. Another 6% earned an associate degree and 13.7% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 6.6% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 163 5.9% -17.7%
High school diploma 1,475 53.7% 8.5%
College diploma 385 14% 2.1%
Associate degree 166 6% -26.6%
Bachelor's degree 375 13.7% 7.8%
Graduate degree 181 6.6% -13.8%
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 Etowah

How much people earn in Etowah

The average annual household income in Etowah was $61,331 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -0.7% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $39,291, reflecting a -9.9% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Etowah
$61,331/year
-0.7% year-over-year change
Median household income in Etowah
$39,291/year
-9.9% year-over-year change

Etowah income by age

In Etowah, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $90,888. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $33,396 overall. Overall, 85.8% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $90,888 5.6%
45 - 64 $33,396 -22.1%
Over 65 $30,511 5.2%
Above poverty level
2,791
Below poverty level
460
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 2,791 85.8% 3.1%
Below poverty level 460 14.2% 2.2%

Average renter income in Etowah

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Etowah, their median household income was $26,837 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 33.1%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$26,837
Rent-to-income ratio
33.1%
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 Etowah

Workforce and job types in Etowah

The job market in Etowah is powered by 1,205 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 66.6% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 33.4% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 9.2% run their own businesses, 74.6% are employed by private companies, and 8.6% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
1,205
1.9% year-over-year change
White collar
802
Blue collar
403
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 802 66.6% 0.5%
Blue collar 403 33.4% 4.7%
Employer type
Self employees
9.2%
Private companies
74.6%
Governmental workers
8.6%
Not for profit companies
7.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 111 9.2% -38.3%
Private companies 899 74.6% 6.5%
Governmental workers 103 8.6% 8.4%
Not for profit companies 92 7.6% 43.8%
Unemployment rate
11.1%
-42.4% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Etowah stands at 11.1%, 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 Etowah

How people get around in Etowah

Commuting methods vary: 95.2% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.2% 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 1,095 95.2% 5.3%
Walk 2 0.2% 0.0%
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 Etowah by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
37331 7,613 2,913 $55,662 $79,334

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FAQs about Etowah demographics 

What is the total population of Etowah?

Etowah has a total population of 3,658 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 +1.0% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Etowah?

The gender ratio in Etowah is as follows:
  • 50.7% males (1,854 residents)
  • 49.3% females (1,804 residents)

What is the median age in Etowah?

The median age in Etowah is 42.6.

What is the age distribution of the population in Etowah?

The age distribution in Etowah is as follows:
  • Under 15: 20.8% (760 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 9.8% (359 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 21.8% (798 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 24.6% (899 residents)
  • Over 65: 23% (842 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Etowah?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Etowah is as follows:
  • White: 83.6% (3,060 residents)
  • Black or African American: 3.7% (135 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: 12.6% (461 residents)
  • Other: 0% (2 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 97.2% of the population in Etowah.

How many housing units are there in Etowah?

There are 1,895 housing units in Etowah, reflecting a +1.3% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Etowah has a total of 1,524 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Etowah?

Etowah has a median household income of $39,291, representing a -9.9% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 88.9% in Etowah, with a workforce of 1,205 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 66.6% (802 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 33.4% (403 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 9.2% (111 residents)
  • Private companies: 74.6% (899 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 8.6% (103 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 7.6% (92 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