Sweetwater, TN demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
6,532
1.1% year-over-year change
Median household income
$45,451/yr
1.8% year-over-year change
Housing units
3,050
-0.8% year-over-year change

Sweetwater population

How many people live in Sweetwater

Sweetwater is home to 6,532 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 45.6% of Sweetwater locals are male, and 54.4% are female.

Total population
6,532
1.1% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
45.6%
2,978
Female
54.4%
3,554
Value Percent YoY change
Male 2,978 45.6% -1.6%
Female 3,554 54.4% 3.5%
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 Sweetwater is 41, with the population distributed as follows: about 18.7% are children under 15, then 12% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 24.4% of the population, while another 20.1% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 24.8% are 65 or older.

Median age
40.8
Age breakdown
Under 15
18.7%
15 to 24
12%
25 to 44
24.4%
45 to 64
20.1%
Over 65
24.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,222 18.7% 10.3%
15 to 24 781 12% 13.5%
25 to 44 1,596 24.4% -6.8%
45 to 64 1,313 20.1% -4.4%
Over 65 1,620 24.8% 2.5%
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 Sweetwater, 97.4% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.8% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.8% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 6% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
97.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.8%
Non-citizens
0.8%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 6,363 97.4% 0.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 117 1.8% 8.3%
Non-citizens 52 0.8% 40.5%
Racial breakdown
White
82.2%
Black or African American
5.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.3%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
6%
Other
6.4%
Value Percent
White 5,367 82.2%
Black or African American 335 5.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native 21 0.3%
Two or more races 389 6%
Other 420 6.4%

Households in Sweetwater

A peek inside Sweetwater households

Sweetwater has 2,902 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 54.9% are families, while the remaining 45.1% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
2,902
1.7% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
1,309
Family households
1,593
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,309 45.1% 9.4%
Family households 1,593 54.9% -3.8%
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 Sweetwater

The housing landscape of Sweetwater

Sweetwater's housing consists of 3,050 units, with 57.4% 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 8.8% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
3,050
-0.8% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,751 57.4%
2 units 403 13.2%
3 or 4 units 371 12.2%
5 to 9 units 91 3%
10 to 19 units 53 1.7%
20 to 49 units 78 2.6%
Mobile home 267 8.8%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 36 1.2%
Homes built since 2020
32
10.3% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Sweetwater

In Sweetwater, the median construction year is 1976. About 6.2% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 7.7% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 10.8% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 8% 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 190 6.2% -6.4%
Built between 1940 and 1949 234 7.7% 4.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 260 8.5% 49.4%
Built between 1960 and 1969 297 9.7% 33.8%
Built between 1970 and 1979 929 30.5% -13.3%
Built between 1980 and 1989 255 8.4% -22.7%
Built between 1990 and 1999 281 9.2% 6.4%
Built between 2000 and 2009 328 10.8% -1.8%
Built between 2010 and 2019 244 8% 9.4%
Built in 2020 or later 32 1% 10.3%
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.

Sweetwater occupancy rates

Out of the 2,902 occupied housing units in Sweetwater, 55.1% are owner-occupied, while 44.9% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 4.9% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
2,902
1.7% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,304
Owner occupied
1,598
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,304 44.9% 1.4%
Owner occupied 1,598 55.1% 2.0%
Unoccupied housing units
4.9%
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.

Sweetwater housing costs

Housing costs in Sweetwater come to a median of $632 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $619.

Median housing costs per month
$632/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 Sweetwater
$619/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 Sweetwater

Sweetwater education at a glance

About 52.5% of the population in Sweetwater went to high school, while 21.6% pursued college studies. Another 4.9% earned an associate degree and 12% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 5% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 201 4% 11.1%
High school diploma 2,624 52.5% -7.5%
College diploma 1,079 21.6% 18.4%
Associate degree 244 4.9% -9.0%
Bachelor's degree 597 12% 7.4%
Graduate degree 252 5% -1.9%
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 Sweetwater

How much people earn in Sweetwater

The average annual household income in Sweetwater was $56,842 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +1.8% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $45,451, reflecting a +1.8% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Sweetwater
$56,842/year
1.8% year-over-year change
Median household income in Sweetwater
$45,451/year
1.8% year-over-year change

Sweetwater income by age

In Sweetwater, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $46,167. Overall, 85.4% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $46,167 8.2%
Over 65 $37,273 17.1%
Above poverty level
5,424
Below poverty level
927
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 5,424 85.4% 5.4%
Below poverty level 927 14.6% -18.0%

Average renter income in Sweetwater

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Sweetwater, their median household income was $24,397 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 30.4%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$24,397
Rent-to-income ratio
30.4%
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 Sweetwater

Workforce and job types in Sweetwater

The job market in Sweetwater is powered by 2,700 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 65.8% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 34.2% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 4.1% run their own businesses, 82.8% are employed by private companies, and 7.9% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
2,700
4.8% year-over-year change
White collar
1,776
Blue collar
924
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,776 65.8% 6.7%
Blue collar 924 34.2% 1.2%
Employer type
Self employees
4.1%
Private companies
82.8%
Governmental workers
7.9%
Not for profit companies
5.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 111 4.1% -36.6%
Private companies 2,236 82.8% 8.2%
Governmental workers 213 7.9% -25.8%
Not for profit companies 140 5.2% 191.7%
Unemployment rate
2.7%
-68.5% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Sweetwater 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 Sweetwater

How people get around in Sweetwater

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 2,438 91.4% 2.1%
Bicycle 16 0.6% -38.5%
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 Sweetwater by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
37874 16,567 6,948 $53,605 $66,234

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FAQs about Sweetwater demographics 

What is the total population of Sweetwater?

Sweetwater has a total population of 6,532 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 +1.1% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Sweetwater?

The gender ratio in Sweetwater is as follows:
  • 45.6% males (2,978 residents)
  • 54.4% females (3,554 residents)

What is the median age in Sweetwater?

The median age in Sweetwater is 40.8.

What is the age distribution of the population in Sweetwater?

The age distribution in Sweetwater is as follows:
  • Under 15: 18.7% (1,222 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12% (781 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 24.4% (1,596 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 20.1% (1,313 residents)
  • Over 65: 24.8% (1,620 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Sweetwater?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Sweetwater is as follows:
  • White: 82.2% (5,367 residents)
  • Black or African American: 5.1% (335 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.3% (21 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 6% (389 residents)
  • Other: 6.4% (420 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 97.4% of the population in Sweetwater.

How many housing units are there in Sweetwater?

There are 3,050 housing units in Sweetwater, reflecting a -0.8% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Sweetwater has a total of 2,902 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Sweetwater?

Sweetwater has a median household income of $45,451, representing a +1.8% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 97.3% in Sweetwater, with a workforce of 2,700 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 65.8% (1,776 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 34.2% (924 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 4.1% (111 residents)
  • Private companies: 82.8% (2,236 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 7.9% (213 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 5.2% (140 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