Tellico Plains, TN demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
1,146
2.0% year-over-year change
Median household income
$45,625/yr
4.0% year-over-year change
Housing units
542
5.5% year-over-year change

Tellico Plains population

How many people live in Tellico Plains

Tellico Plains is home to 1,146 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.9% of Tellico Plains locals are male, and 50.1% are female.

Total population
1,146
2.0% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.9%
572
Female
50.1%
574
Value Percent YoY change
Male 572 49.9% 5.9%
Female 574 50.1% -1.7%
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 Tellico Plains is 35, with the population distributed as follows: about 28.4% are children under 15, then 9.9% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 23.9% of the population, while another 23.7% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 14% are 65 or older.

Median age
34.7
Age breakdown
Under 15
28.4%
15 to 24
9.9%
25 to 44
23.9%
45 to 64
23.7%
Over 65
14%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 326 28.4% -2.1%
15 to 24 113 9.9% -9.6%
25 to 44 274 23.9% 6.2%
45 to 64 272 23.7% 1.9%
Over 65 161 14% 14.2%
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

There’s also a share of 6.2% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
100%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0%
Non-citizens
0%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 1,146 100% 2.0%
Racial breakdown
White
93.3%
Black or African American
0.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.4%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
6.2%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 1,069 93.3%
Black or African American 2 0.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native 4 0.4%
Two or more races 71 6.2%

Households in Tellico Plains

A peek inside Tellico Plains households

Tellico Plains has 442 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 69.9% are families, while the remaining 30.1% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
442
4.5% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
133
Family households
309
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 133 30.1% -2.2%
Family households 309 69.9% 7.7%
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 Tellico Plains

The housing landscape of Tellico Plains

Tellico Plains's housing consists of 542 units, with 61.1% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1.8% 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 16.4% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
542
5.5% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 331 61.1%
1 unit, attached 10 1.8%
2 units 19 3.5%
3 or 4 units 51 9.4%
5 to 9 units 24 4.4%
10 to 19 units 8 1.5%
20 to 49 units 10 1.8%
Mobile home 89 16.4%
Homes built since 2020
10
25.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Tellico Plains

In Tellico Plains, the median construction year is 1978. About 13.8% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 3.7% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 21.2% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 5.4% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.8% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 75 13.8% 21.0%
Built between 1940 and 1949 20 3.7% 66.7%
Built between 1950 and 1959 18 3.3% 28.6%
Built between 1960 and 1969 36 6.6% 2.9%
Built between 1970 and 1979 146 26.9% 24.8%
Built between 1980 and 1989 23 4.2% -67.1%
Built between 1990 and 1999 70 12.9% 32.1%
Built between 2000 and 2009 115 21.2% 7.5%
Built between 2010 and 2019 29 5.4% -19.4%
Built in 2020 or later 10 1.8% 25.0%
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.

Tellico Plains occupancy rates

Out of the 442 occupied housing units in Tellico Plains, 74.2% are owner-occupied, while 25.8% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 18.5% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
442
4.5% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
114
Owner occupied
328
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 114 25.8% 0.0%
Owner occupied 328 74.2% 6.2%
Unoccupied housing units
18.5%
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.

Tellico Plains housing costs

Housing costs in Tellico Plains come to a median of $678 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $639.

Median housing costs per month
$678/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 Tellico Plains
$639/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 Tellico Plains

Tellico Plains education at a glance

About 44.8% of the population in Tellico Plains went to high school, while 25.6% pursued college studies. Another 8.6% earned an associate degree and 11.8% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 5.2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 30 4% -61.0%
High school diploma 334 44.8% 13.6%
College diploma 191 25.6% 1.1%
Associate degree 64 8.6% -3.0%
Bachelor's degree 88 11.8% 25.7%
Graduate degree 39 5.2% 8.3%
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 Tellico Plains

How much people earn in Tellico Plains

The average annual household income in Tellico Plains was $63,586 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +10% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $45,625, reflecting a +4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Tellico Plains
$63,586/year
9.9% year-over-year change
Median household income in Tellico Plains
$45,625/year
4.0% year-over-year change

Tellico Plains income by age

In Tellico Plains, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $70,556. Overall, 70% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $70,556 3.2%
Over 65 $27,500 4.8%
Above poverty level
793
Below poverty level
339
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 793 70% -0.8%
Below poverty level 339 30% 8.7%

Average renter income in Tellico Plains

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Tellico Plains, their median household income was $21,250 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 36.1%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$21,250
Rent-to-income ratio
36.1%
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 Tellico Plains

Workforce and job types in Tellico Plains

The job market in Tellico Plains is powered by 427 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 60% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 40% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 9.1% run their own businesses, 54.1% are employed by private companies, and 29.3% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
427
8.1% year-over-year change
White collar
256
Blue collar
171
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 256 60% 4.9%
Blue collar 171 40% 13.2%
Employer type
Self employees
9.1%
Private companies
54.1%
Governmental workers
29.3%
Not for profit companies
7.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 39 9.1% -2.5%
Private companies 231 54.1% 10.0%
Governmental workers 125 29.3% 9.7%
Not for profit companies 32 7.5% 3.2%
Unemployment rate
7.4%
0.0% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Tellico Plains stands at 7.4%, 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 Tellico Plains

How people get around in Tellico Plains

Commuting methods vary: 96% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.8% 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 362 96% 9.7%
Walk 3 0.8% 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 Tellico Plains by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
37385 9,015 3,310 $60,472 $70,076

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FAQs about Tellico Plains demographics 

What is the total population of Tellico Plains?

Tellico Plains has a total population of 1,146 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 +2.0% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Tellico Plains?

The gender ratio in Tellico Plains is as follows:
  • 49.9% males (572 residents)
  • 50.1% females (574 residents)

What is the median age in Tellico Plains?

The median age in Tellico Plains is 34.7.

What is the age distribution of the population in Tellico Plains?

The age distribution in Tellico Plains is as follows:
  • Under 15: 28.4% (326 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 9.9% (113 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 23.9% (274 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 23.7% (272 residents)
  • Over 65: 14% (161 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Tellico Plains?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Tellico Plains is as follows:
  • White: 93.3% (1,069 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.2% (2 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.4% (4 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 6.2% (71 residents)
  • Other: 0% (0 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 100% of the population in Tellico Plains.

How many housing units are there in Tellico Plains?

There are 542 housing units in Tellico Plains, reflecting a +5.5% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Tellico Plains has a total of 442 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Tellico Plains?

Tellico Plains has a median household income of $45,625, representing a +4.0% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Tellico Plains?

The employment rate is 92.6% in Tellico Plains, with a workforce of 427 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 60% (256 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 40% (171 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 9.1% (39 residents)
  • Private companies: 54.1% (231 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 29.3% (125 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 7.5% (32 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