Waverly, TN demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
4,302
0.6% year-over-year change
Median household income
$43,773/yr
-4.0% year-over-year change
Housing units
2,365
3.5% year-over-year change

Waverly population

How many people live in Waverly

Waverly is home to 4,302 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 46% of Waverly locals are male, and 54% are female.

Total population
4,302
0.6% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
46%
1,978
Female
54%
2,324
Value Percent YoY change
Male 1,978 46% -2.1%
Female 2,324 54% 2.9%
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 Waverly is 46, with the population distributed as follows: about 8.3% are children under 15, then 9.1% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 30.5% of the population, while another 25.8% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 26.3% are 65 or older.

Median age
46
Age breakdown
Under 15
8.3%
15 to 24
9.1%
25 to 44
30.5%
45 to 64
25.8%
Over 65
26.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 357 8.3% -21.2%
15 to 24 392 9.1% -2.2%
25 to 44 1,311 30.5% 9.2%
45 to 64 1,111 25.8% 4.1%
Over 65 1,131 26.3% -2.2%
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 Waverly, 97.7% of the population are US-born citizens, while 2.3% have gained naturalized citizenship. There’s also a share of 5.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
97.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
2.3%
Non-citizens
0%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 4,204 97.7% 0.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 98 2.3% -10.9%
Racial breakdown
White
92.8%
Black or African American
1.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
5.4%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 3,992 92.8%
Black or African American 75 1.7%
Asian 1 0%
Two or more races 233 5.4%
Other 1 0%

Households in Waverly

A peek inside Waverly households

Waverly has 2,105 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 62% are families, while the remaining 38% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
2,105
8.9% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
799
Family households
1,306
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 799 38% 10.8%
Family households 1,306 62% 7.8%
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 Waverly

The housing landscape of Waverly

Waverly's housing consists of 2,365 units, with 68.5% 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 5.9% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
2,365
3.5% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,621 68.5%
2 units 51 2.2%
3 or 4 units 74 3.1%
5 to 9 units 395 16.7%
20 to 49 units 35 1.5%
50 or more units 50 2.1%
Mobile home 139 5.9%
Homes built since 2020
20
-20.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Waverly

In Waverly, the median construction year is 1972. About 6.5% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 9% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 7.9% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 1.2% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.8% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 153 6.5% -15.0%
Built between 1940 and 1949 212 9% -9.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 216 9.1% -22.9%
Built between 1960 and 1969 457 19.3% -4.6%
Built between 1970 and 1979 715 30.2% 27.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 247 10.4% 29.3%
Built between 1990 and 1999 129 5.4% -32.8%
Built between 2000 and 2009 187 7.9% 48.4%
Built between 2010 and 2019 29 1.2% 70.6%
Built in 2020 or later 20 0.8% -20.0%
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.

Waverly occupancy rates

Out of the 2,105 occupied housing units in Waverly, 69.2% are owner-occupied, while 30.8% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 11% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
2,105
8.9% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
648
Owner occupied
1,457
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 648 30.8% 22.5%
Owner occupied 1,457 69.2% 3.8%
Unoccupied housing units
11.0%
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.

Waverly housing costs

Housing costs in Waverly come to a median of $723 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $916.

Median housing costs per month
$723/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 Waverly
$916/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 Waverly

Waverly education at a glance

About 50% of the population in Waverly went to high school, while 20.8% pursued college studies. Another 10.5% earned an associate degree and 10.6% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 4.3% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 145 3.7% 62.9%
High school diploma 1,938 50% 11.3%
College diploma 808 20.8% -1.3%
Associate degree 408 10.5% -10.5%
Bachelor's degree 412 10.6% -12.2%
Graduate degree 167 4.3% -28.3%
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 Waverly

How much people earn in Waverly

The average annual household income in Waverly was $63,910 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -7.5% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $43,773, reflecting a -4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Waverly
$63,910/year
-7.5% year-over-year change
Median household income in Waverly
$43,773/year
-4.0% year-over-year change

Waverly income by age

In Waverly, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $59,681. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $48,076 overall. Overall, 83.8% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $59,681 1.0%
45 - 64 $48,076 3.8%
Over 65 $41,205 -1.7%
Above poverty level
3,488
Below poverty level
676
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 3,488 83.8% 0.8%
Below poverty level 676 16.2% 9.0%

Average renter income in Waverly

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Waverly, their median household income was $28,525 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 38.5%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$28,525
Rent-to-income ratio
38.5%
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 Waverly

Workforce and job types in Waverly

The job market in Waverly is powered by 1,843 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 61.2% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 38.8% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 18.2% run their own businesses, 56.3% are employed by private companies, and 11.9% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
1,843
7.6% year-over-year change
White collar
1,128
Blue collar
715
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,128 61.2% -2.1%
Blue collar 715 38.8% 27.4%
Employer type
Self employees
18.2%
Private companies
56.3%
Governmental workers
11.9%
Not for profit companies
13.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 336 18.2% 3.7%
Private companies 1,038 56.3% 9.2%
Governmental workers 220 11.9% 4.3%
Not for profit companies 249 13.5% 9.7%
Unemployment rate
14.1%
-23.9% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Waverly stands at 14.1%, 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 Waverly

How people get around in Waverly

Commuting methods vary: 90.8% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 5.4% 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 1,612 90.8% 5.4%
Walk 96 5.4% 4.3%
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 Waverly by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
37185 9,072 3,814 $51,314 $72,773

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FAQs about Waverly demographics 

What is the total population of Waverly?

Waverly has a total population of 4,302 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 +0.6% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Waverly?

The gender ratio in Waverly is as follows:
  • 46% males (1,978 residents)
  • 54% females (2,324 residents)

What is the median age in Waverly?

The median age in Waverly is 46.

What is the age distribution of the population in Waverly?

The age distribution in Waverly is as follows:
  • Under 15: 8.3% (357 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 9.1% (392 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 30.5% (1,311 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 25.8% (1,111 residents)
  • Over 65: 26.3% (1,131 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Waverly?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Waverly is as follows:
  • White: 92.8% (3,992 residents)
  • Black or African American: 1.7% (75 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: 5.4% (233 residents)
  • Other: 0% (1 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 97.7% of the population in Waverly.

How many housing units are there in Waverly?

There are 2,365 housing units in Waverly, reflecting a +3.5% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Waverly has a total of 2,105 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Waverly?

Waverly has a median household income of $43,773, 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 Waverly?

The employment rate is 85.9% in Waverly, with a workforce of 1,843 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 61.2% (1,128 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 38.8% (715 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 18.2% (336 residents)
  • Private companies: 56.3% (1,038 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 11.9% (220 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 13.5% (249 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