Whitwell, TN demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
2,052
10.1% year-over-year change
Median household income
$67,774/yr
8.4% year-over-year change
Housing units
1,129
9.6% year-over-year change

Whitwell population

How many people live in Whitwell

Whitwell is home to 2,052 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 51.5% of Whitwell locals are male, and 48.5% are female.

Total population
2,052
10.1% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
51.5%
1,056
Female
48.5%
996
Value Percent YoY change
Male 1,056 51.5% 10.1%
Female 996 48.5% 10.2%
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 Whitwell is 44, with the population distributed as follows: about 13% are children under 15, then 15.3% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 22.8% of the population, while another 31.1% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 17.8% are 65 or older.

Median age
44.5
Age breakdown
Under 15
13%
15 to 24
15.3%
25 to 44
22.8%
45 to 64
31.1%
Over 65
17.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 266 13% 5.1%
15 to 24 314 15.3% 1.3%
25 to 44 467 22.8% 23.5%
45 to 64 639 31.1% 10.0%
Over 65 366 17.8% 7.3%
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 Whitwell, 97.5% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.4% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 2.1% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 92.7% of locals are Caucasian, 0.8% are African American and 0.3% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 5.6% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
97.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.4%
Non-citizens
2.1%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 2,001 97.5% 9.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 8 0.4% 166.7%
Non-citizens 43 2.1% 22.9%
Racial breakdown
White
92.7%
Black or African American
0.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.6%
Asian
0.3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
5.6%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 1,903 92.7%
Black or African American 16 0.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native 13 0.6%
Asian 6 0.3%
Two or more races 114 5.6%

Households in Whitwell

A peek inside Whitwell households

Whitwell has 899 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 71.9% are families, while the remaining 28.1% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
899
15.6% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
253
Family households
646
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 253 28.1% 7.7%
Family households 646 71.9% 19.0%
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 Whitwell

The housing landscape of Whitwell

Whitwell's housing consists of 1,129 units, with 70% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 9% 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 9.2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
1,129
9.6% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 790 70%
1 unit, attached 101 9%
2 units 23 2%
3 or 4 units 34 3%
5 to 9 units 13 1.2%
10 to 19 units 3 0.3%
20 to 49 units 61 5.4%
Mobile home 104 9.2%
Homes built since 2020
8
166.7% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Whitwell

In Whitwell, the median construction year is 1975. About 7% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 5.2% 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, 3.2% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.7% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 79 7% -26.9%
Built between 1940 and 1949 59 5.2% 20.4%
Built between 1950 and 1959 128 11.3% 4.1%
Built between 1960 and 1969 195 17.3% 77.3%
Built between 1970 and 1979 203 18% 42.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 226 20% -10.0%
Built between 1990 and 1999 127 11.2% 30.9%
Built between 2000 and 2009 68 6% -22.7%
Built between 2010 and 2019 36 3.2% -37.9%
Built in 2020 or later 8 0.7% 166.7%
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.

Whitwell occupancy rates

Out of the 899 occupied housing units in Whitwell, 72% are owner-occupied, while 28% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 20.4% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
899
15.6% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
252
Owner occupied
647
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 252 28% 14.0%
Owner occupied 647 72% 16.2%
Unoccupied housing units
20.4%
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.

Whitwell housing costs

Housing costs in Whitwell come to a median of $860 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $872.

Median housing costs per month
$860/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 Whitwell
$872/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 Whitwell

Whitwell education at a glance

About 63% of the population in Whitwell went to high school, while 13.7% pursued college studies. Another 7.8% earned an associate degree and 4.6% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 2.8% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 138 8.2% -6.8%
High school diploma 1,066 63% 11.9%
College diploma 232 13.7% 23.4%
Associate degree 131 7.8% 0.8%
Bachelor's degree 77 4.6% -7.2%
Graduate degree 47 2.8% 161.1%
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 Whitwell

How much people earn in Whitwell

The average annual household income in Whitwell was $75,404 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +6.2% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $67,774, reflecting a +8.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Whitwell
$75,404/year
6.2% year-over-year change
Median household income in Whitwell
$67,774/year
8.4% year-over-year change

Whitwell income by age

In Whitwell, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $65,417. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $89,621 overall. Overall, 90.3% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $65,417 6.0%
45 - 64 $89,621 4.1%
Over 65 $24,740 -5.3%
Above poverty level
1,836
Below poverty level
198
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 1,836 90.3% 13.7%
Below poverty level 198 9.7% -18.9%

Average renter income in Whitwell

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Whitwell, their median household income was $33,269 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 31.5%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$33,269
Rent-to-income ratio
31.5%
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 Whitwell

Workforce and job types in Whitwell

The job market in Whitwell is powered by 1,086 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 69.2% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 30.8% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 9.2% run their own businesses, 71.4% are employed by private companies, and 12.3% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
1,086
12.9% year-over-year change
White collar
751
Blue collar
335
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 751 69.2% 25.4%
Blue collar 335 30.8% -7.7%
Employer type
Self employees
9.2%
Private companies
71.4%
Governmental workers
12.3%
Not for profit companies
7.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 100 9.2% 49.2%
Private companies 775 71.4% 7.2%
Governmental workers 134 12.3% 3.9%
Not for profit companies 77 7.1% 79.1%
Unemployment rate
4.8%
27.9% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Whitwell stands at 4.8%, 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 Whitwell

How people get around in Whitwell

Commuting methods vary: 81.9% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 3% 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 863 81.9% 9.4%
Walk 32 3% 23.1%
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 Whitwell by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
37397 10,488 4,237 $54,750 $69,043

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FAQs about Whitwell demographics 

What is the total population of Whitwell?

Whitwell has a total population of 2,052 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 +10.1% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Whitwell?

The gender ratio in Whitwell is as follows:
  • 51.5% males (1,056 residents)
  • 48.5% females (996 residents)

What is the median age in Whitwell?

The median age in Whitwell is 44.5.

What is the age distribution of the population in Whitwell?

The age distribution in Whitwell is as follows:
  • Under 15: 13% (266 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 15.3% (314 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 22.8% (467 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 31.1% (639 residents)
  • Over 65: 17.8% (366 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Whitwell?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Whitwell is as follows:
  • White: 92.7% (1,903 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.8% (16 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.6% (13 residents)
  • Asian: 0.3% (6 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 5.6% (114 residents)
  • Other: 0% (0 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 97.5% of the population in Whitwell.

How many housing units are there in Whitwell?

There are 1,129 housing units in Whitwell, reflecting a +9.6% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Whitwell has a total of 899 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Whitwell?

Whitwell has a median household income of $67,774, representing a +8.4% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 95.2% in Whitwell, with a workforce of 1,086 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 69.2% (751 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 30.8% (335 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 9.2% (100 residents)
  • Private companies: 71.4% (775 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 12.3% (134 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 7.1% (77 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