| ZIP Code | 38221 |
|---|---|
| City | Big Sandy |
| State | Tennessee (TN) |
| County | Benton County |
| Area Code | 731 |
| Elevation | 621 ft |
| Latitude | 36.244904 |
|---|---|
| Longitude | -88.042202 |
| Timezone | Chicago (DST) |
| FIPS | 47005 |
| ZIP Type | Standard |
| Status | Active |
Race & Ethnicity
Age Breakdown
Key Indicators
| Median Age | 53.7 yrs ↑ 8% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Avg Household Size | 2.14 |
| Below Poverty | 18.6% ▲ 86% above avg |
| College Grads | 21.2% ▼ 45% below avg |
| Unemployment | 8.6% ▲ 75% above avg |
| No HS Diploma | 38 (1.7%) |
| HS Graduate | 888 (40%) |
| Some College | 573 (25.8%) |
| Associates | 250 (11.3%) |
| Bachelors | 237 (10.7%) |
| Graduate Degree | 233 (10.5%) |
Education
Housing Tenure
Home Value Distribution
Financials
| Median HH Income | $52,109 ▼ 32% below avg ↑ 33% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $118,600 ▼ 57% below avg ↑ 56% since 2019 |
| Home/Income Ratio | 2.3x (nat avg ~3.5x) |
| Median Rent | $661/mo ↑ 5% since 2019 |
| Total Units | 1,954 |
| Vacant Units | 533 |
| Avg HH Size | 2.14 |
Income Distribution
How People Get to Work
Commute Time
Year Built
Summary
| Total Units | 1,954 |
|---|---|
| Vacant | 533 |
| Owner Occupied | 69.1% |
| Renter Occupied | 30.9% |
| Avg HH Size | 2.14 |
ZIP code 38221 is located in Big Sandy, Tennessee, within Benton County. With a population of 3,046, this is a sparsely populated ZIP code with a mature community — the median age is 53.7 years. Economically, 38221 is a working-class ZIP code: the median household income of $52,109 is below the national average.
Real estate in ZIP code 38221 represents one of the more affordable housing markets in the country. The median home value of $118,600 is well below the national average. Renters can expect to pay around $661 per month in median rent. Homeownership is strong here — 69.1% of occupied units are owner-occupied, suggesting an established, stable residential community. Median home values have increased by 56% since 2019.
The population of 38221 is primarily White (95.83%). Residents are less-educated — 21.2% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is below the national average. Poverty affects some residents at 18.6%. Household income has grown by 33% since 2019.
The unemployment rate in 38221 stands at 8.6%, which is significantly above the national average. About 15% of workers are remote. As in most parts of the country, driving alone is the dominant commute mode at 76%.
Overall, ZIP code 38221 in Big Sandy, TN is characterized as working-class, less-educated, a mature community, and predominantly owner-occupied. With 3,046 residents, a median household income of $52,109, and a median home value of $118,600, it offers a clear picture of life in this part of Tennessee.