County

Carter County, TN

6 ZIP codes  ·  5 cities  ·  Tennessee

👥43,957Population
💰$49,220Median HH Income▼ 35% below avg
🎂46.2Median Age
🏠$152,420Median Home Value▼ 45% below avg
🎓32.0%College Grads▼ 17% below avg
📊6.1%Unemployment▲ 25% above avg
People & Population (ACS 2023 — weighted avg)
♂ Male 49.3% Female 50.7% ♀

Race & Ethnicity

White: 93.7%Hispanic: 2.5%Black: 1.4%Asian: 0.4%Other: 2%Race
White93.7%
Hispanic2.5%
Black1.4%
Asian0.4%
Other2.0%

Age Breakdown

Under 5
4%
5–17
14%
18–24
7%
25–44
23%
45–64
29%
65+
10%

Key Indicators

Median Age46.2 yrs
Avg HH Size2.33
Below Poverty17.4% ▲ 74% above avg
College Grads32.0% ▼ 17% below avg
Unemployment6.1% ▲ 25% above avg
No HS Diploma307 (1%)
HS Graduate10,899 (37.1%)
Some College4,647 (15.8%)
Associates4,263 (14.5%)
Bachelors3,088 (10.5%)
Graduate Degree6,186 (21%)

Education

No HS: 1%HS Grad: 37.1%Some College: 15.8%Associates: 14.5%Bachelors: 10.5%Graduate: 21%Edu
No HS1.0%
HS Grad37.1%
Some College15.8%
Associates14.5%
Bachelors10.5%
Graduate21.0%
Housing & Income

Housing Tenure

Owner: 76.5%Renter: 23.5%Tenure
Owner76.5%
Renter23.5%

Home Value Distribution

Under $50k
12%
$50k–$100k
16%
$100k–$150k
20%
$150k–$200k
21%
$200k–$300k
17%
$300k–$500k
11%
Over $500k
4%

Financials

Median HH Income$49,220 ▼ 35% below avg
Median Home Value$152,420 ▼ 45% below avg
Home/Income Ratio3.1x (nat avg ~3.5x)
Median Rent$720/mo
Total Housing Units21,381
Vacant Units2,912

Income Distribution

Under $25k
26%
$25k–$50k
20%
$50k–$75k
20%
$75k–$100k
12%
$100k–$150k
14%
$150k–$200k
4%
Over $200k
3%
Employment & Commute

How People Get to Work

Drove Alone
92%
Public Transit
0%
Walked
1%
Work From Home
7%

Commute Time

Under 15 min
27%
15–30 min
37%
30–45 min
24%
Over 45 min
12%
Housing Stock

Year Built

Before 1940
5%
1940s–1950s
11%
1960s–1970s
13%
1980s–1990s
15%
2000+
57%
About Carter County, TN

Carter County is located in Tennessee and encompasses 6 ZIP codes spanning 5 cities and communities. The county has an estimated population of 43,957 residents. With a median age of 46.18, it is a mature county.

Carter County has a working-class economic profile. The median household income of $49,219 is below the national average. Unemployment stands at 6.1%, above the national average. The poverty rate of 17.4% is significantly above the national average, indicating economic challenges.

Housing in Carter County is an affordable housing market, with a median home value of $152,420 — below the national average. Monthly median rent is approximately $720. Homeownership rates are high at 76.5%, reflecting a largely residential, stable population.

The residents of Carter County are primarily White (93.7%). Educational attainment is moderately educated — 32.0% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average.

Carter County, TN is a working-class area in Tennessee. The 6 ZIP codes within the county each have their own character — browse the full list below to find the right community, whether you're looking for affordable housing, strong schools, or economic opportunity.

ZIP Codes in Carter County
ZIPCityPopulationMedian IncomeMedian HomeMedian RentUnemp.College
37643 Elizabethton 33,690 $50,455 $156,200 $733 5.6% 32.0%
37658 Hampton 3,637 $36,853 $116,100 $609 10.1% 30.1%
37687 Roan Mountain 4,379 $45,660 $148,000 $730 7.0% 24.1%
37694 Watauga 1,738 $60,125 $166,300 $675 8.2% 36.3%

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