Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Carthage, TN
Thinking of moving to Carthage, TN? This small town of about 2,300 residents offers affordable living, with median home prices around $187,000 and rents near $860. Carthage features a slower-paced lifestyle, average commutes of 27 minutes, and a friendly community. You'll find local schools with low student-teacher ratios, a regional hospital, and plenty of sunny days each year. With a modest cost of living and a classic Tennessee climate, Carthage is a welcoming spot for those seeking a quieter life with easy access to Middle Tennessee.
Demographics - Carthage, TN
Demographics - Carthage, TN
Carthage is a small town of about 2,300 residents, with a predominantly White population and a median age of 42, reflecting a mature and close-knit community. The town has a balanced gender ratio and a small percentage of non-English speakers, contributing to its welcoming atmosphere.
Population:
2,300
Density:
920 per sq mi
Median Age:
42.0
Gender Ratio:
93 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
91.2%
Black:
4.0%
Asian:
0.5%
Others:
4.3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Carthage, TN?
Living in Carthage is highly affordable, with a median home value of $187,000 and average rents around $860 per month. The cost of living index of 82.1 is well below the national average, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious movers.
Median House Value:
$187,000
Gross Rent:
$860
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,210
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,080
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$385
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
6.5%
Cost Of Living Index:
82.1
Grocery:
93.2
Housing:
62.4
Utilities:
94.1
Transportation:
86.7
Health Care:
93.9
Miscellaneous:
92.3
Crime
Is Carthage, TN a safe place to live?
Carthage experiences moderate crime rates, with a chance of property crime at 1 in 46 and violent crime at 1 in 308. While property crime is more common, the overall crime index suggests residents generally feel safe in this small town environment.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
325
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,150
Crime Index:
2,475
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 308
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 46
Weather
What is the weather like in Carthage, TN year-round?
Carthage enjoys a classic Tennessee climate with warm summers reaching highs of 88°F and mild winters averaging 48°F. The town sees about 50 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine roughly 58% of the year, making for pleasant outdoor living.

Winter
Min:
28°F
Max:
48°F

Spring
Min:
49°F
Max:
72°F

Summer
Min:
66°F
Max:
88°F

Fall
Min:
49°F
Max:
74°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
50.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
58%
Neighbors
Households in Carthage have a median income of $43,600 and a family income of $52,100, with about 20% of residents living below the poverty line. Most adults have completed high school, and the average commute is just over 27 minutes, reflecting a steady-paced local lifestyle.
Median Income:
$30,800
Household Income:
$43,600
Family Income:
$52,100
Per Capita Income:
$24,000
Income Male:
$37,000
Income Female:
$26,000
Poverty Rate:
20.2%
Non English Speakers:
3.5%
Rent:
$860
Unemployment Rate:
4.1%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
27.1 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
84.5%
Bachelors or More:
16.3%
Education
How are the schools in Carthage, TN?
Carthage offers quality public education with low student-teacher ratios, serving around 1,500 students across elementary, middle, and high schools. For higher education, residents are within commuting distance of Volunteer State Community College and Tennessee Technological University.

Public Schools
Name:
Carthage Elementary School
Street:
149 Skyline Dr
Phone:
615-735-0773
Students:
430
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.3
Name:
Smith County Middle School
Street:
356 LMH Smith Dr
Phone:
615-735-3347
Students:
480
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.0
Name:
Smith County High School
Street:
312 Fite Ave E
Phone:
615-735-9219
Students:
650
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.8

Colleges
Name:
Volunteer State Community College - Livingston Center
City:
Livingston
State:
TN
Distance:
31 miles
Students:
1,000
Name:
Tennessee Technological University
City:
Cookeville
State:
TN
Distance:
35 miles
Students:
10,500
Healthcare
Carthage residents have access to Riverview Regional Medical Center, a general hospital providing emergency services locally. The town has about 1.5 physicians per 1,000 people, and nearly 88% of residents have health insurance coverage.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Riverview Regional Medical Center
Address:
158 Hospital Dr, Carthage, TN 37030
Phone:
(615) 735-1560
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
87.5%
Health Care Index:
68.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Carthage, TN?
The housing market in Carthage is affordable and stable, with a median home price of $187,000 and a 6.1% appreciation rate over the past year. Over half of residents own their homes, and the rental vacancy rate stands at a manageable 8.1%.
Median Home Price:
$187,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$860
Owner Occupied Rate:
59.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.1%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
DMV services for Carthage are provided by the Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security, located nearby in Lebanon. Residents can access driver services and vehicle registration at this office or online through the state’s official website.
State:
Tennessee
Department:
Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security
Address:
1604 W. Main Street, Lebanon, TN 37087
Phone:
1-866-849-3548
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.