Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Dayton, TN
Considering a move to Dayton, TN? With a close-knit population of 7,390 and an affordable median home price of $184,000, Dayton offers small-town charm and low living costs. Commutes are quick at just under 20 minutes, and the area enjoys mild winters and warm summers with 58% sunny days. While crime rates are above the national average, residents benefit from local schools, nearby Bryan College, and easy access to health care at Rhea Medical Center. Discover Dayton’s affordable lifestyle and welcoming community!
Demographics - Dayton, TN
Demographics - Dayton, TN
Dayton, TN is a close-knit community of 7,390 residents with a median age of 36.8, and a population density of 950 people per square mile. The city is predominantly White, with about 7.2% of residents speaking a language other than English at home, reflecting a modest level of cultural diversity.
Population:
7,390
Density:
950 per sq mi
Median Age:
36.8
Gender Ratio:
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.2%

Ethnic Composition
White:
86.3%
Black:
4.5%
Asian:
0.7%
Others:
8.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Dayton, TN?
Dayton’s cost of living is notably affordable, with a median house value of $184,000 and average rent at $855 per month. The city’s cost of living index is 82.7, well below the national average, and households benefit from low state taxes and reasonable utility costs.
Median House Value:
$184,000
Gross Rent:
$855
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$130
Auto Insurance:
$1,280
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,120
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$405
State Taxes:
Low:
0.0%
|
High:
2.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
82.7
Grocery:
92.3
Housing:
64.2
Utilities:
94.8
Transportation:
86.7
Health Care:
91.7
Miscellaneous:
89.3
Crime
Is Dayton, TN a safe place to live?
Dayton experiences higher crime rates than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 410 per 100,000 residents and a property crime rate that gives residents a 1 in 37 chance of being affected. While safety is a concern, many residents find the community welcoming and proactive about local issues.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
410
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,730
Crime Index:
3,140
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 244
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 37
Weather
What is the weather like in Dayton, TN year-round?
Residents of Dayton enjoy mild seasonal changes, with winter temperatures averaging between 30°F and 48°F, and warm summers peaking at 88°F. The city gets around 56.8 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunny weather about 58% of the year, making outdoor activities pleasant most months.

Winter
Min:
30°F
Max:
48°F

Spring
Min:
48°F
Max:
74°F

Summer
Min:
67°F
Max:
88°F

Fall
Min:
48°F
Max:
74°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
56.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
58%
Neighbors
Dayton’s residents have a median household income of $46,200 and an average commute time of about 20 minutes. While the poverty rate is higher than average at 22.7%, the community is known for its friendly atmosphere and steady employment opportunities, with 80.8% of adults holding at least a high school diploma.
Median Income:
$32,400
Household Income:
$46,200
Family Income:
$54,100
Per Capita Income:
$19,200
Income Male:
$36,200
Income Female:
$27,700
Poverty Rate:
22.7%
Non English Speakers:
7.2%
Rent:
$855
Unemployment Rate:
4.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
19.6 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
80.8%
Bachelors or More:
13.2%
Education
How are the schools in Dayton, TN?
Dayton offers a range of educational options, including public schools like Dayton City School and Rhea Central Elementary, as well as private and higher education through Bryan College. Local schools maintain a student-teacher ratio around 15:1, supporting a personalized learning environment for families moving to the area.

Public Schools
Name:
Dayton City School
Street:
520 Cherry St
Phone:
423-775-8414
Students:
850
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.5
Name:
Rhea Central Elementary
Street:
1405 Old Graysville Rd
Phone:
423-775-7842
Students:
1,000
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.8

Private Schools
Name:
Laurelbrook School
Street:
114 Campus Dr
Phone:
423-775-0771
Students:
45

Colleges
Name:
Bryan College
City:
Dayton
State:
TN
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
1,500
Name:
Chattanooga State Community College
City:
Chattanooga
State:
TN
Distance:
36 miles
Students:
8,500
Healthcare
Healthcare needs in Dayton are served by Rhea Medical Center, which offers emergency and general services. The city has 1.6 physicians per 1,000 residents and nearly 90% of people are covered by health insurance, ensuring access to essential medical care.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Rhea Medical Center
Address:
9400 Rhea County Hwy, Dayton, TN 37321
Phone:
(423) 775-1121
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.4%
Health Care Index:
73.1
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Dayton, TN?
Dayton’s housing market is accessible, with a median home price of $184,000 and a homeownership rate of 52.6%. Rental properties are available with an average two-bedroom rent of $855, and the area has seen a healthy home appreciation rate of 7.3% over the past year.
Median Home Price:
$184,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$855
Owner Occupied Rate:
52.6%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.3%
New Construction Rate:
2.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Dayton residents handle licensing and vehicle registration through the Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security. The main DMV office can be contacted via their website or at 1-866-849-3548 for convenient access to driver services and state resources.
State:
Tennessee
Department:
Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security
Address:
1150 Foster Ave, Nashville, TN 37243
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.