Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Gatlinburg, TN
Considering a move to Gatlinburg, TN? This scenic city of about 3,600 offers a unique lifestyle with its Great Smoky Mountains setting and a cost of living below the national average. Median home prices around $445,000 and average rents at $1,200 reflect a competitive housing market, though a large share of properties are vacation rentals. Commute times are quick at 18 minutes, and the area enjoys mild, four-season weather with 54% sunny days annually. While property crime is higher due to tourism, residents benefit from a charming mountain community, access to local schools, and proximity to outdoor recreation.
Demographics - Gatlinburg, TN
Demographics - Gatlinburg, TN
Gatlinburg has a close-knit population of about 3,600, with a median age of 51, reflecting a mature community. The majority of residents are White, and the city features a balanced gender ratio and a small but diverse presence of non-English speakers. Its population density allows for a relaxed, small-town atmosphere ideal for those seeking a quieter pace of life.
Population:
3,600
Density:
310 per sq mi
Median Age:
51
Gender Ratio:
99 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
4.1%
Ethnic Composition
White:
89.5%
Black:
3.4%
Asian:
1.1%
Others:
6.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Gatlinburg, TN?
The cost of living in Gatlinburg is slightly below the national average, with a cost of living index of 94.0. Median home values are around $445,000 and typical rents run about $1,200 per month, making the area attractive for both homeowners and renters. State taxes remain moderate, and everyday expenses like groceries and utilities are generally affordable.
Median House Value:
$445,000
Gross Rent:
$1,200
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,220
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,550
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$435
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
5%
Cost Of Living Index:
94.0
Grocery:
93.2
Housing:
98.1
Utilities:
97.5
Transportation:
91.0
Health Care:
89.6
Miscellaneous:
92.7
Crime
Is Gatlinburg, TN a safe place to live?
While Gatlinburg enjoys a safe, small-town feel, its popularity with tourists leads to higher property crime rates, with a chance of property crime at 1 in 34. Violent crime remains relatively low compared to national averages, with a 1 in 218 chance. Residents should stay alert but generally find the community secure and welcoming.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
458
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,950
Crime Index:
3,408
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 218
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 34
Weather
What is the weather like in Gatlinburg, TN year-round?
Gatlinburg experiences all four seasons, with mild winters averaging highs in the upper 40s and warm summers reaching the mid-80s. The city receives about 56 inches of rainfall each year and enjoys sunny days 54% of the time. This climate is ideal for those who appreciate outdoor recreation in a mountain setting.
Winter
Min:
26°F
Max:
47°F
Spring
Min:
45°F
Max:
70°F
Summer
Min:
62°F
Max:
85°F
Fall
Min:
42°F
Max:
69°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
56 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
54%
Neighbors
Local households in Gatlinburg typically earn around $49,000 annually, with a median income of $42,400 and a poverty rate of 14.2%. Most residents have at least a high school education, and the area features a low unemployment rate and short average commute times of about 18 minutes. The community is friendly and diverse, with a small percentage of non-English speakers.
Median Income:
$42,400
Household Income:
$49,000
Family Income:
$58,000
Per Capita Income:
$26,600
Income Male:
$33,000
Income Female:
$27,400
Poverty Rate:
14.2%
Non English Speakers:
4.1%
Rent:
$1,200
Unemployment Rate:
4.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.9%
Commute Time:
18.4 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
91.5%
Bachelors or More:
24.7%
Education
How are the schools in Gatlinburg, TN?
Gatlinburg offers local educational options including Pi Beta Phi Elementary School, which boasts a favorable student-teacher ratio. The city is also home to a private school and is located just 12 miles from Walters State Community College, providing access to higher education. Families appreciate the supportive learning environment and proximity to quality institutions.
Public Schools
Name:
Pi Beta Phi Elementary School
Street:
125 Cherokee Orchard Rd
Phone:
865-436-5076
Students:
350
Student Teacher Ratio:
14:1
Private Schools
Name:
Gatlinburg Seventh-Day Adventist School
Street:
115 Fox Rd
Phone:
865-436-6425
Students:
22
Colleges
Name:
Walters State Community College (Sevier County Campus)
City:
Sevierville
State:
TN
Distance:
12 miles
Students:
6,200
Healthcare
Residents have access to quality care at nearby LeConte Medical Center, which offers emergency services and general medical care. With 1.5 physicians per 1,000 people and health insurance coverage at nearly 91%, healthcare services are accessible for most. The healthcare index reflects solid local resources for both preventive and urgent needs.
Major Hospitals
Name:
LeConte Medical Center
Address:
742 Middle Creek Rd, Sevierville, TN 37862
Phone:
(865) 446-7000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
90.8%
Health Care Index:
78.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Gatlinburg, TN?
Gatlinburg's housing market is dynamic, with median home prices at $445,000 and average two-bedroom rents around $1,200. Home appreciation has been strong at 7.6% over the past year, though only about 28% of properties are owner-occupied due to the prevalence of vacation rentals. The market offers opportunities for both investors and year-round residents.
Median Home Price:
$445,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,200
Owner Occupied Rate:
28.1%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.4%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.6%
New Construction Rate:
2.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Gatlinburg residents can handle licensing and registration needs through the Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security, located in nearby Sevierville. The DMV offers convenient access to essential driver services both in person and online. Residents benefit from straightforward processes for vehicle and license management.
State:
Tennessee
Department:
Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security
Address:
1150 Middle Creek Rd, Sevierville, TN 37862
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.