Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Karns, TN
Looking at Karns, TN for your next move? With a friendly population of about 19,000, Karns offers affordable living—median home prices are around $282,000 and rents average $1,170. The area enjoys a mild Tennessee climate with 59% sunny days and easy commutes averaging 24 minutes. Low crime rates, strong public schools, and convenient healthcare nearby make Karns a great choice for families and professionals seeking a relaxed, suburban lifestyle close to Knoxville.
Demographics - Karns, TN
Karns, Tennessee is home to about 19,000 residents, with a median age of 39.2 and a balanced gender ratio. The community is predominantly White (85%), with a modest mix of other backgrounds and a low percentage of non-English speakers, fostering a welcoming suburban environment.
Population:
19,000
Density:
1,080 per sq mi
Median Age:
39.2
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
5.2%

Ethnic Composition
White:
85.0%
Black:
6.5%
Asian:
2.4%
Others:
6.1%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Karns, TN?
Karns offers an affordable cost of living, with median home values around $282,000 and average rents at $1,170. Overall living expenses are below the national average, especially in housing and transportation, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious families and professionals.
Median House Value:
$282,000
Gross Rent:
$1,170
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$130
Auto Insurance:
$1,215
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,420
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$470
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
5.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
89.2
Grocery:
93.3
Housing:
79.5
Utilities:
95.4
Transportation:
85.2
Health Care:
93.5
Miscellaneous:
90.1
Crime
Is Karns, TN a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Karns are lower than many urban areas, with violent crime at just 265 incidents per 100,000 residents and property crime chances at 1 in 47. This provides peace of mind for those seeking a safe, family-friendly community.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
265
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,130
Crime Index:
2,395
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 378
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 47
Weather
What is the weather like in Karns, TN year-round?
Residents of Karns enjoy a mild climate, featuring warm summers averaging highs of 88°F and winters with lows around 30°F. With 59% of days being sunny and annual rainfall near 48 inches, the area supports a comfortable, outdoor-friendly lifestyle.

Winter
Min:
30°F
Max:
48°F

Spring
Min:
49°F
Max:
72°F

Summer
Min:
67°F
Max:
88°F

Fall
Min:
48°F
Max:
75°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
48.4 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
59%
Neighbors
Karns boasts a strong sense of community, with median household incomes at $72,800 and a low unemployment rate of 3.6%. Most residents have at least a high school diploma, and commute times average a manageable 24 minutes, supporting a balanced work-life dynamic.
Median Income:
$36,900
Household Income:
$72,800
Family Income:
$80,400
Per Capita Income:
$33,800
Income Male:
$44,200
Income Female:
$36,300
Poverty Rate:
8.3%
Non English Speakers:
5.2%
Rent:
$1,170
Unemployment Rate:
3.6%
Public Transport Usage:
0.8%
Commute Time:
24.1 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
90.4%
Bachelors or More:
25.7%
Education
How are the schools in Karns, TN?
Karns is served by reputable public schools with favorable student-teacher ratios, as well as private options like Grace Christian Academy. Higher education institutions, including Pellissippi State Community College and the University of Tennessee, are easily accessible within a short drive, supporting lifelong learning.

Public Schools
Name:
Karns High School
Street:
2710 Byington Solway Rd
Phone:
865-539-8670
Students:
1,150
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.8
Name:
Karns Middle School
Street:
2925 Gray Hendrix Rd
Phone:
865-539-7732
Students:
900
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.5
Name:
Karns Elementary School
Street:
8059 Oak Ridge Hwy
Phone:
865-539-7771
Students:
800
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.3

Private Schools
Name:
Grace Christian Academy
Street:
5914 Beaver Ridge Rd
Phone:
865-690-4721
Students:
1,100

Colleges
Name:
Pellissippi State Community College
City:
Knoxville
State:
TN
Distance:
5 miles
Students:
10,800
Name:
University of Tennessee - Knoxville
City:
Knoxville
State:
TN
Distance:
11 miles
Students:
31,700
Healthcare
Access to healthcare in Karns is convenient, with nearby major hospitals such as Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center and Parkwest Medical Center. The area has a solid physician-to-population ratio and more than 90% of residents have health insurance coverage, ensuring reliable medical services.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center
Address:
1901 Clinch Ave, Knoxville, TN 37916
Phone:
(865) 541-1111
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Parkwest Medical Center
Address:
9352 Park West Blvd, Knoxville, TN 37923
Phone:
(865) 373-1000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.3
Health Insurance Coverage:
90.2%
Health Care Index:
77.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Karns, TN?
The Karns housing market is stable and affordable, with a median home price of $282,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate of 76%. Home values have appreciated in recent years, making it a solid choice for buyers seeking long-term value.
Median Home Price:
$282,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,170
Owner Occupied Rate:
76.1%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
5.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.7%
New Construction Rate:
2.3%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Residents can handle their licensing and registration needs at the Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security in nearby Knoxville. The office provides accessible DMV services and resources for new arrivals and long-term residents alike.
State:
Tennessee
Department:
Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security
Address:
1150 Lovell Rd, Knoxville, TN 37932
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.