Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Sewanee, TN
Thinking about a move to Sewanee, TN? With a population of just 2,500 and a median home price of $310,000, Sewanee offers a charming, small-town feel with a cost of living below the national average. Commute times are short at just over 16 minutes, and the town boasts low violent crime rates. Home to The University of the South, Sewanee is known for its educational and cultural vibrancy, along with mild seasons and plenty of sunny days—perfect for those seeking a peaceful, community-oriented lifestyle.
Demographics - Sewanee, TN
Demographics - Sewanee, TN
Sewanee is a small town of 2,500 residents with a youthful median age of 23.1, thanks in part to its university presence. The community is predominantly White, with modest representation from Black, Asian, and other groups, and about 5.5% are non-English speakers. Its balanced gender ratio and moderate population density create an inviting, inclusive atmosphere.
Population:
2,500
Density:
325 per sq mi
Median Age:
23.1
Gender Ratio:
95 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
5.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
85.0%
Black:
7.5%
Asian:
3.0%
Others:
4.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Sewanee, TN?
Sewanee offers an affordable lifestyle with a cost of living index of 91.5, notably below the U.S. average. Median home values are around $310,000, and typical rents for a two-bedroom apartment run about $1,190 per month. Low state income taxes and reasonable utility costs make daily expenses manageable for most residents.
Median House Value:
$310,000
Gross Rent:
$1,190
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$130
Auto Insurance:
$1,120
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,480
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$420
State Taxes:
Low:
0.0%
|
High:
2.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
91.5
Grocery:
94.2
Housing:
78.5
Utilities:
98.0
Transportation:
92.3
Health Care:
93.6
Miscellaneous:
90.1
Crime
Is Sewanee, TN a safe place to live?
Sewanee enjoys very low crime rates, with only 90 violent crimes per 100,000 people and a property crime risk of 1 in 83. Residents benefit from a sense of safety, making it an attractive choice for families and individuals seeking peace of mind. The town's overall crime index remains well below national averages.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
90
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,210
Crime Index:
1,300
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,110
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 83
Weather
What is the weather like in Sewanee, TN year-round?
Sewanee experiences mild seasons, with summer highs reaching 84°F and winter lows around 29°F. The area receives about 64 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 56% of days. This comfortable climate supports a variety of outdoor activities year-round.

Winter
Min:
29°F
Max:
48°F

Spring
Min:
46°F
Max:
72°F

Summer
Min:
63°F
Max:
84°F

Fall
Min:
48°F
Max:
72°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
64 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
56%
Neighbors
The community in Sewanee is well-educated, with 95% of adults holding at least a high school diploma and 60% holding a bachelor's degree or higher. Median household income is $62,000, and the unemployment rate stands at a low 3.8%. Residents typically enjoy short commutes of just over 16 minutes and a strong sense of neighborly connection.
Median Income:
$37,500
Household Income:
$62,000
Family Income:
$74,000
Per Capita Income:
$26,800
Income Male:
$42,000
Income Female:
$34,000
Poverty Rate:
13.2%
Non English Speakers:
5.5%
Rent:
$1,190
Unemployment Rate:
3.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
16.3 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
95.4%
Bachelors or More:
60.0%
Education
How are the schools in Sewanee, TN?
Sewanee offers quality education through Sewanee Elementary School, known for its favorable student-teacher ratio, and is home to the University of the South, which enrolls around 1,700 students. The town’s educational environment is enriched by its university community, supporting both young learners and higher education opportunities. Public and private educational resources contribute to a well-rounded learning atmosphere.

Public Schools
Name:
Sewanee Elementary School
Street:
206 University Ave
Phone:
931-598-5951
Students:
215
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.5

Colleges
Name:
The University of the South (Sewanee)
City:
Sewanee
State:
TN
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
1,700
Healthcare
Sewanee is served by two major hospitals offering general and emergency care, and there are 2.4 physicians per 1,000 residents. With 91% health insurance coverage and a strong healthcare index, locals have reliable access to medical services. The town’s healthcare resources are well-suited to meet the needs of its population.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Southern Tennessee Regional Health System – Sewanee
Address:
1260 University Ave, Sewanee, TN 37375
Phone:
(931) 598-5691
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Southern Tennessee Regional Health System – Winchester
Address:
185 Hospital Rd, Winchester, TN 37398
Phone:
(931) 967-8200
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.4
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.0%
Health Care Index:
78.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Sewanee, TN?
The median home price in Sewanee is $310,000, with an owner-occupied rate of 62.5%, reflecting a stable housing market. Average rent for a two-bedroom unit is $1,190, and home values have appreciated by over 6% in the past year. Low foreclosure and vacancy rates indicate a healthy and appealing real estate environment.
Median Home Price:
$310,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,190
Owner Occupied Rate:
62.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Sewanee residents are served by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, located in Nashville, for their driver and vehicle needs. The department provides comprehensive services, and information is readily available via their official website or by phone. This ensures convenient access to licensing and registration support.
State:
Tennessee
Department:
Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security
Address:
1150 Foster Avenue, 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.