Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Unicoi, TN
Considering a move to Unicoi, TN? This friendly small town of 3,600 offers affordable living, with median home prices around $143,000 and average rent near $750. Residents enjoy a low cost of living, a mild four-season climate with 63% sunny days, and short 22-minute commutes. Unicoi boasts a safe atmosphere, good access to healthcare, and small-class public schools—perfect for those seeking a serene lifestyle with easy access to nearby Johnson City amenities.
Demographics - Unicoi, TN
Demographics - Unicoi, TN
Unicoi is a small, close-knit town of about 3,600 residents with a median age of 48.5, reflecting a mature community. The area is predominantly White, with 97% of the population, and features a balanced gender ratio and a low percentage of non-English speakers, making it welcoming and easy to connect with neighbors.
Population:
3,618
Density:
460 per sq mi
Median Age:
48.5
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.3%

Ethnic Composition
White:
97.1%
Black:
0.5%
Asian:
0.6%
Others:
1.8%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Unicoi, TN?
Living in Unicoi is highly affordable, with a cost of living index well below the national average and median home values at $143,000. Residents benefit from low housing and utility costs, as well as minimal state income taxes, making it a budget-friendly option for families and retirees alike.
Median House Value:
$143,000
Gross Rent:
$750
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$123
Auto Insurance:
$1,060
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$950
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$340
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
2%
Cost Of Living Index:
82.1
Grocery:
93.2
Housing:
62.0
Utilities:
94.7
Transportation:
81.6
Health Care:
88.9
Miscellaneous:
91.0
Crime
Is Unicoi, TN a safe place to live?
Unicoi offers a safe environment with low crime rates, including just 180 violent crimes and 1,325 property crimes per 100,000 residents annually. The risk of being a victim of violent crime is low, providing peace of mind for those seeking a secure community.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
180
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,325
Crime Index:
1,505
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 555
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 75
Weather
What is the weather like in Unicoi, TN year-round?
Residents of Unicoi enjoy a mild, four-season climate, with summer highs around 85°F and winter lows near 28°F. The town receives about 44.5 inches of rainfall yearly and enjoys sunshine 63% of the time, offering plenty of pleasant days for outdoor activities.

Winter
Min:
28°F
Max:
45°F

Spring
Min:
47°F
Max:
72°F

Summer
Min:
62°F
Max:
85°F

Fall
Min:
48°F
Max:
72°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
44.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
63%
Neighbors
Unicoi's households typically earn a median income of $43,200, with a poverty rate of 15.7% and an unemployment rate of 4.7%. Most neighbors have at least a high school education, and the average commute is a manageable 22 minutes, contributing to a comfortable small-town lifestyle.
Median Income:
$26,900
Household Income:
$43,200
Family Income:
$52,100
Per Capita Income:
$26,300
Income Male:
$34,200
Income Female:
$25,100
Poverty Rate:
15.7%
Non English Speakers:
2.3%
Rent:
$750
Unemployment Rate:
4.7%
Public Transport Usage:
0.3%
Commute Time:
22.0 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
88.1%
Bachelors or More:
15.2%
Education
How are the schools in Unicoi, TN?
Unicoi offers quality public schools with small class sizes and attentive teachers, while higher education is within reach at East Tennessee State University just 15 miles away. The community is committed to educational attainment, with a strong focus on student success.

Public Schools
Name:
Unicoi County Middle School
Street:
600 S Mohawk Dr
Phone:
423-743-1667
Students:
470
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.2
Name:
Unicoi Elementary School
Street:
404 Massachusetts Ave
Phone:
423-743-1610
Students:
400
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.7

Colleges
Name:
East Tennessee State University
City:
Johnson City
State:
TN
Distance:
15 miles
Students:
13,400
Healthcare
Access to healthcare is strong in Unicoi, with two major hospitals nearby and 91% of residents having health insurance. The town offers a solid ratio of physicians per capita, ensuring quality care and responsive emergency services.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Unicoi County Hospital
Address:
100 Greenway Circle, Erwin, TN 37650
Phone:
(423) 743-3141
Type:
Critical Access
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Johnson City Medical Center
Address:
400 N State of Franklin Rd, Johnson City, TN 37604
Phone:
(423) 431-6111
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.1%
Health Care Index:
68.3
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Unicoi, TN?
The housing market in Unicoi is stable and affordable, with most homes owner-occupied and a median home price of $143,000. Rent for a two-bedroom averages $750, and the area has a low foreclosure rate, making it attractive for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$143,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$750
Owner Occupied Rate:
78.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.7%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.2%
DMV Information
DMV services for Unicoi residents are provided by the Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security, with the nearest full-service location in Lebanon. Residents can access driver services, licensing, and vehicle registration both in person and online.
State:
Tennessee
Department:
Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security
Address:
1150 South Hartmann Drive, Lebanon, TN 37090
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.