Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Watts Bar Dam, TN
Considering a move to Watts Bar Dam, TN? This small lakeside community of about 900 residents offers affordable living, with median home prices around $212,000 and average rents at $900. Enjoy a relaxed pace, low cost of living, and pleasant climate with 60% sunny days each year. Crime rates are modest, typical for rural Tennessee, and local public schools serve the area well. With a 28-minute average commute and easy access to outdoor recreation, Watts Bar Dam is perfect for those seeking peace and small-town charm.
Demographics - Watts Bar Dam, TN
Demographics - Watts Bar Dam, TN
Watts Bar Dam is a small, close-knit community of around 900 residents, with a median age of 47.5 and a nearly balanced gender ratio. The area is predominantly White, with a small percentage of other ethnicities and about 4.5% non-English speakers, creating a quiet, traditional atmosphere ideal for those seeking a slower pace of life.
Population:
900
Density:
120 per sq mi
Median Age:
47.5
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
4.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
92.0%
Black:
2.0%
Asian:
1.0%
Others:
5.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Watts Bar Dam, TN?
Living in Watts Bar Dam is affordable, with a cost of living index below the national average and median home values at $212,000. Residents benefit from modest housing costs, low state income taxes, and reasonable utility and transportation expenses, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious families and retirees.
Median House Value:
$212,000
Gross Rent:
$900
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$126
Auto Insurance:
$1,220
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,120
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$370
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
5%
Cost Of Living Index:
87.0
Grocery:
93.2
Housing:
64.1
Utilities:
95.0
Transportation:
88.3
Health Care:
92.4
Miscellaneous:
95.8
Crime
Is Watts Bar Dam, TN a safe place to live?
Watts Bar Dam experiences moderate crime rates typical of rural Tennessee, with a chance of violent crime at 1 in 377 and property crime at 1 in 57. The area offers a generally safe environment, contributing to its appeal for families and those seeking a peaceful lifestyle.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
265
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,750
Crime Index:
2,015
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 377
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 57
Weather
What is the weather like in Watts Bar Dam, TN year-round?
The climate in Watts Bar Dam is mild, featuring warm summers with highs near 89°F and winters that rarely dip below 28°F. With about 60% sunny days and 53 inches of rainfall annually, residents enjoy a pleasant mix of sunshine and seasonal weather, perfect for outdoor activities.

Winter
Min:
28°F
Max:
47°F

Spring
Min:
48°F
Max:
71°F

Summer
Min:
65°F
Max:
89°F

Fall
Min:
50°F
Max:
73°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
53 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
60%
Neighbors
The community's median household income is $51,300 and about 13.8% of residents live below the poverty line. Most neighbors have at least a high school education, and the area features a relaxed lifestyle with low public transport usage and an average commute of just under 29 minutes.
Median Income:
$31,400
Household Income:
$51,300
Family Income:
$58,200
Per Capita Income:
$25,500
Income Male:
$34,000
Income Female:
$27,500
Poverty Rate:
13.8%
Non English Speakers:
4.5%
Rent:
$900
Unemployment Rate:
4.3%
Public Transport Usage:
0.2%
Commute Time:
28.7 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
86.2%
Bachelors or More:
15.8%
Education
How are the schools in Watts Bar Dam, TN?
Local students attend public schools with manageable class sizes, and families also have access to private school options. For higher education, Roane State Community College and Tennessee Wesleyan University are within easy driving distance, supporting lifelong learning and workforce development.

Public Schools
Name:
Midtown Elementary School
Street:
2830 Roane State Hwy, Harriman, TN 37748
Phone:
865-354-0880
Students:
480
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.7
Name:
Meigs Middle School
Street:
13150 State Hwy 58, Decatur, TN 37322
Phone:
423-334-5797
Students:
640
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.4

Private Schools
Name:
Midway Christian Academy
Street:
2845 Roane State Hwy, Harriman, TN 37748
Phone:
865-376-2145
Students:
110

Colleges
Name:
Roane State Community College
City:
Harriman
State:
TN
Distance:
12 miles
Students:
5,500
Name:
Tennessee Wesleyan University
City:
Athens
State:
TN
Distance:
24 miles
Students:
1,150
Healthcare
Residents have access to several nearby hospitals, including Roane Medical Center and Sweetwater Hospital Association, both offering emergency services. With 1.6 physicians per 1,000 people and nearly 90% health insurance coverage, healthcare services are accessible and reliable for local families.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Roane Medical Center
Address:
8045 Roane Medical Center Dr, Harriman, TN 37748
Phone:
(865) 316-1000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Sweetwater Hospital Association
Address:
304 Wright St, Sweetwater, TN 37874
Phone:
(865) 213-8200
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.4%
Health Care Index:
66.3
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Watts Bar Dam, TN?
The housing market in Watts Bar Dam is stable, with a median home price of $212,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 80%. Home values have appreciated modestly over the past year, while rental options remain affordable and vacancy rates are low.
Median Home Price:
$212,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$900
Owner Occupied Rate:
79.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
DMV services in Watts Bar Dam are provided by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, with convenient access to online resources and regional offices in Nashville. Residents can handle licensing, registration, and driver services efficiently through state-supported channels.
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.