Bells city, Tennessee Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Bells city, Tennessee has a total population of 2,531, the 182nd largest city in Tennessee, with a median household income of $54,132, which is 19% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 21.9%.
Bells city Quick Facts
How Bells city Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
A diverse community with significant representation from multiple racial and ethnic groups.
State average: 46 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Bells city Rankings in Tennessee
Explore Tennessee Rankings
Cities Similar to Bells city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| White Pine town | 2,557 | $55,000 | $196,600 | 16.7% | 12.3% |
| Alamo town | 2,565 | $52,768 | $117,000 | 9.7% | 21.2% |
| Adamsville town | 2,621 | $50,833 | $188,000 | 10.3% | 22.4% |
| Maynardville city | 2,501 | $47,102 | $179,700 | 7.9% | 16.4% |
| Mosheim town | 2,500 | $46,523 | $134,200 | 8.9% | 18.5% |
Population Overview
Bells city is a small community located in Tennessee. The total population is 2,531. It ranks as the 182nd most populous out of 504 cities and towns in Tennessee.
Age Demographics
The median age in Bells city is 33.1 years. This is 15% lower than the state median of 38.9 years. With 29.9% of the population under 18, Bells city has a notably young demographic profile, suggesting a family-oriented community.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Bells city is $54,132. This is 19% lower than the state median of $67,097. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 31% lower. The poverty rate stands at 21.9%. This is 59% higher than the state poverty rate of 13.8%. With more than one in five residents living below the poverty line, economic hardship is a significant challenge for the community. The unemployment rate is 2.8%. This is 41% lower than the state rate of 4.7%. The median home value is $164,000. Housing costs are 36% lower than the state median of $256,800. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.0x. 51.0% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 24% lower than the state average of 67.0%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Bells city is White (non-Hispanic), making up 61.2% of the population. Black or African American residents account for 18.6%. The Hispanic or Latino population is significantly higher than the state average (15.2% vs 7.1%).
Education
13.8% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 55% lower than the state rate of 30.4%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 87.9%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Bells city, Tennessee is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023). The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually, providing reliable estimates for communities of all sizes. Comparisons are made against Tennessee state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 504 Census-designated places in Tennessee. For official data, visit data.census.gov.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Bells city, Tennessee?
Bells city, Tennessee has a population of 2,531 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Bells city, TN?
The median household income in Bells city is $54,132, which is 31% lower the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Bells city, TN?
The poverty rate in Bells city is 21.9%. This means approximately 542 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Bells city, Tennessee?
Bells city's population is 61.2% White, 18.6% Black, 15.2% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.0% Asian.
What is the median home value in Bells city, TN?
The median home value in Bells city is $164,000. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.0x.
How educated is Bells city, Tennessee?
13.8% of adults (25+) in Bells city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 5.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.