Median Income
$83,452
11% higher than US avg
Home Value
$321,400
14% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
26.3%
22% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,406
21% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
42.4%
32% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.5%
58% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
6.2%
50% lower than US avg
How Bell Buckle Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population654
Median Age31.1 yrs
Density1,282/mi²
Male / Female49% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 88%
Veterans8.6%
Economy
A+
Median Income$83,452
Per Capita$31,484
Unemployment1.5%
Poverty6.2%
County GDP$2,921M
Commute34 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$321,400
Rent$1,406
Ownership78.2%
Zillow$436,812
Housing Units228
Rent Burden23.3%
Health
Obesity42.4%
Uninsured8.1%
Smoking16.8%
Depression31.7%
Heart Disease5.8%
Climate
Avg Temp57°F (14°C)
Rain63.8 in/yr
Elevation859 ft (262 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+26.3%
High School+90.5%
Graduate+9.5%
School Score4.78
Community
2024 VoteR 79% / D 21%
Commute34 min
Broadband85.9%
EV Stations1
Libraries2
Is Bell Buckle a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Bell Buckle receives an overall livability score of 4.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Bell Buckle stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Bell Buckle is $83,452, 11% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.5%. Only 6.2% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 34 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Bell Buckle is $321,400, 14% above the national median. Renters pay a median of $1,406 per month, significantly above the national average of $1,163. A price-to-income ratio of 3.9x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Education
26.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Bell Buckle enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F. Winters average 37°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 63.8 inches.
Bell Buckle has a population of 654 with a density of 1,282 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age is 31.1 years, 20% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.5% female and 48.5% male. The city is predominantly White (87.5%), with 6.3% Hispanic, 2.3% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 91.1% of residents, while 14% speak Spanish. 8.6% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 5.8% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 91.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
654
Total Population
2023 Census
31.1yrs
Median Age
20% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Bell Buckle vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
91.1%
16% above US avg
Spanish
14.0%
4% above US avg
Social Characteristics
Bell Buckle vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Bell Buckle is $83,452, which is 11% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $31,484 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,034, 28% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.5% (below the 3.6% US average). 6.2% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,069 business establishments, including 76 restaurants. The cost of living index is 91.9, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 34 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 18.6% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Bell Buckle vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $83,452 |
| 11% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $31,484 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,034 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $64,708 |
| Gini Index | 0.415 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.5% |
| 58% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 6.2% |
| 50% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,069 |
| County GDP | $2,921M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 76 |
| Healthcare | 100 |
| Retail | 161 |
| Manufacturing | 53 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,552 |
| 1% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 91.90 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.11% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 34.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 61.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 18.6% |
The median home value in Bell Buckle is $321,400, 14% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $436,812, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $1,406 (21% above the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $924 for a one-bedroom to $1,118 for a two-bedroom apartment. 78.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 228 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1965. The average annual property tax is $3,552. 23.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.9x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $321,400 |
| 14% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $436,812 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,406 |
| 21% above US avg |
| Rent Burden | 23.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $882 |
| 1 Bedroom | $924 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,118 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,445 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,644 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 78.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 78.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 21.8% |
| Housing Units | 228 |
| Median Year Built | 1965 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,552 |
| 1% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.11% |
In Bell Buckle, 42.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.8% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.8% of residents. 34.9% have high blood pressure. 16.8% are current smokers. 15.7% report binge drinking. 24.3% are physically inactive. 31.7% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.7% experience frequent mental distress. 8.1% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,408. The dentist ratio is 1:3,996. 44.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Bell Buckle vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 42.4% |
| 32% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.8% |
| Heart Disease | 5.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 34.9% |
| Asthma | 11.3% |
| COPD | 7.3% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.8% |
| 20% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 15.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.3% |
| Depression | 31.7% |
| Mental Distress | 20.7% |
| Physical Distress | 14.1% |
| Short Sleep | 39.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.9% |
| Uninsured | 8.1% |
| 6% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,408 |
| Dentists | 1:3,996 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,360 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.7% |
| Dental Visits | 59.5% |
| Premature Death | 11,720/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 44.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 100 |
Bell Buckle enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F (14°C). Winters average 37°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 63.8 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 1.1 inches of snow annually. The city sits at an elevation of 859 feet.
Temperature
37°F Jan (3°C)
74°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 56.6°F |
| 5% above US avg |
| January Average | 37°F (3°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (24°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 859 ft (262 m) |
| Area | 0.6 sq mi (1.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,282/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 35.5908°N, 86.3538°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Bedford County County |
| Nearest Airport | Tullahoma Regional/Wm Northern Field (THA)
16 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
63.8"
68% above US avg
Wettest Month (Mar)
7.31"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 69.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 51.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 26.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
82 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.6. Most recent: M2.6 on Feb 25, 2025.
| Apr 29, 2003 |
8 km S of Valley Head, Alabama |
M4.6 |
139 km |
| Dec 8, 2001 |
5 km SW of Pleasant Groves, Alabama |
M3.9 |
99 km |
| Jun 19, 2007 |
10 km ENE of Spencer, Tennessee |
M3.5 |
92 km |
| Mar 18, 1995 |
10 km SE of Dayton, Tennessee |
M3.3 |
129 km |
| Apr 5, 1994 |
10 km N of Trenton, Georgia |
M3.2 |
105 km |
| Mar 7, 2001 |
6 km NW of Decatur, Tennessee |
M3.2 |
136 km |
| Mar 7, 2001 |
5 km WNW of Decatur, Tennessee |
M3.2 |
137 km |
| Mar 21, 2001 |
7 km ESE of Trenton, Georgia |
M3.2 |
117 km |
| May 10, 2020 |
7 km SSE of Sewanee, Tennessee |
M3.1 |
65 km |
| Apr 29, 2003 |
7 km E of Fort Payne, Alabama |
M3.1 |
143 km |
| May 2, 2003 |
8 km S of Valley Head, Alabama |
M3.1 |
140 km |
| Jan 15, 1993 |
1 km N of Apison, Tennessee |
M3.1 |
135 km |
| Nov 1, 2009 |
1 km ESE of South Cleveland, Tennessee |
M3.0 |
145 km |
| Jul 28, 1990 |
3 km WNW of Varnell, Georgia |
M2.9 |
143 km |
| Sep 19, 1990 |
6 km NNW of Menlo, Georgia |
M2.9 |
141 km |
| May 19, 1997 |
9 km NNW of Trion, Georgia |
M2.9 |
141 km |
| Jan 2, 2000 |
4 km SW of Lester, Alabama |
M2.9 |
103 km |
| Aug 7, 2006 |
8 km NNE of Trenton, Georgia |
M2.9 |
109 km |
| Jan 2, 2000 |
4 km SW of Lester, Alabama |
M2.9 |
103 km |
| May 13, 1999 |
11 km S of Pulaski, Tennessee |
M2.8 |
83 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
565 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 116 fatalities, 1,601 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 3, 2020 |
EF4 |
90 km |
19 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF4 |
97 km |
1 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF4 |
89 km |
4 |
| Apr 10, 2009 |
EF4 |
48 km |
2 |
| Jan 24, 1997 |
EF4 |
25 km |
0 |
| Dec 24, 1988 |
EF4 |
61 km |
1 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
86 km |
10 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
67 km |
11 |
| Feb 29, 1952 |
EF4 |
53 km |
2 |
| Feb 13, 1952 |
EF4 |
44 km |
3 |
| May 8, 2024 |
EF3 |
59 km |
1 |
| Apr 1, 2023 |
EF3 |
71 km |
1 |
| Mar 3, 2020 |
EF3 |
84 km |
5 |
| Apr 28, 2014 |
EF3 |
67 km |
2 |
| Apr 11, 2008 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Feb 5, 2008 |
EF3 |
88 km |
22 |
| Apr 7, 2006 |
EF3 |
89 km |
7 |
| May 11, 2003 |
EF3 |
40 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2003 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| May 5, 2003 |
EF3 |
41 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
19 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (4,213 ac, 2001).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
4,213 |
85 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
2,638 |
71 km |
| 2016 |
BRIDGE CREEK ROAD |
1,777 |
82 km |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
1,691 |
73 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
1,271 |
61 km |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
1,250 |
95 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
1,236 |
70 km |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
1,210 |
79 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
1,201 |
79 km |
| 2009 |
LOWER FORD RD |
1,108 |
78 km |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
1,057 |
78 km |
| 2007 |
STEVENSON |
955 |
89 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
826 |
71 km |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
703 |
74 km |
| 2003 |
FIRST FIRE |
640 |
80 km |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
632 |
77 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
631 |
99 km |
| 2014 |
MERIWETHER LEWIS |
513 |
100 km |
| 1997 |
UNNAMED |
508 |
76 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
37°F (3°C) |
5.7 in |
Coldest |
| February |
40°F (4°C) |
5.3 in |
|
| March |
49°F (9°C) |
7.3 in |
Wettest |
| April |
57°F (14°C) |
5.1 in |
|
| May |
64°F (18°C) |
5.8 in |
|
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
5.9 in |
|
| July |
74°F (24°C) |
5.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
74°F (23°C) |
4.6 in |
|
| September |
68°F (20°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| October |
58°F (14°C) |
4.0 in |
Driest |
| November |
48°F (9°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| December |
40°F (5°C) |
6.1 in |
|
Bell Buckle has a seasonal temperature swing of 38°F / from 37°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 63.8 inches, with March being the wettest month (7.3") and October the driest (4.0").
Average costs for common services in Bell Buckle. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$230 ($138-$368) |
| Specialist Visit |
$322 ($184-$505) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$184 ($92-$322) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,022 ($735-$4,595) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$119 ($69-$184) |
| Dental Filling |
$230 ($138-$368) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23-$69) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$69 ($46-$110) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$276 ($138-$460) |
| Tire Rotation |
$37 ($18-$69) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$551 ($368-$919) |
| Battery Replacement |
$184 ($92-$322) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$92 ($55-$138) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$83 ($46-$129) |
| HVAC Repair |
$368 ($138-$735) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,433 ($3,676-$11,028) |
| Roof Repair |
$919 ($368-$1,838) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,271 ($5,055-$13,785) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,379 ($460-$3,217) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,785 ($4,595-$27,570) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,595 ($1,838-$9,190) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,379 ($735-$2,757) |
| Will Preparation |
$460 ($184-$919) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,298 ($919-$4,595) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14-$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$51 ($28-$92) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$138 ($69-$230) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14-$41) |
| Pedicure |
$37 ($23-$60) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$74 ($46-$119) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.77 ($2.76-$5.05) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.22 ($2.30-$4.60) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.49 ($2.30-$5.05) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.14 ($2.76-$5.97) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.05 ($3.68-$6.89) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.92 ($0.55-$1.65) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$129 ($74-$230) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$64 ($28-$138) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$64 ($37-$110) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$64 ($37-$92) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$60 ($28-$92) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$78 ($46-$138) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$184 ($69-$460) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,838 ($1,103-$3,217) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$64 ($28-$119) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.35-$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$92 ($28-$230) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14-$69) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,103 ($551-$2,298) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$919 ($460-$1,838) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$368 ($184-$643) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$46 ($23-$92) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$919 ($368-$2,298) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,488 ($4,595-$27,570) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$55 ($28-$92) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$92 ($46-$184) |
| Dog Grooming |
$55 ($28-$92) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$37 ($18-$69) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$276 ($138-$460) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$184 ($92-$368) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $567 |
| Toddler | $476 |
| Preschool | $476 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $393 |
| Toddler | $422 |
| Preschool | $422 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Bell Buckle
What is the population of Bell Buckle?
Bell Buckle has a population of 654 residents and is located in Tennessee. The population density is 1,282 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 31.1 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 51.5% female and 48.5% male.
Is Bell Buckle expensive to live in?
Bell Buckle is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 91.9 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $83,452, 11% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $321,400 (14% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,406 per month, above the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Bell Buckle?
Bell Buckle enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F (14°C). Winter temperatures average 37°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 63.8 inches, with 1.1 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Bell Buckle?
The job market in Bell Buckle is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.5% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,034. There are 1,069 business establishments in the area, including 76 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 34 minutes, and 18.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Bell Buckle?
The median home value in Bell Buckle is $321,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $436,812. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,406. Fair market rent is $924 for a 1-bedroom and $1,118 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 78.2%. The average annual property tax is $3,552.
How are the schools in Bell Buckle?
Schools in Bell Buckle have an average test score of 4.8 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 26.3% of adults in Bell Buckle hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.5% have completed high school. 9.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Bell Buckle?
The obesity rate in Bell Buckle is 42.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.8% of adults are smokers. 24.3% are physically inactive. 31.7% of residents report depression. 8.1% lack health insurance. 44.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,408.
What is transportation like in Bell Buckle?
The average commute in Bell Buckle is 34 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 61.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 18.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Bell Buckle?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Bell Buckle is 87.5% White, 2.3% Black or African American, 6.3% Hispanic or Latino. 91.1% of residents speak only English at home, while 14% speak Spanish. 8.6% of the population are military veterans. 5.8% of residents have a disability. 91.9% have health insurance coverage.