Home Value
$160,300
43% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
22.3%
34% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.8%
15% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
26.5%
114% higher than US avg
How Cosby Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population521
Median Age55.8 yrs
Density94/mi²
Male / Female43% / 57%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans9.1%
Economy
Per Capita$25,353
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty26.5%
County GDP$1,210M
Commute53 min
Housing
Home Value$160,300
Ownership76.1%
Zillow$259,633
Housing Units400
Rent Burden36.1%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property365/100K
Health
Obesity36.8%
Uninsured12.8%
Smoking20.9%
Depression32.1%
Heart Disease6.3%
Climate
Avg Temp58°F (14°C)
AQI40 (Good)
Rain53.9 in/yr
Sunny Days301/yr
Elevation1,723 ft (525 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+22.3%
High School+90.4%
Graduate+12.6%
School Score5.27
Community
2024 VoteR 84% / D 15%
Commute53 min
Broadband75.7%
EV Stations2
Libraries4
Is Cosby a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Cosby receives an overall livability score of 2.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate, long commute times. Cosby has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. The poverty rate of 26.5% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 53 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Cosby is $160,300, 43% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership.
Safety & Crime
Cosby is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 365 per 100,000, 81% below the national average.
Education
22.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.3/10.
Climate & Weather
Cosby enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F. Winters average 39°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. With 301 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 53.9 inches, including 5.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40.
Cosby has a population of 521 with a density of 94 people per square mile, spread across 5.5 square miles. The median age is 55.8 years, 43% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 56.8% female and 43.2% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.1% of residents. 9.1% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 21.2% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 92.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
55.8yrs
Median Age
43% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.1%
22% above US avg
Spanish
3.9%
71% below US avg
Per capita income is $25,353 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $873, 39% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 26.5% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 594 business establishments, including 64 restaurants. The cost of living index is 91.9, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 53 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 17.5% of workers work from home.
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $25,353 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $873 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $46,938 |
| Gini Index | 0.455 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 26.5% |
| 114% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 594 |
| County GDP | $1,210M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 64 |
| Healthcare | 42 |
| Retail | 114 |
| Manufacturing | 28 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,856 |
| 18% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 91.90 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.78% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 53.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 82.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 17.5% |
The median home value in Cosby is $160,300, 43% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $259,633, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $924 for a one-bedroom to $1,118 for a two-bedroom apartment. 76.1% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 400 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1984. The average annual property tax is $2,856 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 36.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Home Values
| Census Median | $160,300 |
| 43% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $259,633 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $882 |
| 1 Bedroom | $924 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,118 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,445 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,644 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 76.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 76.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 23.9% |
| Housing Units | 400 |
| Median Year Built | 1984 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,856 |
| 18% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.78% |
In Cosby, 36.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.2% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.3% of residents. 35.3% have high blood pressure. 20.9% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 16.0% report binge drinking. 26.9% are physically inactive. 32.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 22.1% experience frequent mental distress. 12.8% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,601. The dentist ratio is 1:5,268. 68.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Cosby vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.8% |
| 15% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.2% |
| Heart Disease | 6.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 35.3% |
| Asthma | 11.4% |
| COPD | 8.8% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 3.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 20.9% |
| 49% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.9% |
| Depression | 32.1% |
| Mental Distress | 22.1% |
| Physical Distress | 15.7% |
| Short Sleep | 41.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 92.2% |
| Uninsured | 12.8% |
| 49% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,601 |
| Dentists | 1:5,268 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,781 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.3% |
| Dental Visits | 52.3% |
| Premature Death | 18,377/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 68.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 42 |
Cosby has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 365 per 100,000, 81% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 7 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Cosby receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Cosby vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 365.0/100K |
| 81% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 7 |
| Traffic Accidents | 137 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.4 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Cosby enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F (14°C). Winters average 39°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. The area gets 301 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 53.9 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 5.6 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40. The city sits at an elevation of 1,723 feet.
Temperature
39°F Jan (4°C)
76°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 58.0°F |
| 7% above US avg |
| January Average | 39°F (4°C) |
| July Average | 76°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 301 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,723 ft (525 m) |
| Area | 5.5 sq mi (14.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 94/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 35.7951°N, 83.2457°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Cocke County County |
| Nearest Airport | Mc Ghee Tyson (TYS) 42 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
53.9"
42% above US avg
Wettest Month (Mar)
5.87"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 40.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 54.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 86.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 8.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
160 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.1. Most recent: M2.5 on Aug 19, 2025.
| May 10, 2025 |
21 km SE of Greenback, Tennessee |
M4.1 |
73 km |
| Aug 17, 1990 |
9 km NNW of Loyall, Kentucky |
M4.0 |
127 km |
| Jan 20, 2020 |
2 km NE of Fincastle, Tennessee |
M3.8 |
100 km |
| Jul 30, 1997 |
6 km NNE of Tazewell, Tennessee |
M3.8 |
84 km |
| Sep 17, 2004 |
8 km ESE of Corbin, Kentucky |
M3.7 |
144 km |
| Jul 5, 1995 |
12 km ESE of Tellico Plains, Tennessee |
M3.7 |
98 km |
| Jun 17, 1998 |
9 km SSE of Coalfield, Tennessee |
M3.6 |
105 km |
| Jun 16, 2006 |
9 km W of Maggie Valley, North Carolina |
M3.4 |
32 km |
| Mar 5, 2019 |
7 km NE of Maynardville, Tennessee |
M3.4 |
71 km |
| Apr 11, 2006 |
5 km NE of Etowah, Tennessee |
M3.3 |
122 km |
| Apr 20, 2010 |
4 km SW of Maryville, Tennessee |
M3.3 |
69 km |
| Aug 31, 2009 |
2 km NNE of Friendsville, Tennessee |
M3.3 |
79 km |
| Jun 4, 2023 |
4 km NNW of West Canton, North Carolina |
M3.2 |
41 km |
| Jan 27, 2009 |
4 km NE of Williamsburg, Kentucky |
M3.2 |
135 km |
| Aug 1, 2009 |
8 km ENE of Ducktown, Tennessee |
M3.2 |
125 km |
| Jul 26, 2001 |
11 km S of New Market, Tennessee |
M3.2 |
36 km |
| Nov 8, 1990 |
5 km SW of Blackey, Kentucky |
M3.2 |
147 km |
| Jul 26, 2001 |
11 km N of Sevierville, Tennessee |
M3.2 |
34 km |
| Mar 7, 2001 |
5 km WNW of Decatur, Tennessee |
M3.2 |
147 km |
| May 10, 2006 |
3 km WNW of Madisonville, Tennessee |
M3.2 |
108 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
1 hurricane (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 1. Most recent: Hugo (1989, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 1989 |
Hugo |
Category 2 |
230 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
155 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 14 fatalities, 220 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF4 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jul 27, 2014 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF3 |
60 km |
2 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF3 |
48 km |
6 |
| Mar 23, 2011 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Feb 21, 1993 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jul 10, 1980 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 2023 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| Mar 2, 2012 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF2 |
81 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF2 |
74 km |
0 |
| Apr 24, 2010 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 8, 2009 |
EF2 |
80 km |
0 |
| Nov 10, 2002 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1984 |
EF2 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jul 6, 1980 |
EF2 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1976 |
EF2 |
53 km |
0 |
| Feb 18, 1976 |
EF2 |
17 km |
0 |
| Jan 10, 1975 |
EF2 |
81 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF2 |
61 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: ROCK MOUNTAIN (25,224 ac, 2016).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2016 |
ROCK MOUNTAIN |
25,224 |
93 km |
| 2016 |
CHIMNEY TOPS 2 |
14,998 |
26 km |
| 2016 |
TELLICO |
14,172 |
63 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
10,327 |
100 km |
| 2016 |
BOTELER |
8,626 |
90 km |
| 2016 |
PARTY ROCK |
8,572 |
98 km |
| 2024 |
RX - T26 BRUSHY RIDGE |
8,324 |
94 km |
| 2016 |
PINNACLE MOUNTAIN |
7,869 |
95 km |
| 2016 |
MAPLE SPRINGS |
7,696 |
77 km |
| 2016 |
SILVER MINE |
6,082 |
43 km |
| 2001 |
SHARP |
6,039 |
38 km |
| 2024 |
RX - T10 MILLER RIDGE |
5,154 |
90 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
4,337 |
95 km |
| 2013 |
BEAVER DAM |
4,336 |
98 km |
| 2022 |
LOST BEAR RX FY2022 |
4,276 |
93 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
3,888 |
90 km |
| 2019 |
COW CAMP |
3,786 |
84 km |
| 2016 |
CAMP BRANCH |
3,234 |
74 km |
| 2023 |
PANTHER KNOB |
3,170 |
80 km |
| 2001 |
LARMAN |
3,072 |
39 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
39°F (4°C) |
4.9 in |
|
| February |
36°F (2°C) |
4.8 in |
Coldest |
| March |
43°F (6°C) |
5.9 in |
Wettest |
| April |
51°F (10°C) |
4.6 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
5.5 in |
|
| June |
65°F (19°C) |
5.0 in |
|
| July |
76°F (24°C) |
5.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
68°F (20°C) |
4.8 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
3.6 in |
Driest |
| November |
45°F (7°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| December |
37°F (3°C) |
4.7 in |
|
Cosby has a seasonal temperature swing of 39°F / from 36°F in February to 76°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 58.1 inches, with March being the wettest month (5.9") and October the driest (3.6").
Average costs for common services in Cosby. 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 Cosby
What is the population of Cosby?
Cosby has a population of 521 residents and is located in Tennessee. The population density is 94 people per square mile, spread across 5.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 55.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 56.8% female and 43.2% male.
Is Cosby expensive to live in?
Cosby is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 91.9 / below the baseline of 100. The median home value is $160,300 (43% below the U.S. median).
Is Cosby safe?
Cosby is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 365 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Cosby receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Cosby?
Cosby enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F (14°C). Winter temperatures average 39°F in January, while summers reach an average of 76°F in July. The area receives 301 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 53.9 inches, with 5.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 40.
How is the job market in Cosby?
The job market in Cosby is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $873. There are 594 business establishments in the area, including 64 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 53 minutes, and 17.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Cosby?
The median home value in Cosby is $160,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $259,633. The homeownership rate is 76.1%. The average annual property tax is $2,856.
How are the schools in Cosby?
Schools in Cosby score 5.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 22.3% of adults in Cosby hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.4% have completed high school. 12.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Cosby?
The obesity rate in Cosby is 36.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 20.9% of adults are smokers. 26.9% are physically inactive. 32.1% of residents report depression. 12.8% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 68.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,601.
What is transportation like in Cosby?
The average commute in Cosby is 53 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 82.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 17.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Cosby?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Cosby is 100% White. 96.1% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.9% speak Spanish. 9.1% of the population are military veterans. 21.2% of residents have a disability. 92.2% have health insurance coverage.