Median Income
$37,295
50% lower than US avg
Home Value
$122,500
57% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
370/100K
3% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
11.7%
65% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$716
38% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.7%
21% higher than US avg
Unemployment
12.7%
253% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
31.0%
150% higher than US avg
How Cowan Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,777
Median Age36.8 yrs
Density842/mi²
Male / Female46% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 85%
Veterans9.8%
Economy
F
Median Income$37,295
Per Capita$19,627
Unemployment12.7%
Poverty31.0%
County GDP$1,833M
Commute27 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$122,500
Rent$716
Ownership56.0%
Zillow$189,864
Housing Units781
Rent Burden27.9%
Crime
F
Violent370/100K
Property616/100K
Health
Obesity38.7%
Uninsured9.9%
Smoking23.0%
Depression32.8%
Heart Disease6.9%
Climate
Avg Temp59°F (15°C)
Rain57.7 in/yr
Elevation985 ft (300 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+11.7%
High School+80.8%
Graduate+3.9%
School Score4.85
Community
2024 VoteR 76% / D 23%
Commute27 min
Broadband75.4%
EV Stations3
Libraries1
Is Cowan a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Cowan receives an overall livability score of 2.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Cowan has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Cowan is $37,295, 50% below the national average of $75,149. At 12.7%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 31.0% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Cowan is $122,500, 57% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $716 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.3x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Cowan is below the national average at 370 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 616 per 100,000, 69% below the national average.
Education
11.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 80.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Cowan enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 59°F. Winters average 40°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 57.7 inches.
Cowan has a population of 1,777 with a density of 842 people per square mile, spread across 2.1 square miles. The median age is 36.8 years, 5% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 54.3% female and 45.7% male. The city is predominantly White (85.4%), with 1.2% Hispanic, 9.3% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.9% of residents. 9.8% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 24.3% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 90.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
1,777
Total Population
2023 Census
36.8yrs
Median Age
5% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.9%
26% above US avg
Spanish
1.5%
89% below US avg
The median household income in Cowan is $37,295, which is 50% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $19,627 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,019, 29% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 12.7% (above the 3.6% US average). 31.0% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,017 business establishments, including 70 restaurants. The cost of living index is 91.9, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes. 6.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $37,295 |
| 50% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $19,627 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,019 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $67,053 |
| Gini Index | 0.459 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 12.7% |
| 253% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 31.0% |
| 150% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,017 |
| County GDP | $1,833M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 70 |
| Healthcare | 91 |
| Retail | 139 |
| Manufacturing | 43 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,464 |
| 1% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 91.90 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.83% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 27.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 84.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.3% |
The median home value in Cowan is $122,500, 57% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $189,864, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $716 (38% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $924 for a one-bedroom to $1,118 for a two-bedroom apartment. 56.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 781 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1973. The average annual property tax is $3,464. 27.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.3x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $122,500 |
| 57% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $189,864 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $716 |
| 38% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 27.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $882 |
| 1 Bedroom | $924 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,118 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,445 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,644 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 56.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 56.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 44.0% |
| Housing Units | 781 |
| Median Year Built | 1973 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,464 |
| 1% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.83% |
In Cowan, 38.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 13.3% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 6.9% of residents, above the national average. 39.1% have high blood pressure. 23.0% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 15.0% report binge drinking. 32.3% are physically inactive, above the national average. 32.8% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 23.0% experience frequent mental distress. 9.9% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,801. The dentist ratio is 1:3,380. 38.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Cowan vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.7% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 13.3% |
| Heart Disease | 6.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 39.1% |
| Asthma | 11.9% |
| COPD | 10.1% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 3.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 23.0% |
| 64% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 15.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 32.3% |
| Depression | 32.8% |
| Mental Distress | 23.0% |
| Physical Distress | 16.8% |
| Short Sleep | 43.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 90.1% |
| Uninsured | 9.9% |
| 15% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,801 |
| Dentists | 1:3,380 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,595 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.9% |
| Dental Visits | 49.1% |
| Premature Death | 10,893/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 38.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 91 |
Cowan has a violent crime rate of 370 per 100,000 residents, 3% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 616 per 100,000, 69% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 8 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Cowan receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Cowan vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 369.6/100K |
| 3% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 616.0/100K |
| 69% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 8 |
| Traffic Accidents | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Cowan enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 59°F (15°C). Winters average 40°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 57.7 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 4.1 inches of snow annually. The city sits at an elevation of 985 feet.
Temperature
40°F Jan (4°C)
78°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 59.2°F |
| 10% above US avg |
| January Average | 40°F (4°C) |
| July Average | 78°F (25°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 985 ft (300 m) |
| Area | 2.1 sq mi (5.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 842/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 35.1630°N, 86.0141°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Franklin County County |
| Nearest Airport | Tullahoma Regional/Wm Northern Field (THA)
20 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
57.7"
52% above US avg
Wettest Month (Mar)
5.76"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 57.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 38.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 39.8 / 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 Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
111 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 |
82 km |
| Dec 8, 2001 |
5 km SW of Pleasant Groves, Alabama |
M3.9 |
54 km |
| Jul 19, 1997 |
12 km E of Cohutta, Georgia |
M3.5 |
112 km |
| Jun 19, 2007 |
10 km ENE of Spencer, Tennessee |
M3.5 |
92 km |
| Apr 11, 2006 |
5 km NE of Etowah, Tennessee |
M3.3 |
141 km |
| Mar 18, 1995 |
10 km SE of Dayton, Tennessee |
M3.3 |
102 km |
| Apr 5, 1994 |
10 km N of Trenton, Georgia |
M3.2 |
52 km |
| May 6, 2010 |
11 km ENE of Whitesboro, Alabama |
M3.2 |
109 km |
| Mar 7, 2001 |
5 km WNW of Decatur, Tennessee |
M3.2 |
114 km |
| Mar 7, 2001 |
6 km NW of Decatur, Tennessee |
M3.2 |
114 km |
| Mar 21, 2001 |
7 km ESE of Trenton, Georgia |
M3.2 |
63 km |
| May 10, 2020 |
7 km SSE of Sewanee, Tennessee |
M3.1 |
11 km |
| Jun 23, 2008 |
10 km ESE of Cohutta, Georgia |
M3.1 |
110 km |
| Jan 15, 1993 |
1 km N of Apison, Tennessee |
M3.1 |
91 km |
| May 2, 2003 |
8 km S of Valley Head, Alabama |
M3.1 |
83 km |
| Oct 30, 1991 |
9 km NNE of Eton, Georgia |
M3.1 |
122 km |
| Apr 29, 2003 |
7 km E of Fort Payne, Alabama |
M3.1 |
87 km |
| Nov 1, 2009 |
1 km ESE of South Cleveland, Tennessee |
M3.0 |
106 km |
| May 4, 1994 |
12 km NNW of Addison, Alabama |
M3.0 |
148 km |
| Jan 21, 2022 |
16 km NNE of Eton, Georgia |
M2.9 |
120 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
564 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 142 fatalities, 2,157 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF5 |
86 km |
25 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF4 |
42 km |
1 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF4 |
60 km |
14 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF4 |
57 km |
4 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF4 |
83 km |
20 |
| Apr 24, 2010 |
EF4 |
95 km |
0 |
| Feb 6, 2008 |
EF4 |
57 km |
1 |
| Jan 24, 1997 |
EF4 |
82 km |
0 |
| May 18, 1995 |
EF4 |
100 km |
1 |
| Nov 15, 1989 |
EF4 |
81 km |
21 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
48 km |
11 |
| May 19, 1973 |
EF4 |
81 km |
0 |
| Feb 29, 1952 |
EF4 |
52 km |
2 |
| Feb 13, 1952 |
EF4 |
26 km |
3 |
| May 8, 2024 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| Apr 1, 2023 |
EF3 |
55 km |
1 |
| Apr 12, 2020 |
EF3 |
73 km |
2 |
| Nov 30, 2016 |
EF3 |
57 km |
4 |
| Apr 28, 2014 |
EF3 |
52 km |
2 |
| Mar 2, 2012 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (4,213 ac, 2001).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
4,213 |
50 km |
| 1987 |
STATEC0045 |
2,669 |
89 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
2,638 |
55 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
2,405 |
89 km |
| 2007 |
WILDCAT BRANCH WFIRE |
2,285 |
92 km |
| 2018 |
RUFF CREEK |
2,281 |
98 km |
| 2016 |
BRIDGE CREEK ROAD |
1,777 |
42 km |
| 2014 |
SOUTH EAST COMPLEX |
1,753 |
92 km |
| 2016 |
BENCH BLUFF |
1,715 |
85 km |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
1,691 |
39 km |
| 2015 |
UNNAMED |
1,669 |
99 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
1,530 |
98 km |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
1,491 |
100 km |
| 2006 |
RD07-09 |
1,394 |
89 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
1,271 |
14 km |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
1,250 |
75 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
1,236 |
64 km |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
1,210 |
52 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
1,201 |
59 km |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
1,173 |
54 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
40°F (4°C) |
4.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
43°F (6°C) |
5.4 in |
|
| March |
51°F (10°C) |
5.8 in |
Wettest |
| April |
59°F (15°C) |
5.1 in |
|
| May |
67°F (20°C) |
4.8 in |
|
| June |
74°F (24°C) |
5.2 in |
|
| July |
78°F (25°C) |
4.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
77°F (25°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
71°F (22°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| October |
60°F (16°C) |
3.4 in |
Driest |
| November |
49°F (10°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| December |
42°F (6°C) |
5.8 in |
|
Cowan has a seasonal temperature swing of 38°F / from 40°F in January to 78°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 57.7 inches, with March being the wettest month (5.8") and October the driest (3.4").
Average costs for common services in Cowan. 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 Cowan
What is the population of Cowan?
Cowan has a population of 1,777 residents and is located in Tennessee. The population density is 842 people per square mile, spread across 2.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 36.8 years. The population is 54.3% female and 45.7% male.
Is Cowan expensive to live in?
Cowan 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 $37,295, 50% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $122,500 (57% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $716 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Cowan safe?
Cowan is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 370 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 616 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Cowan receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Cowan?
Cowan enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 59°F (15°C). Winter temperatures average 40°F in January, while summers reach an average of 78°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 57.7 inches, with 4.1 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Cowan?
The job market in Cowan faces challenges, with unemployment at 12.7% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,019. There are 1,017 business establishments in the area, including 70 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 27 minutes, and 6.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Cowan?
The median home value in Cowan is $122,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $189,864. For renters, the median monthly rent is $716. Fair market rent is $924 for a 1-bedroom and $1,118 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 56.0%. The average annual property tax is $3,464.
How are the schools in Cowan?
Schools in Cowan have an average test score of 4.8 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 11.7% of adults in Cowan hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 80.8% have completed high school. 3.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Cowan?
The obesity rate in Cowan is 38.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 23.0% of adults are smokers. 32.3% are physically inactive. 32.8% of residents report depression. 9.9% lack health insurance. 38.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,801.
What is transportation like in Cowan?
The average commute in Cowan is 27 minutes. 84.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Cowan?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Cowan is 85.4% White, 9.3% Black or African American, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino. 98.9% of residents speak only English at home. 9.8% of the population are military veterans. 24.3% of residents have a disability. 90.1% have health insurance coverage.