Median Income
$39,815
47% lower than US avg
Home Value
$88,500
69% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
322/100K
15% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
10.9%
68% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$759
35% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
45.9%
43% higher than US avg
Unemployment
11.9%
231% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
26.9%
117% higher than US avg
How Gates Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population612
Median Age31.8 yrs
Density862/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 35%
Veterans1.5%
Economy
D
Median Income$39,815
Per Capita$18,560
Unemployment11.9%
Poverty26.9%
County GDP$954M
Commute37 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$88,500
Rent$759
Ownership42.3%
Zillow$124,017
Housing Units269
Rent Burden27.8%
Crime
F
Violent322/100K
Property2,738/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault161/100K
Burglary1,127/100K
Health
Obesity45.9%
Uninsured14.0%
Smoking20.2%
Depression27.9%
Heart Disease5.9%
Climate
Avg Temp60°F (16°C)
AQI40 (Good)
Rain56.8 in/yr
Sunny Days301/yr
Elevation312 ft (95 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+10.9%
High School+85.7%
Graduate+4.3%
School Score4.60
Community
2024 VoteR 68% / D 31%
Commute37 min
Broadband84.6%
EV Stations1
Libraries2
Is Gates a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Gates receives an overall livability score of 2.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate. Gates has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Gates is $39,815, 47% below the national average of $75,149. At 11.9%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 26.9% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 37 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Gates is $88,500, 69% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $759 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Gates is below the national average at 322 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,738 per 100,000, 40% above the national average.
Education
10.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 85.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.6/10.
Climate & Weather
Gates enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 60°F. Winters average 39°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. With 301 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 56.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40.
Gates has a population of 612 with a density of 862 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age is 31.8 years, 18% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52% female and 48% male. The city is predominantly Black (60.6%), with 35.1% White. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 1.5% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 18.0% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 86.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
31.8yrs
Median Age
18% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Gates is $39,815, which is 47% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $18,560 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $937, 35% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 11.9% (above the 3.6% US average). 26.9% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 377 business establishments, including 25 restaurants. The cost of living index is 91.9, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 37 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 1.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $39,815 |
| 47% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $18,560 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $937 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $51,201 |
| Gini Index | 0.453 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 11.9% |
| 231% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 26.9% |
| 117% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 377 |
| County GDP | $954M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 25 |
| Healthcare | 32 |
| Retail | 62 |
| Manufacturing | 14 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $1,969 |
| 44% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 91.90 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.22% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 36.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 86.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 1.1% |
The median home value in Gates is $88,500, 69% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $124,017, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $759 (35% 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. 42.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 269 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1974. The average annual property tax is $1,969 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 27.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $88,500 |
| 69% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $124,017 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $759 |
| 35% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 27.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $882 |
| 1 Bedroom | $924 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,118 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,445 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,644 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 42.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 42.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 57.7% |
| Housing Units | 269 |
| Median Year Built | 1974 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $1,969 |
| 44% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.22% |
In Gates, 45.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 13.8% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.9% of residents. 40.6% have high blood pressure. 20.2% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 13.3% report binge drinking. 30.8% are physically inactive, above the national average. 27.9% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 22.3% experience frequent mental distress. 14.0% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:6,277. The dentist ratio is 1:4,959. 48.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Gates vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 45.9% |
| 43% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 13.8% |
| Heart Disease | 5.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 40.6% |
| Asthma | 12.5% |
| COPD | 8.3% |
| Cancer | 6.1% |
| Stroke | 3.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 20.2% |
| 44% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 13.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 30.8% |
| Depression | 27.9% |
| Mental Distress | 22.3% |
| Physical Distress | 15.5% |
| Short Sleep | 47.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 86.3% |
| Uninsured | 14.0% |
| 63% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:6,277 |
| Dentists | 1:4,959 |
| Mental Health | 1:3,516 |
| Checkup Rate | 78.1% |
| Dental Visits | 50.2% |
| Premature Death | 14,551/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 48.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 32 |
Gates has a violent crime rate of 322 per 100,000 residents, 15% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 161.0 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 161.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 2,738 per 100,000, 40% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,449, burglary at 1,127, vehicle theft at 161 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 6 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Gates receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Gates vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 322.1/100K |
| 15% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 161.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 161.0/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,737.5/100K |
| 40% above US avg |
| Burglary | 1,127.2/100K |
| Theft | 1,449.3/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 161.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 6 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Gates enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 60°F (16°C). Winters average 39°F in January while summers reach 80°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 56.8 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 2.4 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40. The city sits at an elevation of 312 feet.
Temperature
39°F Jan (4°C)
80°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 60.2°F |
| 11% above US avg |
| January Average | 39°F (4°C) |
| July Average | 80°F (27°C) |
| Sunny Days | 301 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 312 ft (95 m) |
| Area | 0.7 sq mi (1.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 862/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 35.8405°N, 89.4081°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Lauderdale County County |
| Nearest Airport | Arkansas International (BYH)
31 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
56.8"
50% above US avg
Wettest Month (Dec)
5.20"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 40.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 71.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 88.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 40.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Moderate |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
365 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.8. Most recent: M3.1 on Aug 1, 2025.
| Sep 26, 1990 |
4 km SE of Chaffee, Missouri |
M4.8 |
147 km |
| May 4, 1991 |
2 km NNW of Risco, Missouri |
M4.5 |
90 km |
| May 1, 2005 |
5 km SSE of Manila, Arkansas |
M4.2 |
67 km |
| Feb 10, 2005 |
3 km NNW of Etowah, Arkansas |
M4.1 |
77 km |
| Apr 30, 2003 |
1 km N of Blytheville, Arkansas |
M4.0 |
47 km |
| Jun 2, 2005 |
12 km S of Ridgely, Tennessee |
M4.0 |
35 km |
| Jun 6, 2003 |
1 km NE of Bardwell, Kentucky |
M4.0 |
121 km |
| Oct 29, 2012 |
8 km SW of Parkin, Arkansas |
M3.9 |
132 km |
| Feb 21, 2012 |
4 km SSE of Bertrand, Missouri |
M3.9 |
115 km |
| May 16, 2024 |
6 km S of Ridgely, Tennessee |
M3.8 |
41 km |
| Nov 29, 1996 |
1 km W of Blytheville, Arkansas |
M3.8 |
49 km |
| Sep 17, 1997 |
2 km E of Trumann, Arkansas |
M3.8 |
99 km |
| Feb 23, 2013 |
7 km SW of Trumann, Arkansas |
M3.7 |
107 km |
| Mar 2, 2010 |
2 km ENE of East Prairie, Missouri |
M3.7 |
106 km |
| Apr 24, 2019 |
12 km NNW of Dyersburg, Tennessee |
M3.7 |
33 km |
| Jan 16, 2018 |
4 km SW of Caruthersville, Missouri |
M3.6 |
44 km |
| Oct 15, 2017 |
6 km SE of Manila, Arkansas |
M3.6 |
64 km |
| Jun 20, 2005 |
4 km WSW of Blandville, Kentucky |
M3.6 |
126 km |
| Apr 2, 2015 |
1 km WNW of Cooter, Missouri |
M3.6 |
44 km |
| Mar 15, 2017 |
9 km ESE of Wyatt, Missouri |
M3.6 |
119 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
530 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 239 fatalities, 1,928 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Dec 10, 2021 |
EF4 |
76 km |
57 |
| Feb 5, 2008 |
EF4 |
53 km |
0 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF4 |
49 km |
11 |
| Jan 17, 1999 |
EF4 |
56 km |
6 |
| Apr 16, 1998 |
EF4 |
70 km |
2 |
| Mar 1, 1997 |
EF4 |
36 km |
0 |
| Mar 1, 1997 |
EF4 |
27 km |
1 |
| Mar 1, 1997 |
EF4 |
70 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1971 |
EF4 |
62 km |
3 |
| Apr 3, 1956 |
EF4 |
90 km |
3 |
| Mar 21, 1952 |
EF4 |
31 km |
4 |
| Mar 21, 1952 |
EF4 |
44 km |
17 |
| Mar 21, 1952 |
EF4 |
27 km |
2 |
| Mar 21, 1952 |
EF4 |
74 km |
38 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
93 km |
9 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
57 km |
1 |
| Dec 10, 2021 |
EF3 |
34 km |
0 |
| Feb 5, 2008 |
EF3 |
52 km |
3 |
| Apr 2, 2006 |
EF3 |
50 km |
2 |
| Apr 2, 2006 |
EF3 |
43 km |
6 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Tsunami History
1 tsunami recorded within 500 km.
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1811 |
AR: NE - NEW MADRID EARTHQUAKES |
Eruption + Earthquake |
— |
— |
94 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Wildfire History
2 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (1,010 ac, 1996).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
1,010 |
86 km |
| 2005 |
WAPANOCCA LAKE |
725 |
93 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
39°F (4°C) |
3.6 in |
Coldest |
| February |
41°F (5°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| March |
50°F (10°C) |
5.1 in |
|
| April |
60°F (15°C) |
4.8 in |
|
| May |
68°F (20°C) |
5.0 in |
|
| June |
76°F (25°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| July |
80°F (27°C) |
4.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
78°F (26°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| September |
72°F (22°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| October |
61°F (16°C) |
3.0 in |
Driest |
| November |
50°F (10°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| December |
41°F (5°C) |
5.2 in |
Wettest |
Gates has a seasonal temperature swing of 41°F / from 39°F in January to 80°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 50.7 inches, with December being the wettest month (5.2") and October the driest (3.0").
Average costs for common services in Gates. 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 Gates
What is the population of Gates?
Gates has a population of 612 residents and is located in Tennessee. The population density is 862 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 31.8 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52% female and 48% male.
Is Gates expensive to live in?
Gates 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 $39,815, 47% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $88,500 (69% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $759 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Gates safe?
Gates is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 322 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,738 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Gates receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Gates?
Gates enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 60°F (16°C). Winter temperatures average 39°F in January, while summers reach an average of 80°F in July. The area receives 301 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 56.8 inches, with 2.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 40.
How is the job market in Gates?
The job market in Gates faces challenges, with unemployment at 11.9% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $937. There are 377 business establishments in the area, including 25 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 37 minutes, and 1.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Gates?
The median home value in Gates is $88,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $124,017. For renters, the median monthly rent is $759. Fair market rent is $924 for a 1-bedroom and $1,118 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 42.3%. The average annual property tax is $1,969.
How are the schools in Gates?
Schools in Gates have an average test score of 4.6 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 10.9% of adults in Gates hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 85.7% have completed high school. 4.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Gates?
The obesity rate in Gates is 45.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 20.2% of adults are smokers. 30.8% are physically inactive. 27.9% of residents report depression. 14.0% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 48.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:6,277.
What is transportation like in Gates?
The average commute in Gates is 37 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 86.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 1.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Gates?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Gates is 35.1% White, 60.6% Black or African American. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 1.5% of the population are military veterans. 18.0% of residents have a disability. 86.3% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
