Median Income
$56,458
25% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
10.4%
69% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
43.4%
35% higher than US avg
Unemployment
14.5%
303% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Grimsley Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population940
Median Age47.6 yrs
Density86/mi²
Male / Female42% / 59%
Largest GroupWhite 88%
Veterans6.3%
Economy
C+
Median Income$56,458
Per Capita$18,307
Unemployment14.5%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$769M
Commute18 min
Housing
Ownership95.0%
Zillow$266,625
Housing Units380
Rent Burden28.3%
Health
Obesity43.4%
Uninsured41.9%
Smoking21.9%
Depression31.2%
Heart Disease6.9%
Climate
Avg Temp56°F (13°C)
Rain59.8 in/yr
Elevation1,729 ft (527 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+10.4%
High School+78.7%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score4.82
Community
2024 VoteR 88% / D 12%
Commute18 min
Broadband82.1%
EV Stations1
Libraries1
Is Grimsley a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Grimsley receives an overall livability score of 2.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, a high uninsured rate, below-average incomes. Grimsley has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Grimsley is $56,458, 25% below the national average of $75,149. At 14.5%, unemployment is notably high. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Education
10.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 78.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Grimsley enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F. Winters average 36°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 59.8 inches, including 13.2 inches of snow.
Grimsley has a population of 940 with a density of 86 people per square mile, spread across 10.9 square miles. The median age is 47.6 years, 22% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 58.5% female and 41.5% male. The city is predominantly White (88.2%), with 20.1% Hispanic, 3.6% Asian. English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.9% of residents. 6.3% of the population are veterans. 10.2% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 58.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
940
Total Population
2023 Census
47.6yrs
Median Age
22% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.9%
23% above US avg
Spanish
2.6%
81% below US avg
The median household income in Grimsley is $56,458, which is 25% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $18,307 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $800, 44% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 14.5% (above the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 409 business establishments, including 20 restaurants. The cost of living index is 91.9, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 9.6% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $56,458 |
| 25% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $18,307 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $800 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $55,168 |
| Gini Index | 0.416 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 14.5% |
| 303% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 409 |
| County GDP | $769M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 20 |
| Healthcare | 31 |
| Retail | 58 |
| Manufacturing | 19 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,144 |
| 10% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 91.90 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 17.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 77.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 9.6% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $266,625. Fair market rent ranges from $924 for a one-bedroom to $1,118 for a two-bedroom apartment. 95.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 380 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1988. The average annual property tax is $3,144. 28.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
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 | 95.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 95.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 5.0% |
| Housing Units | 380 |
| Median Year Built | 1988 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,144 |
| 10% below US avg |
In Grimsley, 43.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 12.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.9% of residents, above the national average. 37.0% have high blood pressure. 21.9% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 16.1% report binge drinking. 28.5% are physically inactive. 31.2% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 22.3% experience frequent mental distress. 41.9% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,142. The dentist ratio is 1:19,332. 68.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Grimsley vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 43.4% |
| 35% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.1% |
| Heart Disease | 6.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 37.0% |
| Asthma | 11.0% |
| COPD | 9.6% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 3.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 21.9% |
| 56% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 28.5% |
| Depression | 31.2% |
| Mental Distress | 22.3% |
| Physical Distress | 16.3% |
| Short Sleep | 39.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 58.1% |
| Uninsured | 41.9% |
| 387% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,142 |
| Dentists | 1:19,332 |
| Mental Health | 1:2,462 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.1% |
| Dental Visits | 54.5% |
| Premature Death | 15,614/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 68.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 31 |
Grimsley enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (13°C). Winters average 36°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 59.8 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 13.2 inches of snow annually. The city sits at an elevation of 1,729 feet.
Temperature
36°F Jan (2°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 55.5°F |
| 3% above US avg |
| January Average | 36°F (2°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,729 ft (527 m) |
| Area | 10.9 sq mi (28.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 86/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 36.2761°N, 84.9969°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Fentress County County |
| Nearest Airport | Lake Cumberland Regional (SME)
58 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
59.8"
57% above US avg
Wettest Month (Mar)
5.75"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 28.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 87.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 18.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
158 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 |
122 km |
| Jul 30, 1997 |
6 km NNE of Tazewell, Tennessee |
M3.8 |
132 km |
| Jan 20, 2020 |
2 km NE of Fincastle, Tennessee |
M3.8 |
89 km |
| Sep 17, 2004 |
8 km ESE of Corbin, Kentucky |
M3.7 |
115 km |
| Jul 5, 1995 |
12 km ESE of Tellico Plains, Tennessee |
M3.7 |
129 km |
| Jun 17, 1998 |
9 km SSE of Coalfield, Tennessee |
M3.6 |
66 km |
| Jul 19, 1997 |
12 km E of Cohutta, Georgia |
M3.5 |
148 km |
| Jun 19, 2007 |
10 km ENE of Spencer, Tennessee |
M3.5 |
63 km |
| Mar 5, 2019 |
7 km NE of Maynardville, Tennessee |
M3.4 |
113 km |
| Apr 20, 2010 |
4 km SW of Maryville, Tennessee |
M3.3 |
109 km |
| Apr 11, 2006 |
5 km NE of Etowah, Tennessee |
M3.3 |
112 km |
| Aug 31, 2009 |
2 km NNE of Friendsville, Tennessee |
M3.3 |
96 km |
| Mar 18, 1995 |
10 km SE of Dayton, Tennessee |
M3.3 |
95 km |
| Jan 27, 2009 |
4 km NE of Williamsburg, Kentucky |
M3.2 |
95 km |
| Aug 1, 2009 |
8 km ENE of Ducktown, Tennessee |
M3.2 |
149 km |
| Jul 26, 2001 |
11 km N of Sevierville, Tennessee |
M3.2 |
134 km |
| Mar 7, 2001 |
5 km WNW of Decatur, Tennessee |
M3.2 |
84 km |
| Mar 7, 2001 |
6 km NW of Decatur, Tennessee |
M3.2 |
82 km |
| Jul 26, 2001 |
11 km S of New Market, Tennessee |
M3.2 |
133 km |
| May 10, 2006 |
3 km WNW of Madisonville, Tennessee |
M3.2 |
99 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
277 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 93 fatalities, 1,026 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 3, 2020 |
EF4 |
61 km |
19 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
28 km |
5 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
58 km |
10 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
53 km |
10 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
44 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
8 km |
7 |
| Apr 27, 1971 |
EF4 |
90 km |
2 |
| May 2, 1953 |
EF4 |
86 km |
4 |
| Jul 27, 2014 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Mar 23, 2011 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Nov 10, 2002 |
EF3 |
43 km |
4 |
| Nov 10, 2002 |
EF3 |
45 km |
7 |
| Apr 16, 1998 |
EF3 |
33 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 1997 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| May 18, 1995 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| Feb 21, 1993 |
EF3 |
72 km |
1 |
| Feb 21, 1993 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Feb 21, 1993 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 1986 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1974 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (11,663 ac, 1987).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
11,663 |
55 km |
| 2016 |
STINKING CREEK |
10,768 |
74 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
10,327 |
95 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
8,064 |
63 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
6,590 |
99 km |
| 1987 |
K-T FIRE |
6,372 |
67 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
5,973 |
67 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
5,371 |
57 km |
| 2003 |
UNNAMED |
4,675 |
45 km |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
4,635 |
16 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
4,194 |
89 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
3,940 |
74 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
3,907 |
92 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
3,854 |
58 km |
| 2009 |
GOBBLERS KNOB B |
3,851 |
41 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
3,571 |
72 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
3,539 |
54 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
3,258 |
93 km |
| 2016 |
WHITE OAK CIRCLE |
3,182 |
38 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
3,123 |
87 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
36°F (2°C) |
4.9 in |
Coldest |
| February |
39°F (4°C) |
5.0 in |
|
| March |
47°F (8°C) |
5.8 in |
Wettest |
| April |
56°F (13°C) |
5.4 in |
|
| May |
63°F (17°C) |
5.2 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
5.6 in |
|
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
5.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| September |
67°F (20°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| October |
57°F (14°C) |
3.2 in |
Driest |
| November |
46°F (8°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| December |
39°F (4°C) |
5.7 in |
|
Grimsley has a seasonal temperature swing of 38°F / from 36°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 59.8 inches, with March being the wettest month (5.8") and October the driest (3.2").
Average costs for common services in Grimsley. 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 Grimsley
What is the population of Grimsley?
Grimsley has a population of 940 residents and is located in Tennessee. The population density is 86 people per square mile, spread across 10.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 47.6 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 58.5% female and 41.5% male.
Is Grimsley expensive to live in?
Grimsley 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 $56,458, 25% below the national average of $75,149.
What is the weather like in Grimsley?
Grimsley enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (13°C). Winter temperatures average 36°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 59.8 inches, with 13.2 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Grimsley?
The job market in Grimsley faces challenges, with unemployment at 14.5% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $800. There are 409 business establishments in the area, including 20 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 18 minutes, and 9.6% of workers work from home.
How are the schools in Grimsley?
Schools in Grimsley have an average test score of 4.8 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 10.4% of adults in Grimsley hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 78.7% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Grimsley?
The obesity rate in Grimsley is 43.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 21.9% of adults are smokers. 28.5% are physically inactive. 31.2% of residents report depression. 41.9% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 68.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,142.
What is transportation like in Grimsley?
The average commute in Grimsley is 18 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 77.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 9.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Grimsley?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Grimsley is 88.2% White, 20.1% Hispanic or Latino, 3.6% Asian. 96.9% of residents speak only English at home. 6.3% of the population are military veterans. 10.2% of residents have a disability. 58.1% have health insurance coverage.