Median Income
$51,763
31% lower than US avg
Home Value
$163,100
42% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
19.0%
44% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$684
41% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.9%
12% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.1%
42% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
3.4%
73% lower than US avg
How Hunter Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,997
Median Age39.6 yrs
Density312/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 98%
Veterans3.0%
Economy
A
Median Income$51,763
Per Capita$31,633
Unemployment2.1%
Poverty3.4%
County GDP$1,556M
Commute27 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$163,100
Rent$684
Ownership85.1%
Zillow$224,793
Housing Units1,103
Rent Burden18.4%
Health
Obesity35.9%
Uninsured6.0%
Smoking19.0%
Depression32.9%
Heart Disease6.1%
Climate
Avg Temp56°F (13°C)
Rain48.0 in/yr
Elevation2,995 ft (913 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+19.0%
High School+93.6%
Graduate+4.9%
School Score5.03
Community
2024 VoteR 81% / D 18%
Commute27 min
Broadband97.4%
EV Stations3
Libraries1
Is Hunter a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Hunter receives an overall livability score of 3.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Hunter offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Hunter is $51,763, 31% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.1%. Only 3.4% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Hunter is $163,100, 42% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $684 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.2x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Education
19.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5/10.
Climate & Weather
Hunter enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F. Winters average 36°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 48.0 inches, including 6.0 inches of snow.
Hunter has a population of 1,997 with a density of 312 people per square mile, spread across 6.4 square miles. The median age is 39.6 years, 2% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.2% female and 48.8% male. The city is predominantly White (97.8%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 3.0% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 18.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 94.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
1,997
Total Population
2023 Census
39.6yrs
Median Age
2% above 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 Hunter is $51,763, which is 31% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $31,633 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $915, 36% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.1% (below the 3.6% US average). 3.4% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 880 business establishments, including 82 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. 7.6% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $51,763 |
| 31% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $31,633 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $915 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $55,024 |
| Gini Index | 0.449 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.1% |
| 42% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 3.4% |
| 73% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 880 |
| County GDP | $1,556M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 82 |
| Healthcare | 84 |
| Retail | 141 |
| Manufacturing | 26 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,250 |
| 7% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 91.90 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.99% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 26.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 92.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 7.6% |
The median home value in Hunter is $163,100, 42% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $224,793, higher than the Census estimate. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $252,000 with homes selling in an average of 108 days. Homes sell for 96.4% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $684 (41% 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. 85.1% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,103 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1970. The average annual property tax is $3,250. 18.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.2x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $163,100 |
| 42% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $224,793 |
| Redfin Median Sale | $252,000 |
| Median List Price | $319,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median Sale Price | $252,000 |
| Median List Price | $319,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $212 |
| Homes Sold | 2 |
| Days on Market | 108 days |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 96.4% |
| Price Drops | 42.9% |
| Inventory | 7 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $684 |
| 41% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 18.4% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $882 |
| 1 Bedroom | $924 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,118 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,445 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,644 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 85.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 85.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 14.9% |
| Housing Units | 1,103 |
| Median Year Built | 1970 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,250 |
| 7% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.99% |
In Hunter, 35.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.1% of residents. 36.0% have high blood pressure. 19.0% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 16.3% report binge drinking. 26.5% are physically inactive. 32.9% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 21.5% experience frequent mental distress. 6.0% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,302. The dentist ratio is 1:2,820. 79.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 5.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Hunter vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.9% |
| 12% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.1% |
| Heart Disease | 6.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 36.0% |
| Asthma | 11.2% |
| COPD | 8.1% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 19.0% |
| 36% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.5% |
| Depression | 32.9% |
| Mental Distress | 21.5% |
| Physical Distress | 15.2% |
| Short Sleep | 43.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.0% |
| Uninsured | 6.0% |
| 30% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,302 |
| Dentists | 1:2,820 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,462 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.3% |
| Dental Visits | 55.4% |
| Premature Death | 12,616/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 5.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 79.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 84 |
Hunter enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (13°C). Winters average 36°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 48.0 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 6.0 inches of snow annually. The city sits at an elevation of 2,995 feet.
Temperature
36°F Jan (2°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 55.9°F |
| 4% above US avg |
| January Average | 36°F (2°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,995 ft (913 m) |
| Area | 6.4 sq mi (16.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 312/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 36.4019°N, 82.1506°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Carter County County |
| Nearest Airport | Foothills Regional (MRN) 50 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
48.0"
26% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
5.86"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 63.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 83.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 17.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively 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
81 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M2.7 on Aug 14, 2025.
| Nov 10, 2012 |
6 km W of Blackey, Kentucky |
M4.2 |
115 km |
| Aug 17, 1990 |
9 km NNW of Loyall, Kentucky |
M4.0 |
125 km |
| Jul 30, 1997 |
6 km NNE of Tazewell, Tennessee |
M3.8 |
126 km |
| Jun 26, 1995 |
6 km NNW of Trout Dale, Virginia |
M3.4 |
71 km |
| Jun 16, 2006 |
9 km W of Maggie Valley, North Carolina |
M3.4 |
137 km |
| Feb 12, 1994 |
10 km NNW of Abingdon, Virginia |
M3.4 |
46 km |
| Mar 5, 2019 |
7 km NE of Maynardville, Tennessee |
M3.4 |
143 km |
| Jun 4, 2023 |
4 km NNW of West Canton, North Carolina |
M3.2 |
112 km |
| Nov 8, 1990 |
5 km SW of Blackey, Kentucky |
M3.2 |
111 km |
| Jul 26, 2001 |
11 km S of New Market, Tennessee |
M3.2 |
134 km |
| Jul 26, 2001 |
11 km N of Sevierville, Tennessee |
M3.2 |
135 km |
| Apr 29, 2018 |
10 km WSW of Bean Station, Tennessee |
M3.1 |
112 km |
| Aug 4, 2007 |
12 km ENE of Lake Lure, North Carolina |
M3.0 |
102 km |
| Nov 24, 2012 |
7 km NE of Sevierville, Tennessee |
M3.0 |
133 km |
| Jul 7, 1995 |
3 km NW of Mountain City, Tennessee |
M3.0 |
30 km |
| Jan 1, 1993 |
4 km SSW of Spruce Pine, North Carolina |
M3.0 |
59 km |
| Apr 13, 2001 |
11 km W of Sneedville, Tennessee |
M3.0 |
107 km |
| Jul 17, 2019 |
7 km SW of New Tazewell, Tennessee |
M3.0 |
134 km |
| Apr 5, 2005 |
1 km SE of Blaine, Tennessee |
M2.9 |
141 km |
| Aug 25, 2013 |
3 km NNE of Blowing Rock, North Carolina |
M2.9 |
51 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 1 |
212 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980-2026)
Tornado History
124 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 16 fatalities, 217 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 7, 1998 |
EF4 |
91 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF3 |
59 km |
2 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF3 |
33 km |
3 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF3 |
72 km |
6 |
| Jul 10, 1980 |
EF3 |
29 km |
0 |
| Apr 4, 1974 |
EF3 |
54 km |
1 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF2 |
51 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF2 |
14 km |
2 |
| May 8, 2009 |
EF2 |
63 km |
0 |
| May 8, 2009 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1998 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1989 |
EF2 |
66 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1979 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jan 25, 1975 |
EF2 |
54 km |
0 |
| Apr 4, 1974 |
EF2 |
85 km |
0 |
| Apr 22, 1967 |
EF2 |
53 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 1967 |
EF2 |
75 km |
1 |
| Apr 9, 1965 |
EF2 |
32 km |
0 |
| Mar 11, 1963 |
EF2 |
98 km |
1 |
| Jun 3, 1962 |
EF2 |
23 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (15,138 ac, 1987).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
15,138 |
95 km |
| 2000 |
BRUSHY RIDGE |
12,405 |
64 km |
| 2007 |
LINVILLE COMPLEX (DOBSON KNOB) |
7,151 |
67 km |
| 2016 |
CHESTNUT KNOB |
6,418 |
98 km |
| 2016 |
SILVER MINE |
6,082 |
80 km |
| 2014 |
North Fork Rx |
4,934 |
93 km |
| 1985 |
UNNAMED |
4,610 |
93 km |
| 2022 |
LOST BEAR RX FY2022 |
4,276 |
78 km |
| 2017 |
WHITE CREEK |
4,166 |
67 km |
| 2016 |
CLEAR CREEK |
3,493 |
76 km |
| 2001 |
LARMAN |
3,072 |
82 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
2,976 |
63 km |
| 2022 |
UNNAMED |
2,680 |
80 km |
| 2000 |
TIPTON HILL |
2,661 |
39 km |
| 2016 |
RAVEN ROCK |
2,273 |
95 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
2,242 |
33 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
2,239 |
100 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
2,194 |
99 km |
| 2013 |
LOST BEAR EAST |
2,167 |
77 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
2,026 |
47 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
36°F (2°C) |
3.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
39°F (4°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| March |
47°F (8°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| April |
56°F (13°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| May |
64°F (18°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
5.2 in |
|
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
5.9 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
74°F (23°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| September |
68°F (20°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| October |
57°F (14°C) |
2.8 in |
Driest |
| November |
46°F (8°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| December |
39°F (4°C) |
3.9 in |
|
Hunter has a seasonal temperature swing of 39°F / from 36°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 48.0 inches, with July being the wettest month (5.9") and October the driest (2.8").
Average costs for common services in Hunter. 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 Hunter
What is the population of Hunter?
Hunter has a population of 1,997 residents and is located in Tennessee. The population density is 312 people per square mile, spread across 6.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 39.6 years. The population is 51.2% female and 48.8% male.
Is Hunter expensive to live in?
Hunter 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 $51,763, 31% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $163,100 (42% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $684 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Hunter?
Hunter 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 75°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 48.0 inches, with 6.0 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Hunter?
The job market in Hunter is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.1% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $915. There are 880 business establishments in the area, including 82 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 27 minutes, and 7.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Hunter?
The median home value in Hunter is $163,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $224,793. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $252,000, with homes typically selling within 108 days. For renters, the median monthly rent is $684. Fair market rent is $924 for a 1-bedroom and $1,118 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 85.1%. The average annual property tax is $3,250.
How are the schools in Hunter?
Schools in Hunter score 5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 19.0% of adults in Hunter hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.6% have completed high school. 4.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Hunter?
The obesity rate in Hunter is 35.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 19.0% of adults are smokers. 26.5% are physically inactive. 32.9% of residents report depression. 6.0% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 79.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,302.
What is transportation like in Hunter?
The average commute in Hunter is 27 minutes. 92.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 7.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Hunter?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Hunter is 97.8% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 3.0% of the population are military veterans. 18.7% of residents have a disability. 94.0% have health insurance coverage.