Median Income
$56,492
25% lower than US avg
Home Value
$180,900
36% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
71/100K
81% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
30.3%
10% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.2%
25% higher than US avg
Unemployment
5.9%
64% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How McDonald Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population541
Median Age51.1 yrs
Density371/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 90%
Veterans4.3%
Economy
B+
Median Income$56,492
Per Capita$33,379
Unemployment5.9%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$6,669M
Commute20 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$180,900
Ownership83.8%
Zillow$439,580
Housing Units288
Rent Burden28.2%
Crime
F
Violent71/100K
Property2,043/100K
Health
Obesity40.2%
Uninsured11.8%
Smoking16.5%
Depression29.7%
Heart Disease5.6%
Climate
Avg Temp60°F (15°C)
AQI40 (Good)
Rain57.6 in/yr
Sunny Days301/yr
Elevation853 ft (260 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+30.3%
High School+95.4%
Graduate+11.7%
School Score5.21
Community
2024 VoteR 79% / D 20%
Commute20 min
Broadband100.0%
EV Stations6
Libraries3
Is McDonald a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, McDonald receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. McDonald offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in McDonald is $56,492, 25% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 5.9% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in McDonald is $180,900, 36% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. A price-to-income ratio of 3.2x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
McDonald is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 71 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,043 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
30.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.2/10.
Climate & Weather
McDonald enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 60°F. Winters average 40°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. With 301 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 57.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40.
McDonald has a population of 541 with a density of 371 people per square mile, spread across 1.5 square miles. The median age is 51.1 years, 31% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.2% female and 51.8% male. The city is predominantly White (89.5%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 4.3% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 21.9% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 93.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
51.1yrs
Median Age
31% 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 McDonald is $56,492, which is 25% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $33,379 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,046, 27% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 5.9% (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 2,478 business establishments, including 215 restaurants. The cost of living index is 91.9, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 5.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $56,492 |
| 25% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $33,379 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,046 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $63,258 |
| Gini Index | 0.446 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 5.9% |
| 64% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,478 |
| County GDP | $6,669M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 215 |
| Healthcare | 251 |
| Retail | 365 |
| Manufacturing | 108 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,429 |
| 2% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 91.90 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.90% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 20.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 86.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.1% |
The median home value in McDonald is $180,900, 36% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $439,580, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $924 for a one-bedroom to $1,118 for a two-bedroom apartment. 83.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 288 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1957. The average annual property tax is $3,429. 28.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.2x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $180,900 |
| 36% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $439,580 |
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 | 83.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 83.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 16.2% |
| Housing Units | 288 |
| Median Year Built | 1957 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,429 |
| 2% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.90% |
In McDonald, 40.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.5% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.6% of residents. 35.3% have high blood pressure. 16.5% are current smokers. 16.7% report binge drinking. 23.3% are physically inactive. 29.7% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.5% experience frequent mental distress. 11.8% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,079. The dentist ratio is 1:2,087. 78.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: McDonald vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.2% |
| 25% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.5% |
| Heart Disease | 5.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 35.3% |
| Asthma | 10.8% |
| COPD | 7.1% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.5% |
| 18% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.3% |
| Depression | 29.7% |
| Mental Distress | 20.5% |
| Physical Distress | 13.8% |
| Short Sleep | 39.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.7% |
| Uninsured | 11.8% |
| 37% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,079 |
| Dentists | 1:2,087 |
| Mental Health | 1:660 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.4% |
| Dental Visits | 58.1% |
| Premature Death | 10,765/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 78.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 251 |
McDonald has a violent crime rate of 71 per 100,000 residents, 81% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,043 per 100,000, 4% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 16 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, McDonald receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: McDonald vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 70.8/100K |
| 81% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,042.7/100K |
| 4% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 16 |
| Traffic Accidents | 66 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.1 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
McDonald enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 60°F (15°C). Winters average 40°F in January while summers reach 78°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 57.6 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 1.1 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40. The city sits at an elevation of 853 feet.
Temperature
40°F Jan (4°C)
78°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 59.6°F |
| 10% above US avg |
| January Average | 40°F (4°C) |
| July Average | 78°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 301 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 853 ft (260 m) |
| Area | 1.5 sq mi (3.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 371/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 35.1088°N, 84.9853°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Bradley County County |
| Nearest Airport | Richard B Russell Regional - J H Towers Field (RMG) 53 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
57.6"
52% above US avg
Wettest Month (Mar)
6.22"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 40.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 73.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 24.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 37.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Moderate |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
153 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.6. Most recent: M2.5 on Aug 19, 2025.
| Apr 29, 2003 |
8 km S of Valley Head, Alabama |
M4.6 |
90 km |
| May 10, 2025 |
21 km SE of Greenback, Tennessee |
M4.1 |
103 km |
| Dec 8, 2001 |
5 km SW of Pleasant Groves, Alabama |
M3.9 |
122 km |
| Jul 5, 1995 |
12 km ESE of Tellico Plains, Tennessee |
M3.7 |
79 km |
| Jun 17, 1998 |
9 km SSE of Coalfield, Tennessee |
M3.6 |
107 km |
| Jul 19, 1997 |
12 km E of Cohutta, Georgia |
M3.5 |
24 km |
| Jun 19, 2007 |
10 km ENE of Spencer, Tennessee |
M3.5 |
83 km |
| Aug 31, 2009 |
2 km NNE of Friendsville, Tennessee |
M3.3 |
108 km |
| Apr 11, 2006 |
5 km NE of Etowah, Tennessee |
M3.3 |
54 km |
| Apr 20, 2010 |
4 km SW of Maryville, Tennessee |
M3.3 |
113 km |
| Mar 18, 1995 |
10 km SE of Dayton, Tennessee |
M3.3 |
35 km |
| Mar 21, 2001 |
7 km ESE of Trenton, Georgia |
M3.2 |
51 km |
| Aug 1, 2009 |
8 km ENE of Ducktown, Tennessee |
M3.2 |
63 km |
| Apr 5, 1994 |
10 km N of Trenton, Georgia |
M3.2 |
49 km |
| Mar 7, 2001 |
5 km WNW of Decatur, Tennessee |
M3.2 |
49 km |
| May 10, 2006 |
3 km WNW of Madisonville, Tennessee |
M3.2 |
71 km |
| Mar 7, 2001 |
6 km NW of Decatur, Tennessee |
M3.2 |
51 km |
| May 6, 2010 |
11 km ENE of Whitesboro, Alabama |
M3.2 |
135 km |
| May 10, 2020 |
7 km SSE of Sewanee, Tennessee |
M3.1 |
83 km |
| Apr 29, 2003 |
7 km E of Fort Payne, Alabama |
M3.1 |
95 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
362 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 95 fatalities, 1,453 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF4 |
31 km |
20 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF4 |
47 km |
4 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF4 |
97 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF4 |
91 km |
1 |
| Feb 6, 2008 |
EF4 |
92 km |
1 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
68 km |
9 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
65 km |
4 |
| May 19, 1973 |
EF4 |
100 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1953 |
EF4 |
49 km |
4 |
| May 8, 2024 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Apr 12, 2020 |
EF3 |
31 km |
2 |
| Nov 30, 2016 |
EF3 |
86 km |
4 |
| Nov 30, 2016 |
EF3 |
24 km |
2 |
| Jan 30, 2013 |
EF3 |
85 km |
1 |
| Mar 2, 2012 |
EF3 |
16 km |
0 |
| Dec 22, 2011 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Mar 23, 2011 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Apr 24, 2010 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Nov 10, 2002 |
EF3 |
89 km |
4 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: ROUGH RIDGE (27,610 ac, 2016).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2016 |
ROUGH RIDGE |
27,610 |
42 km |
| 2024 |
RX - T26 BRUSHY RIDGE |
8,324 |
83 km |
| 2024 |
RX - T10 MILLER RIDGE |
5,154 |
85 km |
| 2003 |
UNNAMED |
4,675 |
93 km |
| 2024 |
RX - O63 CHESTNUT MTN |
4,570 |
38 km |
| 2013 |
BEAVER DAM |
4,336 |
81 km |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
4,213 |
50 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
3,888 |
85 km |
| 2021 |
DUTCH CREEK |
3,845 |
38 km |
| 2019 |
COW CAMP |
3,786 |
91 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
3,539 |
83 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
3,298 |
94 km |
| 2019 |
JACK DAVIS/DOGWOOD SPRINGS RX |
3,120 |
80 km |
| 2010 |
COW CAMP-A |
2,953 |
91 km |
| 2022 |
UNNAMED |
2,933 |
54 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
2,908 |
35 km |
| 2023 |
SMITH MOUNTAIN |
2,807 |
54 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
2,758 |
54 km |
| 2013 |
MCINTYRE-A |
2,695 |
85 km |
| 1987 |
STATEC0045 |
2,669 |
87 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
40°F (4°C) |
5.2 in |
Coldest |
| February |
42°F (6°C) |
5.0 in |
|
| March |
50°F (10°C) |
6.2 in |
Wettest |
| April |
58°F (14°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| May |
66°F (19°C) |
4.8 in |
|
| June |
74°F (23°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| July |
78°F (26°C) |
5.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
76°F (25°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
70°F (21°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| October |
59°F (15°C) |
3.5 in |
Driest |
| November |
49°F (10°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| December |
41°F (5°C) |
5.3 in |
|
McDonald has a seasonal temperature swing of 39°F / from 40°F in January to 78°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 56.6 inches, with March being the wettest month (6.2") and October the driest (3.5").
Average costs for common services in McDonald. 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 | $917 |
| Toddler | $634 |
| Preschool | $634 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $671 |
| Toddler | $555 |
| Preschool | $555 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About McDonald
What is the population of McDonald?
McDonald has a population of 541 residents and is located in Tennessee. The population density is 371 people per square mile, spread across 1.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 51.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48.2% female and 51.8% male.
Is McDonald expensive to live in?
McDonald 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 $56,492, 25% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $180,900 (36% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 3.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is McDonald safe?
McDonald is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 71 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,043 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, McDonald receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in McDonald?
McDonald enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 60°F (15°C). Winter temperatures average 40°F in January, while summers reach an average of 78°F in July. The area receives 301 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 57.6 inches, with 1.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 40.
How is the job market in McDonald?
The unemployment rate in McDonald is 5.9%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $1,046. There are 2,478 business establishments in the area, including 215 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 20 minutes, and 5.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in McDonald?
The median home value in McDonald is $180,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $439,580. The homeownership rate is 83.8%. The average annual property tax is $3,429.
How are the schools in McDonald?
Schools in McDonald score 5.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 30.3% of adults in McDonald hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.4% have completed high school. 11.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is McDonald?
The obesity rate in McDonald is 40.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.5% of adults are smokers. 23.3% are physically inactive. 29.7% of residents report depression. 11.8% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 78.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,079.
What is transportation like in McDonald?
The average commute in McDonald is 20 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 86.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of McDonald?
The racial and ethnic makeup of McDonald is 89.5% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 4.3% of the population are military veterans. 21.9% of residents have a disability. 93.7% have health insurance coverage.