Median Income
$66,667
11% lower than US avg
Home Value
$157,100
44% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
340/100K
11% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
38.1%
13% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.0%
21% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Pelham Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population429
Median Age32.4 yrs
Density26/mi²
Male / Female45% / 56%
Largest GroupWhite 98%
Veterans8.4%
Economy
A
Median Income$66,667
Per Capita$38,247
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$344M
Commute25 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$157,100
Ownership75.4%
Zillow$237,387
Housing Units167
Rent Burden25.9%
Crime
F
Violent340/100K
Property3,314/100K
Health
Obesity39.0%
Uninsured12.0%
Smoking21.6%
Depression33.3%
Heart Disease6.6%
Climate
Avg Temp56°F (13°C)
AQI40 (Good)
Rain67.0 in/yr
Sunny Days302/yr
Elevation1,198 ft (365 m)
Education
A
Bachelor's+38.1%
High School+85.6%
Graduate+34.0%
School Score4.25
Community
2024 VoteR 84% / D 15%
Commute25 min
Broadband94.6%
EV Stations2
Libraries5
Is Pelham a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Pelham receives an overall livability score of 3.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, a highly educated population, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Pelham offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Pelham is $66,667, 11% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Pelham is $157,100, 44% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 2.4x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Pelham is below the national average at 340 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,314 per 100,000, 69% above the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 38.1% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 85.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.2/10.
Climate & Weather
Pelham enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F. Winters average 35°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. With 302 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 67.0 inches, including 5.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40.
Pelham has a population of 429 with a density of 26 people per square mile, spread across 16.6 square miles. The median age is 32.4 years, 17% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 55.5% female and 44.5% male. The city is predominantly White (98.4%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 8.4% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 9.1% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 95.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
32.4yrs
Median Age
17% 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 Pelham is $66,667, which is 11% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $38,247. The average weekly wage is $758, 47% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below 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 246 business establishments, including 11 restaurants. The cost of living index is 91.9, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $66,667 |
| 11% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $38,247 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $758 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $53,656 |
| Gini Index | 0.459 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 246 |
| County GDP | $344M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 11 |
| Healthcare | 17 |
| Retail | 38 |
| Manufacturing | 13 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,522 |
| 28% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 91.90 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.61% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 25.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 76.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Pelham is $157,100, 44% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $237,387, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $924 for a one-bedroom to $1,118 for a two-bedroom apartment. 75.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 167 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1979. The average annual property tax is $2,522 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 25.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $157,100 |
| 44% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $237,387 |
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 | 75.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 75.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 24.6% |
| Housing Units | 167 |
| Median Year Built | 1979 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,522 |
| 28% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.61% |
In Pelham, 39.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.8% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.6% of residents. 36.5% have high blood pressure. 21.6% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 15.8% report binge drinking. 27.7% are physically inactive. 33.3% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 22.5% experience frequent mental distress. 12.0% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). 37.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Pelham vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.0% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.8% |
| Heart Disease | 6.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 36.5% |
| Asthma | 11.8% |
| COPD | 9.6% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 3.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 21.6% |
| 54% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 15.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.7% |
| Depression | 33.3% |
| Mental Distress | 22.5% |
| Physical Distress | 16.1% |
| Short Sleep | 37.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.0% |
| Uninsured | 12.0% |
| 40% above US avg |
| Mental Health | 1:1,744 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.8% |
| Dental Visits | 54.0% |
| Premature Death | 16,198/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 37.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 17 |
Pelham has a violent crime rate of 340 per 100,000 residents, 11% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,314 per 100,000, 69% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Pelham receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Pelham vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 339.9/100K |
| 11% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,313.5/100K |
| 69% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 129 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.4 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Pelham enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (13°C). Winters average 35°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. The area gets 302 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 67.0 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 5.4 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40. The city sits at an elevation of 1,198 feet.
Temperature
35°F Jan (2°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 55.9°F |
| 4% above US avg |
| January Average | 35°F (2°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 302 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,198 ft (365 m) |
| Area | 16.6 sq mi (43.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 26/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 35.3341°N, 85.8703°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Grundy County County |
| Nearest Airport | Tullahoma Regional/Wm Northern Field (THA)
21 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
67.0"
76% above US avg
Wettest Month (Mar)
6.46"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 40.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 34.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 98.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 18.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| 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
118 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 |
96 km |
| Dec 8, 2001 |
5 km SW of Pleasant Groves, Alabama |
M3.9 |
77 km |
| Jun 17, 1998 |
9 km SSE of Coalfield, Tennessee |
M3.6 |
150 km |
| Jul 19, 1997 |
12 km E of Cohutta, Georgia |
M3.5 |
105 km |
| Jun 19, 2007 |
10 km ENE of Spencer, Tennessee |
M3.5 |
69 km |
| Apr 11, 2006 |
5 km NE of Etowah, Tennessee |
M3.3 |
126 km |
| Mar 18, 1995 |
10 km SE of Dayton, Tennessee |
M3.3 |
85 km |
| Mar 21, 2001 |
7 km ESE of Trenton, Georgia |
M3.2 |
67 km |
| Mar 7, 2001 |
5 km WNW of Decatur, Tennessee |
M3.2 |
96 km |
| Mar 7, 2001 |
6 km NW of Decatur, Tennessee |
M3.2 |
96 km |
| Apr 5, 1994 |
10 km N of Trenton, Georgia |
M3.2 |
53 km |
| May 10, 2006 |
3 km WNW of Madisonville, Tennessee |
M3.2 |
135 km |
| Aug 1, 2009 |
8 km ENE of Ducktown, Tennessee |
M3.2 |
147 km |
| May 6, 2010 |
11 km ENE of Whitesboro, Alabama |
M3.2 |
128 km |
| May 10, 2020 |
7 km SSE of Sewanee, Tennessee |
M3.1 |
22 km |
| Oct 30, 1991 |
9 km NNE of Eton, Georgia |
M3.1 |
116 km |
| Apr 29, 2003 |
7 km E of Fort Payne, Alabama |
M3.1 |
101 km |
| May 2, 2003 |
8 km S of Valley Head, Alabama |
M3.1 |
97 km |
| Jan 15, 1993 |
1 km N of Apison, Tennessee |
M3.1 |
84 km |
| Jun 23, 2008 |
10 km ESE of Cohutta, Georgia |
M3.1 |
104 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
513 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 129 fatalities, 1,845 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 3, 2020 |
EF4 |
95 km |
19 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF4 |
80 km |
14 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF4 |
60 km |
1 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF4 |
81 km |
20 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF4 |
41 km |
4 |
| Feb 6, 2008 |
EF4 |
74 km |
1 |
| Jan 24, 1997 |
EF4 |
76 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
82 km |
10 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
68 km |
11 |
| May 19, 1973 |
EF4 |
97 km |
0 |
| Feb 29, 1952 |
EF4 |
68 km |
2 |
| Feb 13, 1952 |
EF4 |
42 km |
3 |
| May 8, 2024 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Apr 1, 2023 |
EF3 |
75 km |
1 |
| Apr 12, 2020 |
EF3 |
71 km |
2 |
| Nov 30, 2016 |
EF3 |
72 km |
4 |
| Apr 28, 2014 |
EF3 |
72 km |
2 |
| Mar 2, 2012 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Apr 24, 2010 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Apr 10, 2009 |
EF3 |
100 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 |
35 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
2,638 |
33 km |
| 2016 |
BRIDGE CREEK ROAD |
1,777 |
30 km |
| 2016 |
BENCH BLUFF |
1,715 |
64 km |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
1,691 |
22 km |
| 2003 |
UNNAMED |
1,635 |
82 km |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
1,491 |
80 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
1,271 |
36 km |
| 2003 |
UNNAMED |
1,259 |
81 km |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
1,250 |
54 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
1,236 |
41 km |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
1,210 |
33 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
1,201 |
38 km |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
1,173 |
53 km |
| 2009 |
LOWER FORD RD |
1,108 |
45 km |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
1,057 |
44 km |
| 2016 |
FOX MOUNTAIN FIRE |
1,008 |
72 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
1,000 |
53 km |
| 2007 |
STEVENSON |
955 |
50 km |
| 2011 |
VALENTINE |
868 |
55 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
35°F (2°C) |
5.2 in |
Coldest |
| February |
40°F (5°C) |
4.9 in |
|
| March |
49°F (9°C) |
6.5 in |
Wettest |
| April |
57°F (14°C) |
5.0 in |
|
| May |
65°F (18°C) |
5.3 in |
|
| June |
72°F (22°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
5.1 in |
|
| August |
75°F (24°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest, Driest |
| September |
69°F (21°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| October |
58°F (15°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| November |
49°F (9°C) |
5.3 in |
|
| December |
41°F (5°C) |
5.7 in |
|
Pelham has a seasonal temperature swing of 39°F / from 35°F in January to 75°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 59.2 inches, with March being the wettest month (6.5") and August the driest (3.9").
Average costs for common services in Pelham. 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 Pelham
What is the population of Pelham?
Pelham has a population of 429 residents and is located in Tennessee. The population density is 26 people per square mile, spread across 16.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 32.4 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 55.5% female and 44.5% male.
Is Pelham expensive to live in?
Pelham 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 $66,667, 11% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $157,100 (44% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Pelham safe?
Pelham is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 340 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,314 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Pelham receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Pelham?
Pelham enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (13°C). Winter temperatures average 35°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. The area receives 302 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 67.0 inches, with 5.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 40.
How is the job market in Pelham?
The job market in Pelham is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $758. There are 246 business establishments in the area, including 11 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 25 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Pelham?
The median home value in Pelham is $157,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $237,387. The homeownership rate is 75.4%. The average annual property tax is $2,522.
How are the schools in Pelham?
Schools in Pelham have an average test score of 4.2 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 38.1% of adults in Pelham hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 85.6% have completed high school. 34.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Pelham?
The obesity rate in Pelham is 39.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 21.6% of adults are smokers. 27.7% are physically inactive. 33.3% of residents report depression. 12.0% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 37.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
What is transportation like in Pelham?
The average commute in Pelham is 25 minutes. 76.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Pelham?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Pelham is 98.4% White, 0.7% Black or African American, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 8.4% of the population are military veterans. 9.1% of residents have a disability. 95.0% have health insurance coverage.
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