Jamestown, a small city in East Tennessee and the county seat of Fentress County, has been identified as the poorest town in the state. This designation is based on recent analyses of household income and poverty rates, which place Jamestown significantly below both state and national averages.
Income and Poverty Statistics
- Median Household Income: Jamestown’s median household income is reported at just $18,000, which is 69.2% less than the statewide median of $58,516. Other sources list the median income slightly higher, at around $24,688 to $24,750, but this still reflects a substantial gap compared to state and national figures.
- Average Household Income: The average annual household income in Jamestown is approximately $36,175.
- Poverty Rate: The town’s poverty rate is exceptionally high, with estimates ranging from 42.98% to 47% of residents living below the poverty line-far above the Tennessee state average of about 14.3%. Nearly half of all households in Jamestown receive SNAP benefits, highlighting the extent of economic hardship.
Demographic and Economic Profile
- Population: Jamestown is home to roughly 2,100 residents as of 2025, with a modest annual growth rate.
- Age and Diversity: The median age is about 38.8 years, and the population is predominantly White (Non-Hispanic), accounting for over 94% of residents.
- Property Values: The median home value in Jamestown is $68,100, which is markedly lower than the state average of $193,700.
- Employment and Commute: Most residents commute to work by car, with an average commute time of about 12.4 minutes.
Historical Context
Jamestown’s economic struggles are not new. In 2010, it was ranked as having the sixth-lowest median household income among all U.S. places with populations over 1,000. The town continues to face significant challenges related to income, employment opportunities, and poverty.
Jamestown stands out as the poorest town in Tennessee, with median household incomes and property values far below state averages and a poverty rate that affects nearly half its residents. The town’s economic challenges are deep-rooted, reflecting a broader pattern of rural poverty in certain parts of the state.
Sources:
- https://www.iheart.com/content/2023-11-10-tennessee-town-named-the-poorest-in-the-state/
- https://tennesseeconservativenews.com/jamestown-is-the-poorest-town-in-tennessee/
- https://datausa.io/profile/geo/jamestown-tn
- https://www.point2homes.com/US/Neighborhood/TN/Jamestown-Demographics.html