| Statistic | Gatlinburg | Tennessee | National |
| Population | 3,944 | 6,833,174 | 328,239,523 |
| Population density (sq mi) | 379 | 167 | 91 |
| Median age | 46.5 | 38.5 | 37.7 |
| Male/Female ratio | 1.1:1 | 1.0:1 | 1.0:1 |
| Married (15yrs & older) | 55% | 57% | 55% |
| Families w/ Kids under 18 | 32% | 41% | 43% |
| Speak English | 84% | 93% | 79% |
| Speak Spanish | 10% | 4% | 13% |
The demographics of Gatlinburg offer invaluable insights into the composition, dynamics and needs of both urban and rural areas, empowering planners, developers and policymakers to foster prosperity, equity, and well-being for all residents. With a population of 3,944, Gatlinburg exhibits a population density of 379 people per square mile, contrasting with the national average of 91. The median age stands at 46.5, with 55% of individuals aged 15 or older being married and 32% having children under 18. In terms of income equality in Gatlinburg, 36% of households report a median income below $25,000, while 9% report an income exceeding $150,000, showcasing a diverse economic landscape.
The Gatlinburg racial demographics and ethnicity breakdown serves as a critical tool for understanding and addressing systemic inequities, promoting social justice and inclusion and building stronger, more resilient communities. The racial breakdown in Gatlinburg is 82.6% White, 4.5% Black or African American, 4.5% Asian, 0.1% American Indian and 0.9% Native Hawaiian - 9.8% of the population identify as Hispanic or Latino. Of all households, 84.4% reported speaking English only, while 9.8% reported speaking Spanish only. A total of 12.9% of residents were considered foreign born.
Regions with below-average population density like Gatlinburg, tend to offer a serene pace of life, stronger ties to nature, tight-knit communities, increased affordability and heightened safety, making them appealing havens for those desiring a tranquil lifestyle away from urban chaos. These locales often boast a more economical cost of living, with housing prices typically more accessible and residents may enjoy reduced taxes, living expenses and insurance rates. Low population density areas generally exhibit lower crime rates than densely populated urban regions, fostering a heightened sense of security for residents and their families. With a population density of 379 people per square mile, Gatlinburg ranks lower than 50% of cities nationwide and positions itself in a great spot to take advantage of all these benefits.
Urban Development: Urban planners could use Gatlinburg demographic data to design and create areas that accommodate the needs of residents, including housing, transportation and public services, while promoting sustainability and quality of life. Demographic shifts can contribute to gentrification and neighborhood change in urban or rural areas. As neighborhoods attract new residents with different income levels and lifestyle preferences, property values may rise, leading to displacement of long-time residents and changes in the character and identity of the neighborhood. Understanding population density, age distribution, household size and income levels helps inform decisions related to zoning, transportation infrastructure, housing development and public amenities. Lastly, using Gatlinburg demographics for planning and development of affordable housing can help prevent displacement.
Policy Planning: Demographic data and statistics can inform policy and decision-making processes at various levels of government, as well as in organizations and businesses. By reporting and analyzing Gatlinburg demographics data, policymakers, government officials and organizational leaders can identify areas of need, allocate resources effectively and develop targeted policies and programs that address the specific needs and priorities of different demographic groups. Gatlinburg demographics can play a crucial role in policy planning by informing resource allocation, evidence-based decision making, identifying priorities, forecasting future trends, monitoring policy impact and promoting equity and inclusion. By leveraging this data effectively, policymakers can develop policies that are targeted, effective and responsive to the needs of diverse communities.
Education Allocation: Gatlinburg demographics can play a pivotal role in guiding education planning, offering insights into student demographics, school enrollment patterns, and educational requirements. This data aids schools and policymakers in resource allocation and the development of effective educational programs. It serves as a critical tool for identifying disparities in educational access and outcomes among diverse demographic groups, such as racial and ethnic minorities, socio-economic status, and students with disabilities. Through the disaggregation of data by demographic factors, education planners can pinpoint areas of inequity and implement targeted interventions to enhance access, support, and outcomes for marginalized students. Ultimately, Gatlinburg demographic data is indispensable in education for advancing equity, fostering student achievement, and cultivating inclusive learning environments tailored to the needs of all students.
| Race | Gatlinburg | Tennessee | National |
| White | 82.63% | 77.84% | 73.35% |
| Black | 4.54% | 16.81% | 12.63% |
| Asian | 4.46% | 1.61% | 5.22% |
| American Indian | 0.10% | 0.29% | 0.82% |
| Native Hawaiian | 0.94% | 0.05% | 0.18% |
| Mixed race | 4.26% | 2.03% | 3.06% |
| Other race | 3.07% | 1.38% | 4.75% |
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