Big Sandy ZIP Codes — Benton County, TN

There is one unique ZIP code in Big Sandy, Tennessee and it is 38221. Area code: 731.

ZIP codes

108.45

sq mi land

15.89

sq mi water

731

area code

Big Sandy, TN ZIP code map

About Big Sandy, TN

Big Sandy, Tennessee, is a charming city located in Benton County. Known for its picturesque landscapes, the city is a quiet retreat for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of larger metropolitan areas. With its small-town atmosphere and welcoming community, Big Sandy offers a unique snapshot of Tennessee life.

Location & geography

Big Sandy is nestled in the western part of Tennessee, approximately 20 miles southwest of Paris and about 30 miles northwest of Jackson. The city boasts a total land area of 108.45 square miles, complemented by 15.89 square miles of water, providing residents and visitors with beautiful lakes and rivers. The terrain is characterized by rolling hills and scenic waterways, making it an ideal location for outdoor activities.

Community & economy

The community in Big Sandy embodies a warm, friendly atmosphere where neighbors know one another, contributing to a close-knit environment. The local economy is supported by various industries, including agriculture and small businesses, which play a significant role in daily life. Residents enjoy the slower pace of life, often participating in community events and outdoor recreational activities.

Transportation

Big Sandy is accessible via major routes, including Tennessee State Route 69, which connects the city to neighboring towns and cities. For air travel, the nearest commercial airport is McKellar-Sipes Regional Airport in Jackson, which is approximately 30 miles away. Public transportation options are limited, so most residents rely on personal vehicles.

History

Big Sandy was established in the early 20th century during a period of economic growth in Benton County, driven largely by agriculture and timber industries. The city has seen its share of notable events, including community development initiatives aimed at preserving its historic charm while promoting tourism. Over the years, it has maintained a strong connection to its roots through local festivals and cultural events.

Did you know?

One surprising fact about Big Sandy is that it is home to the annual Big Sandy Arts and Crafts Festival, which features local artisans and attracts visitors from surrounding areas. Additionally, the city's proximity to Kentucky Lake makes it an ideal spot for fishing and boating enthusiasts.

ZIP codes for Big Sandy, TN (1)

ZIP code	City	County	Map
38221	Big Sandy	Benton	View map

Demographics & statistics

3,042

Population

53.6

Median age

$50,208

Median household income

$25,524

Per capita income

$104,300

Median home value

$645

Median monthly rent

75.7%

Home ownership

18.5%

Poverty rate

12.9%

Unemployment

1,557

Housing units

9.1%

Bachelor's or higher

Age distribution

Male Female

Under 5

5–9

10–14

15–19

20–24

195

25–34

221

35–44

201

45–54

229

111

55–59

126

124

60–64

141

243

65–74

276

117

75–84

134

85+

← Male

Female →

Age summary

Group	Count	%
Under 18	469	15.4%
18 and over	2,573	84.6%
65 and over	882	29.0%
Median age	53.6 years

Race & ethnicity

White 96.1%

Two or more races 3.1%

Asian 0.7%

Black or African American 0.1%

Group	Count	%
White	2,923	96.1%
Two or more races	94	3.1%
Asian	22	0.7%
Black or African American	3	0.1%

Household income

Under $10k 9.1%

$10k–$15k 4.6%

$15k–$25k 10.4%

$25k–$35k 14.0%

$35k–$50k 11.3%

$50k–$75k 21.2%

$75k–$100k 19.3%

$100k–$150k 7.2%

$150k–$200k 1.8%

$200k+ 1.0%

Range	% of households
Under $10k	9.1%
$10k–$15k	4.6%
$15k–$25k	10.4%
$25k–$35k	14.0%
$35k–$50k	11.3%
$50k–$75k	21.2%
$75k–$100k	19.3%
$100k–$150k	7.2%
$150k–$200k	1.8%
$200k+	1.0%
Median income	$50,208

Housing

Home values

Under $50k 17.1%

$50k–$100k 31.1%

$100k–$150k 13.8%

$150k–$200k 13.0%

$200k–$300k 9.3%

$300k–$500k 7.1%

$500k–$1M 7.2%

$1M+ 1.4%

Housing overview

Metric	Value
Median home value	$104,300
Median rent / month	$645
Owner occupied	75.7%
Renter occupied	24.3%
Vacant	30.0%
Single-family detached	67.9%
Large apartment buildings	0.0%
Mobile homes	30.7%
Median rooms	5.1
Avg household size (owned)	2.25

Year built

Era	%
2020 or later	0.0%
2010–2019	7.8%
2000–2009	9.7%
1990–1999	17.5%
1980–1989	15.4%
1970–1979	18.3%
1960–1969	17.8%
1950–1959	11.0%
1940–1949	0.9%
1939 or earlier	1.7%

Bedrooms

Size	% of units
No bedroom (studio)	0.9%
1 bedroom	1.8%
2 bedrooms	34.5%
3 bedrooms	55.2%
4 bedrooms	6.3%
5+ bedrooms	1.2%

Vehicles per household

Vehicles	% of households
No vehicle	1.4%
1 vehicle	38.6%
2 vehicles	43.3%
3 or more	16.8%

Heating fuel

Fuel type	%
Utility gas	35.0%
Electricity	46.6%
Propane / LP gas	10.3%
Fuel oil	0.8%
Wood	6.6%
No fuel used	0.2%

Households & families

Household type	Count	%
Married-couple family	519	39.5%
Cohabiting couple	130	9.9%
Male householder, no spouse	221	16.8%
Female householder, no spouse	443	33.7%
Households with children under 18	276	21.0%
Households with seniors (65+)	619	47.1%
Average household size	2.32

Marital status

Status	Male	Female
Never married	29.5%	21.2%
Married	50.3%	37.0%
Separated	2.0%	7.0%
Widowed	2.9%	18.2%
Divorced	15.3%	16.6%

Education

Less than 9th grade 4.7%

Some HS, no diploma 7.0%

HS graduate 45.8%

Some college, no degree 22.3%

Associate's degree 11.1%

Bachelor's degree 4.4%

Graduate / professional 4.7%

Metric	%
HS diploma or higher	88.3%
Bachelor's or higher	9.1%

School enrollment (ages 3–17)

Type	Count	%
Nursery / preschool	10	2.5%
Kindergarten	38	9.3%
Elementary school	190	46.6%
High school	114	27.9%
College / grad school	56	13.7%

Employment

Industry of employment

Professional & management 17.9%

Transportation & utilities 14.9%

Education & healthcare 13.3%

Manufacturing 12.9%

Retail trade 12.9%

Wholesale trade 8.1%

Arts, food & hospitality 8.0%

Other services 4.3%

Finance & real estate 3.8%

Construction 3.4%

Public administration 0.6%

Agriculture & mining 0.1%

Occupation

Category	%
Management, business & arts	33.0%
Service	13.2%
Sales & office	18.7%
Natural resources & construction	8.5%
Production & transportation	26.5%

Employment type

Type	%
Private sector	82.6%
Government	7.0%
Self-employed	10.4%
Unpaid family workers	0.0%

Commute

Method	%
Drive alone	82.1%
Carpool	6.8%
Public transit	0.0%
Walk	0.3%
Other means	1.3%
Avg commute (minutes)	32.5

Poverty

All people 18.5%

Under 18 years 19.2%

18 and over 18.4%

Married-couple families 10.2%

Female-led households 8.0%

Income support

Source	% of households
Social Security	47.7%
Retirement income	28.9%
Supplemental Security	6.1%
Cash public assistance	0.8%
Food stamps / SNAP	10.1%

Health indicators

Condition	%
High blood pressure	45.1%
High cholesterol	42.6%
Heart disease	9.9%
Stroke	4.5%
Asthma	10.6%
Arthritis	36.6%
Kidney disease	3.8%
Pulmonary disease	12.3%
Cancer	8.4%

Behavior / access	%
Binge drinking	12.3%
No physical activity	29.8%
Less than 7 hrs sleep	33.5%
Fair or poor health	21.1%
Poor mental health	16.6%
Poor physical health	14.5%
No health insurance	16.8%
Visited doctor (checkup)	77.3%
Visited dentist	54.8%
Cholesterol screening	91.6%
Teeth loss	19.9%

Veterans & disability

Veterans	Count	%
Civilian veterans	181	7.0%

Disability	%
Any disability	21.1%
Under 18	4.3%
18–64 years	14.0%
65 and over	43.5%

Health insurance coverage

Type	%
Private insurance	57.1%
Public insurance	46.0%
Uninsured under 19	6.1%

Language & origin

Language spoken at home (age 5+)

Language	Count	%
English only	2,909	95.6%
Spanish	0	0.0%
Other Indo-European	0	0.0%
Asian & Pacific Islander	0	0.0%
Other languages	0	0.0%

Place of birth & citizenship

Origin	Count	%
Native born (US)	2,995	98.5%
Born in same state	2,983	98.1%
Born in different state	1,739	57.2%
Foreign born	12	0.4%
Naturalized citizen	47	1.5%
Not a US citizen	47	100.0%

Ancestry

Ancestry	Count	%
Arab	1,061	34.9%
French	340	11.2%
Italian	294	9.7%
Irish	28	0.9%

Ancestry	Count	%
English	18	0.6%
Norwegian	9	0.3%
Polish	4	0.1%

Technology access

Metric	% of households
Computer access	43.2%
Internet access	87.7%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2025 estimates.

Frequently asked questions

What ZIP codes does Big Sandy, TN have?

Big Sandy, TN has one ZIP code: 38221. Each ZIP code serves a distinct delivery area within the city and surrounding region.