Gates ZIP Codes — Lauderdale County, TN

There is one unique ZIP code in Gates, Tennessee and it is 38037. Area code: 731.

ZIP codes

46.21

sq mi land

0.02

sq mi water

731

area code

Gates, TN ZIP code map

About Gates, TN

Gates is a small, rural city located in Lauderdale County, Tennessee. This serene community offers the charm associated with small-town living, providing a unique glimpse into the rich cultural tapestry of the region. It is known for its welcoming atmosphere, making it an appealing place for residents and visitors alike.

Location & geography

Gates, TN, is situated in the southwestern part of Tennessee, within Lauderdale County. The city is framed by several nearby towns, including Ripley, approximately 12 miles to the east, Brownsville, about 16 miles to the south, and Dyersburg, roughly 18 miles to the northwest. Covering a land area of 46.21 square miles, with a tiny water area of 0.02 square miles, Gates features predominantly flat terrain typical of the Mississippi River Delta region.

Community & economy

The community in Gates is characterized by a close-knit, friendly atmosphere that reflects traditional Southern hospitality. The local economy primarily consists of agriculture and small businesses, which contribute to the town's light industrial activity. Daily life in Gates revolves around community events and gatherings, showcasing the city's strong sense of togetherness.

Transportation

Gates is accessible via several routes, with Highway 51 being the principal thoroughfare connecting it to neighboring towns and cities. The nearest major airport is the Dyersburg Regional Airport, located about 20 miles to the northwest, providing convenient travel options. Public transportation options are limited, so residents typically rely on personal vehicles for their daily commutes.

History

Gates was founded in the late 19th century and has developed a reputation for its agricultural output over the years. Key industries in the area have historically centered around farming and small-scale local businesses that fulfill the needs of the community. Notable events include the annual celebrations that highlight the cultural heritage and agricultural achievements of the region.

Did you know?

One surprising fact about Gates is that, despite its small size, it has a rich history tied to the early agricultural settlement patterns of West Tennessee. Additionally, the city is known for its local festivals that celebrate traditional Southern culture, attracting visitors from surrounding areas.

ZIP codes for Gates, TN (1)

ZIP code	City	County	Map
38037	Gates	Lauderdale	View map

Demographics & statistics

1,582

Population

41.3

Median age

$39,625

Median household income

$21,334

Per capita income

$98,500

Median home value

$638

Median monthly rent

68.2%

Home ownership

27.4%

Poverty rate

9.1%

Unemployment

532

Housing units

12.8%

Bachelor's or higher

Age distribution

Male Female

Under 5

5–9

10–14

15–19

20–24

25–34

117

35–44

120

109

45–54

113

55–59

60–64

65–74

75–84

85+

← Male

Female →

Age summary

Group	Count	%
Under 18	440	27.8%
18 and over	1,142	72.2%
65 and over	295	18.6%
Median age	41.3 years

Race & ethnicity

White 62.1%

Black or African American 28.1%

Two or more races 3.8%

Hispanic or Latino 3.7%

Other race 1.2%

American Indian / Alaska Native 1.2%

Group	Count	%
White	1,020	62.1%
Black or African American	461	28.1%
Two or more races	62	3.8%
Hispanic or Latino	61	3.7%
Other race	20	1.2%
American Indian / Alaska Native	19	1.2%

Household income

Under $10k 1.1%

$10k–$15k 1.3%

$15k–$25k 19.4%

$25k–$35k 21.3%

$35k–$50k 12.9%

$50k–$75k 15.3%

$75k–$100k 14.0%

$100k–$150k 14.7%

Range	% of households
Under $10k	1.1%
$10k–$15k	1.3%
$15k–$25k	19.4%
$25k–$35k	21.3%
$35k–$50k	12.9%
$50k–$75k	15.3%
$75k–$100k	14.0%
$100k–$150k	14.7%
Median income	$39,625

Housing

Home values

Under $50k 23.4%

$50k–$100k 27.7%

$100k–$150k 9.0%

$150k–$200k 20.6%

$200k–$300k 18.2%

$500k–$1M 1.2%

Housing overview

Metric	Value
Median home value	$98,500
Median rent / month	$638
Owner occupied	68.2%
Renter occupied	31.8%
Vacant	15.0%
Single-family detached	77.8%
Large apartment buildings	0.0%
Mobile homes	20.0%
Median rooms	5.5
Avg household size (owned)	2.56

Year built

Era	%
2020 or later	0.0%
2010–2019	2.7%
2000–2009	25.9%
1990–1999	18.7%
1980–1989	7.4%
1970–1979	18.1%
1960–1969	12.3%
1950–1959	9.1%
1940–1949	3.2%
1939 or earlier	2.6%

Bedrooms

Size	% of units
No bedroom (studio)	1.1%
1 bedroom	2.2%
2 bedrooms	21.8%
3 bedrooms	59.3%
4 bedrooms	15.6%
5+ bedrooms	0.0%

Vehicles per household

Vehicles	% of households
No vehicle	1.9%
1 vehicle	38.5%
2 vehicles	31.5%
3 or more	28.1%

Heating fuel

Fuel type	%
Utility gas	52.7%
Electricity	34.8%
Propane / LP gas	7.6%
Wood	4.8%

Households & families

Household type	Count	%
Married-couple family	310	50.0%
Cohabiting couple	34	5.5%
Male householder, no spouse	96	15.5%
Female householder, no spouse	180	29.0%
Households with children under 18	225	36.3%
Households with seniors (65+)	211	34.0%
Average household size	2.55

Marital status

Status	Male	Female
Never married	28.1%	21.6%
Married	58.1%	47.9%
Separated	1.3%	3.1%
Widowed	1.6%	16.1%
Divorced	11.0%	11.3%

Education

Less than 9th grade 7.7%

Some HS, no diploma 7.5%

HS graduate 44.4%

Some college, no degree 18.9%

Associate's degree 8.8%

Bachelor's degree 6.4%

Graduate / professional 6.4%

Metric	%
HS diploma or higher	84.8%
Bachelor's or higher	12.8%

School enrollment (ages 3–17)

Type	Count	%
Nursery / preschool	29	7.7%
Kindergarten	0	0.0%
Elementary school	259	69.1%
High school	54	14.4%
College / grad school	33	8.8%

Employment

Industry of employment

Education & healthcare 35.7%

Transportation & utilities 19.2%

Manufacturing 19.1%

Agriculture & mining 10.7%

Retail trade 3.3%

Construction 2.9%

Public administration 2.7%

Professional & management 2.2%

Arts, food & hospitality 2.1%

Wholesale trade 1.0%

Finance & real estate 1.0%

Occupation

Category	%
Management, business & arts	36.6%
Service	16.0%
Sales & office	24.1%
Natural resources & construction	3.3%
Production & transportation	20.1%

Employment type

Type	%
Private sector	60.1%
Government	26.1%
Self-employed	13.7%
Unpaid family workers	0.0%

Commute

Method	%
Drive alone	93.8%
Carpool	5.2%
Public transit	0.0%
Walk	0.0%
Other means	0.3%
Avg commute (minutes)	34.6

Poverty

All people 27.4%

Under 18 years 50.2%

18 and over 18.6%

Married-couple families 15.2%

Female-led households 38.3%

Income support

Source	% of households
Social Security	35.2%
Retirement income	24.5%
Supplemental Security	11.3%
Cash public assistance	1.3%
Food stamps / SNAP	26.1%

Health indicators

Condition	%
High blood pressure	42.8%
High cholesterol	36.4%
Heart disease	8.0%
Stroke	4.3%
Asthma	11.4%
Arthritis	31.3%
Kidney disease	3.5%
Pulmonary disease	10.3%
Cancer	6.5%

Behavior / access	%
Binge drinking	12.8%
No physical activity	31.9%
Less than 7 hrs sleep	37.7%
Fair or poor health	21.4%
Poor mental health	17.9%
Poor physical health	13.9%
No health insurance	20.3%
Visited doctor (checkup)	76.9%
Visited dentist	48.4%
Cholesterol screening	89.8%
Teeth loss	23.1%

Veterans & disability

Veterans	Count	%
Civilian veterans	57	5.0%

Disability	%
Any disability	19.9%
Under 18	9.8%
18–64 years	20.7%
65 and over	32.9%

Health insurance coverage

Type	%
Private insurance	44.6%
Public insurance	46.2%
Uninsured under 19	25.4%

Language & origin

Language spoken at home (age 5+)

Language	Count	%
English only	1,472	93.0%
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)	1,582	100.0%
Born in same state	1,582	100.0%
Born in different state	1,417	89.6%
Foreign born	0	0.0%
Naturalized citizen	0	0.0%
Not a US citizen	0	0.0%

Ancestry

Ancestry	Count	%
Italian	191	12.1%
Arab	88	5.6%

Ancestry	Count	%
French	54	3.4%

Technology access

Metric	% of households
Computer access	39.2%
Internet access	92.3%

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

Frequently asked questions

What ZIP codes does Gates, TN have?

Gates, TN has one ZIP code: 38037. Each ZIP code serves a distinct delivery area within the city and surrounding region.