Shady Valley ZIP Codes — Johnson County, TN

There is one unique ZIP code in Shady Valley, Tennessee and it is 37688. Area code: 423.

ZIP codes

54.14

sq mi land

0.00

sq mi water

423

area code

Shady Valley, TN ZIP code map

About Shady Valley, TN

Shady Valley is a picturesque community located in Johnson County, Tennessee. Nestled in the eastern part of the state, this small town offers residents a tranquil lifestyle surrounded by the natural beauty of the Appalachian Mountains. Known for its close-knit community, Shady Valley is a hidden gem that highlights the charm of rural Tennessee living.

Location & geography

Shady Valley spans an impressive land area of 54.14 square miles and is completely devoid of water area, covering the landscape with lush hills and valleys. Situated about 11 miles northeast of Mountain City and approximately 20 miles from Johnson City, it allows residents to experience both the peace of small-town life and the amenities of nearby urban centers. The area's terrain is characterized by its mountainous region, providing stunning views and outdoor activities.

Community & economy

The character of Shady Valley reflects a strong sense of community and Southern hospitality, with residents often engaging in local events and outdoor activities. Agriculture and tourism are key industries that contribute to the local economy, with visitors drawn to the area for its breathtaking scenery and recreational opportunities. Daily life in Shady Valley involves a blend of rural traditions and modern conveniences, making it an inviting place to live.

Transportation

Shady Valley is conveniently accessed via major roads including Highway 421, which runs through the area and connects to larger highways. The nearest airport is Tri-Cities Airport, located approximately 30 miles away, providing travelers with regional flight options. Public transportation options may be limited, but residents typically rely on personal vehicles for commuting.

History

Shady Valley was established in the early 1800s, reflecting the rich historical tapestry of Johnson County. The area has tended to focus on agriculture and tourism throughout its history, capitalizing on its natural beauty and outdoor activities. Notable events in the town's history include local festivals that celebrate its heritage and strong community bonds.

Did you know?

One surprising fact about Shady Valley is that it is home to one of the few remaining general stores in the region, which serves as a social hub for the locals. The town is also known for its scenic drives that attract leaf-peepers in the fall, highlighting the stunning autumn foliage characteristic of the Appalachian Mountains.

ZIP codes for Shady Valley, TN (1)

ZIP code	City	County	Map
37688	Shady Valley	Johnson	View map

Demographics & statistics

945

Population

56.0

Median age

$43,429

Median household income

$32,670

Per capita income

$124,100

Median home value

Median monthly rent

88.3%

Home ownership

6.3%

Poverty rate

0.0%

Unemployment

570

Housing units

27.5%

Bachelor's or higher

Age distribution

Male Female

Under 5

5–9

10–14

15–19

20–24

25–34

35–44

45–54

55–59

60–64

107

65–74

121

75–84

85+

← Male

Female →

Age summary

Group	Count	%
Under 18	61	6.5%
18 and over	884	93.5%
65 and over	347	36.7%
Median age	56.0 years

Race & ethnicity

White 96.4%

American Indian / Alaska Native 3.6%

Group	Count	%
White	911	96.4%
American Indian / Alaska Native	34	3.6%

Household income

Under $10k 3.9%

$10k–$15k 4.7%

$15k–$25k 10.8%

$25k–$35k 16.4%

$35k–$50k 23.9%

$50k–$75k 12.7%

$75k–$100k 11.2%

$100k–$150k 11.5%

$150k–$200k 3.3%

$200k+ 1.6%

Range	% of households
Under $10k	3.9%
$10k–$15k	4.7%
$15k–$25k	10.8%
$25k–$35k	16.4%
$35k–$50k	23.9%
$50k–$75k	12.7%
$75k–$100k	11.2%
$100k–$150k	11.5%
$150k–$200k	3.3%
$200k+	1.6%
Median income	$43,429

Housing

Home values

Under $50k 12.0%

$50k–$100k 19.4%

$100k–$150k 20.4%

$150k–$200k 14.8%

$200k–$300k 16.0%

$300k–$500k 13.9%

$500k–$1M 3.5%

Housing overview

Metric	Value
Median home value	$124,100
Median rent / month	$0
Owner occupied	88.3%
Renter occupied	11.7%
Vacant	22.0%
Single-family detached	85.8%
Large apartment buildings	0.0%
Mobile homes	14.2%
Median rooms	6.2
Avg household size (owned)	2.01

Year built

Era	%
2020 or later	0.0%
2010–2019	6.4%
2000–2009	6.1%
1990–1999	9.6%
1980–1989	14.0%
1970–1979	22.8%
1960–1969	10.4%
1950–1959	9.9%
1940–1949	11.3%
1939 or earlier	9.6%

Bedrooms

Size	% of units
No bedroom (studio)	2.6%
1 bedroom	2.2%
2 bedrooms	26.2%
3 bedrooms	47.8%
4 bedrooms	20.4%
5+ bedrooms	0.8%

Vehicles per household

Vehicles	% of households
No vehicle	1.0%
1 vehicle	34.4%
2 vehicles	32.5%
3 or more	32.1%

Heating fuel

Fuel type	%
Utility gas	2.7%
Electricity	45.2%
Propane / LP gas	21.1%
Fuel oil	8.4%
Wood	18.8%
No fuel used	3.9%

Households & families

Household type	Count	%
Married-couple family	240	49.1%
Cohabiting couple	28	5.7%
Male householder, no spouse	58	11.9%
Female householder, no spouse	163	33.3%
Households with children under 18	61	12.5%
Households with seniors (65+)	252	51.5%
Average household size	1.93

Marital status

Status	Male	Female
Never married	7.6%	11.5%
Married	74.9%	51.5%
Separated	0.0%	1.0%
Widowed	3.7%	23.9%
Divorced	13.8%	12.1%

Education

Less than 9th grade 1.5%

Some HS, no diploma 3.1%

HS graduate 39.8%

Some college, no degree 23.0%

Associate's degree 5.0%

Bachelor's degree 25.4%

Graduate / professional 2.1%

Metric	%
HS diploma or higher	95.4%
Bachelor's or higher	27.5%

School enrollment (ages 3–17)

Type	Count	%
Nursery / preschool	0	0.0%
Kindergarten	0	0.0%
Elementary school	16	17.8%
High school	20	22.2%
College / grad school	54	60.0%

Employment

Industry of employment

Professional & management 20.7%

Manufacturing 20.2%

Construction 12.5%

Education & healthcare 10.1%

Transportation & utilities 9.6%

Other services 7.7%

Arts, food & hospitality 5.8%

Retail trade 4.1%

Finance & real estate 3.8%

Public administration 2.4%

Agriculture & mining 1.9%

Wholesale trade 1.2%

Occupation

Category	%
Management, business & arts	36.8%
Service	18.0%
Sales & office	10.1%
Natural resources & construction	23.1%
Production & transportation	12.0%

Employment type

Type	%
Private sector	63.2%
Government	15.9%
Self-employed	20.9%
Unpaid family workers	0.0%

Commute

Method	%
Drive alone	42.9%
Carpool	37.7%
Public transit	0.0%
Walk	0.0%
Other means	3.7%
Avg commute (minutes)	44.1

Poverty

All people 6.3%

Under 18 years 21.3%

18 and over 5.3%

Married-couple families 0.0%

Female-led households 12.2%

Income support

Source	% of households
Social Security	50.7%
Retirement income	40.7%
Supplemental Security	5.3%
Cash public assistance	0.0%
Food stamps / SNAP	3.3%

Health indicators

Condition	%
High blood pressure	47.5%
High cholesterol	41.9%
Heart disease	10.8%
Stroke	4.9%
Asthma	10.2%
Arthritis	38.4%
Kidney disease	4.2%
Pulmonary disease	12.7%
Cancer	9.1%

Behavior / access	%
Binge drinking	11.6%
No physical activity	29.9%
Less than 7 hrs sleep	35.3%
Fair or poor health	21.4%
Poor mental health	15.8%
Poor physical health	14.9%
No health insurance	16.0%
Visited doctor (checkup)	77.2%
Visited dentist	54.6%
Cholesterol screening	92.5%
Teeth loss	20.0%

Veterans & disability

Veterans	Count	%
Civilian veterans	79	8.9%

Disability	%
Any disability	30.1%
Under 18	0.0%
18–64 years	21.2%
65 and over	49.0%

Health insurance coverage

Type	%
Private insurance	57.0%
Public insurance	51.3%
Uninsured under 19	8.1%

Language & origin

Language spoken at home (age 5+)

Language	Count	%
English only	926	98.0%
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)	945	100.0%
Born in same state	937	99.2%
Born in different state	405	42.9%
Foreign born	8	0.8%
Naturalized citizen	0	0.0%
Not a US citizen	0	0.0%

Ancestry

Ancestry	Count	%
Arab	131	13.9%
French	119	12.6%
Italian	46	4.9%

Ancestry	Count	%
Norwegian	5	0.5%
English	3	0.3%

Technology access

Metric	% of households
Computer access	51.7%
Internet access	87.3%

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

Frequently asked questions

What ZIP codes does Shady Valley, TN have?

Shady Valley, TN has one ZIP code: 37688. Each ZIP code serves a distinct delivery area within the city and surrounding region.