Thorn Hill ZIP Codes — Grainger County, TN

There is one unique ZIP code in Thorn Hill, Tennessee and it is 37881. Area code: 865.

ZIP codes

71.86

sq mi land

1.02

sq mi water

865

area code

Thorn Hill, TN ZIP code map

About Thorn Hill, TN

Thorn Hill is a quaint community located in the eastern part of Tennessee, nestled within Grainger County. Known for its peaceful ambiance and rural charm, the city boasts a close-knit community atmosphere. The city operates under the ZIP code 37881 and is a perfect example of small-town living in the Volunteer State.

Location & geography

Thorn Hill is situated approximately 40 miles northeast of Knoxville, making it accessible while retaining its small-town feel. The city features a total land area of 71.86 square miles, complemented by 1.02 square miles of water. The terrain around Thorn Hill consists of rolling hills and lush greenery, revealing the natural beauty that attracts visitors and residents alike.

Community & economy

The character of Thorn Hill is defined by its friendly residents who appreciate a quiet lifestyle away from the hustle and bustle of urban areas. The primary industries in the area include agriculture and small-scale local businesses, contributing to the economy while supporting community values. Daily life in Thorn Hill typically revolves around family, local events, and outdoor activities, fostering a strong sense of belonging.

Transportation

Major highways provide essential access to and from Thorn Hill, with Highway 61 being a key route through the region. The nearest major airport is McGhee Tyson Airport, located approximately 40 miles away in Knoxville, facilitating travel for residents and visitors. Public transportation options are limited, making car travel the most common means of transportation.

History

Thorn Hill was founded in the 19th century, developing as a key agricultural hub in Grainger County. Over the years, the community has maintained its rural roots, focusing on farming and local craftsmanship as defining industries. Notable events in the city's history often include seasonal festivals that celebrate local culture and traditions.

Did you know?

One surprising fact about Thorn Hill is that it is home to the famous Big Ridge State Park, which offers outdoor enthusiasts a variety of recreational activities. Additionally, the city's population reflects the quiet, rural lifestyle that many people seek in East Tennessee.

ZIP codes for Thorn Hill, TN (1)

ZIP code	City	County	Map
37881	Thorn Hill	Grainger	View map

Demographics & statistics

1,829

Population

53.5

Median age

$42,685

Median household income

$33,210

Per capita income

$125,400

Median home value

$824

Median monthly rent

82.7%

Home ownership

20.5%

Poverty rate

6.1%

Unemployment

886

Housing units

7.3%

Bachelor's or higher

Age distribution

Male Female

Under 5

5–9

10–14

15–19

20–24

25–34

109

35–44

108

102

45–54

101

55–59

60–64

168

65–74

167

112

75–84

111

85+

← Male

Female →

Age summary

Group	Count	%
Under 18	301	16.5%
18 and over	1,528	83.5%
65 and over	589	32.2%
Median age	53.5 years

Race & ethnicity

White 97.6%

American Indian / Alaska Native 1.6%

Two or more races 0.8%

Group	Count	%
White	1,785	97.6%
American Indian / Alaska Native	30	1.6%
Two or more races	14	0.8%

Household income

Under $10k 3.0%

$10k–$15k 10.4%

$15k–$25k 15.6%

$25k–$35k 11.3%

$35k–$50k 20.1%

$50k–$75k 18.7%

$75k–$100k 8.5%

$100k–$150k 6.3%

$150k–$200k 2.7%

$200k+ 3.4%

Range	% of households
Under $10k	3.0%
$10k–$15k	10.4%
$15k–$25k	15.6%
$25k–$35k	11.3%
$35k–$50k	20.1%
$50k–$75k	18.7%
$75k–$100k	8.5%
$100k–$150k	6.3%
$150k–$200k	2.7%
$200k+	3.4%
Median income	$42,685

Housing

Home values

Under $50k 12.9%

$50k–$100k 20.8%

$100k–$150k 34.2%

$150k–$200k 11.9%

$200k–$300k 11.7%

$300k–$500k 8.5%

Housing overview

Metric	Value
Median home value	$125,400
Median rent / month	$824
Owner occupied	82.7%
Renter occupied	17.3%
Vacant	26.8%
Single-family detached	71.5%
Large apartment buildings	0.0%
Mobile homes	28.5%
Median rooms	5.5
Avg household size (owned)	2.46

Year built

Era	%
2020 or later	0.0%
2010–2019	9.3%
2000–2009	11.9%
1990–1999	25.3%
1980–1989	14.7%
1970–1979	8.5%
1960–1969	6.7%
1950–1959	6.7%
1940–1949	3.6%
1939 or earlier	13.3%

Bedrooms

Size	% of units
No bedroom (studio)	0.0%
1 bedroom	8.1%
2 bedrooms	28.9%
3 bedrooms	53.6%
4 bedrooms	9.5%
5+ bedrooms	0.0%

Vehicles per household

Vehicles	% of households
No vehicle	7.0%
1 vehicle	30.3%
2 vehicles	30.2%
3 or more	32.5%

Heating fuel

Fuel type	%
Utility gas	1.5%
Electricity	68.1%
Propane / LP gas	6.7%
Wood	21.2%
No fuel used	1.1%

Households & families

Household type	Count	%
Married-couple family	406	54.7%
Cohabiting couple	67	9.0%
Male householder, no spouse	132	17.8%
Female householder, no spouse	137	18.5%
Households with children under 18	244	32.9%
Households with seniors (65+)	394	53.1%
Average household size	2.46

Marital status

Status	Male	Female
Never married	27.3%	17.0%
Married	51.8%	54.3%
Separated	1.0%	1.4%
Widowed	7.0%	8.7%
Divorced	13.0%	18.6%

Education

Less than 9th grade 14.6%

Some HS, no diploma 14.4%

HS graduate 45.4%

Some college, no degree 15.1%

Associate's degree 3.3%

Bachelor's degree 2.2%

Graduate / professional 5.1%

Metric	%
HS diploma or higher	71.0%
Bachelor's or higher	7.3%

School enrollment (ages 3–17)

Type	Count	%
Nursery / preschool	20	6.9%
Kindergarten	0	0.0%
Elementary school	117	40.2%
High school	122	41.9%
College / grad school	32	11.0%

Employment

Industry of employment

Manufacturing 38.4%

Arts, food & hospitality 13.2%

Education & healthcare 12.0%

Transportation & utilities 8.9%

Finance & real estate 7.2%

Construction 5.3%

Agriculture & mining 5.0%

Retail trade 4.2%

Professional & management 2.8%

Public administration 2.3%

Wholesale trade 0.8%

Occupation

Category	%
Management, business & arts	18.0%
Service	9.3%
Sales & office	18.8%
Natural resources & construction	12.1%
Production & transportation	41.7%

Employment type

Type	%
Private sector	92.7%
Government	4.5%
Self-employed	2.8%
Unpaid family workers	0.0%

Commute

Method	%
Drive alone	70.9%
Carpool	25.8%
Public transit	0.0%
Walk	2.8%
Other means	0.0%
Avg commute (minutes)	36.4

Poverty

All people 20.5%

Under 18 years 32.2%

18 and over 18.3%

Married-couple families 13.1%

Female-led households 35.4%

Income support

Source	% of households
Social Security	59.0%
Retirement income	24.3%
Supplemental Security	12.9%
Cash public assistance	1.3%
Food stamps / SNAP	21.6%

Health indicators

Condition	%
High blood pressure	42.6%
High cholesterol	38.8%
Heart disease	9.2%
Stroke	4.5%
Asthma	11.3%
Arthritis	34.1%
Kidney disease	3.7%
Pulmonary disease	12.7%
Cancer	7.1%

Behavior / access	%
Binge drinking	13.5%
No physical activity	31.6%
Less than 7 hrs sleep	36.7%
Fair or poor health	22.7%
Poor mental health	18.8%
Poor physical health	15.4%
No health insurance	19.7%
Visited doctor (checkup)	74.8%
Visited dentist	47.1%
Cholesterol screening	88.6%
Teeth loss	24.8%

Veterans & disability

Veterans	Count	%
Civilian veterans	116	7.6%

Disability	%
Any disability	27.4%
Under 18	0.0%
18–64 years	18.5%
65 and over	55.7%

Health insurance coverage

Type	%
Private insurance	48.7%
Public insurance	64.7%
Uninsured under 19	0.0%

Language & origin

Language spoken at home (age 5+)

Language	Count	%
English only	1,767	96.6%
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)	1,829	100.0%
Born in same state	1,820	99.5%
Born in different state	1,175	64.2%
Foreign born	9	0.5%
Naturalized citizen	0	0.0%
Not a US citizen	0	0.0%

Ancestry

Ancestry	Count	%
Arab	448	24.5%
French	266	14.5%
Italian	135	7.4%

Ancestry	Count	%
Dutch	10	0.5%
Polish	8	0.4%

Technology access

Metric	% of households
Computer access	40.6%
Internet access	75.9%

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

Frequently asked questions

What ZIP codes does Thorn Hill, TN have?

Thorn Hill, TN has one ZIP code: 37881. Each ZIP code serves a distinct delivery area within the city and surrounding region.