Townsend ZIP Codes — Blount County, TN

There is one unique ZIP code in Townsend, Tennessee and it is 37882. Area code: 865.

ZIP codes

183.83

sq mi land

1.14

sq mi water

865

area code

Townsend, TN ZIP code map

About Townsend, TN

Townsend, TN, is a quaint city nestled in the picturesque landscape of Blount County in Tennessee. Known for its stunning natural beauty, Townsend lies at the edge of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, making it a favored destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The city's charm is further enhanced by its small-town atmosphere, offering a peaceful retreat for visitors and residents alike.

Location & geography

Townsend is located in Blount County, Tennessee, and is approximately 30 miles south of Knoxville. The city features a varied terrain, comprising 183.83 square miles of land and 1.14 square miles of water, making it an attractive spot for nature lovers. Surrounded by the Smoky Mountains, the area is rich in scenic vistas and lush wilderness, providing ample opportunities for hiking and camping.

Community & economy

The community of Townsend is characterized by its friendly and welcoming atmosphere, drawing in visitors year-round. The primary industries in the area revolve around tourism, with many establishments catering to outdoor activities and exploration of the nearby national park. Daily life in Townsend is relaxed and laid-back, with local shops, restaurants, and events that often reflect the city's commitment to preserving its natural heritage.

Transportation

Townsend is accessible via U.S. Route 321, a major highway that runs through the eastern part of the state. The nearest major airport is McGhee Tyson Airport, located about 20 miles to the north in Knoxville, providing regional and national travel options. Local transit options are limited, but the scenic roads that wind through Townsend offer an enjoyable driving experience.

History

Founded in the early 20th century, Townsend began as a small farming community that gradually evolved into a tourism hub due to its proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains. Key industries have historically revolved around agriculture and hospitality, particularly as the national park gained prominence in the mid-20th century. Notable events in its history include the establishment of various festivals that celebrate the region's culture and natural beauty.

Did you know?

A surprising fact about Townsend is that it is often referred to as the 'Peaceful Side of the Smokies' due to its serene environment compared to the bustling tourist areas nearby. The city is also home to the annual Townsend Heritage Festival, which showcases local crafts, music, and food, highlighting the community's deep-rooted traditions.

ZIP codes for Townsend, TN (1)

ZIP code	City	County	Map
37882	Townsend	Blount	View map

Demographics & statistics

2,729

Population

62.4

Median age

$51,595

Median household income

$42,012

Per capita income

$264,700

Median home value

$968

Median monthly rent

81.3%

Home ownership

11.9%

Poverty rate

4.7%

Unemployment

2,253

Housing units

29.5%

Bachelor's or higher

Age distribution

Male Female

Under 5

5–9

10–14

15–19

20–24

114

25–34

115

35–44

109

45–54

111

129

55–59

131

168

60–64

170

420

65–74

427

131

75–84

132

85+

← Male

Female →

Age summary

Group	Count	%
Under 18	281	10.3%
18 and over	2,448	89.7%
65 and over	1,189	43.6%
Median age	62.4 years

Race & ethnicity

White 95.8%

Black or African American 1.7%

Two or more races 1.3%

Hispanic or Latino 0.5%

Other race 0.5%

Asian 0.1%

Group	Count	%
White	2,628	95.8%
Black or African American	48	1.7%
Two or more races	35	1.3%
Hispanic or Latino	14	0.5%
Other race	14	0.5%
Asian	4	0.1%

Household income

Under $10k 7.8%

$10k–$15k 4.7%

$15k–$25k 8.8%

$25k–$35k 10.3%

$35k–$50k 17.0%

$50k–$75k 12.7%

$75k–$100k 10.7%

$100k–$150k 12.7%

$150k–$200k 9.3%

$200k+ 6.1%

Range	% of households
Under $10k	7.8%
$10k–$15k	4.7%
$15k–$25k	8.8%
$25k–$35k	10.3%
$35k–$50k	17.0%
$50k–$75k	12.7%
$75k–$100k	10.7%
$100k–$150k	12.7%
$150k–$200k	9.3%
$200k+	6.1%
Median income	$51,595

Housing

Home values

Under $50k 6.0%

$50k–$100k 11.7%

$100k–$150k 12.8%

$150k–$200k 10.0%

$200k–$300k 17.8%

$300k–$500k 21.1%

$500k–$1M 18.1%

$1M+ 2.4%

Housing overview

Metric	Value
Median home value	$264,700
Median rent / month	$968
Owner occupied	81.3%
Renter occupied	18.7%
Vacant	48.5%
Single-family detached	78.4%
Large apartment buildings	0.6%
Mobile homes	18.1%
Median rooms	5.1
Avg household size (owned)	2.14

Year built

Era	%
2020 or later	0.3%
2010–2019	7.7%
2000–2009	25.3%
1990–1999	25.4%
1980–1989	13.7%
1970–1979	12.2%
1960–1969	2.6%
1950–1959	4.1%
1940–1949	3.2%
1939 or earlier	5.5%

Bedrooms

Size	% of units
No bedroom (studio)	1.7%
1 bedroom	12.8%
2 bedrooms	32.1%
3 bedrooms	46.7%
4 bedrooms	3.9%
5+ bedrooms	2.8%

Vehicles per household

Vehicles	% of households
No vehicle	3.0%
1 vehicle	28.6%
2 vehicles	44.9%
3 or more	23.5%

Heating fuel

Fuel type	%
Utility gas	2.4%
Electricity	73.9%
Propane / LP gas	16.9%
Fuel oil	0.5%
Wood	5.5%
No fuel used	0.3%

Households & families

Household type	Count	%
Married-couple family	769	59.8%
Cohabiting couple	66	5.1%
Male householder, no spouse	157	12.2%
Female householder, no spouse	293	22.8%
Households with children under 18	196	15.3%
Households with seniors (65+)	719	56.0%
Average household size	2.12

Marital status

Status	Male	Female
Never married	19.7%	7.5%
Married	67.0%	57.6%
Separated	2.5%	3.8%
Widowed	1.9%	14.4%
Divorced	8.9%	16.6%

Education

Less than 9th grade 2.8%

Some HS, no diploma 4.6%

HS graduate 32.8%

Some college, no degree 21.1%

Associate's degree 9.2%

Bachelor's degree 18.0%

Graduate / professional 11.5%

Metric	%
HS diploma or higher	92.6%
Bachelor's or higher	29.5%

School enrollment (ages 3–17)

Type	Count	%
Nursery / preschool	13	4.3%
Kindergarten	13	4.3%
Elementary school	129	42.6%
High school	114	37.6%
College / grad school	34	11.2%

Employment

Industry of employment

Education & healthcare 23.1%

Professional & management 18.1%

Retail trade 13.2%

Public administration 10.2%

Arts, food & hospitality 9.8%

Finance & real estate 7.2%

Other services 6.8%

Manufacturing 4.8%

Construction 4.1%

Transportation & utilities 1.6%

Wholesale trade 0.8%

Agriculture & mining 0.2%

Occupation

Category	%
Management, business & arts	35.8%
Service	31.6%
Sales & office	19.4%
Natural resources & construction	7.4%
Production & transportation	5.8%

Employment type

Type	%
Private sector	76.7%
Government	15.0%
Self-employed	8.2%
Unpaid family workers	0.0%

Commute

Method	%
Drive alone	79.8%
Carpool	4.6%
Public transit	0.0%
Walk	0.9%
Other means	0.0%
Avg commute (minutes)	26.7

Poverty

All people 11.9%

Under 18 years 26.7%

18 and over 10.2%

Married-couple families 6.9%

Female-led households 31.5%

Income support

Source	% of households
Social Security	58.8%
Retirement income	39.6%
Supplemental Security	7.2%
Cash public assistance	3.4%
Food stamps / SNAP	11.9%

Health indicators

Condition	%
High blood pressure	45.9%
High cholesterol	42.7%
Heart disease	9.6%
Stroke	4.3%
Asthma	10.5%
Arthritis	37.8%
Kidney disease	3.7%
Pulmonary disease	11.3%
Cancer	8.8%

Behavior / access	%
Binge drinking	11.9%
No physical activity	27.7%
Less than 7 hrs sleep	32.1%
Fair or poor health	19.2%
Poor mental health	15.7%
Poor physical health	13.7%
No health insurance	15.0%
Visited doctor (checkup)	77.9%
Visited dentist	57.8%
Cholesterol screening	92.5%
Teeth loss	17.8%

Veterans & disability

Veterans	Count	%
Civilian veterans	291	11.9%

Disability	%
Any disability	17.4%
Under 18	0.0%
18–64 years	10.9%
65 and over	28.3%

Health insurance coverage

Type	%
Private insurance	63.7%
Public insurance	53.6%
Uninsured under 19	20.2%

Language & origin

Language spoken at home (age 5+)

Language	Count	%
English only	2,683	98.3%
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)	2,721	99.7%
Born in same state	2,683	98.3%
Born in different state	1,340	49.1%
Foreign born	38	1.4%
Naturalized citizen	8	0.3%
Not a US citizen	8	100.0%

Ancestry

Ancestry	Count	%
French	387	14.2%
Italian	304	11.1%
Arab	126	4.6%
Irish	26	1%

Ancestry	Count	%
English	21	0.8%
Polish	18	0.7%
German	6	0.2%

Technology access

Metric	% of households
Computer access	47.1%
Internet access	87.9%

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

Frequently asked questions

What ZIP codes does Townsend, TN have?

Townsend, TN has one ZIP code: 37882. Each ZIP code serves a distinct delivery area within the city and surrounding region.