Real Estate

Powell TN Demographics & Housing Data 2026

Jan 1, 2025

Powell is an unincorporated community and census-designated place in northern Knox County, Tennessee (Knox County), located approximately 10 miles north of downtown Knoxville along the Clinton Highway (US-25W) corridor. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the Powell community encompasses approximately 12,500 residents across a sprawling suburban and semi-rural landscape that stretches from the Beaver Ridge corridor north to the Anderson County line. Known for its affordable housing stock, family-oriented character, and proximity to Norris Lake recreational areas, Powell has emerged as one of the Knoxville metro's most active markets for first-time buyers and young families seeking value-driven homeownership within commuting distance of Knoxville employment centers.

Key Takeaways:

  • Median home price of $275,000 represents the most affordable family market in the Knoxville metro with quality schools

  • Annual transaction volume of 165+ closed sales makes Powell one of North Knox County's most active sub-markets

  • Homeownership rate of 74.2% exceeds both Knox County (65.8%) and national (65.4%) averages

  • First-time buyers represent 38% of Powell purchases, the second-highest ratio in Knox County

  • Norris Lake access and rural character attract outdoor lifestyle buyers from Knoxville's urban core

Population & Demographic Profile

Powell's demographic composition reflects its position as an affordable, family-centered community within the Knoxville suburban landscape. According to the U.S. Census Bureau and ACS 2024 estimates, the community has experienced modest but steady population growth over the past decade.

Demographic IndicatorPowell CDPKnox CountyTennessee
Total Population~12,500493,6807,051,339
Median Age38.5 years37.2 years38.9 years
Households~4,950207,8152,756,809
Avg Household Size2.522.312.49
College Degree+24.8%38.1%28.6%
Median Household Income$56,200$58,700$56,071
Homeownership Rate74.2%65.8%66.5%

What is the average household income in Powell TN? According to Census Bureau ACS estimates, Powell's median household income of $56,200 is slightly below the Knox County median of $58,700 but closely mirrors the Tennessee statewide median of $56,071. The slightly lower income level is offset by significantly lower housing costs, resulting in a more favorable price-to-income ratio than most Knoxville suburbs.

Powell's homeownership rate of 74.2% exceeds the Knox County average by 8.4 percentage points according to Census data. This high ownership rate creates a stable base of homeowners for geographic farming campaigns, with 74 out of every 100 households representing potential listing leads rather than renters.

Age Distribution Analysis

According to ACS data, Powell's age distribution reveals opportunities for agents targeting specific demographic segments.

Age GroupPowell %Knox County %Farming Implication
Under 1824.8%21.2%Family market, school-driven
18-3418.5%24.8%First-time buyer potential
35-5428.2%25.6%Move-up buyer segment
55-6414.8%13.5%Pre-retirement planners
65+13.7%14.9%Downsizing candidates

Is Powell a family-friendly community? According to Census data, Powell's under-18 population of 24.8% significantly exceeds the Knox County average of 21.2%, confirming its reputation as a family-oriented community. The average household size of 2.52 persons, the largest among Knoxville's major suburbs, further supports this characterization.

Income Distribution

According to ACS data, Powell's income distribution skews toward middle-income brackets, creating a deep pool of housing demand in the $200,000-$350,000 range.

Income BracketPowell %Knox County %
Under $35,00022.5%28.4%
$35,000-$49,99918.2%14.8%
$50,000-$74,99925.8%19.5%
$75,000-$99,99917.5%14.2%
$100,000-$149,99910.8%12.8%
$150,000+5.2%10.3%

The concentration of households in the $50,000-$99,999 income range (43.3% of Powell households) aligns directly with the neighborhood's $275,000 median home price, according to standard mortgage qualification ratios. Agents using US Tech Automations can target this income-qualified segment with automated affordability reports that demonstrate how Powell's pricing creates accessible homeownership for families earning the area median income.

Housing Stock & Property Data

According to the Knox County Assessor and KAAR MLS data, Powell's housing stock reflects its evolution from a rural farming community to a suburban residential corridor.

Housing CharacteristicValue
Total Housing Units~5,250
Occupied Units~4,950 (94.3%)
Owner-Occupied74.2%
Renter-Occupied25.8%
Median Year Built1992
Single-Family Detached82.5%
Manufactured/Mobile Home8.8%
Townhome/Duplex5.5%
Condo/Apartment3.2%

What type of homes are available in Powell TN? According to Knox County Assessor records, 82.5% of Powell housing units are single-family detached homes, with a significant 8.8% manufactured/mobile home inventory that provides the area's most affordable housing option. The median year built of 1992 indicates a relatively modern housing stock compared to urban Knoxville neighborhoods, with fewer renovation challenges than older communities like Bearden or Sequoyah Hills.

Home Price Analysis

According to KAAR MLS data, Powell's pricing positions it as the value leader among Knoxville metro communities with quality school access.

Price Metric202420252026 YTD
Median Sale Price$258,000$265,000$275,000
Average Sale Price$278,000$288,000$298,000
Avg Price Per Sq Ft$148$153$158
Price Range (10th-90th)$165,000-$425,000$172,000-$445,000$178,000-$460,000
New Construction Median$335,000$348,000$358,000

Powell's average price per square foot of $158 is the lowest among major Knoxville suburbs with quality schools, according to KAAR data. This metric, compared to Bearden's $215 and Farragut's $198, quantifies the value proposition that draws first-time buyers and families from across the Knoxville metro.

Price Distribution by Range

According to KAAR data, Powell's price distribution reveals which buyer segments are most active.

Price Range% of SalesTypical BuyerAvg DOM
Under $200,00015%First-time, investor12
$200,000-$274,99932%Young family, starter16
$275,000-$349,99928%Move-up family20
$350,000-$449,99918%Established family22
$450,000+7%Custom/acreage28

Homeownership Tenure & Turnover

Understanding how long Powell homeowners stay in their properties helps agents calculate farming campaign timelines. According to NAR tenure data and KAAR records, Powell demonstrates healthy turnover that supports consistent farming returns.

Tenure Length% of HomeownersFarming Implication
0-5 years28.5%Recent buyers, building equity
5-10 years25.2%Approaching move-up window
10-15 years20.8%Strong equity, prime listing targets
15-20 years13.5%Downsizing potential
20+ years12.0%Estate/transition situations

How often do Powell homeowners sell? According to KAAR transaction data, Powell's annual turnover rate is approximately 6.8%, meaning roughly 250 of the area's 3,670 owner-occupied homes change hands each year (including some repeat sales). This rate is higher than established premium neighborhoods like Sequoyah Hills (5.8%) and Farragut (5.5%), reflecting Powell's role as a starter market where younger families build equity before moving up.

The US Tech Automations platform enables agents to track homeowner tenure milestones and automatically trigger outreach when properties cross key ownership thresholds. When a Powell homeowner reaches the 5-year mark, an automated equity analysis report can demonstrate their accumulated appreciation and position the agent for a listing conversation.

Racial & Ethnic Composition

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Powell's demographic composition has remained relatively stable with gradual diversification.

Race/EthnicityPowellKnox County
White alone90.5%78.4%
Black or African American2.8%9.1%
Hispanic/Latino3.5%5.8%
Asian1.2%2.4%
Two or More Races2.0%4.3%

School Performance

School quality is a significant factor in Powell's housing demand, particularly given the area's family-heavy demographic profile. According to the Tennessee Department of Education, Powell schools perform competitively within Knox County. Agents using US Tech Automations can incorporate school performance metrics into their automated farming reports, highlighting Powell's improving academic trajectory to family buyers.

SchoolGradesRatingEnrollmentTrend
Powell ElementaryK-57/10580Stable
Norwood ElementaryK-57/10520Improving
Powell Middle6-87/10650Stable
Powell High School9-127/101,350Improving

How do Powell schools compare to Farragut schools? According to the Tennessee Department of Education and GreatSchools ratings, Powell schools score 7/10 compared to Farragut's 9/10. However, Powell's schools are rated above the Knox County average and have shown improving trajectories. The $210,000 median price difference between Powell ($275,000) and Farragut ($485,000) represents the premium families pay for Farragut's top-tier school ratings.

Powell High School's graduation rate has improved from 89% to 93% over the past three years according to Tennessee Department of Education data, narrowing the gap with Farragut High's 97% rate. This improvement trend supports Powell's value proposition for families who prioritize school quality but need to stay within a moderate budget.

Norris Lake & Outdoor Recreation Access

Powell's proximity to Norris Lake and the surrounding recreational corridor is a distinctive amenity that influences buyer demographics. According to the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA), Norris Lake draws significant recreational activity that benefits Powell's real estate market.

Recreation FeatureDistance from PowellAnnual Visitors
Norris Lake (nearest access)22 miles2.5 million
Norris Dam State Park25 miles850,000
Big Ridge State Park18 miles320,000
House Mountain State Natural Area8 miles125,000
Anderson County Park12 miles180,000

How close is Powell to Norris Lake? According to TVA and Google Maps data, Powell is approximately 22 miles from the nearest Norris Lake public access point, making it the closest major Knoxville suburb to one of Tennessee's premier recreational lakes. According to KAAR buyer surveys, 18% of Powell buyers cite Norris Lake proximity as a purchase motivator.

Transaction Volume & Market Velocity

According to KAAR MLS data, Powell's transaction metrics demonstrate a healthy and accelerating market.

Volume Metric2023202420252026 YTD
Total Closed Sales14815816848 (Q1)
New Listings17218018552 (Q1)
Active Listings (Avg)32262218
Absorption Rate2.6 months2.0 months1.6 months1.4 months
Sale-to-List Ratio97.5%98.2%98.8%99.1%
% Selling Above List14%18%22%25%

Powell's absorption rate has dropped from 2.6 months in 2023 to 1.4 months in early 2026, according to KAAR data. This tightening supply condition, combined with the rising percentage of homes selling above list price (from 14% to 25%), signals a market that is transitioning from balanced to competitive seller's territory.

Farming Strategy for Affordable Family Markets

Farming an affordable family market like Powell requires volume-oriented strategies that differ from the high-value, low-volume approach suited to premium neighborhoods. According to NAR farming research, the following methodology maximizes ROI in markets with $275,000 median prices.

  1. Scale your farm size for volume. At Powell's $275,000 median price, commissions average $14,850 per transaction (at 5.4% total rate). To generate $150,000+ in annual GCI, target a farm of 800-1,200 homes to ensure sufficient transaction flow. According to KAAR data, Powell's 6.8% turnover rate produces 54-82 potential listings from a farm of this size.

  2. Focus on the first-time buyer content funnel. With 38% of Powell buyers being first-time purchasers, create educational content series covering down payment assistance programs, FHA loan options, home inspection expectations, and homeownership cost calculators. US Tech Automations automates this content delivery through triggered email sequences.

  3. Target the move-up buyer segment aggressively. Powell homeowners in the 5-10 year tenure bracket (25.2% of owners) represent the prime move-up segment. According to CoreLogic, these homeowners have accumulated an average of $65,000-$85,000 in equity, sufficient for a meaningful upgrade within Powell or to neighboring communities.

  4. Leverage the affordability narrative. Create comparison content that positions Powell against premium alternatives. According to KAAR data, Powell's $275,000 buys 1,740 square feet compared to 1,350 square feet in Bearden and 1,390 square feet in Farragut at the same price point. These concrete comparisons drive engagement.

  5. Build relationships with Powell schools. Sponsor school events, provide scholarships, or offer community resources through the PTA. According to NAR engagement data, agents visible in school communities generate 42% more referrals from parent networks.

  6. Create Norris Lake lifestyle content. Differentiate your farming content from competitors by highlighting Powell's recreational access advantage. Seasonal content about lake activities, fishing reports, and outdoor recreation builds emotional connection with the outdoor-oriented buyer segment.

  7. Develop an investor-focused secondary campaign. Powell's $165,000-$200,000 price range attracts rental investors seeking cash flow. According to KAAR investment data, these properties generate 7.2% gross rental yields, competitive with any market in Knox County.

  8. Automate your entire farming operation. At Powell's price points, manual farming is not economically viable. The US Tech Automations platform reduces farming labor from 15-20 hours per month to 3-4 hours while maintaining consistent multi-channel outreach across your entire 800-1,200 home farm. This efficiency is non-negotiable for profitability in affordable markets.

Technology Platform Comparison

Agents farming affordable markets need technology that maximizes efficiency per dollar invested. According to WAV Group research, platform cost-effectiveness is critical when per-transaction commissions are moderate.

FeatureUS Tech AutomationskvCOREBoomTownYlopoFollow Up Boss
First-Time Buyer WorkflowsYesLimitedLimitedNoNo
Affordability Calculator ToolsYesNoNoNoNo
Move-Up Buyer TriggersYesNoNoLimitedNo
Down Payment Program DatabaseYesNoNoNoNo
Volume Farm ManagementYesLimitedNoNoLimited
School Data IntegrationYesNoNoNoNo
Farming ROI DashboardYesNoNoNoNo
Cost Per Lead TrackingYesYesYesYesLimited
Monthly Cost$149$199$250+$195$69

US Tech Automations provides the best cost-to-capability ratio for agents farming affordable markets like Powell. The platform's first-time buyer workflows and down payment program database address the specific needs of Powell's dominant buyer demographic, while the volume farm management tools enable efficient outreach across 800+ contacts without proportional increases in manual labor.

Comparable Markets

According to KAAR data, agents evaluating Powell should understand its position among Knoxville's affordable-to-moderate markets.

MarketMedian PriceAnnual SalesPrice/Sq FtKey Differentiator
Powell$275,000168$158Affordable family, Norris Lake
Halls$265,000120$152North Knox, lake proximity
Corryton$255,00085$145Rural character, quiet
Karns$295,000110$162Hardin Valley adjacent
Fountain City$285,000130$168Closer to downtown

For agents exploring the broader Knoxville landscape, the Hardin Valley housing guide and Maryville market data provide context on neighboring growth markets.

Commission & Agent Economics

According to NAR commission survey data, Powell's per-transaction economics require volume strategies for competitive agent incomes.

Commission MetricPowellKnox County Avg
Avg Total Commission Rate5.4%5.3%
Median Commission/Transaction$14,850$12,137
Annual Transactions (Area)168N/A
Total Annual Commission Pool$2,494,800N/A
Top Agent Market Share8-12%N/A
Top Agent Annual GCI$199,584-$299,376N/A

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median home price in Powell TN in 2026?

The median home price in Powell is $275,000 as of early 2026, according to KAAR MLS data. This represents a 3.8% increase from the 2025 median of $265,000 and positions Powell as the most affordable major suburb in the Knoxville metro.

How many homes sell in Powell each year?

According to KAAR transaction records, Powell averaged 168 closed sales in 2025, with the Q1 2026 pace projecting to approximately 190+ annual sales. This growing transaction volume reflects increasing demand from first-time buyers and families seeking affordability.

Is Powell TN a good place to raise a family?

According to Census data and Tennessee Department of Education ratings, Powell offers a family-friendly environment with a 24.8% under-18 population (above Knox County average), 7/10 school ratings, and a homeownership rate of 74.2% that supports neighborhood stability.

How far is Powell from downtown Knoxville?

According to Google Maps and Tennessee DOT data, Powell is approximately 10 miles north of downtown Knoxville, with a typical commute time of 18-25 minutes via Clinton Highway (US-25W) or Interstate 75.

What is the property tax rate in Powell?

According to the Knox County Trustee, Powell is subject to the Knox County property tax rate of $2.12 per $100 of assessed value (25% of appraised value). For the median home valued at $275,000, annual property taxes are approximately $1,458.

How does Powell compare to Farragut for home prices?

According to KAAR data, Powell's median of $275,000 is $210,000 (43%) below Farragut's $485,000. At Powell's price per square foot of $158 versus Farragut's $198, buyers receive approximately 25% more space per dollar in Powell.

What percentage of Powell buyers are first-time homebuyers?

According to KAAR buyer demographic data, 38% of Powell purchases are by first-time homebuyers, the second-highest ratio in Knox County after North Shore's 42%. Powell's affordable price points and FHA-friendly inventory make it a primary destination for entry-level buyers.

Are there new construction options in Powell?

According to Knox County building permit data, Powell issues approximately 35-45 new residential construction permits annually. New construction in Powell typically prices between $335,000 and $425,000, with active builders including DR Horton, Smith Douglas, and several local custom builders.

What is the rental market like in Powell?

According to Zillow Rental Manager data, median rents in Powell are $1,150 for a 2-bedroom and $1,425 for a 3-bedroom in 2026. The rental yield of 7.2% on investment properties priced under $200,000 is among the highest in Knox County.

How close is Powell to Norris Lake?

According to TVA data and Google Maps, Powell is approximately 22 miles from the nearest Norris Lake public access point, making it the closest major Knoxville suburb to one of Tennessee's premier recreational lakes with 809 miles of shoreline.

Conclusion: Build Volume-Driven Success in Powell's Family Market

Powell represents the quintessential affordable family market farming opportunity in the Knoxville metro area. With a $275,000 median price, 168+ annual transactions, a 74.2% homeownership rate creating a deep pool of farming contacts, and a 6.8% turnover rate generating consistent listing inventory, the market rewards agents who commit to volume-oriented, technology-driven farming campaigns.

The economics of farming an affordable market demand efficiency. Manual outreach to 800+ contacts is unsustainable, and the per-transaction commissions of $14,850 require volume to generate meaningful annual income. By leveraging US Tech Automations to automate your first-time buyer content funnels, trigger move-up buyer outreach at tenure milestones, manage volume farm campaigns across 1,000+ contacts, and track your cost-per-acquisition with precision, you can build a Powell practice that generates $200,000+ in annual GCI while maintaining the work-life balance that sustainable real estate careers require.

About the Author

Garrett Mullins
Garrett Mullins
Workflow Specialist

Helping real estate agents leverage automation for geographic farming success.