The story of this market
The typical home in ZIP 38503 sells for about $343,450, or $175 per square foot.
Prices are up +2.4% from a year ago, so sellers still have some momentum. Homes take about 58 days to sell. HUD's fair market rent for a two-bedroom is $1,350 a month.
ZIP 38503 — Cookeville
The housing market in 38503 remains stable with steady demand for single-family homes, supported by the area's role as a regional economic hub. While inventory is limited, price growth has moderated compared to the rapid appreciation seen in previous years. Buyers are finding a more balanced market, though competition remains for well-priced, move-in-ready properties.
This ZIP is well-suited for families and professionals seeking a balance between small-town living and access to regional employment hubs. It is particularly attractive to those affiliated with Tennessee Tech or seeking a lower cost of living compared to the Nashville metro area.
Median prices moved up 2.4% year over year.
Homes spend a median of 58 days on market with 4.2 months of supply — a fast-moving market.
13% of listings have cut prices · homes sell at 97.5% of asking — demand is running ahead of supply.
no recorded foreclosure-ledger notices (0.0 per 10,000 residents) · unemployment 4.1% · poverty 12.8% — a stable, low-distress profile.
Researched annual trajectory for this ZIP, from published historical series
Solid: researched ten-year history · dotted: 1 / 3 / 5-year projection extended from the historical 8.5%/yr trend — a deterministic estimate, not a published forecast or guarantee.
Median annual property tax paid on this ZIP's residential parcels
Solid: researched ten-year history · dotted: 1 / 3 / 5-year projection extended from the historical 5.8%/yr trend — a deterministic estimate, not a published forecast or guarantee.
versus the prior ACS vintage
in-migration and out-migration balanced
ZCTA 38503, Putnam County TN
Cookeville generally experiences crime rates consistent with regional averages for micropolitan areas in Tennessee, with property crime being the primary concern. Local law enforcement maintains active community outreach to mitigate trends.
The area is served by the Putnam County School District, which provides a range of public education options including Capshaw Elementary and Avery Trace Middle School. Schools in the district are generally rated as meeting state expectations.
The region is subject to standard Tennessee weather risks, including occasional severe thunderstorms and wind events. Flood risk is localized to specific low-lying areas near regional waterways.
Cookeville serves as a regional economic hub for the Upper Cumberland, supported by manufacturing, healthcare, and education sectors. Infrastructure development is focused on supporting the growth of the Tennessee Tech University corridor and regional highway connectivity.
Property taxes are assessed at the county level by the Putnam County Assessor of Property based on appraised value. The jurisdiction utilizes a local tax rate applied to the assessed value, with no state-level personal income tax in Tennessee.
Residents in 38503 primarily rely on personal vehicles for commuting, with easy access to Interstate 40 providing a direct corridor to Nashville and Knoxville. Public transit options are limited, making the area car-dependent for regional employment access.
The area offers proximity to numerous outdoor amenities, including Cane Creek Park and various trails within the city limits. Residents have access to regional lakes and golf courses within a short drive, alongside local shopping districts in downtown Cookeville.
The rental market in Cookeville is characterized by steady demand driven by the university population and regional workforce. Vacancy rates remain low, and rent growth has tracked with broader regional inflation trends.
The economy is anchored by Tennessee Tech University, regional healthcare providers, and a diverse manufacturing base. It serves as the primary commercial and service center for the Upper Cumberland region.
The area is served by Interstate 40 and State Route 111, facilitating regional travel. Local transit is limited, with most infrastructure focused on road maintenance and highway access.
Development is currently focused on infill projects and the expansion of student-oriented housing near the university. Infrastructure improvements are ongoing to support increased traffic volume along major arterial roads.
The Putnam County Assessor of Property manages the appraisal process, conducting periodic reappraisals to ensure assessments reflect current market values.
Parcels are subject to Putnam County property taxes and may fall within specific utility districts for water and sewer services. No major MUD/PID districts are prevalent in this specific ZIP.
Property insurance premiums are influenced by regional weather patterns, including wind and storm risks. The market remains stable, though insurers are increasingly sensitive to roof age and condition.
Data retrieved from data.census.gov ZCTA-level tables.
Public schools whose reported address is in this area (NCES). Not attendance boundaries — schools that serve residents may sit outside it. Check the district's address locator for assignment.
- Thrive Family Fun Center3.91.8 mi
- 123 Bounce Party4.90.7 mi
- Golden Corral Buffet & Grill4.31.8 mi
- Tucker Stadium4.31 mi
- DelMonaco Winery & Vineyards4.66.1 mi
- Putnam County A&I Fair4.41.3 mi
- Spankies4.30.8 mi
- Burgess Falls State Park4.89.7 mi
- Cummins Falls State Park4.77 mi
- Cane Creek Park4.71.7 mi
- Window Cliffs State Natural Area4.79.9 mi
- AMC Highland 124.22.2 mi
- Cookeville Depot Museum4.70.2 mi
- Cookeville History Museum4.80 mi
- Monterey Depot Museum4.713.3 mi
- Burgess Falls State Park4.89.7 mi
- Cummins Falls State Park4.77 mi
- Cane Creek Park4.71.7 mi
- Window Cliffs State Natural Area4.79.9 mi
- Dogwood Park4.80.1 mi
- Hurricane Marina4.816.6 mi
- Cookeville Boat Dock4.613.9 mi
- Sligo Resort and Marina4.418 mi
- Edgar Evins Marina4.618.7 mi
- White Plains Golf Course3.94.3 mi
- Tennessee Tech Golden Eagle Golf Club4.32.2 mi
- Belle Acres Golf Course3.81.1 mi
- Publix Super Market at The Shoppes at Eagle Point4.61.6 mi
- T.J. Maxx4.30.9 mi
- Kohl's4.21.2 mi
- Ross Dress for Less4.21.5 mi
- Gabe's4.40.3 mi
Theme parks, venues, golf, airports, museums, water and shopping across the area from Google Maps, ranked by popularity within the radius shown.
A major municipal park featuring walking trails, a lake, and recreational facilities.
A major regional anchor institution providing cultural and economic activity.
A historic site showcasing the railroad history of the region.
Key-figure check: no independent anchor retained yet — first-researched cycles establish the anchor baseline this pass.