ZIP Code 37686 in Piney Flats, TN

Data Last Updated: October 1, 2025
City:Piney Flats, Tennessee
Counties:Sullivan County[Primary]
Washington County
Timezone:Eastern (GMT -05:00)
Local Time:10:50:39 PM
Population:8,207 [See All]
Area Code:423
Classification:Standard [Normal Street Delivery]
Coordinates:36.4428, -82.3459
Land Area:29.508 sq mi
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Population & Demographics


ZIP Code 37686 has 8,207 residents and 3,546 households (average 2.31 persons per household). The median age is 47.2 years, significantly older than the state (39.1) and significantly older than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 50.5% male and 49.5% female, which is slightly higher than the state male share (48.7%). Largest groups are White (93.4%, much higher than the state average of 72.2% and well above the national average of 61.6%) and Hispanic or Latino (1.9%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 1.9%, which is much lower than the national average (18.7%).

Explore More:Population Over TimeBy Age & GenderBy RaceBy GenderNativity & Citizenship

Source: U.S. Census 2020 Demographics & Housing Characteristics (DHC) and U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates.
2020 Population:8,207Source: Census DHC
2023 ACS Population Estimate:9,149Source: Census ACS
2025 ZC Population Estimate:9,607Source: ZIP-Codes.com
Population Density:278.1 people per sq mile
Average Income:$84,894Source: Census ACS
Households:3,546Source: Census DHC
Average House Value:$306,300Source: Census ACS
Persons Per Household:2.31Source: Census DHC
Average Family Size:2.77Source: Census ACS

Population Over Time (with 2010 & 2020 Census Benchmarks)


Group20102011210220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023
Census ACS Population Estimate--6,8947,2297,4987,6228,2367,9948,2208,2508,1298,4708,6678,8489,149
Decennial Census7,072------------------8,207------
Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP05. DEMOGRAPHIC AND HOUSING ESTIMATES

Population by Age & Gender (Total, Male, Female)


Median Age: 47.2

Male Median Age: 46.7

Female Median Age: 47.7

Group< 55-910-1415-1920-2425-2930-3435-3940-4445-4950-5455-5960-6465-6970-7475-7980-8485+
Male1792252142212312552442351883072723393523292621717148
Female1581992082192172442122052332552923143843422311967679
Total337424422440448499456440421562564653736671493367147127
Source: U.S. Census Bureau (2020) Demographics & Housing Characteristics (DHC)

Population by Race


White:7,66495.43%
Black:740.92%
Hispanic:*1601.99%
Asian:510.64%
American Indian:190.24%
Hawaiian:30.04%
Other:600.75%
Total:8,031100%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau (2020) Demographics & Housing Characteristics (DHC)
* NOTE: Hispanic or Latino is an ethnicity, not a race. This means individuals who identify as Hispanic will also be included in one of the race categories (such as White or Black). As a result, the totals shown here may exceed 100% when Hispanic is displayed alongside racial groups.

Gender Breakdown


GenderCount%Median Age
Males:4,14350.48%46.7 years
Females:4,06449.52%47.7 years
Total:8,207100%47.2 years
Source: U.S. Census Bureau (2020) Demographics & Housing Characteristics (DHC)

Nativity & Citizenship


Native, born in the United States:9,02698.66%
Native, born in PR, Island Areas, or abroad:00.00%
Foreign born, naturalized U.S. citizen:760.83%
Foreign born, not a U.S. citizen:471.34%
Total Population:9,149100%
Total Native Population:9,02698.66%
Total Foreign-born Population:1231.34%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP02. SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS
Note: Nativity and Citizenship derived from American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. Total Population listed here will not match official ZIP Code population totals, which are based on the Decennial Census.

Income & Employment


In 2023, the Median household income is $84,894, which is far above the state median ($67,097), is up $27,303 (47.4%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $25,180. Family households earn a median of $114,327 versus $53,333 for nonfamily households (a difference of $60,994). By gender, male median income is $61,860 and female is $49,773, which is generally lower than the national female median ($53,445), with a current gap of $12,087 that has stayed about the same from 2011 to 2023. The labor-force participation rate is 61.8%, which is trails slightly the national rate (63.5%). The unemployment rate is 2.0%, which is markedly below the national rate (5.2%). The largest occupation group is Management (43.0%).

Explore More:Income Over TimeHousehold IncomeEmployment StatusBy Occupation

Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Using data from Tables DP02, DP03, DP04 and DP05.

Median Income Over Time (Household, Family, Nonfamily, Male, Female)


Income Type2011201220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023
Median Household Income$57,591$53,564$47,294$49,318$49,800$46,432$47,813$50,705$59,714$69,521$74,085$82,242$84,894
Median Family Income$65,385$62,832$60,227$62,330$59,855$50,732$52,310$61,682$69,684$85,144$93,929$107,404$114,327
Median NonFamily Income$32,096$31,051$28,847$28,597$30,028$29,309$27,656$29,313$34,063$33,871$38,248$41,684$53,333
Median Male Income$44,103$42,024$36,174$36,238$37,854$35,561$34,593$39,008$45,863$49,896$57,244$65,500$61,860
Median Female Income$32,397$31,466$30,072$30,640$31,964$29,902$33,023$33,387$36,202$39,000$40,664$45,820$49,773
Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

Average Household Income


Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

Employment Status


Employed:4,59060.04%
Unemployed:961.26%
Not In Labor Force:2,95938.71%
Total:7,645100%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

Employment by Occupation (Civilian Employed Population, 16 and Over)


Management, business, science, and arts:1,97543.03%
Service:50210.94%
Sales and Office:1,08123.55%
Natural resources, construction, and maintenance:2204.79%
Production, transportation, and material moving:81217.69%
Total Civilian Employed Population:4,590100%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS.

Housing & Affordability


In 2023, the median home value is $306,300, which is markedly greater than the state median ($256,800), is up $156,900 (105.02%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $131,900. The median gross rent is $1,117, which is much lower than the national median ($1,348), is up $469 (72.38%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $356. Of occupied housing, owners make up 77.93% (59.87% with a mortgage, 40.13% free-and-clear) and renters 22.07% - making this ZIP Code more home ownership than the state and under national rental averages. The vacancy rate is 8.44%, which is far lower than the state rate (10.56%).

Explore More:Compare Home ValueHome Value Over TimeRent & Over TimeHousing Occupancy

Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Using data from Table DP03, SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS.

Median Home Value (Comparison)


Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Median Home Value Over Time


Group2011210220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023
Median Home Value$149,400$149,200$159,200$167,200$167,900$153,400$157,200$153,200$174,400$177,200$189,600$235,500$306,300
Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Gross Rent Paid


Less than $500:40.52%
$500 to $999:20626.89%
$1,000 to $1,499:41854.57%
$1,500 to $1,999:9712.66%
$2,000 to $2,499:222.87%
$2,500 to $2,999:00.00%
$3,000 or more:00.00%
No Rent:192.48%
Total:766100%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Median Gross Rent Over Time


Group2011210220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023
Median Rent$648$656$737$686$631$613$656$687$761$929$1,076$1,074$1,117
Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Housing Occupancy


Owner Occupied (with mortgage):1,61946.66%
Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage):1,08531.27%
Renter Occupied:76622.07%
Total Occupied Housing Units:3,470100%

Occupied Housing Units:3,47091.56%
Vacant Housing Units (not graphed):3208.44%
Total Housing Units:3,790100%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Housing Type (Single-Family, Multi-Family, Other)


Single-Family Units:3,01379.50%
Multi-Family Units:46612.30%
Other Units:3118.21%
Total Housing Units:3,790100%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Education, Health & Community


In 2023, 36.10% of adults (25+) have a bachelor's degree or higher, which is on par with the state rate (30.40%). High school or higher is 91.60%, which is comparable to the national rate (89.40%). The uninsured rate is 8.90%, which is on par with the state rate (10.10%). The share of people in poverty is 5.00%, which is markedly below the state rate (9.90%), down 2.50 percentage points since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by 2.20 percentage points. This suggests a positive shift in the local economic and social landscape - higher incomes, steadier consumer demand, and a strengthening tax base. Among residents ages 3+, the largest enrollment group is elementary (41.19%). College enrollment is 27.83%, which is on par with the state rate (24.10%), meaning the community mirrors broader higher-education participation.

Explore More:Educational AttainmentHealth InsurancePoverty Over TimeSchool Enrollment

Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Using data from Tables DP02 and DP03.

Educational Attainment of Adults (25 and Older)


Less than 9th grade:2684.16%
9th to 12th grade, no diploma:2754.27%
High school graduate (includes equivalency):1,63225.33%
Some college, no degree:1,37221.30%
Associate's degree:5728.88%
Bachelor's degree:1,56024.22%
Graduate or professional degree:76311.84%
Total:6,442100%
High school or higher:5,89991.57%
Bachelor's degree or higher:2,32336.06%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP02. SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS

Health Insurance Coverage by Type (Private, Public, Uninsured)


Private Insurance:5,82357.11%
Public Insurance:3,56734.98%
No Insurance:8077.91%
Total:10,197100%
Has Health Insurance:9,39092.09%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

Percentage of People in Poverty Over Time (2011-2023)


Group2011210220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023
% of People in Poverty7.5%10.2%13.5%10.1%11.0%11.5%10.4%8.8%7.2%5.7%5.6%3.9%5.0%
Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

Note: Counts of Families & People in poverty are not published at the ZIP Code level due to small sample sizes. Percentages shown are survey estimates from the American Community Survey (ACS). They may differ from official poverty statistics. The U.S. Census Bureau defines poverty status by comparing a family's or individual's total income with federal poverty thresholds that vary by family size and composition.

School Enrollment by Education Level (Ages 3 and Older)


Nursery School, Preschool:814.26%
Kindergarten:00.00%
Elementary school (grades 1-8):78341.19%
High school (grades 9-12):50826.72%
College or graduate school:52927.83%
Total:1,901100%
Early Childhood:814.26%
K-12 (Primary & Secondary School):1,29167.91%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP02. SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS

Business & Employment Statistics


ZIP Code 37686 supports both business and residential activity. According to the Business Census (2023), there are 162 business establishments, employing about 3,302 people with an annual payroll of $173,983,000. USPS data shows 4,159 residential mailboxes and 175 business mailboxes, reflecting local delivery coverage.

# Residential Mailboxes:4,159Source: USPS
# Business Mailboxes:175Source: USPS
Total Delivery Receptacles:4,656Source: USPS
Single Family Delivery Units:3,346Source: USPS
Multi Family Delivery Units:0Source: USPS
# of Businesses:162Source: CBP
1st Quarter Payroll:$42,771,000Source: CBP
Annual Payroll:$173,983,000Source: CBP
# of Employees:3,302Source: CBP

Geography, Land Area, & Statistical Classifications


ZIP Code 37686 is located in Sullivan County, Tennessee, within the Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA Metropolitan Statistical Area (CBSA 28700) and Tennessee's 1st Congressional District. This Metro area has a population of 309,580 people, about 2.65% of whom live in ZIP Code 37686. It covers 29.508 sq mi of land and a water area of 3.829 sq mi.

CBSA Name:Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VASource: Census
CBSA Number:28700Source: Census
CBSA Type:MetroSource: Census
CBSA Division:--Source: Census
CBSA Population:309,580Source: Census
MSA:Johnson City-Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA MSSource: Census
Land Area:29.508 sq miSource: Census
Water Area:3.829 sq miSource: Census
Congressional District:01Source: USPS
Congressional Land Area:4141.92 sq miSource: Census
PMSA:--Source: Census
Intro Date:< 2004-10Source: ZIP-Codes.com
Place FIPS Code:--Source: Census
Place Name:--Source: Census

Adjacent & Nearby ZIP Codes


37687 | | 37684

Schools in ZIP Code 37686


ZIP Code 37686 is in the Sullivan County School District, which serves grades Pre-Kindergarten thru 12th. There are 1 public school(s) in this ZIP Code, and we have located 3 private school(s). It also has 6 colleges, universities or post secondary education institutions nearby which would be a short commute to.

Mary Hughes School 240 Austin Springs Rd
Piney Flats, TN 37686
District: Sullivan County School District
Tri-Cities Christian Schools 1500 Hwy 75
Blountville, TN 37617
District: Private SchoolNearby
Jeremiah School 2423 Susannah St
Johnson City, TN 37601
District: Private SchoolNearby
Ashley Academy 1502 Knob Creek Rd
Johnson City, TN 37604
District: Private SchoolNearby

Colleges & Post Secondary Schools near ZIP Code 37686


Northeast State Community College 2425 Hwy 75
Blountville, TN 37617-0246
Type: Post Secondary
Ross Medical Education Center-Johnson City 3021 East Oakland Avenue
Johnson City, TN 37601-1526
Type: Post Secondary
Jenny Lea Academy Of Cosmetology 222 E Unaka Ave
Johnson City, TN 37601-4626
Type: Post Secondary
East Tennessee State University 1276 Gilbreath Drive
Johnson City, TN 37614
Type: Post Secondary
Milligan University 1 Blowers Blvd.
Milligan, TN 37682
Type: Post Secondary
Tennessee College Of Applied Technology-Elizabethton 426 Highway 91
Elizabethton, TN 37643
Type: Post Secondary

Sources & References


Our sources include trusted federal and licensed data from the United States Postal Service, U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Geological Survey, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and the National Center for Education Statistics, along with proprietary datasets created by ZIP-Codes.com. Data last updated on October 1, 2025.

  1. U.S. Postal Service [Last Updated: 10/1/2025], https://www.usps.com
  2. ZIP-Codes.com Proprietary Data Enhancements [Updated: 10/1/2025], https://www.zip-codes.com
  3. U.S. Census [Updated: Varies], https://www.census.gov
    • U.S. Census Office of Management and Budget [Updated: As Released]
    • U.S. Census 2020 Demographic & Housing Characteristics (DHC) [Decennial] [Updated: 5/25/2023]
    • U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates (ACS) [Annually] [Updated: Annually, As Released]
    • U.S. Census Business Patterns (CBD) [Annually] [Updated: Annually, As Released]
    • U.S. Census American National Standards Institute (ANSI) [Updated: As Released]
  4. U.S. Geological Survey [Updated: Varies], https://www.usgs.gov
  5. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services [Updated: Annually, As Released], https://www.cms.gov
  6. National Center for Education Statistics [Updated: 10/1/2025], https://nces.ed.gov