ZIP Code 38261 in Union City, TN

Data Last Updated: February 1, 2026
City:Union City, Tennessee
Counties:Obion County[Primary]
Weakley County
Timezone:Central (GMT -06:00)
Local Time:8:05:49 PM
Population:16,627 [See All]
Area Code:731
Classification:Standard [Normal Street Delivery]
Coordinates:36.4162, -89.1455
Land Area:176.904 sq mi
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Population & Demographics


ZIP Code 38261 has 16,627 residents and 6,965 households (average 2.35 persons per household). The median age is 41.6 years, slightly older than the state (39.1) and slightly older than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 47.4% male and 52.6% female, which is slightly lower than the national male share (49.1%), making this a female-majority area. Largest groups are White (72.6%, much higher than the national average of 61.6%) and Black or African American (15.7%, higher than the national average of 12.4%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 7.8%, 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 2011-2024 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates.
2020 Population:16,627Source: Census DHC
2024 ACS Population Estimate:16,385Source: Census ACS
2026 ZC Population Estimate:16,931Source: ZIP-Codes.com
Population Density:94.0 people per sq mile
Average Income:$55,876Source: Census ACS
Households:6,965Source: Census DHC
Average House Value:$153,400Source: Census ACS
Persons Per Household:2.35Source: Census DHC
Average Family Size:3.08Source: Census ACS

Population Over Time (with 2010 & 2020 Census Benchmarks)


Group201020112102201320142015201620172018201920202021202220232024
Census ACS Population Estimate--16,69516,66116,96317,02316,76416,44916,26215,86815,47515,51116,19016,32516,33816,385
Decennial Census16,919------------------16,627--------
Source: U.S. Census 2011-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP05. DEMOGRAPHIC AND HOUSING ESTIMATES

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


Median Age: 41.6

Male Median Age: 40.1

Female Median Age: 42.9

Group< 55-910-1415-1920-2425-2930-3435-3940-4445-4950-5455-5960-6465-6970-7475-7980-8485+
Male488520558541487433429464499496479476533466454255174122
Female478524565548462476454544536498560544621547507363269257
Total9661,0441,1231,0899499098831,0081,0359941,0391,0201,1541,013961618443379
Source: U.S. Census Bureau (2020) Demographics & Housing Characteristics (DHC)

Population by Race


White:12,07271.66%
Black:2,61215.51%
Hispanic:*1,2917.66%
Asian:870.52%
American Indian:460.27%
Hawaiian:00%
Other:7384.38%
Total:16,846100%
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:7,87447.36%40.1 years
Females:8,75352.64%42.9 years
Total:16,627100%41.6 years
Source: U.S. Census Bureau (2020) Demographics & Housing Characteristics (DHC)

Nativity & Citizenship


Native, born in the United States:15,57095.03%
Native, born in PR, Island Areas, or abroad:730.45%
Foreign born, naturalized U.S. citizen:1841.12%
Foreign born, not a U.S. citizen:5584.53%
Total Population:16,385100%
Total Native Population:15,64395.47%
Total Foreign-born Population:7424.53%
Source: U.S. Census 2020-2024 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 2024, the Median household income is $55,876, which is far less than the national median ($80,734), is up $16,208 (40.9%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $20,900. Family households earn a median of $78,986 versus $30,408 for nonfamily households (a difference of $48,578). By gender, male median income is $46,951 and female is $40,252, which is far less than the national female median ($55,274), with a current gap of $6,699 that has narrowed from 2011 to 2024. The labor-force participation rate is 58.0%, which is falls short of the national rate (63.5%). The unemployment rate is 5.4%, which is about the same as the national rate (5.2%). The largest occupation group is Management (30.7%).

Explore More:Income Over TimeHousehold IncomeEmployment StatusBy Occupation

Source: U.S. Census 2011-2024 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 Type20112012201320142015201620172018201920202021202220232024
Median Household Income$39,668$40,698$40,007$41,579$41,373$40,118$37,188$38,778$34,976$35,972$42,485$50,576$52,884$55,876
Median Family Income$49,289$48,946$46,795$47,890$47,801$46,849$45,821$50,585$47,115$50,559$59,511$73,162$76,458$78,986
Median NonFamily Income$18,271$18,179$19,071$25,328$24,454$22,608$22,188$22,979$19,961$21,068$21,927$26,958$27,888$30,408
Median Male Income$39,205$40,549$40,938$40,046$39,379$36,642$34,904$35,175$35,437$36,513$41,539$45,518$46,592$46,951
Median Female Income$26,676$26,866$29,095$30,964$30,517$30,013$31,376$31,205$29,011$30,114$32,573$35,657$38,128$40,252
Source: U.S. Census 2011-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

Average Household Income


Source: U.S. Census 2020-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

Employment Status


Employed:7,06454.88%
Unemployed:4043.14%
Not In Labor Force:5,40441.98%
Total:12,872100%
Source: U.S. Census 2020-2024 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:2,16830.69%
Service:1,50221.26%
Sales and Office:93613.25%
Natural resources, construction, and maintenance:5407.64%
Production, transportation, and material moving:1,91827.15%
Total Civilian Employed Population:7,064100%
Source: U.S. Census 2020-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS.

Housing & Affordability


In 2024, the median home value is $153,400, which is far less than the national median ($332,700), is up $63,900 (71.40%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $49,700. The median gross rent is $761, which is much lower than the national median ($1,413), is up $230 (43.31%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $143. Of occupied housing, owners make up 61.19% (52.17% with a mortgage, 47.83% free-and-clear) and renters 38.81% - making this ZIP Code higher than national rental averages. The vacancy rate is 10.99%, which is much higher than the national rate (10.12%).

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

Source: U.S. Census 2011-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Using data from Table DP03, SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS.

Median Home Value (Comparison)


Source: U.S. Census 2020-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Median Home Value Over Time


Group20112102201320142015201620172018201920202021202220232024
Median Home Value$89,500$94,200$92,500$95,100$95,600$94,100$96,700$101,800$103,700$109,000$111,200$136,900$141,900$153,400
Source: U.S. Census 2011-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Gross Rent Paid


Less than $500:35013.87%
$500 to $999:1,53760.90%
$1,000 to $1,499:29811.81%
$1,500 to $1,999:150.59%
$2,000 to $2,499:00.00%
$2,500 to $2,999:00.00%
$3,000 or more:130.52%
No Rent:31112.32%
Total:2,524100%
Source: U.S. Census 2020-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Median Gross Rent Over Time


Group20112102201320142015201620172018201920202021202220232024
Median Rent$531$535$569$575$573$585$586$589$618$652$661$726$759$761
Source: U.S. Census 2011-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Housing Occupancy


Owner Occupied (with mortgage):2,07631.92%
Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage):1,90329.26%
Renter Occupied:2,52438.81%
Total Occupied Housing Units:6,503100%

Occupied Housing Units:6,50389.01%
Vacant Housing Units (not graphed):80310.99%
Total Housing Units:7,306100%
Source: U.S. Census 2020-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

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


Single-Family Units:5,51075.42%
Multi-Family Units:1,26717.34%
Other Units:5297.24%
Total Housing Units:7,306100%
Source: U.S. Census 2020-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Education, Health & Community


In 2024, 21.30% of adults (25+) have a bachelor's degree or higher, which is far lower than the national rate (35.70%). High school or higher is 86.10%, which is falls below the national rate (89.60%). The uninsured rate is 9.40%, which is comparable to the national rate (8.40%). The share of people in poverty is 16.30%, which is far higher than the national rate (8.80%), up 2.20 percentage points since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by 2.90 percentage points. This points to rising hardship - a weaker consumer base, greater strain on public services, and job-market headwinds. Among residents ages 3+, the largest enrollment group is elementary (49.19%). College enrollment is 18.98%, which is far lower than the national rate (26.70%), indicating the community may be more oriented toward vocational/trade or direct-to-workforce opportunities.

Explore More:Educational AttainmentHealth InsurancePoverty Over TimeSchool Enrollment

Source: U.S. Census 2011-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Using data from Tables DP02 and DP03.

Educational Attainment of Adults (25 and Older)


Less than 9th grade:6015.37%
9th to 12th grade, no diploma:9598.57%
High school graduate (includes equivalency):4,56740.83%
Some college, no degree:2,05918.41%
Associate's degree:6215.55%
Bachelor's degree:1,44412.91%
Graduate or professional degree:9348.35%
Total:11,185100%
High school or higher:9,62586.05%
Bachelor's degree or higher:2,37821.26%
Source: U.S. Census 2020-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP02. SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS

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


Private Insurance:10,17355.59%
Public Insurance:6,61236.13%
No Insurance:1,5148.27%
Total:18,299100%
Has Health Insurance:16,78591.73%
Source: U.S. Census 2020-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

Percentage of People in Poverty Over Time (2011-2024)


Group20112102201320142015201620172018201920202021202220232024
% of People in Poverty12.9%15.7%16.4%17.6%18.5%18.0%20.2%18.1%18.0%14.9%15.3%13.1%15.1%16.3%
Source: U.S. Census 2011-2024 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:982.73%
Kindergarten:2025.62%
Elementary school (grades 1-8):1,76849.19%
High school (grades 9-12):84423.48%
College or graduate school:68218.98%
Total:3,594100%
Early Childhood:3008.35%
K-12 (Primary & Secondary School):2,81478.30%
Source: U.S. Census 2020-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP02. SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS

Business & Employment Statistics


ZIP Code 38261 supports both business and residential activity. According to the Business Census (2024), there are 466 business establishments, employing about 7,615 people with an annual payroll of $306,050,000. USPS data shows 7,205 residential mailboxes and 662 business mailboxes, reflecting local delivery coverage.

# Residential Mailboxes:7,205Source: USPS
# Business Mailboxes:662Source: USPS
Total Delivery Receptacles:7,846Source: USPS
Single Family Delivery Units:6,200Source: USPS
Multi Family Delivery Units:316Source: USPS
# of Businesses:466Source: CBP
1st Quarter Payroll:$78,235,000Source: CBP
Annual Payroll:$306,050,000Source: CBP
# of Employees:7,615Source: CBP

Geography, Land Area, & Statistical Classifications


ZIP Code 38261 is located in Obion County, Tennessee, within the Union City, TN Metropolitan Statistical Area (CBSA 46460) and Tennessee's 1st and 8th Congressional Districts. This Micro area has a population of 38,620 people, about 43.05% of whom live in ZIP Code 38261. It covers 176.904 sq mi of land and a water area of 6.83 sq mi.

CBSA Name:Union City, TNSource: Census
CBSA Number:46460Source: Census
CBSA Type:MicroSource: Census
CBSA Division:--Source: Census
CBSA Population:38,620Source: Census
MSA:Source: Census
Land Area:176.904 sq miSource: Census
Water Area:6.83 sq miSource: Census
Congressional District:01,08Source: USPS
Congressional Land Area:4141.92, 6850.53 sq miSource: Census
PMSA:Source: Census
Intro Date:< 2004-10Source: ZIP-Codes.com
Place FIPS Code:4775940Source: Census
Place Name:Union City city; TennesseeSource: Census

Adjacent & Nearby ZIP Codes


38271 | | 38260

Schools in ZIP Code 38261


ZIP Code 38261 is part of 2 school districts, including: Union City School District (Grades PK thru 12) and Obion County School District (Grades Pre-Kindergarten thru 12th). There are 5 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.

Union City Elementary School 1100 South Miles Ave
Union City, TN 38261
District: Union City School District
Union City High School 1305 High School Dr
Union City, TN 38261
District: Union City School District
Union City Middle School 1111 High School Dr
Union City, TN 38261
District: Union City School District
Lake Road Elementary 1130 East Highway 22
Union City, TN 38261
District: Obion County School District
Ridgemont Elementary 1285 N Highway 45 By - Pass
Union City, TN 38261
District: Obion County School District
Central Christian Academy 801 Harrison Rd
Martin, TN 38237
District: Private SchoolNearby
Immaculate Conception School 560 Powell Ave
New Madrid, MO 63869
District: Private SchoolNearby
Liberty Christian Academy 329 Green Rd
Gleason, TN 38229
District: Private SchoolNearby

Colleges & Post Secondary Schools near ZIP Code 38261


The University Of Tennessee-Martin 554 University Street
Martin, TN 38238
Type: Post Secondary
Tennessee College Of Applied Technology Northwest 340 Washington St
Newbern, TN 38059
Type: Post Secondary
Dyersburg State Community College 1510 Lake Road
Dyersburg, TN 38024-2411
Type: Post Secondary
Bethel University 325 Cherry Ave
Mckenzie, TN 38201
Type: Post Secondary
Arnolds Beauty School 1179 S Second St
Milan, TN 38358
Type: Post Secondary
Tennessee College Of Applied Technology-Mckenzie 16940 Highland Dr
Mckenzie, TN 38201
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 February 1, 2026.

  1. U.S. Postal Service [Last Updated: 2/1/2026], https://www.usps.com
  2. ZIP-Codes.com Proprietary Data Enhancements [Updated: 2/1/2026], 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 2011-2024 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: 2/1/2026], https://nces.ed.gov