ZIP Code 38506 in Cookeville, TN

Data Last Updated: October 1, 2025
City:Cookeville, Tennessee
Names to Avoid:
Cookevl, Cookevle
Counties:Putnam County[Primary]
Jackson County
Overton County
White County
Timezone:Central (GMT -06:00)
Local Time:10:01:35 PM
Population:29,976 [See All]
Area Code:931
Classification:Standard [Normal Street Delivery]
Coordinates:36.1948, -85.4520
Land Area:164.345 sq mi
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https://www.zip-codes.com/zip-code/38506/zip-code-38506.asp

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Population & Demographics


ZIP Code 38506 has 29,976 residents and 12,027 households (average 2.48 persons per household). The median age is 42.3 years, older than the state (39.1) and older than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 48.2% male and 51.8% female, which is about the same as the national male share (49.1%), making this a female-majority area. Largest groups are White (89.7%, much higher than the state average of 72.2% and well above the national average of 61.6%) and Hispanic or Latino (4.7%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 4.7%, 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:29,976Source: Census DHC
2023 ACS Population Estimate:29,657Source: Census ACS
2025 ZC Population Estimate:33,844Source: ZIP-Codes.com
Population Density:182.4 people per sq mile
Average Income:$63,051Source: Census ACS
Households:12,027Source: Census DHC
Average House Value:$256,100Source: Census ACS
Persons Per Household:2.48Source: Census DHC
Average Family Size:2.85Source: Census ACS

Population Over Time (with 2010 & 2020 Census Benchmarks)


Group20102011210220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023
Census ACS Population Estimate--25,43025,92026,38027,11227,26927,64228,63728,47628,63628,81828,80329,24329,657
Decennial Census26,521------------------29,976------
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: 42.3

Male Median Age: 40.9

Female Median Age: 43.8

Group< 55-910-1415-1920-2425-2930-3435-3940-4445-4950-5455-5960-6465-6970-7475-7980-8485+
Male7998849331,006893832794866933925927937947933828522288197
Female8228939638828658288759459109979621,0941,1491,048929639400331
Total1,6211,7771,8961,8881,7581,6601,6691,8111,8431,9221,8892,0312,0961,9811,7571,161688528
Source: U.S. Census Bureau (2020) Demographics & Housing Characteristics (DHC)

Population by Race


White:26,90290.18%
Black:3941.32%
Hispanic:*1,4224.77%
Asian:2890.97%
American Indian:1270.43%
Hawaiian:180.06%
Other:6812.28%
Total:29,833100%
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:14,44448.19%40.9 years
Females:15,53251.81%43.8 years
Total:29,976100%42.3 years
Source: U.S. Census Bureau (2020) Demographics & Housing Characteristics (DHC)

Nativity & Citizenship


Native, born in the United States:28,18895.05%
Native, born in PR, Island Areas, or abroad:2350.79%
Foreign born, naturalized U.S. citizen:7182.42%
Foreign born, not a U.S. citizen:5164.16%
Total Population:29,657100%
Total Native Population:28,42395.84%
Total Foreign-born Population:1,2344.16%
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 $63,051, which is well under the national median ($78,538), is up $20,950 (49.8%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $10,613. Family households earn a median of $79,887 versus $34,073 for nonfamily households (a difference of $45,814). By gender, male median income is $50,776 and female is $40,874, which is considerably lower than the national female median ($53,445), with a current gap of $9,902 that has widened from 2011 to 2023. The labor-force participation rate is 59.8%, which is lower than the national rate (63.5%). The unemployment rate is 2.2%, which is much lower than the national rate (5.2%). The largest occupation group is Management (37.0%).

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$42,101$42,347$44,897$48,386$48,089$48,509$49,987$50,857$52,438$48,661$54,003$60,588$63,051
Median Family Income$53,227$53,007$57,355$57,844$55,994$57,988$59,206$61,094$64,115$60,679$68,523$76,614$79,887
Median NonFamily Income$22,121$23,374$28,178$30,580$26,324$23,879$23,951$25,037$24,462$24,824$33,866$35,536$34,073
Median Male Income$37,712$40,180$43,265$42,186$42,419$42,845$42,471$41,803$44,533$39,201$40,006$47,541$50,776
Median Female Income$29,478$29,907$30,585$29,390$30,262$33,277$32,713$33,566$35,471$35,191$35,615$39,523$40,874
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:14,19958.42%
Unemployed:3161.30%
Not In Labor Force:9,79240.28%
Total:24,307100%
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:5,25637.02%
Service:2,21715.61%
Sales and Office:2,84920.06%
Natural resources, construction, and maintenance:1,50510.60%
Production, transportation, and material moving:2,37216.71%
Total Civilian Employed Population:14,199100%
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 $256,100, which is considerably lower than the national median ($303,400), is up $116,900 (83.98%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $90,600. The median gross rent is $1,032, which is well under the national median ($1,348), is up $418 (68.08%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $211. Of occupied housing, owners make up 71.17% (52.11% with a mortgage, 47.89% free-and-clear) and renters 28.83% - making this ZIP Code more home ownership than the state and under national rental averages. The vacancy rate is 4.98%, which is markedly below 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$139,200$141,800$141,500$142,100$149,700$154,300$157,400$161,700$165,500$168,200$174,300$228,000$256,100
Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Gross Rent Paid


Less than $500:3048.52%
$500 to $999:1,20033.65%
$1,000 to $1,499:1,23734.69%
$1,500 to $1,999:36010.10%
$2,000 to $2,499:1022.86%
$2,500 to $2,999:00.00%
$3,000 or more:140.39%
No Rent:3499.79%
Total:3,566100%
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$614$594$657$680$681$724$738$734$821$817$866$921$1,032
Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Housing Occupancy


Owner Occupied (with mortgage):4,58837.09%
Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage):4,21634.08%
Renter Occupied:3,56628.83%
Total Occupied Housing Units:12,370100%

Occupied Housing Units:12,37095.02%
Vacant Housing Units (not graphed):6484.98%
Total Housing Units:13,018100%
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:10,06477.31%
Multi-Family Units:1,41910.90%
Other Units:1,53511.79%
Total Housing Units:13,018100%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Education, Health & Community


In 2023, 30.80% of adults (25+) have a bachelor's degree or higher, which is falls below the national rate (35.00%). High school or higher is 89.70%, which is comparable to the national rate (89.40%). The uninsured rate is 7.60%, which is just under the state rate (10.10%). The share of people in poverty is 10.50%, which is comparable to the national rate (8.70%), down 4.70 percentage points since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by 2.90 percentage points. This points to a pronounced improvement in local conditions - rising incomes, firmer consumer demand, and a stronger tax base. Among residents ages 3+, the largest enrollment group is elementary (45.45%). College enrollment is 20.66%, 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 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Using data from Tables DP02 and DP03.

Educational Attainment of Adults (25 and Older)


Less than 9th grade:7493.52%
9th to 12th grade, no diploma:1,4396.76%
High school graduate (includes equivalency):7,03833.05%
Some college, no degree:4,20819.76%
Associate's degree:1,3096.15%
Bachelor's degree:4,49121.09%
Graduate or professional degree:2,0599.67%
Total:21,293100%
High school or higher:19,10589.72%
Bachelor's degree or higher:6,55030.76%
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:20,09358.67%
Public Insurance:11,92734.83%
No Insurance:2,2286.51%
Total:34,248100%
Has Health Insurance:32,02093.49%
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 Poverty15.2%13.3%15.0%13.8%12.7%10.6%10.2%8.6%7.6%10.0%9.0%9.2%10.5%
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:3505.42%
Kindergarten:3074.76%
Elementary school (grades 1-8):2,93345.45%
High school (grades 9-12):1,53023.71%
College or graduate school:1,33320.66%
Total:6,453100%
Early Childhood:65710.18%
K-12 (Primary & Secondary School):4,77073.92%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP02. SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS

Business & Employment Statistics


ZIP Code 38506 supports both business and residential activity. According to the Business Census (2023), there are 479 business establishments, employing about 8,484 people with an annual payroll of $358,480,000. USPS data shows 13,647 residential mailboxes and 643 business mailboxes, reflecting local delivery coverage.

# Residential Mailboxes:13,647Source: USPS
# Business Mailboxes:643Source: USPS
Total Delivery Receptacles:14,452Source: USPS
Single Family Delivery Units:12,059Source: USPS
Multi Family Delivery Units:248Source: USPS
# of Businesses:479Source: CBP
1st Quarter Payroll:$87,402,000Source: CBP
Annual Payroll:$358,480,000Source: CBP
# of Employees:8,484Source: CBP

Geography, Land Area, & Statistical Classifications


ZIP Code 38506 is located in Putnam County, Tennessee, within the Cookeville, TN Metropolitan Statistical Area (CBSA 18260) and Tennessee's 6th Congressional District. This Micro area has a population of 143,819 people, about 20.84% of whom live in ZIP Code 38506. It covers 164.345 sq mi of land and a water area of 0.15 sq mi.

CBSA Name:Cookeville, TNSource: Census
CBSA Number:18260Source: Census
CBSA Type:MicroSource: Census
CBSA Division:--Source: Census
CBSA Population:143,819Source: Census
MSA:Source: Census
Land Area:164.345 sq miSource: Census
Water Area:0.15 sq miSource: Census
Congressional District:06Source: USPS
Congressional Land Area:6474.21 sq miSource: Census
PMSA:Source: Census
Intro Date:< 2004-10Source: ZIP-Codes.com
Place FIPS Code:4716920Source: Census
Place Name:Cookeville city; TennesseeSource: Census

Adjacent & Nearby ZIP Codes


38541 | | 38505

Schools in ZIP Code 38506


ZIP Code 38506 is in the Putnam County School District, which serves grades Pre-Kindergarten thru 12th. There are 7 public schools and 2 private school(s) in this ZIP Code. It also has 6 colleges, universities or post secondary education institutions nearby which would be a short commute to.

Putnam Co Adult High School 268 East Main St
Cookeville, TN 38506
District: Putnam County School District
Algood Middle School 540 Dry Valley Rd
Cookeville, TN 38506
District: Putnam County School District
Algood Elementary 2525 Old Walton Rd
Algood, TN 38506
District: Putnam County School District
White Plains Academy 288 E. Main St
Algood, TN 38506
District: Putnam County School District
Prescott South Elementary 115 W. Cemetery Rd
Cookeville, TN 38506
District: Putnam County School District
Prescott South Middle School 1859 S. Jefferson St
Cookeville, TN 38506
District: Putnam County School District
Putnam County Vital 1400 E. Spring St
Cookeville, TN 38506
District: Putnam County School District
Algood Christian Elementary 2660 Hwy 111 N
Cookeville, TN 38506
District: Private School
Endeavor - Plateau Mental Health School 1200 S Willow Ave
Cookeville, TN 38506
District: Private School

Colleges & Post Secondary Schools near ZIP Code 38506


Genesis Career College-Cookeville 880-A East 10th Street
Cookeville, TN 38501-1907
Type: Post Secondary
Tennessee Technological University 1 William L. Jones Drive
Cookeville, TN 38505-0001
Type: Post Secondary
Fortis Institute-Cookeville 1025 Highway 111
Cookeville, TN 38501-4305
Type: Post Secondary
Mr Wayne's School Of Unisex Hair Design 170 S Willow Ave
Cookeville, TN 38501
Type: Post Secondary
Tennessee College Of Applied Technology-Livingston 740 Hi Tech Dr
Livingston, TN 38570
Type: Post Secondary
Tennessee College Of Applied Technology-Crossville 910 Miller Avenue
Crossville, TN 38555
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