The city is a tourist attraction, owing to the fact that it borders Great Smoky Mountains National Park along U.S. 441, the main highway through the park. The Little Pigeon River begins in the park, and flows through the city, down along 441 through Pigeon Forge.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 26.3 km² (10.1 mi²). 26.3 km² (10.1 mi²) of it is land and none of the area is covered with water.
As of the census of 2000, there are 3,382 people, 1,541 households, and 990 families residing in the city. The population density is 128.8/km² (333.4/mi²). There are 3,993 housing units at an average density of 152.0/km² (393.7/mi²). The racial makeup of the city is 95.71% White, 0.15% African American, 0.56% Native American, 1.71% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 0.86% from other races, and 0.98% from two or more races. 1.95% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There are 1,541 households out of which 17.8% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.5% are married couples living together, 9.0% have a female householder with no husband present, and 35.7% are non-families. 29.7% of all households are made up of individuals and 12.1% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.16 and the average family size is 2.64.
In the city the population is spread out with 14.9% under the age of 18, 6.6% from 18 to 24, 25.5% from 25 to 44, 32.8% from 45 to 64, and 20.3% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 47 years. For every 100 females there are 97.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 93.4 males.
The median income for a household in the city is $37,606, and the median income for a family is $40,813. Males have a median income of $24,283 versus $19,250 for females. The per capita income for the city is $19,678. 7.1% of the population and 5.8% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 13.4% are under the age of 18 and 6.7% are 65 or older.
Gatlinburg is located at 35°43'19" North, 83°29'58" West (35.721925, -83.499334)