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Population Review

Chattanooga, Tennessee Population 2026

Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates

The population of Chattanooga, Tennessee is 182,832 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 4th-largest city in Tennessee. The median household income is $61,028, the median home value is $259,200, and the median age is 36.6.

The population has grown 12.3% since 2010 (170,574 → 191,496).

182,832

Population

1284

People / sq mi

$61,028

Median Income

$259,200

Median Home Value

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Chattanooga covers 142.4 sq mi of land at 1284 people per square mile.

About Chattanooga, TN

What distinguishes Chattanooga is density: among the most sparsely settled of US cities, around 1,284 people per square mile. Chattanooga is a city in Tennessee with a population of 182,832. It is the #4-largest of all cities in Tennessee nationally.

Earnings trail the nation, with the median household making $61,028, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 12.4%, close to the national 12.4%. Homes carry a median value of $259,200, with typical rent around $1,155.

Degree attainment is mid-range for US cities: 35.5% of adults hold a four-year degree, near the national 35.0%. Around 11.9% of workers work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 19 minutes each way.

Chattanooga city Population History (2010-2024)

The city of Chattanooga city had a population of 170,574 in 2010 and 191,496 in 2024, a 12.3% growth over 14 years. The peak was 191,496 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.83%.

2024 · 191K20102024
Chattanooga city population, 2010–2024 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau — decennial census & Population Estimates

191,496

Population (2024)

170,574

Population (2010)

191,496

Peak (2024)

0.83%

Avg Annual Growth

YearPopulation
2010170,574
2011172,341
2012173,972
2013175,325
2014175,321
2015176,400
2016177,746
2017179,530
2018181,918
2019182,799
2020182,271
2021181,885
2022185,030
2023188,080
2024191,496

Race & Ethnicity

White58.4%
Black or African American28.6%
Asian0.0%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)1.1%
Two or More Races0.0%

Economy & Income

$61,028

Median Household Income

$40,040

Per Capita Income

12.4%

Poverty Rate

3.2%

Unemployment Rate

Housing

$259,200

Median Home Value

$1,155

Median Rent

53.1%

Owner-Occupied

Education

89.6%

High School+

35.5%

Bachelor's+

Commute

1.1%

Drive Alone

74.5%

Public Transit

11.9%

Work From Home

18.7 min

Avg Commute

Community Profile

36.4%

Foreign Born

88.4%

Non-English at Home

5.9%

Veterans

14.5%

With Disability

88.3%

Health Insurance

93.6%

Internet Access

Employment by Industry

Professional, Scientific & Management21.3%
Manufacturing12.9%
Education, Health Care & Social Services12.0%
Finance, Insurance & Real Estate11.0%
Information8.3%
Retail Trade7.1%
Construction5.9%
Arts, Entertainment & Food Services4.7%
Public Administration2.4%
Transportation & Warehousing1.1%
Agriculture & Mining0.5%

Largest cities in Tennessee

Largest counties in Tennessee

Part of Tennessee

Metro areas in Tennessee

City rankings

Common questions about Chattanooga, TN

Frequently Asked Questions

Chattanooga, Tennessee has a population of 182,832 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 4th-largest city in Tennessee.

The median household income in Chattanooga, Tennessee is $61,028, with 12.4% of residents living below the federal poverty level.

The median home value in Chattanooga, Tennessee is $259,200, with median monthly rent at $1,155 and a homeownership rate of 53.1%.

The median age in Chattanooga, Tennessee is 36.6 years. The population is 48.1% male and 51.9% female.

The population has grown 12.3% since 2010 (170,574 → 191,496).


Chattanooga city, TN Climate

Chattanooga city, TN has an average annual temperature of 15.4°C (60°F) and receives about 1435 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.

15.4°C

Avg Temp

1435

Precip (mm/yr)

Jul

Hottest Month

Jan

Coldest Month

-5°5°15°25°35°161mmJFMAMJJASOND
Avg temp (°C) Precipitation (mm)
Chattanooga city, TN — monthly temperature & precipitation (1970–2000 normals) · Source: WorldClim 2.1
MonthAvg (°C/°F)Precip
January4° / 39°137 mm
February6° / 43°129 mm
March11° / 51°161 mm
April15° / 59°117 mm
May20° / 68°118 mm
June24° / 75°104 mm
July26° / 79°127 mm
August26° / 78°93 mm
September22° / 72°111 mm
October16° / 60°86 mm
November10° / 50°122 mm
December6° / 42°130 mm

1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.

Best time to visit Chattanooga city, TN

The most comfortable months to visit Chattanooga city, TN are typically September, May and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 32°C high). The coldest is January (near -2°C low). March is usually the wettest month.

SeptemberMayJune

Where to stay near Chattanooga

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Top-rated places to stay near Chattanooga

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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.