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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).

Where to stay in Chattanooga

Visiting or relocating to Chattanooga, TN? Compare hotels and short-term rentals across the metro — live availability and prices.

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

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