Cookeville, Tennessee Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Cookeville, Tennessee is 35,544 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 24th-largest city in Tennessee. The median household income is $48,501, the median home value is $263,800, and the median age is 29.6.
The population has grown 18.9% since 2010 (31,207 → 37,102).
35,544
Population
994
People / sq mi
$48,501
Median Income
$263,800
Median Home Value
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Cookeville covers 35.8 sq mi of land at 994 people per square mile.
About Cookeville, TN
Cookeville skews on age — the median resident is 29.6, younger than the national median. Cookeville is a city in Tennessee with a population of 35,544. It ranks #24 among cities in Tennessee by population.
Money is tight relative to the rest of US cities: the median household earns just $48,501, below the US median of $78,538. Roughly 15.6% of residents fall below the poverty line, above the national 12.4%. Homes carry a median value of $263,800, with typical rent around $885.
Roughly 35.4% of adults have a bachelor’s, near the national 35.0%. Just 7.6% of workers are home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 19 minutes each way.
Cookeville city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of Cookeville city had a population of 31,207 in 2010 and 37,102 in 2024, a 18.9% growth over 14 years. The peak was 37,102 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 1.25%.
37,102
Population (2024)
31,207
Population (2010)
37,102
Peak (2024)
1.25%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 31,207 |
| 2011 | 31,551 |
| 2012 | 31,857 |
| 2013 | 31,944 |
| 2014 | 32,328 |
| 2015 | 32,439 |
| 2016 | 32,633 |
| 2017 | 33,415 |
| 2018 | 34,044 |
| 2019 | 34,706 |
| 2020 | 34,937 |
| 2021 | 35,538 |
| 2022 | 36,065 |
| 2023 | 36,706 |
| 2024 | 37,102 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 83.9% |
| Black or African American | 3.8% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.3% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Economy & Income
$48,501
Median Household Income
$27,875
Per Capita Income
15.6%
Poverty Rate
2.6%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$263,800
Median Home Value
$885
Median Rent
41.2%
Owner-Occupied
Education
88.0%
High School+
35.4%
Bachelor's+
Commute
0.3%
Drive Alone
78.1%
Public Transit
7.6%
Work From Home
19.2 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
30.3%
Foreign Born
89.8%
Non-English at Home
4.9%
Veterans
12.2%
With Disability
88.6%
Health Insurance
92.7%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 25.0% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 15.6% |
| Manufacturing | 12.6% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 8.1% |
| Retail Trade | 5.4% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 4.6% |
| Construction | 4.5% |
| Information | 3.7% |
| Public Administration | 2.4% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 1.0% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 0.6% |
Largest cities in Tennessee
Largest counties in Tennessee
Part of Tennessee
Metro areas in Tennessee
City rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Cookeville, Tennessee has a population of 35,544 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 24th-largest city in Tennessee.
The median household income in Cookeville, Tennessee is $48,501, with 15.6% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Cookeville, Tennessee is $263,800, with median monthly rent at $885 and a homeownership rate of 41.2%.
The median age in Cookeville, Tennessee is 29.6 years. The population is 49.5% male and 50.5% female.
The population has grown 18.9% since 2010 (31,207 → 37,102).
Where to stay in Cookeville
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.