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Population Review

Knoxville, Tennessee Population 2026

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

The population of Knoxville, Tennessee is 193,721 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 3rd-largest city in Tennessee. The median household income is $50,994, the median home value is $214,000, and the median age is 33.3.

The population has grown 11.5% since 2010 (178,258 → 198,722).

193,721

Population

1962

People / sq mi

$50,994

Median Income

$214,000

Median Home Value

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Knoxville covers 98.7 sq mi of land at 1962 people per square mile.

About Knoxville, TN

What sets Knoxville apart is money: median household income runs $50,994, below the US median of $78,538. With 193,721 residents, Knoxville is a city in Tennessee. It is the #3-largest of all cities in Tennessee nationally.

The typical household earns $50,994, below the US median of $78,538. Roughly 13.0% of residents fall below the poverty line, close to the national 12.4%. Homes are comparatively cheap — a median value of $214,000, with typical rent around $1,116.

Roughly 33.7% of adults have a bachelor’s, near the national 35.0%. About 11.1% of the workforce is home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 20 minutes each way.

Knoxville city Population History (2010-2024)

The city of Knoxville city had a population of 178,258 in 2010 and 198,722 in 2024, a 11.5% growth over 14 years. The peak was 198,722 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.78%.

2024 · 199K20102024
Knoxville city population, 2010–2024 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau — decennial census & Population Estimates

198,722

Population (2024)

178,258

Population (2010)

198,722

Peak (2024)

0.78%

Avg Annual Growth

YearPopulation
2010178,258
2011179,955
2012181,093
2013181,779
2014182,631
2015184,046
2016184,986
2017186,905
2018187,362
2019187,603
2020191,227
2021192,158
2022196,210
2023197,463
2024198,722

Race & Ethnicity

White72.2%
Black or African American15.7%
Asian0.0%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)1.4%
Two or More Races0.0%

Economy & Income

$50,994

Median Household Income

$33,171

Per Capita Income

13.0%

Poverty Rate

2.8%

Unemployment Rate

Housing

$214,000

Median Home Value

$1,116

Median Rent

46.6%

Owner-Occupied

Education

89.8%

High School+

33.7%

Bachelor's+

Commute

1.2%

Drive Alone

74.5%

Public Transit

11.1%

Work From Home

20.4 min

Avg Commute

Community Profile

33.9%

Foreign Born

90.9%

Non-English at Home

5.8%

Veterans

14.1%

With Disability

88.7%

Health Insurance

93.8%

Internet Access

Employment by Industry

Professional, Scientific & Management23.9%
Education, Health Care & Social Services13.8%
Finance, Insurance & Real Estate12.1%
Manufacturing7.5%
Construction6.9%
Information6.0%
Retail Trade4.9%
Arts, Entertainment & Food Services4.7%
Public Administration2.8%
Transportation & Warehousing2.3%
Agriculture & Mining0.4%

Largest cities in Tennessee

Largest counties in Tennessee

Part of Tennessee

Metro areas in Tennessee

City rankings

Common questions about Knoxville, TN

Frequently Asked Questions

Knoxville, Tennessee has a population of 193,721 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 3rd-largest city in Tennessee.

The median household income in Knoxville, Tennessee is $50,994, with 13.0% of residents living below the federal poverty level.

The median home value in Knoxville, Tennessee is $214,000, with median monthly rent at $1,116 and a homeownership rate of 46.6%.

The median age in Knoxville, Tennessee is 33.3 years. The population is 48.5% male and 51.5% female.

The population has grown 11.5% since 2010 (178,258 → 198,722).


Knoxville city, TN Climate

Knoxville city, TN has an average annual temperature of 14.5°C (58°F) and receives about 1203 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.

14.5°C

Avg Temp

1203

Precip (mm/yr)

Jul

Hottest Month

Jan

Coldest Month

-5°5°15°25°35°124mmJFMAMJJASOND
Avg temp (°C) Precipitation (mm)
Knoxville city, TN — monthly temperature & precipitation (1970–2000 normals) · Source: WorldClim 2.1
MonthAvg (°C/°F)Precip
January3° / 37°101 mm
February5° / 41°97 mm
March10° / 49°124 mm
April14° / 58°96 mm
May19° / 66°111 mm
June23° / 74°103 mm
July25° / 77°120 mm
August25° / 76°95 mm
September21° / 71°83 mm
October15° / 59°72 mm
November9° / 49°94 mm
December5° / 40°107 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 Knoxville city, TN

The most comfortable months to visit Knoxville city, TN are typically September, June and May, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 32°C high). The coldest is January (near -3°C low). March is usually the wettest month.

SeptemberJuneMay

Where to stay near Knoxville

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Top-rated places to stay near Knoxville

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

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