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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).

Where to stay in Knoxville

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

Availability and prices from Stay22 partners (Booking.com, Vrbo, Expedia). We may earn a commission from bookings, at no extra cost to you.

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

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