Carter County, Tennessee Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 27th-largest in Tennessee
The population of Carter County, Tennessee is 56,462 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 27th-largest county in Tennessee. The median household income is $48,435, the median home value is $157,200, and the median age is 45.8.
The population of Carter County has grown 0.2% since 2010 (57,343 → 57,434), a +0.01% annualized rate.
56,462
Population
+0.01%
Annual growth
165
People / sq mi
$48,435
Median Income
$157,200
Median Home Value
Carter County covers 341 sq mi of land at 165.5 people per square mile.
About Carter County, TN
What sets Carter County apart is money: median household income runs $48,435, below the US median of $78,538. Carter County is a county in Tennessee with a population of 56,462. It ranks #27 among counties in Tennessee by population.
The typical household earns $48,435, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty sits at 12.7%, close to the national 12.4%. Median home value is $157,200, with typical rent around $738.
Roughly 20.7% of adults have a bachelor’s, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is below the national 14.0% at 6.8%, and the average commute runs about 24 minutes each way.
Carter County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Carter County had a population of 57,343 in 2010 and 57,434 in 2024, a 0.2% growth over 14 years. The peak was 57,434 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.01%.
57,434
Population (2024)
57,343
Population (2010)
57,434
Peak (2024)
0.01%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 57,343 |
| 2011 | 57,387 |
| 2012 | 57,355 |
| 2013 | 56,985 |
| 2014 | 56,334 |
| 2015 | 56,385 |
| 2016 | 56,481 |
| 2017 | 56,526 |
| 2018 | 56,437 |
| 2019 | 56,396 |
| 2020 | 56,386 |
| 2021 | 56,095 |
| 2022 | 56,531 |
| 2023 | 57,112 |
| 2024 | 57,434 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 94.3% |
| Black or African American | 2.0% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.0% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
45.8
Median Age
51.0%
Female
49.0%
Male
22.3%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 14.2% · Seniors (65+): 22.3%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $48,435$-18,662 vs state |
| Mean household income | $64,727 |
| Per-capita income | $29,232 |
| Poverty rate | 12.7%+2.8% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.6% |
| Employment-to-population | 48.5% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Carter County is professional & business services, accounting for 26.2% of workers.
How residents commute
0.3%
Drive alone
0.8%
Carpool
85.0%
Public transit
6.8%
Work from home
24.2 min
Avg commute
Housing
$157,200$-99,600 vs state
Median home value
$738
Median rent
74.1%
Homeownership rate
27,982
Total housing units
86.4%
Occupied
13.6%
Vacant
25.9%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
87.1%
With health insurance
88.6%
With broadband internet
31.9%
Foreign-born
8.6%
Veterans (18+)
22.6%
With a disability
97.2%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
88.7%
High School+
20.7%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Tennessee
Other counties in Tennessee
Part of Tennessee
Metro areas in Tennessee
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Carter County, Tennessee has a population of 56,462 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 27th-largest county in Tennessee. Population density is 165 people per square mile.
The population of Carter County has grown 0.2% since 2010 (57,343 → 57,434), a +0.01% annualized rate.
The median household income in Carter County, Tennessee is $48,435, with mean (average) household income of $64,727 and per-capita income of $29,232. 12.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Carter County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (94.3%), Black or African American (2.0%), Hispanic or Latino (1.0%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Carter County, Tennessee is 45.8 years. Residents are 51.0% female and 49.0% male.
The median home value in Carter County is $157,200 and median monthly rent is $738. 74.1% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 27,982 total housing units, 13.6% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Carter County, Tennessee is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 26.2% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.6%.
Nashville-Davidson is among the largest cities associated with Carter County, Tennessee, with a population of 684,298.
Carter County, TN Climate
Carter County, TN has an average annual temperature of 11.6°C (53°F) and receives about 1195 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
11.6°C
Avg Temp
1195
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 1° / 33° | 90 mm |
| February | 2° / 36° | 95 mm |
| March | 7° / 44° | 114 mm |
| April | 11° / 52° | 99 mm |
| May | 16° / 60° | 115 mm |
| June | 20° / 67° | 109 mm |
| July | 22° / 71° | 119 mm |
| August | 21° / 70° | 104 mm |
| September | 18° / 65° | 94 mm |
| October | 12° / 54° | 83 mm |
| November | 7° / 45° | 89 mm |
| December | 3° / 37° | 84 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 Carter County, TN
The most comfortable months to visit Carter County, TN are typically August, July and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 28°C high). The coldest is January (near -5°C low). July is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Carter County
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Population, race, income, age, and trends across Tennessee
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.