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
Carter County is a county in Tennessee with a population of 56,462. It ranks #27 among counties in Tennessee by population. The median age is 45.8, older than the national median. The population is 49.0% male and 51.0% female.
The median household income in Carter County is $48,435, below the US median of $74,580. 12.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $157,200, with monthly rent averaging $738. The homeownership rate of 74.1% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Carter County reflects 20.7% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 6.8% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 24.2 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.
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Full rankings of Tennessee counties
Statewide data for Tennessee
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.