Cocke County, Tennessee Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 42nd-largest in Tennessee
The population of Cocke County, Tennessee is 36,503 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 42nd-largest county in Tennessee. The median household income is $48,416, the median home value is $141,800, and the median age is 45.4.
The population of Cocke County has grown 5.5% since 2010 (35,641 → 37,596), a +0.38% annualized rate.
36,503
Population
+0.38%
Annual growth
84
People / sq mi
$48,416
Median Income
$141,800
Median Home Value
Cocke County covers 436 sq mi of land at 83.7 people per square mile.
About Cocke County, TN
Cocke County is a county in Tennessee with a population of 36,503. It ranks #42 among counties in Tennessee by population. The median age is 45.4, older than the national median. The population is 48.7% male and 51.3% female.
The median household income in Cocke County is $48,416, below the US median of $74,580. 16.2% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $141,800, with monthly rent averaging $787. The homeownership rate of 71.2% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Cocke County reflects 11.6% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 4.9% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 31.8 minutes each way.
Cocke County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Cocke County had a population of 35,641 in 2010 and 37,596 in 2024, a 5.5% growth over 14 years. The peak was 37,596 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.38%.
37,596
Population (2024)
35,641
Population (2010)
37,596
Peak (2024)
0.38%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 35,641 |
| 2011 | 35,434 |
| 2012 | 35,535 |
| 2013 | 35,409 |
| 2014 | 35,279 |
| 2015 | 35,157 |
| 2016 | 35,243 |
| 2017 | 35,564 |
| 2018 | 35,937 |
| 2019 | 36,017 |
| 2020 | 36,043 |
| 2021 | 36,367 |
| 2022 | 36,786 |
| 2023 | 37,272 |
| 2024 | 37,596 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 93.5% |
| Black or African American | 1.5% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.3% |
| Two or More Races | 0.1% |
Age & Sex
45.4
Median Age
51.3%
Female
48.7%
Male
21.8%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 17.0% · Seniors (65+): 21.8%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $48,416$-18,681 vs state |
| Mean household income | $63,075 |
| Per-capita income | $27,442 |
| Poverty rate | 16.2%+6.3% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.3% |
| Employment-to-population | 50.5% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Cocke County is manufacturing, accounting for 20.7% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
1.3%
Carpool
79.9%
Public transit
4.9%
Work from home
31.8 min
Avg commute
Housing
$141,800$-115,000 vs state
Median home value
$787
Median rent
71.2%
Homeownership rate
17,883
Total housing units
84.6%
Occupied
15.4%
Vacant
28.8%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
87.1%
With health insurance
86.8%
With broadband internet
29.7%
Foreign-born
8.5%
Veterans (18+)
22.7%
With a disability
97.6%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
83.7%
High School+
11.6%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Tennessee
Other counties in Tennessee
Part of Tennessee
Metro areas in Tennessee
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Cocke County, Tennessee has a population of 36,503 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 42nd-largest county in Tennessee. Population density is 84 people per square mile.
The population of Cocke County has grown 5.5% since 2010 (35,641 → 37,596), a +0.38% annualized rate.
The median household income in Cocke County, Tennessee is $48,416, with mean (average) household income of $63,075 and per-capita income of $27,442. 16.2% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Cocke County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (93.5%), Black or African American (1.5%), Hispanic or Latino (1.3%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Cocke County, Tennessee is 45.4 years. Residents are 51.3% female and 48.7% male.
The median home value in Cocke County is $141,800 and median monthly rent is $787. 71.2% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 17,883 total housing units, 15.4% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Cocke County, Tennessee is manufacturing, employing 20.7% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.3%.
Nashville-Davidson is among the largest cities associated with Cocke 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.