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
Educational attainment is the headline number in Cocke County: 11.6% of adults 25 and older have a four-year degree. Cocke County is a county in Tennessee with a population of 36,503. It ranks #42 among counties in Tennessee by population.
Earnings trail the nation, with the median household making $48,416, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty sits at 16.2%, above the national 12.4%. Homes carry a median value of $141,800, with typical rent around $787.
Four-year-degree attainment is near the bottom of the range for US counties, 11.6%, below the national 35.0%. Most workers commute: only 4.9% work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 32 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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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.