DeKalb County, Tennessee Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 65th-largest in Tennessee
The population of DeKalb County, Tennessee is 20,551 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 65th-largest county in Tennessee. The median household income is $48,484, the median home value is $206,600, and the median age is 42.2.
The population of DeKalb County has grown 16.3% since 2010 (18,694 → 21,747), a +1.09% annualized rate.
20,551
Population
+1.09%
Annual growth
68
People / sq mi
$48,484
Median Income
$206,600
Median Home Value
DeKalb County covers 304 sq mi of land at 67.5 people per square mile.
About DeKalb County, TN
Among US counties, DeKalb County stands out first on household income: a median of $48,484, below the US median of $78,538. With 20,551 residents, DeKalb County is a county in Tennessee.
Incomes run on the lower side: a median household income of $48,484, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 15.6%, above the national 12.4%. The typical home is valued at $206,600, with typical rent around $773.
Degree attainment is mid-range for US counties: 20.0% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. About 6.5% of the workforce is home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 29 minutes each way.
DeKalb County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of DeKalb County had a population of 18,694 in 2010 and 21,747 in 2024, a 16.3% growth over 14 years. The peak was 21,747 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 1.09%.
21,747
Population (2024)
18,694
Population (2010)
21,747
Peak (2024)
1.09%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 18,694 |
| 2011 | 18,753 |
| 2012 | 18,865 |
| 2013 | 19,147 |
| 2014 | 19,218 |
| 2015 | 19,281 |
| 2016 | 19,414 |
| 2017 | 19,817 |
| 2018 | 20,045 |
| 2019 | 20,409 |
| 2020 | 20,191 |
| 2021 | 20,506 |
| 2022 | 21,013 |
| 2023 | 21,337 |
| 2024 | 21,747 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 88.8% |
| Black or African American | 1.8% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.1% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
42.2
Median Age
49.3%
Female
50.7%
Male
18.8%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 18.3% · Seniors (65+): 18.8%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $48,484$-18,613 vs state |
| Mean household income | $66,814 |
| Per-capita income | $28,137 |
| Poverty rate | 15.6%+5.7% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.2% |
| Employment-to-population | 51.1% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in DeKalb County is manufacturing, accounting for 22.1% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
1.8%
Carpool
80.7%
Public transit
6.5%
Work from home
28.7 min
Avg commute
Housing
$206,600$-50,200 vs state
Median home value
$773
Median rent
68.9%
Homeownership rate
10,033
Total housing units
84.7%
Occupied
15.3%
Vacant
31.1%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
91.6%
With health insurance
87.8%
With broadband internet
31.2%
Foreign-born
8.0%
Veterans (18+)
21.6%
With a disability
94.8%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
82.7%
High School+
20.0%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Tennessee
Other counties in Tennessee
Part of Tennessee
Metro areas in Tennessee
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
DeKalb County, Tennessee has a population of 20,551 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 65th-largest county in Tennessee. Population density is 68 people per square mile.
The population of DeKalb County has grown 16.3% since 2010 (18,694 → 21,747), a +1.09% annualized rate.
The median household income in DeKalb County, Tennessee is $48,484, with mean (average) household income of $66,814 and per-capita income of $28,137. 15.6% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In DeKalb County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (88.8%), Black or African American (1.8%), Hispanic or Latino (1.1%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in DeKalb County, Tennessee is 42.2 years. Residents are 49.3% female and 50.7% male.
The median home value in DeKalb County is $206,600 and median monthly rent is $773. 68.9% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 10,033 total housing units, 15.3% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in DeKalb County, Tennessee is manufacturing, employing 22.1% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.2%.
Nashville-Davidson is among the largest cities associated with DeKalb County, Tennessee, with a population of 684,298.
DeKalb County, TN Climate
DeKalb County, TN has an average annual temperature of 13.9°C (57°F) and receives about 1420 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
13.9°C
Avg Temp
1420
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 2° / 36° | 116 mm |
| February | 4° / 39° | 112 mm |
| March | 9° / 48° | 150 mm |
| April | 14° / 56° | 117 mm |
| May | 18° / 64° | 135 mm |
| June | 22° / 72° | 107 mm |
| July | 25° / 76° | 126 mm |
| August | 24° / 75° | 102 mm |
| September | 21° / 69° | 105 mm |
| October | 15° / 58° | 90 mm |
| November | 9° / 48° | 123 mm |
| December | 5° / 40° | 137 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 DeKalb County, TN
The most comfortable months to visit DeKalb County, TN are typically September, June and August, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 31°C high). The coldest is January (near -3°C low). March is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near DeKalb 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.