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
DeKalb County is a county in Tennessee with a population of 20,551. It ranks #65 among counties in Tennessee by population. The median age is 42.2, older than the national median. The population is 50.7% male and 49.3% female.
The median household income in DeKalb County is $48,484, below the US median of $74,580. 15.6% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $206,600, with monthly rent averaging $773. The homeownership rate of 68.9% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in DeKalb County reflects 20.0% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 6.5% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 28.7 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.
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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.