Fentress County, Tennessee Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 69th-largest in Tennessee
The population of Fentress County, Tennessee is 18,948 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 69th-largest county in Tennessee. The median household income is $50,865, the median home value is $151,800, and the median age is 47.0.
The population of Fentress County has grown 12.3% since 2010 (17,922 → 20,129), a +0.83% annualized rate.
18,948
Population
+0.83%
Annual growth
38
People / sq mi
$50,865
Median Income
$151,800
Median Home Value
Fentress County covers 499 sq mi of land at 38.0 people per square mile.
About Fentress County, TN
Fentress County is a county in Tennessee with a population of 18,948. It ranks #69 among counties in Tennessee by population. The median age is 47.0, older than the national median. The population is 49.9% male and 50.1% female.
The median household income in Fentress County is $50,865, below the US median of $74,580. 13.8% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $151,800, with monthly rent averaging $614. The homeownership rate of 80.6% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Fentress County reflects 15.3% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 4.7% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 24.7 minutes each way.
Fentress County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Fentress County had a population of 17,922 in 2010 and 20,129 in 2024, a 12.3% growth over 14 years. The peak was 20,129 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.84%.
20,129
Population (2024)
17,922
Population (2010)
20,129
Peak (2024)
0.84%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 17,922 |
| 2011 | 17,999 |
| 2012 | 17,919 |
| 2013 | 17,909 |
| 2014 | 17,856 |
| 2015 | 17,974 |
| 2016 | 18,069 |
| 2017 | 18,240 |
| 2018 | 18,362 |
| 2019 | 18,568 |
| 2020 | 18,534 |
| 2021 | 18,839 |
| 2022 | 19,336 |
| 2023 | 19,708 |
| 2024 | 20,129 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 95.1% |
| Black or African American | 0.3% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.3% |
| Two or More Races | 0.1% |
Age & Sex
47.0
Median Age
50.1%
Female
49.9%
Male
23.0%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 16.9% · Seniors (65+): 23.0%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $50,865$-16,232 vs state |
| Mean household income | $56,885 |
| Per-capita income | $24,283 |
| Poverty rate | 13.8%+3.9% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.1% |
| Employment-to-population | 45.5% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Fentress County is professional & business services, accounting for 25.2% of workers.
How residents commute
0.5%
Drive alone
1.6%
Carpool
83.9%
Public transit
4.7%
Work from home
24.7 min
Avg commute
Housing
$151,800$-105,000 vs state
Median home value
$614
Median rent
80.6%
Homeownership rate
9,228
Total housing units
83.5%
Occupied
16.5%
Vacant
19.4%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
89.1%
With health insurance
87.2%
With broadband internet
28.2%
Foreign-born
9.2%
Veterans (18+)
24.5%
With a disability
98.8%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
83.2%
High School+
15.3%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Tennessee
Other counties in Tennessee
Part of Tennessee
Metro areas in Tennessee
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Fentress County, Tennessee has a population of 18,948 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 69th-largest county in Tennessee. Population density is 38 people per square mile.
The population of Fentress County has grown 12.3% since 2010 (17,922 → 20,129), a +0.83% annualized rate.
The median household income in Fentress County, Tennessee is $50,865, with mean (average) household income of $56,885 and per-capita income of $24,283. 13.8% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Fentress County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (95.1%), Hispanic or Latino (1.3%), Black or African American (0.3%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Fentress County, Tennessee is 47.0 years. Residents are 50.1% female and 49.9% male.
The median home value in Fentress County is $151,800 and median monthly rent is $614. 80.6% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 9,228 total housing units, 16.5% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Fentress County, Tennessee is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 25.2% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.1%.
Nashville-Davidson is among the largest cities associated with Fentress 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.