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 skews on age — the median resident is 47.0, older than the national median. With 18,948 residents, Fentress County is a county in Tennessee.
Incomes run on the lower side: a median household income of $50,865, below the US median of $78,538. Roughly 13.8% of residents fall below the poverty line, above the national 12.4%. The typical home is valued at $151,800, with typical rent around $614.
Degree attainment is on the lower side for US counties: 15.3% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national 35.0%. Most workers commute: only 4.7% work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 25 minutes each way.
The age structure shapes everything downstream in Fentress County — from housing demand to the mix of working-age earners reflected in the income figures above.
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.
Fentress County, TN Climate
Fentress County, TN has an average annual temperature of 12.9°C (55°F) and receives about 1395 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
12.9°C
Avg Temp
1395
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 1° / 34° | 115 mm |
| February | 3° / 38° | 110 mm |
| March | 8° / 47° | 138 mm |
| April | 13° / 55° | 113 mm |
| May | 17° / 63° | 133 mm |
| June | 21° / 70° | 118 mm |
| July | 24° / 74° | 134 mm |
| August | 23° / 73° | 106 mm |
| September | 20° / 67° | 103 mm |
| October | 13° / 56° | 85 mm |
| November | 8° / 47° | 115 mm |
| December | 4° / 38° | 125 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 Fentress County, TN
The most comfortable months to visit Fentress County, TN are typically June, September and August, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 29°C high). The coldest is January (near -4°C low). March is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Fentress County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.