Jefferson County, Tennessee Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 28th-largest in Tennessee
The population of Jefferson County, Tennessee is 55,835 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 28th-largest county in Tennessee. The median household income is $63,084, the median home value is $210,000, and the median age is 44.1.
The population of Jefferson County has grown 14.5% since 2010 (51,719 → 59,217), a +0.97% annualized rate.
55,835
Population
+0.97%
Annual growth
203
People / sq mi
$63,084
Median Income
$210,000
Median Home Value
Jefferson County covers 275 sq mi of land at 202.9 people per square mile.
About Jefferson County, TN
Jefferson County stands apart on settlement density — it is among the most densely settled of US counties, at roughly 203 people per square mile. With 55,835 residents, Jefferson County is a county in Tennessee. It ranks #28 among counties in Tennessee by population.
Household earnings are middling, with a median of $63,084 — below the US median of $78,538. About 8.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level, below the national 12.4%. Median home value is $210,000, with typical rent around $880.
Degree attainment is mid-range for US counties: 21.0% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. Most workers commute: only 5.5% work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 28 minutes each way.
That density explains much of the rest of the profile in Jefferson County: denser places lean toward renting, shorter commutes by transit, and a younger working-age mix.
Jefferson County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Jefferson County had a population of 51,719 in 2010 and 59,217 in 2024, a 14.5% growth over 14 years. The peak was 59,217 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.97%.
59,217
Population (2024)
51,719
Population (2010)
59,217
Peak (2024)
0.97%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 51,719 |
| 2011 | 51,918 |
| 2012 | 52,316 |
| 2013 | 52,157 |
| 2014 | 52,439 |
| 2015 | 53,049 |
| 2016 | 53,193 |
| 2017 | 53,760 |
| 2018 | 53,989 |
| 2019 | 54,563 |
| 2020 | 54,917 |
| 2021 | 55,550 |
| 2022 | 56,739 |
| 2023 | 57,897 |
| 2024 | 59,217 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 91.7% |
| Black or African American | 1.5% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.1% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
44.1
Median Age
50.6%
Female
49.4%
Male
20.2%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 15.5% · Seniors (65+): 20.2%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $63,084$-4,013 vs state |
| Mean household income | $87,614 |
| Per-capita income | $34,953 |
| Poverty rate | 8.4%-1.5% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.2% |
| Employment-to-population | 55.9% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Jefferson County is professional & business services, accounting for 20.3% of workers.
How residents commute
0.3%
Drive alone
1.5%
Carpool
84.8%
Public transit
5.5%
Work from home
28.3 min
Avg commute
Housing
$210,000$-46,800 vs state
Median home value
$880
Median rent
74.0%
Homeownership rate
25,223
Total housing units
84.6%
Occupied
15.4%
Vacant
26.0%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
90.4%
With health insurance
92.9%
With broadband internet
37.5%
Foreign-born
9.5%
Veterans (18+)
19.5%
With a disability
95.8%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
88.9%
High School+
21.0%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Tennessee
Other counties in Tennessee
Part of Tennessee
Metro areas in Tennessee
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Jefferson County, Tennessee has a population of 55,835 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 28th-largest county in Tennessee. Population density is 203 people per square mile.
The population of Jefferson County has grown 14.5% since 2010 (51,719 → 59,217), a +0.97% annualized rate.
The median household income in Jefferson County, Tennessee is $63,084, with mean (average) household income of $87,614 and per-capita income of $34,953. 8.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Jefferson County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (91.7%), Black or African American (1.5%), 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 Jefferson County, Tennessee is 44.1 years. Residents are 50.6% female and 49.4% male.
The median home value in Jefferson County is $210,000 and median monthly rent is $880. 74.0% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 25,223 total housing units, 15.4% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Jefferson County, Tennessee is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 20.3% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.2%.
Nashville-Davidson is among the largest cities associated with Jefferson County, Tennessee, with a population of 684,298.
Jefferson County, TN Climate
Jefferson County, TN has an average annual temperature of 13.7°C (57°F) and receives about 1209 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
13.7°C
Avg Temp
1209
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 2° / 36° | 102 mm |
| February | 4° / 40° | 97 mm |
| March | 9° / 47° | 120 mm |
| April | 13° / 55° | 98 mm |
| May | 18° / 64° | 119 mm |
| June | 22° / 72° | 105 mm |
| July | 24° / 76° | 121 mm |
| August | 24° / 75° | 102 mm |
| September | 21° / 69° | 84 mm |
| October | 14° / 58° | 68 mm |
| November | 9° / 48° | 91 mm |
| December | 4° / 40° | 102 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 Jefferson County, TN
The most comfortable months to visit Jefferson 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 -4°C low). July is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Jefferson County
Visiting or relocating to Jefferson County, TN? Compare hotels and short-term rentals across the county — live availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Jefferson County
Availability and prices from Stay22 partners (Booking.com, Vrbo, Expedia). We may earn a commission from bookings, at no extra cost to you.
Planning a move to Jefferson County?
Get relocation and cost-of-living insights for Jefferson County, TN by email. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
More from Tennessee
Population 922,195
Population 709,846
Population 487,401
Population 370,913
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.