Knox County, Tennessee Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 3rd-largest in Tennessee
The population of Knox County, Tennessee is 487,401 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 3rd-largest county in Tennessee. The median household income is $71,662, the median home value is $279,700, and the median age is 37.3.
The population of Knox County has grown 17.0% since 2010 (432,952 → 506,748), a +1.13% annualized rate.
487,401
Population
+1.13%
Annual growth
959
People / sq mi
$71,662
Median Income
$279,700
Median Home Value
Knox County covers 508 sq mi of land at 958.8 people per square mile.
About Knox County, TN
What distinguishes Knox County is density: among the most densely settled of US counties, around 959 people per square mile. With 487,401 residents, Knox County is a county in Tennessee. It is the #3-largest of all counties in Tennessee nationally.
Households take in a median $71,662, comfortably below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 7.4%, below the national 12.4%. Home values run above average at $279,700, with typical rent around $1,180.
The population is unusually well-credentialed for US counties — 40.2% of adults have a four-year degree, above the national 35.0%. About 12.7% of workers primarily work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 22 minutes each way.
That density explains much of the rest of the profile in Knox County: denser places lean toward renting, shorter commutes by transit, and a younger working-age mix.
Knox County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Knox County had a population of 432,952 in 2010 and 506,748 in 2024, a 17.0% growth over 14 years. The peak was 506,748 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 1.13%.
506,748
Population (2024)
432,952
Population (2010)
506,748
Peak (2024)
1.13%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 432,952 |
| 2011 | 436,822 |
| 2012 | 440,883 |
| 2013 | 444,453 |
| 2014 | 448,112 |
| 2015 | 451,551 |
| 2016 | 456,410 |
| 2017 | 461,977 |
| 2018 | 466,787 |
| 2019 | 470,137 |
| 2020 | 480,530 |
| 2021 | 486,005 |
| 2022 | 495,882 |
| 2023 | 501,576 |
| 2024 | 506,748 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 81.2% |
| Black or African American | 8.1% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.1% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
37.3
Median Age
51.0%
Female
49.0%
Male
16.1%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 17.3% · Seniors (65+): 16.1%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $71,662+$4,565 vs state |
| Mean household income | $101,286 |
| Per-capita income | $41,957 |
| Poverty rate | 7.4%-2.5% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.3% |
| Employment-to-population | 62.2% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Knox County is professional & business services, accounting for 24.2% of workers.
How residents commute
0.6%
Drive alone
1.7%
Carpool
76.8%
Public transit
12.7%
Work from home
22.2 min
Avg commute
Housing
$279,700+$22,900 vs state
Median home value
$1,180
Median rent
64.9%
Homeownership rate
214,606
Total housing units
91.9%
Occupied
8.1%
Vacant
35.1%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
91.6%
With health insurance
95.1%
With broadband internet
35.4%
Foreign-born
7.0%
Veterans (18+)
12.3%
With a disability
92.0%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
92.3%
High School+
40.2%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Tennessee
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County rankings
Common questions about Knox County, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Knox County, Tennessee has a population of 487,401 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 3rd-largest county in Tennessee. Population density is 959 people per square mile.
The population of Knox County has grown 17.0% since 2010 (432,952 → 506,748), a +1.13% annualized rate.
The median household income in Knox County, Tennessee is $71,662, with mean (average) household income of $101,286 and per-capita income of $41,957. 7.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Knox County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (81.2%), Black or African American (8.1%), 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 Knox County, Tennessee is 37.3 years. Residents are 51.0% female and 49.0% male.
The median home value in Knox County is $279,700 and median monthly rent is $1,180. 64.9% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 214,606 total housing units, 8.1% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Knox County, Tennessee is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 24.2% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.3%.
Nashville-Davidson is among the largest cities associated with Knox County, Tennessee, with a population of 684,298.
Knox County, TN Climate
Knox County, TN has an average annual temperature of 14.5°C (58°F) and receives about 1203 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
14.5°C
Avg Temp
1203
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 3° / 37° | 101 mm |
| February | 5° / 41° | 97 mm |
| March | 10° / 49° | 124 mm |
| April | 14° / 58° | 96 mm |
| May | 19° / 66° | 111 mm |
| June | 23° / 74° | 103 mm |
| July | 25° / 77° | 120 mm |
| August | 25° / 76° | 95 mm |
| September | 21° / 71° | 83 mm |
| October | 15° / 59° | 72 mm |
| November | 9° / 49° | 94 mm |
| December | 5° / 40° | 107 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 Knox County, TN
The most comfortable months to visit Knox County, TN are typically September, June and May, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 32°C high). The coldest is January (near -3°C low). March is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Knox County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.