Rhea County, Tennessee Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 45th-largest in Tennessee
The population of Rhea County, Tennessee is 33,299 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 45th-largest county in Tennessee. The median household income is $58,133, the median home value is $178,500, and the median age is 41.0.
The population of Rhea County has grown 9.1% since 2010 (31,860 → 34,759), a +0.62% annualized rate.
33,299
Population
+0.62%
Annual growth
106
People / sq mi
$58,133
Median Income
$178,500
Median Home Value
Rhea County covers 315 sq mi of land at 105.6 people per square mile.
About Rhea County, TN
The poverty rate is what most separates Rhea County from the typical county: 12.6% of residents live below the federal poverty line, against 12.4% nationally. With 33,299 residents, Rhea County is a county in Tennessee. It ranks #45 among counties in Tennessee by population.
The typical household here earns about $58,133, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 12.6%, close to the national 12.4%. Median home value is $178,500, with typical rent around $796.
Fewer adults hold degrees here than in most comparable places — 17.4%, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is below the national 14.0% at 6.1%, and the average commute runs about 28 minutes each way.
The elevated poverty rate is the context for the rest of the profile in Rhea County: it pulls on median income, housing tenure, and the share of residents with a college degree.
Rhea County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Rhea County had a population of 31,860 in 2010 and 34,759 in 2024, a 9.1% growth over 14 years. The peak was 34,759 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.63%.
34,759
Population (2024)
31,860
Population (2010)
34,759
Peak (2024)
0.63%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 31,860 |
| 2011 | 32,088 |
| 2012 | 32,378 |
| 2013 | 32,545 |
| 2014 | 32,648 |
| 2015 | 32,402 |
| 2016 | 32,530 |
| 2017 | 32,709 |
| 2018 | 32,933 |
| 2019 | 33,206 |
| 2020 | 33,287 |
| 2021 | 33,539 |
| 2022 | 34,056 |
| 2023 | 34,319 |
| 2024 | 34,759 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 89.1% |
| Black or African American | 1.6% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.8% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
41.0
Median Age
49.9%
Female
50.1%
Male
19.3%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 17.7% · Seniors (65+): 19.3%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $58,133$-8,964 vs state |
| Mean household income | $70,688 |
| Per-capita income | $28,160 |
| Poverty rate | 12.6%+2.7% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.4% |
| Employment-to-population | 50.3% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Rhea County is manufacturing, accounting for 27.9% of workers.
How residents commute
0.2%
Drive alone
0.9%
Carpool
81.2%
Public transit
6.1%
Work from home
28.4 min
Avg commute
Housing
$178,500$-78,300 vs state
Median home value
$796
Median rent
73.0%
Homeownership rate
15,311
Total housing units
86.5%
Occupied
13.5%
Vacant
27.0%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
88.6%
With health insurance
93.0%
With broadband internet
29.8%
Foreign-born
9.1%
Veterans (18+)
19.3%
With a disability
95.6%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
84.1%
High School+
17.4%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Tennessee
Other counties in Tennessee
Part of Tennessee
Metro areas in Tennessee
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Rhea County, Tennessee has a population of 33,299 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 45th-largest county in Tennessee. Population density is 106 people per square mile.
The population of Rhea County has grown 9.1% since 2010 (31,860 → 34,759), a +0.62% annualized rate.
The median household income in Rhea County, Tennessee is $58,133, with mean (average) household income of $70,688 and per-capita income of $28,160. 12.6% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Rhea County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (89.1%), Hispanic or Latino (1.8%), Black or African American (1.6%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Rhea County, Tennessee is 41.0 years. Residents are 49.9% female and 50.1% male.
The median home value in Rhea County is $178,500 and median monthly rent is $796. 73.0% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 15,311 total housing units, 13.5% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Rhea County, Tennessee is manufacturing, employing 27.9% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.4%.
Nashville-Davidson is among the largest cities associated with Rhea 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.