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
Rhea County is a county in Tennessee with a population of 33,299. It ranks #45 among counties in Tennessee by population. The median age is 41.0, older than the national median. The population is 50.1% male and 49.9% female.
The median household income in Rhea County is $58,133, below the US median of $74,580. 12.6% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $178,500, with monthly rent averaging $796. The homeownership rate of 73.0% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Rhea County reflects 17.4% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 6.1% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 28.4 minutes each way.
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.