Smith County, Tennessee Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 66th-largest in Tennessee
The population of Smith County, Tennessee is 20,196 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 66th-largest county in Tennessee. The median household income is $62,799, the median home value is $224,500, and the median age is 40.7.
The population of Smith County has grown 8.7% since 2010 (19,127 → 20,783), a +0.59% annualized rate.
20,196
Population
+0.59%
Annual growth
64
People / sq mi
$62,799
Median Income
$224,500
Median Home Value
Smith County covers 314 sq mi of land at 64.3 people per square mile.
About Smith County, TN
Smith County is defined demographically by education — 17.9% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national average. Smith County is a county in Tennessee with a population of 20,196.
Median household income is $62,799, below the US median of $78,538. About 10.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level, below the national 12.4%. A typical home is worth $224,500, with typical rent around $877.
Degree attainment is on the lower side for US counties: 17.9% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national 35.0%. Around 7.7% of workers work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 32 minutes each way.
Smith County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Smith County had a population of 19,127 in 2010 and 20,783 in 2024, a 8.7% growth over 14 years. The peak was 20,783 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.60%.
20,783
Population (2024)
19,127
Population (2010)
20,783
Peak (2024)
0.60%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 19,127 |
| 2011 | 19,211 |
| 2012 | 19,185 |
| 2013 | 19,123 |
| 2014 | 19,104 |
| 2015 | 19,316 |
| 2016 | 19,542 |
| 2017 | 19,743 |
| 2018 | 19,946 |
| 2019 | 20,115 |
| 2020 | 19,966 |
| 2021 | 20,166 |
| 2022 | 20,485 |
| 2023 | 20,545 |
| 2024 | 20,783 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 90.8% |
| Black or African American | 1.9% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.2% |
| Two or More Races | 0.1% |
Age & Sex
40.7
Median Age
49.4%
Female
50.6%
Male
16.4%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 18.3% · Seniors (65+): 16.4%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $62,799$-4,298 vs state |
| Mean household income | $85,700 |
| Per-capita income | $32,720 |
| Poverty rate | 10.4%+0.5% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 1.9% |
| Employment-to-population | 58.0% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Smith County is professional & business services, accounting for 20.9% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
0.2%
Carpool
81.7%
Public transit
7.7%
Work from home
32.0 min
Avg commute
Housing
$224,500$-32,300 vs state
Median home value
$877
Median rent
75.5%
Homeownership rate
8,649
Total housing units
88.1%
Occupied
11.9%
Vacant
24.5%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
91.5%
With health insurance
92.3%
With broadband internet
25.1%
Foreign-born
6.4%
Veterans (18+)
17.2%
With a disability
96.5%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
87.3%
High School+
17.9%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Tennessee
Other counties in Tennessee
Part of Tennessee
Metro areas in Tennessee
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Smith County, Tennessee has a population of 20,196 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 66th-largest county in Tennessee. Population density is 64 people per square mile.
The population of Smith County has grown 8.7% since 2010 (19,127 → 20,783), a +0.59% annualized rate.
The median household income in Smith County, Tennessee is $62,799, with mean (average) household income of $85,700 and per-capita income of $32,720. 10.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Smith County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (90.8%), Black or African American (1.9%), Hispanic or Latino (1.2%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Smith County, Tennessee is 40.7 years. Residents are 49.4% female and 50.6% male.
The median home value in Smith County is $224,500 and median monthly rent is $877. 75.5% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 8,649 total housing units, 11.9% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Smith County, Tennessee is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 20.9% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.9%.
Nashville-Davidson is among the largest cities associated with Smith County, Tennessee, with a population of 684,298.
Smith County, TN Climate
Smith County, TN has an average annual temperature of 14.4°C (58°F) and receives about 1379 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
14.4°C
Avg Temp
1379
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 2° / 36° | 108 mm |
| February | 5° / 40° | 109 mm |
| March | 9° / 49° | 142 mm |
| April | 14° / 57° | 113 mm |
| May | 19° / 65° | 129 mm |
| June | 23° / 74° | 108 mm |
| July | 25° / 78° | 124 mm |
| August | 25° / 76° | 102 mm |
| September | 21° / 70° | 103 mm |
| October | 15° / 59° | 86 mm |
| November | 9° / 49° | 118 mm |
| December | 5° / 40° | 137 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 Smith County, TN
The most comfortable months to visit Smith County, TN are typically September, June and August, 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 Smith County
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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.