Sullivan County, Tennessee Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 9th-largest in Tennessee
The population of Sullivan County, Tennessee is 159,693 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 9th-largest county in Tennessee. The median household income is $56,802, the median home value is $190,800, and the median age is 45.0.
The population of Sullivan County has grown 3.8% since 2010 (156,756 → 162,703), a +0.27% annualized rate.
159,693
Population
+0.27%
Annual growth
386
People / sq mi
$56,802
Median Income
$190,800
Median Home Value
Sullivan County covers 414 sq mi of land at 386.2 people per square mile.
About Sullivan County, TN
Sullivan County stands apart on settlement density — it is among the most densely settled of US counties, at roughly 386 people per square mile. With 159,693 residents, Sullivan County is a county in Tennessee. It is the #9-largest of all counties in Tennessee nationally.
Household earnings are middling, with a median of $56,802 — below the US median of $78,538. About 11.1% of residents live below the federal poverty level, below the national 12.4%. The typical home is valued at $190,800, with typical rent around $850.
Roughly 26.6% of adults have a bachelor’s, below the national 35.0%. Around 9.1% of workers 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 Sullivan County: denser places lean toward renting, shorter commutes by transit, and a younger working-age mix.
Sullivan County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Sullivan County had a population of 156,756 in 2010 and 162,703 in 2024, a 3.8% growth over 14 years. The peak was 162,703 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.27%.
162,703
Population (2024)
156,756
Population (2010)
162,703
Peak (2024)
0.27%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 156,756 |
| 2011 | 156,895 |
| 2012 | 156,367 |
| 2013 | 156,258 |
| 2014 | 156,509 |
| 2015 | 156,336 |
| 2016 | 156,372 |
| 2017 | 157,154 |
| 2018 | 157,785 |
| 2019 | 158,469 |
| 2020 | 158,244 |
| 2021 | 159,228 |
| 2022 | 160,891 |
| 2023 | 162,054 |
| 2024 | 162,703 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 93.1% |
| Black or African American | 2.0% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.9% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
45.0
Median Age
51.1%
Female
48.9%
Male
22.0%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 15.6% · Seniors (65+): 22.0%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $56,802$-10,295 vs state |
| Mean household income | $80,669 |
| Per-capita income | $35,143 |
| Poverty rate | 11.1%+1.2% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.4% |
| Employment-to-population | 53.0% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Sullivan County is professional & business services, accounting for 22.0% of workers.
How residents commute
0.1%
Drive alone
1.0%
Carpool
81.7%
Public transit
9.1%
Work from home
21.7 min
Avg commute
Housing
$190,800$-66,000 vs state
Median home value
$850
Median rent
72.9%
Homeownership rate
75,917
Total housing units
90.1%
Occupied
9.9%
Vacant
27.1%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
90.9%
With health insurance
91.3%
With broadband internet
38.2%
Foreign-born
8.7%
Veterans (18+)
18.4%
With a disability
97.5%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
89.6%
High School+
26.6%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Tennessee
Other counties in Tennessee
Part of Tennessee
Metro areas in Tennessee
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Sullivan County, Tennessee has a population of 159,693 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 9th-largest county in Tennessee. Population density is 386 people per square mile.
The population of Sullivan County has grown 3.8% since 2010 (156,756 → 162,703), a +0.27% annualized rate.
The median household income in Sullivan County, Tennessee is $56,802, with mean (average) household income of $80,669 and per-capita income of $35,143. 11.1% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Sullivan County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (93.1%), Black or African American (2.0%), Hispanic or Latino (0.9%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Sullivan County, Tennessee is 45.0 years. Residents are 51.1% female and 48.9% male.
The median home value in Sullivan County is $190,800 and median monthly rent is $850. 72.9% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 75,917 total housing units, 9.9% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Sullivan County, Tennessee is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 22.0% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.4%.
Nashville-Davidson is among the largest cities associated with Sullivan County, Tennessee, with a population of 684,298.
Sullivan County, TN Climate
Sullivan County, TN has an average annual temperature of 12.7°C (55°F) and receives about 1093 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
12.7°C
Avg Temp
1093
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 1° / 34° | 85 mm |
| February | 3° / 38° | 88 mm |
| March | 8° / 46° | 100 mm |
| April | 12° / 54° | 90 mm |
| May | 17° / 63° | 103 mm |
| June | 21° / 70° | 97 mm |
| July | 23° / 74° | 116 mm |
| August | 23° / 73° | 93 mm |
| September | 20° / 67° | 85 mm |
| October | 13° / 56° | 72 mm |
| November | 8° / 46° | 79 mm |
| December | 3° / 38° | 85 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 Sullivan County, TN
The most comfortable months to visit Sullivan County, TN are typically June, September and August, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 30°C high). The coldest is January (near -4°C low). July is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Sullivan County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.