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.
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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.