Unicoi County, Tennessee Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 71st-largest in Tennessee
The population of Unicoi County, Tennessee is 17,779 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 71st-largest county in Tennessee. The median household income is $50,381, the median home value is $168,200, and the median age is 47.4.
The population of Unicoi County has declined 2.2% since 2010 (18,283 → 17,872), a -0.16% annualized rate.
17,779
Population
-0.16%
Annual growth
96
People / sq mi
$50,381
Median Income
$168,200
Median Home Value
Unicoi County covers 186 sq mi of land at 95.6 people per square mile.
About Unicoi County, TN
Unicoi County skews on age — the median resident is 47.4, older than the national median. With 17,779 residents, Unicoi County is a county in Tennessee.
Incomes run on the lower side: a median household income of $50,381, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 9.9%, below the national 12.4%. Homes carry a median value of $168,200, with typical rent around $665.
20.0% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national average of 35.0%. Remote work is below the national 14.0% at 7.3%, and the average commute runs about 26 minutes each way.
The age structure shapes everything downstream in Unicoi County — from housing demand to the mix of working-age earners reflected in the income figures above.
Unicoi County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Unicoi County had a population of 18,283 in 2010 and 17,872 in 2024, a -2.2% growth over 14 years. The peak was 18,303 in 2011. Average annual growth rate: -0.16%.
17,872
Population (2024)
18,283
Population (2010)
18,303
Peak (2011)
-0.16%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 18,283 |
| 2011 | 18,303 |
| 2012 | 18,256 |
| 2013 | 18,102 |
| 2014 | 17,957 |
| 2015 | 17,830 |
| 2016 | 17,736 |
| 2017 | 17,833 |
| 2018 | 17,867 |
| 2019 | 17,914 |
| 2020 | 17,873 |
| 2021 | 17,617 |
| 2022 | 17,606 |
| 2023 | 17,812 |
| 2024 | 17,872 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 92.5% |
| Black or African American | 0.5% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.5% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
47.4
Median Age
50.8%
Female
49.2%
Male
23.2%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 14.8% · Seniors (65+): 23.2%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $50,381$-16,716 vs state |
| Mean household income | $65,839 |
| Per-capita income | $29,087 |
| Poverty rate | 9.9% |
| Unemployment rate | 2.8% |
| Employment-to-population | 50.8% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Unicoi County is professional & business services, accounting for 26.2% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
2.6%
Carpool
81.1%
Public transit
7.3%
Work from home
25.7 min
Avg commute
Housing
$168,200$-88,600 vs state
Median home value
$665
Median rent
72.8%
Homeownership rate
8,740
Total housing units
89.3%
Occupied
10.7%
Vacant
27.2%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
91.0%
With health insurance
86.7%
With broadband internet
29.5%
Foreign-born
9.0%
Veterans (18+)
19.9%
With a disability
95.0%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
88.0%
High School+
20.0%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Tennessee
Other counties in Tennessee
Part of Tennessee
Metro areas in Tennessee
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Unicoi County, Tennessee has a population of 17,779 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 71st-largest county in Tennessee. Population density is 96 people per square mile.
The population of Unicoi County has declined 2.2% since 2010 (18,283 → 17,872), a -0.16% annualized rate.
The median household income in Unicoi County, Tennessee is $50,381, with mean (average) household income of $65,839 and per-capita income of $29,087. 9.9% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Unicoi County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (92.5%), Hispanic or Latino (1.5%), Black or African American (0.5%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Unicoi County, Tennessee is 47.4 years. Residents are 50.8% female and 49.2% male.
The median home value in Unicoi County is $168,200 and median monthly rent is $665. 72.8% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 8,740 total housing units, 10.7% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Unicoi County, Tennessee is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 26.2% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.8%.
Nashville-Davidson is among the largest cities associated with Unicoi County, Tennessee, with a population of 684,298.
Unicoi County, TN Climate
Unicoi County, TN has an average annual temperature of 12.3°C (54°F) and receives about 1181 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
12.3°C
Avg Temp
1181
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 1° / 35° | 91 mm |
| February | 3° / 38° | 94 mm |
| March | 8° / 46° | 112 mm |
| April | 12° / 54° | 98 mm |
| May | 16° / 61° | 113 mm |
| June | 20° / 69° | 108 mm |
| July | 22° / 72° | 127 mm |
| August | 22° / 71° | 104 mm |
| September | 19° / 66° | 89 mm |
| October | 13° / 55° | 74 mm |
| November | 8° / 46° | 86 mm |
| December | 4° / 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 Unicoi County, TN
The most comfortable months to visit Unicoi County, TN are typically August, June and September, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 29°C high). The coldest is January (near -4°C low). July is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Unicoi County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.