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 is a county in Tennessee with a population of 17,779. It ranks #71 among counties in Tennessee by population. The median age is 47.4, older than the national median. The population is 49.2% male and 50.8% female.
The median household income in Unicoi County is $50,381, below the US median of $74,580. 9.9% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $168,200, with monthly rent averaging $665. The homeownership rate of 72.8% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Unicoi County reflects 20.0% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 7.3% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 25.7 minutes each way.
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.
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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.