Chattanooga, TN Census Data
The 4th largest city in Tennessee by population · 15 cities ranked
Chattanooga is the 4th largest city in Tennessee by population and ranks 10th of 15 for median household income. With 182,832 residents, its poverty rate of 17.6% ranks among the higher rates in Tennessee. This snapshot draws from the 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.
Updated: 2026-04-13 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2023
Population
182,832
48.1% male · 51.9% female
Median Age
36.6
2.1 below the national average (38.7 yrs)
Median Household Income
$61,028
$17,510 below the national average ($78,538)
Bachelor's Degree or Higher
35.5%
0.5% above the national average (35.0%)
HS diploma or higher: 89.6%
Poverty Rate
17.6%
5.2% above the national average (12.4%)
Uninsured: 11.7%
Broadband Access
93.6%
3.9% above the national average (89.7%)
Median Home Value
$259,200
Median rent: $1,155 · 53% owner-occupied
Unemployment Rate
4.9%
Labor force participation: 61.1%
Per Capita Income
$40,081
Individual average income (not household)
Veteran Population
5.9%
Disability rate: 14.5%
How Chattanooga Compares to Other Tennessee Cities
Rankings among all 15 Tennessee cities tracked in the 2023 ACS.
| Ranking | Position | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| Largest by Population | 4th of 15 | Top half |
| Highest Median Income | 10th of 15 | Bottom half |
| Lowest Poverty Rate | 10th of 15 | Bottom half |
| Highest Bachelor's Attainment | 9th of 15 | Bottom half |
| Highest Home Value | 9th of 15 | Bottom half |
Demographics
Race & Ethnicity
Age Distribution
Commute to Work
Chattanooga, TN Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Chattanooga, TN?
The population of Chattanooga, TN is 182,832 according to the 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates. The median age is 36.6 years.
What is the median household income in Chattanooga?
The median household income in Chattanooga, TN is $61,028, below the national average of $78,538. Per capita income is $40,081.
What is the poverty rate in Chattanooga?
The poverty rate in Chattanooga, TN is 17.6%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. About 11.7% of residents lack health insurance.
What percentage of Chattanooga residents have a college degree?
35.5% of adults (25+) in Chattanooga hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 89.6% have at least a high school diploma. The national average for bachelor's degree holders is 35.0%.
What is the median home value in Chattanooga?
The median home value in Chattanooga, TN is $259,200. Median rent is $1,155 per month, with 53% of housing units owner-occupied.
What is the racial makeup of Chattanooga?
Chattanooga's population is 58.4% White, 28.6% Black, 9.3% Hispanic or Latino, and 2.4% Asian (source: 2023 ACS).
How does Chattanooga rank among Tennessee cities?
Chattanooga is the 4th largest city in Tennessee by population, the 10th highest for median household income, the 10th lowest for poverty rate, the 9th highest for bachelor's degree attainment among 15 ranked Tennessee cities.
What is the unemployment rate in Chattanooga?
The unemployment rate in Chattanooga, TN is 4.9%, with a labor force participation rate of 61.1%. Per capita income is $40,081.
Cities Similar to Chattanooga
Other Tennessee cities with comparable population and income levels.