Knoxville, TN Census Data
The 3rd largest city in Tennessee by population · 15 cities ranked
Knoxville is the 3rd largest city in Tennessee by population and ranks 14th of 15 for median household income. With 193,721 residents, its poverty rate of 20.5% 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
193,721
48.5% male · 51.5% female
Median Age
33.3
5.4 below the national average (38.7 yrs)
Median Household Income
$50,994
$27,544 below the national average ($78,538)
Bachelor's Degree or Higher
33.7%
1.3% below the national average (35.0%)
HS diploma or higher: 89.8%
Poverty Rate
20.5%
8.1% above the national average (12.4%)
Uninsured: 11.3%
Broadband Access
93.8%
4.1% above the national average (89.7%)
Median Home Value
$214,000
Median rent: $1,116 · 47% owner-occupied
Unemployment Rate
4.4%
Labor force participation: 60.6%
Per Capita Income
$33,286
Individual average income (not household)
Veteran Population
5.8%
Disability rate: 14.1%
How Knoxville Compares to Other Tennessee Cities
Rankings among all 15 Tennessee cities tracked in the 2023 ACS.
| Ranking | Position | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| Largest by Population | 3rd of 15 | Top 25% |
| Highest Median Income | 14th of 15 | Bottom 25% |
| Lowest Poverty Rate | 11th of 15 | Bottom half |
| Highest Bachelor's Attainment | 10th of 15 | Bottom half |
| Highest Home Value | 12th of 15 | Bottom 25% |
Demographics
Race & Ethnicity
Age Distribution
Commute to Work
Knoxville, TN Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Knoxville, TN?
The population of Knoxville, TN is 193,721 according to the 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates. The median age is 33.3 years.
What is the median household income in Knoxville?
The median household income in Knoxville, TN is $50,994, below the national average of $78,538. Per capita income is $33,286.
What is the poverty rate in Knoxville?
The poverty rate in Knoxville, TN is 20.5%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. About 11.3% of residents lack health insurance.
What percentage of Knoxville residents have a college degree?
33.7% of adults (25+) in Knoxville hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 89.8% 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 Knoxville?
The median home value in Knoxville, TN is $214,000. Median rent is $1,116 per month, with 47% of housing units owner-occupied.
What is the racial makeup of Knoxville?
Knoxville's population is 72.2% White, 15.7% Black, 7.5% Hispanic or Latino, and 1.6% Asian (source: 2023 ACS).
How does Knoxville rank among Tennessee cities?
Knoxville is the 3rd largest city in Tennessee by population, the 14th highest for median household income, the 11th lowest for poverty rate, the 10th highest for bachelor's degree attainment among 15 ranked Tennessee cities.
What is the unemployment rate in Knoxville?
The unemployment rate in Knoxville, TN is 4.4%, with a labor force participation rate of 60.6%. Per capita income is $33,286.
Cities Similar to Knoxville
Other Tennessee cities with comparable population and income levels.