Memphis, TN Census Data

The 2nd largest city in Tennessee by population · 15 cities ranked

Memphis is the 2nd largest city in Tennessee by population and ranks 13th of 15 for median household income. With 629,063 residents, its poverty rate of 22.5% 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 629,063
47.5% male · 52.5% female
Median Age 34.3
4.4 below the national average (38.7 yrs)
Median Household Income $51,211
$27,327 below the national average ($78,538)
Bachelor's Degree or Higher 28.2%
6.8% below the national average (35.0%)
HS diploma or higher: 87.4%
Poverty Rate 22.5%
10.1% above the national average (12.4%)
Uninsured: 14.8%
Broadband Access 91.7%
2.0% above the national average (89.7%)
Median Home Value $157,100
Median rent: $1,123 · 46% owner-occupied
Unemployment Rate 8.3%
Labor force participation: 58.5%
Per Capita Income $36,624
Individual average income (not household)
Veteran Population 5.6%
Disability rate: 13.6%

How Memphis Compares to Other Tennessee Cities

Rankings among all 15 Tennessee cities tracked in the 2023 ACS.

RankingPositionTier
Largest by Population2nd of 15Top 25%
Highest Median Income13th of 15Bottom 25%
Lowest Poverty Rate14th of 15Bottom 25%
Highest Bachelor's Attainment13th of 15Bottom 25%
Highest Home Value15th of 15Bottom 25%

Demographics

Race & Ethnicity

Age Distribution

Commute to Work

Memphis, TN Frequently Asked Questions

What is the population of Memphis, TN?
The population of Memphis, TN is 629,063 according to the 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates. The median age is 34.3 years.
What is the median household income in Memphis?
The median household income in Memphis, TN is $51,211, below the national average of $78,538. Per capita income is $36,624.
What is the poverty rate in Memphis?
The poverty rate in Memphis, TN is 22.5%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. About 14.8% of residents lack health insurance.
What percentage of Memphis residents have a college degree?
28.2% of adults (25+) in Memphis hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 87.4% 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 Memphis?
The median home value in Memphis, TN is $157,100. Median rent is $1,123 per month, with 46% of housing units owner-occupied.
What is the racial makeup of Memphis?
Memphis's population is 25.0% White, 62.9% Black, 10.2% Hispanic or Latino, and 1.7% Asian (source: 2023 ACS).
How does Memphis rank among Tennessee cities?
Memphis is the 2nd largest city in Tennessee by population, the 13th highest for median household income, the 14th lowest for poverty rate, the 13th highest for bachelor's degree attainment among 15 ranked Tennessee cities.
What is the unemployment rate in Memphis?
The unemployment rate in Memphis, TN is 8.3%, with a labor force participation rate of 58.5%. Per capita income is $36,624.

Cities Similar to Memphis

Other Tennessee cities with comparable population and income levels.