Chattanooga, TN
Population 182,832 · Tennessee
About Chattanooga, TN
Chattanooga is a major city located in Tennessee with a population of 182,832 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $61,028 per year, which is 19% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 36.6 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Chattanooga features a median home value of $259,200, which is 6% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Chattanooga in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,155, 1% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 87,138 total housing units, 53% are owner-occupied (41,403 units) and 47% are renter-occupied (36,513 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Chattanooga shows an unemployment rate of 4.9%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 17.6%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Chattanooga have an average one-way commute time of 18.7 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
35.5% of Chattanooga residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 3.4% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, and 5.2% Asian residents, with 7.7% of the population being foreign-born.
How Chattanooga Ranks in Tennessee
Cost of Living in Chattanooga, TN
Compared to national averages, Chattanooga has a median household income of $61,028 (19% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $259,200, which is 6% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,155 is 1% below the US average of $1,163. Within Tennessee, Chattanooga's income is 3% below the state average of $62,849, and home values are 21% above the state median of $214,371.
Why Live in Chattanooga, TN?
Chattanooga offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,155/month, and a well-educated community where 35.5% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and short commute times averaging just 18.7 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($61,028) that falls below the national average. However, as a major city, Chattanooga provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Chattanooga has a population of 182,832 with a median age of 36.6 years. Compare Chattanooga with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Tennessee.
Similar Cities Near Chattanooga
Cities in Tennessee with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Knoxville | 193,721 | $50,994 | $214,000 | Compare |
| Clarksville | 171,897 | $66,786 | $236,100 | Compare |
| Murfreesboro | 157,547 | $76,241 | $365,100 | Compare |
| Franklin | 85,575 | $115,000 | $646,300 | Compare |
| Johnson City | 71,455 | $55,429 | $238,000 | Compare |
| Jackson | 68,098 | $51,552 | $195,000 | Compare |
| Hendersonville | 62,390 | $91,503 | $396,500 | Compare |
| Bartlett | 56,998 | $100,660 | $283,700 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Tennessee
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Chattanooga With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Chattanooga
What is the population of Chattanooga, TN?
The population of Chattanooga, TN is 182,832 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a major city in Tennessee.
What is the median household income in Chattanooga?
The median household income in Chattanooga, TN is $61,028 per year, which is 19% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Chattanooga?
The median home value in Chattanooga, TN is $259,200, which is 6% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Chattanooga?
The median monthly rent in Chattanooga, TN is $1,155, which is 1% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Chattanooga?
The unemployment rate in Chattanooga, TN is 4.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Chattanooga, TN a good place to live?
Chattanooga offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 182,832 and a median age of 36.6, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Chattanooga, TN?
35.5% of residents in Chattanooga aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Chattanooga?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Chattanooga, TN: median home value is $259,200 (6% above national), median rent is $1,155/month, and median household income is $61,028. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.2x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Chattanooga?
The poverty rate in Chattanooga, TN is 17.6%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Chattanooga, TN?
Chattanooga's population is 3.4% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, 5.2% Asian, and 28.4% two or more races. 7.7% of residents are foreign-born.