Cookeville, TN
Population 35,544 · Tennessee
About Cookeville, TN
Cookeville is a mid-sized city in Tennessee with a population of 35,544 residents. The median household income is $48,501 per year, which is below the national average. The median age in Cookeville is 29.6 years.
Housing in Cookeville has a median home value of $263,800 and median monthly rent of $885. Of the 15,881 total housing units, renting is more common than owning, with 6,015 owner-occupied and 8,586 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Cookeville is 4.3% and the poverty rate is 21.9%. 35.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 19.2 minutes.
How Cookeville Ranks in Tennessee
Cost of Living in Cookeville, TN
Compared to national averages, Cookeville has a median household income of $48,501 (35% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $263,800, which is 8% above the national median. Monthly rent at $885 is 24% below the US average of $1,163. Within Tennessee, Cookeville's income is 23% below the state average of $62,849, and home values are 23% above the state median of $214,371.
Why Live in Cookeville, TN?
Cookeville offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $885/month, and a well-educated community where 35.4% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and short commute times averaging just 19.2 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($48,501) that falls below the national average. However, Cookeville’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Cookeville has a population of 35,544 with a median age of 29.6 years. Compare Cookeville with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Tennessee.
Similar Cities Near Cookeville
Cities in Tennessee with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maryville | 32,196 | $79,340 | $310,600 | Compare |
| La Vergne | 38,944 | $80,418 | $273,700 | Compare |
| Oak Ridge | 32,088 | $71,000 | $233,500 | Compare |
| Morristown | 30,983 | $44,811 | $155,700 | Compare |
| Germantown | 40,812 | $144,799 | $441,200 | Compare |
| Mount Juliet | 40,828 | $107,847 | $423,000 | Compare |
| Lebanon | 41,951 | $71,320 | $359,300 | Compare |
| Bristol | 27,490 | $55,007 | $182,500 | 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.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Cookeville
What is the population of Cookeville, TN?
The population of Cookeville, TN is 35,544 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Cookeville?
The median household income in Cookeville, TN is $48,501 per year.
What is the median home value in Cookeville?
The median home value in Cookeville, TN is $263,800.
What is the average rent in Cookeville?
The median monthly rent in Cookeville, TN is $885.
What is the unemployment rate in Cookeville?
The unemployment rate in Cookeville, TN is 4.3%.