Cookeville, TN
Population 35,544 · Tennessee
About Cookeville, TN
Cookeville is a mid-sized city located in Tennessee with a population of 35,544 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $48,501 per year, which is 35% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 29.6 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Cookeville features a median home value of $263,800, which is 8% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Cookeville in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $885, 24% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 15,881 total housing units, 41% are owner-occupied (6,015 units) and 59% are renter-occupied (8,586 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Cookeville shows an unemployment rate of 4.3%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 21.9%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Cookeville have an average one-way commute time of 19.2 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
35.4% of Cookeville 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 3.3% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino, 1.1% Black or African American, and 6.4% Asian residents, with 7.6% of the population being foreign-born.
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.
Compare Cookeville With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Cookeville
What is the population of Cookeville, TN?
The population of Cookeville, TN is 35,544 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Tennessee.
What is the median household income in Cookeville?
The median household income in Cookeville, TN is $48,501 per year, which is 35% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Cookeville?
The median home value in Cookeville, TN is $263,800, which is 8% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Cookeville?
The median monthly rent in Cookeville, TN is $885, which is 24% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Cookeville?
The unemployment rate in Cookeville, TN is 4.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Cookeville, TN a good place to live?
Cookeville offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 35,544 and a median age of 29.6, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Cookeville, TN?
35.4% of residents in Cookeville 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 Cookeville?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Cookeville, TN: median home value is $263,800 (8% above national), median rent is $885/month, and median household income is $48,501. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.4x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Cookeville?
The poverty rate in Cookeville, TN is 21.9%, 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 Cookeville, TN?
Cookeville's population is 3.3% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino, 1.1% Black or African American, 6.4% Asian, and 3.6% two or more races. 7.6% of residents are foreign-born.