Johnson City, TN
Population 71,455 · Tennessee
About Johnson City, TN
Johnson City is a mid-sized city located in Tennessee with a population of 71,455 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $55,429 per year, which is 26% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 35.1 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 Johnson City features a median home value of $238,000, which is 3% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Johnson City in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $957, 18% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 33,086 total housing units, 50% are owner-occupied (15,177 units) and 50% are renter-occupied (15,294 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 Johnson City shows an unemployment rate of 5.9%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 21.1%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Johnson City have an average one-way commute time of 18.8 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
41.8% of Johnson City 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 2.3% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, and 2.8% Asian residents, with 4.6% of the population being foreign-born.
How Johnson City Ranks in Tennessee
Cost of Living in Johnson City, TN
Compared to national averages, Johnson City has a median household income of $55,429 (26% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $238,000, which is 3% below the national median. Monthly rent at $957 is 18% below the US average of $1,163. Within Tennessee, Johnson City's income is 12% below the state average of $62,849, and home values are 11% above the state median of $214,371.
Why Live in Johnson City, TN?
Johnson City offers affordable housing with a median home value of $238,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $957/month, and a well-educated community where 41.8% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 18.8 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($55,429) that falls below the national average. However, as a mid-sized city, Johnson City provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Johnson City has a population of 71,455 with a median age of 35.1 years. Compare Johnson City with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Tennessee.
Similar Cities Near Johnson City
Cities in Tennessee with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jackson | 68,098 | $51,552 | $195,000 | Compare |
| Hendersonville | 62,390 | $91,503 | $396,500 | Compare |
| Franklin | 85,575 | $115,000 | $646,300 | Compare |
| Bartlett | 56,998 | $100,660 | $283,700 | Compare |
| Kingsport | 55,807 | $50,436 | $203,000 | Compare |
| Smyrna | 55,066 | $78,409 | $326,700 | Compare |
| Spring Hill | 53,585 | $106,658 | $452,400 | Compare |
| Collierville | 51,212 | $134,319 | $458,300 | 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 Johnson City With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Johnson City
What is the population of Johnson City, TN?
The population of Johnson City, TN is 71,455 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 Johnson City?
The median household income in Johnson City, TN is $55,429 per year, which is 26% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Johnson City?
The median home value in Johnson City, TN is $238,000, which is 3% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Johnson City?
The median monthly rent in Johnson City, TN is $957, which is 18% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Johnson City?
The unemployment rate in Johnson City, TN is 5.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Johnson City, TN a good place to live?
Johnson City offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 71,455 and a median age of 35.1, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Johnson City, TN?
41.8% of residents in Johnson City 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 Johnson City?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Johnson City, TN: median home value is $238,000 (3% below national), median rent is $957/month, and median household income is $55,429. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.3x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Johnson City?
The poverty rate in Johnson City, TN is 21.1%, 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 Johnson City, TN?
Johnson City's population is 2.3% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, 2.8% Asian, and 6.3% two or more races. 4.6% of residents are foreign-born.