Kingsport, TN
Population 55,807 · Tennessee
About Kingsport, TN
Kingsport is a mid-sized city located in Tennessee with a population of 55,807 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $50,436 per year, which is 33% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 42.8 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Kingsport features a median home value of $203,000, which is 17% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Kingsport in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $843, 28% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 27,525 total housing units, 62% are owner-occupied (15,354 units) and 38% are renter-occupied (9,320 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Kingsport shows an unemployment rate of 4.7%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 20.8%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Kingsport have an average one-way commute time of 18.8 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
31.0% of Kingsport 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 2.0% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, and 0.7% Asian residents, with 2.6% of the population being foreign-born.
How Kingsport Ranks in Tennessee
Cost of Living in Kingsport, TN
Compared to national averages, Kingsport has a median household income of $50,436 (33% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $203,000, which is 17% below the national median. Monthly rent at $843 is 28% below the US average of $1,163. Within Tennessee, Kingsport's income is 20% below the state average of $62,849, and home values are 5% below the state median of $214,371.
Why Live in Kingsport, TN?
Kingsport offers affordable housing with a median home value of $203,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $843/month, and short commute times averaging just 18.8 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($50,436) that falls below the national average. However, as a mid-sized city, Kingsport provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Kingsport has a population of 55,807 with a median age of 42.8 years. Compare Kingsport with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Tennessee.
Similar Cities Near Kingsport
Cities in Tennessee with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smyrna | 55,066 | $78,409 | $326,700 | Compare |
| Bartlett | 56,998 | $100,660 | $283,700 | Compare |
| Spring Hill | 53,585 | $106,658 | $452,400 | Compare |
| Collierville | 51,212 | $134,319 | $458,300 | Compare |
| Hendersonville | 62,390 | $91,503 | $396,500 | Compare |
| Cleveland | 48,185 | $55,904 | $241,800 | Compare |
| Gallatin | 46,667 | $73,589 | $343,700 | Compare |
| Brentwood | 45,272 | $184,720 | $926,700 | 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 Kingsport With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Kingsport
What is the population of Kingsport, TN?
The population of Kingsport, TN is 55,807 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 Kingsport?
The median household income in Kingsport, TN is $50,436 per year, which is 33% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Kingsport?
The median home value in Kingsport, TN is $203,000, which is 17% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Kingsport?
The median monthly rent in Kingsport, TN is $843, which is 28% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Kingsport?
The unemployment rate in Kingsport, TN is 4.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Kingsport, TN a good place to live?
Kingsport offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 55,807 and a median age of 42.8, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Kingsport, TN?
31.0% of residents in Kingsport aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Kingsport?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Kingsport, TN: median home value is $203,000 (17% below national), median rent is $843/month, and median household income is $50,436. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.0x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Kingsport?
The poverty rate in Kingsport, TN is 20.8%, 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 Kingsport, TN?
Kingsport's population is 2.0% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, 0.7% Asian, and 3.3% two or more races. 2.6% of residents are foreign-born.