Knoxville, TN
Population 193,721 · Tennessee
About Knoxville, TN
Knoxville is a major city located in Tennessee with a population of 193,721 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $50,994 per year, which is 32% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 33.3 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 Knoxville features a median home value of $214,000, which is 13% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Knoxville in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,116, 4% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 94,885 total housing units, 47% are owner-occupied (39,522 units) and 53% are renter-occupied (45,360 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 Knoxville shows an unemployment rate of 4.4%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 20.5%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Knoxville have an average one-way commute time of 20.4 minutes.
Education & Demographics
33.7% of Knoxville 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, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, and 3.2% Asian residents, with 7.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Knoxville Ranks in Tennessee
Cost of Living in Knoxville, TN
Compared to national averages, Knoxville has a median household income of $50,994 (32% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $214,000, which is 13% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,116 is 4% below the US average of $1,163. Within Tennessee, Knoxville's income is 19% below the state average of $62,849, and home values are 0% below the state median of $214,371.
Why Live in Knoxville, TN?
Knoxville offers affordable housing with a median home value of $214,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,116/month, and short commute times averaging just 20.4 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($50,994) that falls below the national average. However, as a major city, Knoxville provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Knoxville has a population of 193,721 with a median age of 33.3 years. Compare Knoxville with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Tennessee.
Similar Cities Near Knoxville
Cities in Tennessee with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chattanooga | 182,832 | $61,028 | $259,200 | 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 Knoxville With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Knoxville
What is the population of Knoxville, TN?
The population of Knoxville, TN is 193,721 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 Knoxville?
The median household income in Knoxville, TN is $50,994 per year, which is 32% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Knoxville?
The median home value in Knoxville, TN is $214,000, which is 13% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Knoxville?
The median monthly rent in Knoxville, TN is $1,116, which is 4% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Knoxville?
The unemployment rate in Knoxville, TN is 4.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Knoxville, TN a good place to live?
Knoxville offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 193,721 and a median age of 33.3, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Knoxville, TN?
33.7% of residents in Knoxville 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 Knoxville?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Knoxville, TN: median home value is $214,000 (13% below national), median rent is $1,116/month, and median household income is $50,994. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.2x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Knoxville?
The poverty rate in Knoxville, TN is 20.5%, 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 Knoxville, TN?
Knoxville's population is 3.4% White, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, 3.2% Asian, and 15.5% two or more races. 7.0% of residents are foreign-born.