193,114
Knoxville is a city located in Knox County Tennessee. It is also the county seat of Knox County. With a 2020 population of 193,114, it is the 3rd largest city in Tennessee and the 140th largest city in the United States. Knoxville is currently growing at a rate of 0.62% annually and its population has increased by 1.24% since the most recent census, which recorded a population of 190,740 in 2020. Spanning over 104 miles, Knoxville has a population density of 1,956 people per square mile.
The average household income in Knoxville is $58,801 with a poverty rate of 22.48%. The median rental costs in recent years comes to $883 per month, and the median house value is $142,700. The median age in Knoxville is 32.7 years, 31.5 years for males, and 34.1 years for females.
Knoxville is a city in Tennessee and the third-largest city in the state. The city was geographically isolated for much of its early history, although it quickly grew after the Civil War and is now one of the largest cities in the Appalachian area.
Knoxville Poverty and Health Statistics
Knoxville has a poverty rate of 25%, well above the Tennessee average (16.1%) and the national average (15.1%). A 2009 study found that Knoxville residents have a life expectancy of 76 years.
The study also found that 22% of adults smoked, 11% were binge drinkers, 14% did not have health insurance and 28% were obese.
Knoxville Population Growth
Knoxville experienced its first population decline in the 1950s, when it lost more than 10% of its population, although it more than made up the loss by 1970, posting a 56% increase. Today, Knoxville is among the ten fastest-growing U.S. cities with the best employment outlook in the country. Knoxville also has a low cost of living that is 80% of the national average along with low crime, which is attracting young college graduates.
Knoxville Facts
- Knoxville was the first capital of Tennessee.
- According to a 2006 study by the Economic Research Institute, Knoxville is the most affordable U.S. city for new college graduates based on typical salary and cost of living.
- Knoxville is the base for Jewelry Television, a home shopping channel, as well as Scripps Networks Interactive, which operates HGTV, DIY Network, Food Network, and Travel Channel.
- Quentin Tarantino and Johnny Knoxville were both born in Knoxville.
- In 2013, there was not a single day of the year that remained at or below freezing. This has also happened in 1990, 1921 and 1915.
- Mountain Dew was first marketed in Knoxville in 1948 as a whiskey mixer.
Knoxville was first inhabited during the Woodland period (c. 1000 BC to AD 1000), with an ancient burial mound still present on the University of Tennessee campus. The Cherokee people were dominant in the area by the 18th century due to wars with the Shawnee and Creek. The first European-American explorers arrived in the area at the end of the 17th century, although there is evidence Hernando de Soto visited Bussell Island in 1540.
The end of the French and Indian War and the American Revolution led to an increase in the Euro-American population west of the Appalachians, with establishments in the 1780s. In 1785, Congress ordered illegal settlers to leave the area, but it was not successful. More settlers arrived, and tensions between them and the Cherokee grew.
White's Fort was constructed near the mouth of the First Creek in 1786 by James White, a Revolutionary War officer, and it eventually grew into a town. The [Treaty of Holston](https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/05-09-02-0100) was signed at the fort in 1791 to establish boundaries and resolve issues with the Cherokee. White's Fort was named as the new capital of the area after Revolutionary War general Henry Knox.
Knoxville was the capital of the Southwest Territory and then Tennessee after it became a state in 1796, although the capital was moved to Murfreesboro in 1817. The early history of the city was filled with theft, murder, and hostility from Cherokee attacks, but it eventually became a merchandising center in the region, and its population doubled in the 1850s when the railroad arrived.
The anti-slavery and anti-secession sentiment was high in the area leading up to the Civil War, and East Tennessee and the greater Knox County voted against secession in 1861. The same year, however, Tennessee joined the Confederacy, and martial law was instituted. The Union Army captured Knoxville, and the Confederate army was unsuccessful in its attempt to recapture the city.
Knoxville recovered relatively quickly after the war. In 1869, federal wartime restitution funding expanded the college, which was occupied by both armies during the war, and it changed its name to the University of Tennessee a decade later. Many immigrants came to the city during its manufacturing boom, and its population grew from 5,000 in 1860 to more than 32,600 by 1900.
Knoxville Demographics
According to the most recent ACS, the racial composition of Knoxvillewas:
- White: 75.63%
- Black or African American: 16.94%
- Two or more races: 3.86%
- Asian: 1.68%
- Other race: 1.56%
- Native American: 0.28%
- Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander: 0.05%
State
Tennessee
County
Knox County
Land Area (mi²)
98.7 sq mi
Density (mi²)
1,956.30/sq mi
2022 Growth Rate
0.62% (1,187)
Growth Since 2020
1.24% (2,374)
Rank in State
3rd
Rank in Country
140th
The current population of Knoxville, Tennessee is 193,114 based on our projections of the latest US Census estimates.The last official US Census in 2020 recorded the population at 190,740.
Knoxville, Tennessee Population 2022
Knoxville Metro Area Population by Year
Knoxville Population by Race
Knoxville Population Pyramid 2022
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Knoxville Median Age
32.9
Total
31.6
Male
34.5
Female
Knoxville Adults
There are 152,131 adults, (26,005 of whom are seniors) in Knoxville.
Knoxville Age Dependency
Age Dependency Ratio
20.6
Old Age Dependency Ratio
28
Child Dependency Ratio
Knoxville Sex Ratio
Female
97,447
51.98%
Male
90,040
48.02%
Knoxville Population by Age
Knoxville Households and Families
Knoxville Households by Type
Knoxville Educational Attainment by Sex (over 25)
Knoxville Educational Attainment by Race
Knoxville Earnings by Educational Attainment
Knoxville Language by Age
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Knoxville Language
92.61% of Knoxville residents speak only English, while 7.39% speak other languages. The non-English language spoken by the largest group is Spanish, which is spoken by 3.47% of the population.
Knoxville Language
22.48%
Overall Poverty Rate
21.33%
Male Poverty Rate
23.53%
Female Poverty Rate
Poverty in Knoxville
The race most likely to be in poverty in Knoxville is Black, with 37.47% below the poverty level.
The race least likely to be in poverty in Knoxville is Other, with NaN% below the poverty level.
The poverty rate among those that worked full-time for the past 12 months was 4.69%. Among those working part-time, it was 31.22%, and for those that did not work, the poverty rate was 34.50%.
Knoxville Poverty
Knoxville Poverty Rate by Education
Knoxville Poverty Rate by Employment Status and Sex
Income by Household Type
Knoxville Marital Status
Marriage Rates
34.5%
Overall Marriage Rate
35.7%
Male Marriage Rate
33.5%
Female Marriage Rate
Knoxville Married by Age and Sex
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Knoxville Marriage
The age group where males are most likely to be married is 35-44, while the female age group most likely to be married is 35-44.
Knoxville Marital Status by Race
Knoxville Marital Status
Knoxville Veterans by War
Knoxville Veterans by Age
Knoxville Veterans by Race
Knoxville Veterans by Education
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13.13%
Veteran Poverty Rate
32.22%
Veteran Disability Rate
Knoxville Veterans by Education
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63.8%
Labor Force Participation
60.2%
Employment Rate
5.5%
Unemployment Rate
Knoxville Employment by Age
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Knoxville Employment by Race
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Knoxville Employment by Education
Origin of Non-Citizens
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Non citizens include legal permanent residents (green card holders), international students, temporary workers, humanitarian migrants, and illegal immigrants.
Origin of Naturalized Citizens
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58.45%
Born in Knoxville
93.90%
Native Born
6.10%
Foreign Born
4.18%
Non Citizen
1.92%
Naturalized
Place of Birth
93.90% of Knoxville residents were born in the United States, with 58.45% having been born in Tennessee. 4.18% of residents are not US citizens. Of those not born in the United States, the largest percentage are from Latin America.
Knoxville Place of Birth
FAQs
What is the population of Knoxville Tennessee 2022? ›
The current metro area population of Knoxville in 2022 is 771,000, a 1.98% increase from 2021. The metro area population of Knoxville in 2021 was 756,000, a 2.02% increase from 2020. The metro area population of Knoxville in 2020 was 741,000, a 2.35% increase from 2019.
What percent of Knoxville is Hispanic? ›Race & Ethnicity
The largest Knoxville racial/ethnic groups are White (72.4%) followed by Black (16.9%) and Hispanic (5.4%).
| Population | |
|---|---|
| White alone, percent | 78.2% |
| Black or African American alone, percent(a) | 17.0% |
| American Indian and Alaska Native alone, percent(a) | 0.5% |
| Asian alone, percent(a) | 2.0% |
| Violent | Total | |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Crimes | 1,533 | 9,658 |
| Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents) | 8.04 | 50.63 |
Knoxville ranks sixth among fastest growing cities in the state.
What is fastest growing city in Tennessee? ›The city has great Southern food, a beautiful renovated downtown and some of the most die-hard sports fans you'll ever meet. It is also the Gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains, so you're only a brief road trip away from all the Smoky Mountains have to offer.
What race is in Knoxville Tennessee? ›The 5 largest ethnic groups in Knoxville, TN are White (Non-Hispanic) (72.4%), Black or African American (Non-Hispanic) (16.9%), White (Hispanic) (3.25%), Two+ (Non-Hispanic) (3.07%), and Asian (Non-Hispanic) (1.67%).
Is Knoxville Tennessee a safe place to live? ›According to alarms.org, Knoxville is one of the 10 least safe cities in Tennessee, with crime rates comparable to Chattanooga and Kingsport.
Is Knoxville a good place to live? ›One of the most desirable cities to live in Tennessee, Knoxville, has a lot going for it. We offer a low cost of living, for example, plus good schools, climate, and housing costs. Outdoor activities, nightlife and more make living in Knoxville, TN exciting and fun!
Is Knoxville diverse? ›
Knoxville is home to a rich culture and diverse people nestled together within a beautiful urban wilderness. Plentiful festivals provide locals and visitors with a taste of Knoxville's daily diversity in food, language, dance and song.
Where do blacks live in TN? ›Now majority-black, the city of Memphis is home to more than four hundred thousand African Americans, making it one of the largest population centers of this ethnic group. At least eight other municipalities have African-American majorities: Bolivar, Brownsville, Gallaway, Gates, Henning, Mason, Stanton, Whiteville.
What city in Tennessee has the most Asians? ›| Rank | Asian Population Percentage ▼ | City / Population |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | 8.2% | Bell Buckle, TN / 500 |
| 2. | 7.1% | Collierville, TN / 43,965 |
| 3. | 6.3% | Nolensville, TN / 5,861 |
| 4. | 5.4% | Farragut, TN / 20,676 |
| Racial composition | 1940 | 2019 est. |
|---|---|---|
| White | 82.5% | 77.6% |
| Black | 17.4% | 16.8% |
| Asian | - | 1.8% |
| Native | - | 0.3% |
According to the report, higher than average crime rates in Memphis and Nashville kept Tennessee out of the discussion of the country's safest states. Knoxville was ranked at the bottom of the list behind Nashville. Knoxville had 10,335 reported crimes in 2019. Athens came in at the bottom of the list of safest cities.
What's the safest city in Tennessee? ›One of the safest cities in Tennessee is Spring Hill, located in Hernando County. The level of safety this suburb brings is attracting more residents, as it records a violent crime rate of 1.22 per 1000 people, which is 79% lower than the average violent crime rate.
Why are so many people moving Knoxville? ›People are also moving to Knoxville because of its proximity to the national park and easy access to other parts of the country. Lawyer adds, “all of this outdoor recreation is literally at our doorstep. It makes it very attractive.”
What is the fastest growing city in the US? ›| City, State | Growth Rate | |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Buckeye City, Arizona | 5% |
| 2. | New Braunfels, Texas | 2% |
| 3. | Apex, North Carolina | 8% |
| 4. | Frisco, Texas | 6.1% |
The poorest county in Tennessee is Grundy County, according to new data from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey.
Does it snow in Knoxville TN? ›
Knoxville experiences some seasonal variation in monthly snowfall. The snowy period of the year lasts for 2.2 months, from December 20 to February 26, with a sliding 31-day snowfall of at least 1.0 inches. The month with the most snow in Knoxville is January, with an average snowfall of 1.7 inches.
Is Nashville bigger than Knoxville? ›Knoxville is also the largest city in East Tennessee and the third-largest in the state (after Nashville and Memphis), and the city's nicknames include K-town, Knox Vegas, Marble City and Scruffy City.
Does Knoxville TN have mountains? ›High points include Sharp's Ridge in North Knoxville at 1,391 feet (424 m) and Brown Mountain in South Knoxville at 1,260 feet (380 m). House Mountain, the highest point in Knox County at 2,064 feet (629 m), is located east of the city near Mascot.
Is Knoxville segregated? ›Like many cities in America, housing is racially segregated in Knoxville. There are three geographic spaces that have historically been associated with African Americans in the city, and they make up what I refer to as the East Knoxville-Mechanicsville-Lonsdale triad.
Whats it like to live in Knoxville TN? ›Living in Knoxville offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents rent their homes. In Knoxville there are a lot of restaurants and parks. Many young professionals live in Knoxville and residents tend to lean conservative. The public schools in Knoxville are above average.
Is Knoxville a big city? › Which city is better Nashville or Knoxville? ›Winner: Knoxville has the edge in affordability. Knoxville bests Nashville in overall affordability.
Is Knoxville or Chattanooga safer? ›Every city deals with its fair share of crime, and Chattanooga and Knoxville are no different. Both cities have crime rates that are above the national average. However, between the two, Chattanooga has the higher total crime rate.
Is it expensive to live in Knoxville TN? ›Cost of Living in Knoxville, Tennessee by Expense Category
Knoxville's housing expenses are 29% lower than the national average and the utility prices are 4% lower than the national average. Transportation expenses like bus fares and gas prices are 17% lower than the national average.
Mayor. The City of Knoxville is committed to the equal rights and equal treatment of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBTQ+) residents, workers and visitors. We aim to create a safe, accountable, inclusive and welcoming community so all Knoxville residents feel represented, respected and appreciated.
Does Knoxville TN get tornadoes? ›
A total of 23 historical tornado events that had recorded magnitude of 2 or above found in or near Knoxville, TN.
What are the winters like in Knoxville Tennessee? ›Daily high temperatures are around 52°F, rarely falling below 34°F or exceeding 70°F. The lowest daily average high temperature is 47°F on January 14. Daily low temperatures are around 34°F, rarely falling below 17°F or exceeding 51°F. The lowest daily average low temperature is 31°F on January 25.
What is the average household income in Knoxville TN? ›| Population | |
|---|---|
| Transportation | |
| Mean travel time to work (minutes), workers age 16 years+, 2016-2020 | 22.3 |
| Income & Poverty | |
| Median household income (in 2020 dollars), 2016-2020 | $59,250 |
Nashville Demographics
White: 62.30% Black or African American: 27.35% Two or more races: 3.67% Asian: 3.64%
Black population in Nashville, Tennessee are 181,426, percentage wise 27.1 percent are blacks.
What part of Tennessee had the most slaves? ›Middle Tennessee, where tobacco, cattle, and grain became the favored crops, held the largest number of slaves throughout the antebellum period. West Tennessee, the area between the Tennessee and Mississippi Rivers, ultimately the richest cotton producing section of the state, saw the greatest concentration of slaves.
Which city in Tennessee is the most diverse? ›- City in Tennessee.
- • Rating 3.88 out of 5 1,523 reviews.
...
Tennessee's Growing Racial and Ethnic Diversity among 2020 Headlines.
| Two or More Race Combinations | Population |
|---|---|
| White; American Indian and Alaska Native | 105,540 |
...
Tennessee Korean Population Percentage City Rank.
| Rank | Korean Population Percentage ▼ | City / Population |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | 1.6% | Nolensville, TN / 5,861 |
| 2. | 1.1% | Collierville, TN / 43,965 |
| 3. | 1.1% | Martin, TN / 11,473 |
| 4. | 1.0% | Brentwood, TN / 37,060 |
What type of people live in Tennessee? ›
Tennessee Demographics
White: 76.73% Black or African American: 16.67% Two or more races: 2.94% Asian: 1.81%
- Vermont 95.6%
- Maine 95.4%
- West Virginia 94.4%
- New Hampshire 93.7%
- Wyoming 92.0%
- Montana 90.9%
- Idaho 90.2%
- Iowa 89.8%
The people are the definition of southern charm.
While many residents and neighbors may originally be from other states, the people in Tennessee are known to be nice. Exuding Southern charm, prepare to be met with smiles and warm welcomes when walking around town.
Texas has the largest Black state population
With more than 3.9 million Black people in 2019, Texas is home to the largest Black population in the U.S. Florida has the second largest population at 3.8 million, and Georgia is home to 3.6 million Black people.
Knoxville scores high in value
Knoxville's scored best in the value category with a 7.4. "Residents enjoy a cost of living that's lower than the national average, which is reflected in reasonable housing, utility and transportation costs," according to the report.
Knoxville is home to a rich culture and diverse people nestled together within a beautiful urban wilderness. Plentiful festivals provide locals and visitors with a taste of Knoxville's daily diversity in food, language, dance and song.
What race is in Knoxville Tennessee? ›The 5 largest ethnic groups in Knoxville, TN are White (Non-Hispanic) (72.4%), Black or African American (Non-Hispanic) (16.9%), White (Hispanic) (3.25%), Two+ (Non-Hispanic) (3.07%), and Asian (Non-Hispanic) (1.67%).
Is Knoxville Tennessee a good place to retire? ›U.S. News & World Report ranked Knoxville No. 13 among its list of the 125 best places to retire in 2020. By spending your retirement years in Knoxville you gain access to a better quality of life and can save money in the long-term.
Is Knoxville safer than Nashville? ›According to the report, higher than average crime rates in Memphis and Nashville kept Tennessee out of the discussion of the country's safest states. Knoxville was ranked at the bottom of the list behind Nashville. Knoxville had 10,335 reported crimes in 2019.
Is Knoxville LGBT friendly? ›Mayor. The City of Knoxville is committed to the equal rights and equal treatment of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBTQ+) residents, workers and visitors. We aim to create a safe, accountable, inclusive and welcoming community so all Knoxville residents feel represented, respected and appreciated.
Why are people moving to Knoxville TN? ›
People are also moving to Knoxville because of its proximity to the national park and easy access to other parts of the country. Lawyer adds, “all of this outdoor recreation is literally at our doorstep. It makes it very attractive.”
Is Knoxville segregated? ›Like many cities in America, housing is racially segregated in Knoxville. There are three geographic spaces that have historically been associated with African Americans in the city, and they make up what I refer to as the East Knoxville-Mechanicsville-Lonsdale triad.
What is Knoxville known for? ›The University of Tennessee Volunteers. Knoxville is the home of the University of Tennessee. If you ask a random stranger what they think of when they hear the word Knoxville, you'll likely hear “the Vols” as the most common answer.
What are people from Knoxville called? ›| Knoxville, Tennessee | |
|---|---|
| Demonym | Knoxvillian |
| Time zone | UTC−5 (EST) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−4 (EDT) |
| Zip code | 37901-37902, 37909, 37912, 37914-37920-37924, 37927-37934, 37938-37940, 37950, 37995-37998 |
| Population | |
|---|---|
| Transportation | |
| Mean travel time to work (minutes), workers age 16 years+, 2016-2020 | 22.3 |
| Income & Poverty | |
| Median household income (in 2020 dollars), 2016-2020 | $59,250 |
A: Knoxville is about 180 miles from Nashville when traveling along I-40. It takes approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes to travel between the two cities along the most direct route.
Does Knoxville TN get tornadoes? ›A total of 23 historical tornado events that had recorded magnitude of 2 or above found in or near Knoxville, TN.
Is it cheaper to live in Tennessee or Florida? ›If the average cost of living in the United States is 100, Florida has an overall score of 97.9. This is considerably more than Tennessee, which has an overall cost of living score of 88.7. When comparing the numbers, this means Florida is nearly 10% more expensive to live in than Tennessee.
Why is rent so high in Knoxville TN? ›The total amount of rental units in Knoxville is around 8,300. That lack of availability allows landlords and apartment managers to raise the price of rent, which maximizes their profit.