Every two years, the Boyd Center for Business and Economic Research, where the Tennessee State Data Center is housed, releases population projections for the state and its 95 counties. The last update was released in the fall of 2019. With the forthcoming release of the first 2020 Census data in August, the development of new county projections will begin soon.
But what about the future population of the state’s 345 cities and towns? Incorporated areas across the state need population projections for a wide variety of planning needs. Requests for this information is one of the most common questions we’re asked. Because the input data used for our projections are compiled at the county-level, it’s not possible to directly project population at the sub-county level.
So in response to these requests, we’ve developed a new resource to help communities create a short- or long-term projections of total population using Census Bureau Population Estimates and the Boyd Center Projections. The materials include a webpage with an overview of the process, as well as an Excel template showing detailed steps for both projection types.
Drop us an email or give us a call at (865) 974-6070 if questions come up or if your community needs assistance getting started.