When a Tennessee county leads the nation in population loss, it grabs headlines. We analyzed the numbers behind this decline, compared them to past leaders and to other areas of the country. While these losses may continue, they likely won’t top the national charts in the future.

After a decade of remaining almost unchanged, Tennessee births have grown over four consecutive years. This occurred even as fertility rates continue a steady decline. Our state and regional analysis delves into the factors driving this new trend.

Tennessee’s population grew by 80,000 people in 2024. Part of that increase is attributed to changes in the way international migration is estimated for the nation. We took a closer look at the new numbers.

We stepped back to examine how population changes across Tennessee’s 345 cities and towns have unfolded over this decade and found the state’s midsized cities leading the pack. That comes as Nashville claimed the top spot as the state’s fastest-gaining in 2022 and 2023.

An older and increasingly diverse population headline our latest population projection release for the state. Read our breakdown and learn how to access more detailed county-level information.

Tennessee saw widespread population increases in 2023, with most counties in the state adding to their populations last year. Once again, the fastest-growing county was the mid-state stalwart, Rutherford County.

Our new intercensal estimates for Tennessee counties reconcile annual population figures from 2010-2020 with more accurate population data released after the 2020 Census. Learn more and explore the new data product!

Maintaining tabs on the state’s growing population is partly dependent on accurate reporting of building permit data by the issuing agencies. An expanded State Data Center program is available to help communities verify, correct, and improve these important housing unit counts.

Our new interactive dashboard provides access to the latest U.S. Census Bureau population estimate data. It includes visualizations and key indicators that offer valuable insights into Tennessee’s county-level population trends. Learn more and try it for yourself.

Seniors remain Tennessee’s fastest growing age group, but the pace has picked up for the state’s prime working-age population over the past two-years. We examine some recent trends that could positively impact the state’s labor force.