Census Bureau estimates show that Davidson County (Nashville) added the most population in Tennessee in 2024. International migration adjustments were a big factor as it outpaced Rutherford County for the first time since 2015.

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.

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.

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!

17 Tennessee communities won challenges or reviews which increased their population reported in the 2020 Census. Two University of Tennessee groups helped a dozen local governments in these getting corrected population counts.

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.