Past, current or projected population for Tennessee – we have you covered.
The current population of cities and counties in Tennessee is updated annually by the U.S. Census Bureau. Tennessee’s population projection through 2070, is updated every two years and is available for free download.
Tennessee Population Projections
We provide single-year population projections for each county in Tennessee by race, age and sex for each year from 2021 to 2070. The projections are produced by the Boyd Center for Business and Economic Research at the University of Tennessee and disseminated by the Tennessee State Data Center.
Current population of Tennessee Cities and Counties
Each year, the Census Bureau’s Population Estimates Program utilizes current data on births, deaths and migration to calculate population change since the most recent decennial census. Data are available for the state, counties and all Tennessee municipalities.
Population Data in the News
Shelby County’s 2024 Population Decrease is the Nation’s Largest April 10, 2025 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 Births are Up – Now the Rest of the Story March 13, 2025 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.
International Migration Boosts Tennessee’s Population Gains in 2024 December 20, 2024 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.
Other Recent Population Updates
Nashville Rebounds and Tennessee’s Midsize Cities Shine in 2023 Population Estimates September 25, 2024 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. 
Boyd Center Projects Tennessee Population to Hit 7.94 Million by 2040 August 7, 2024 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.
Familiar Names Atop Tennessee’s List of Fastest Growing Counties in 2023 April 9, 2024 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.