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
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.
2010 to 2020 Boyd Center Intercensal Population Estimates Released March 27, 2024 - 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!
Building Permits Are the Cornerstone of Tennessee’s Municipal Population Estimates November 29, 2023 - 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.
Other Recent Population Updates
New TNSDC Dashboard Unlocks Population Change Trends Across Tennessee October 18, 2023 - 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.
Tennessee’s Growing Retirement-Age Population Outshines Increases Among Prime-Age Workers September 12, 2023 - 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.
2022 Population Estimates Show Big Cities on the Move in Tennessee May 18, 2023 - If 2021 was the year of the small city, 2022 was the year of the large metro in Tennessee. The state's biggest communities lead population increases last year. We dig in on the new Vintage 2022 Population Estimates for cities and towns released on May 18th.