Statistic Knoxville Tennessee National
Population 187,487 6,833,174 328,239,523
Population density (sq mi) 1,899 167 91
Median age 32.9 38.5 37.7
Male/Female ratio 0.9:1 1.0:1 1.0:1
Married (15yrs & older) 42% 57% 55%
Families w/ Kids under 18 44% 41% 43%
Speak English 93% 93% 79%
Speak Spanish 3% 4% 13%

Overview of Knoxville Demographics

Knoxville demographics provide invaluable insights into the composition, dynamics and needs of urban and rural areas, enabling them to plan, develop, and govern in ways that promote prosperity, equity and well-being for all residents. The Knoxville population is 187,487 and has a population density of 1,899 people per square mile, compared to the national average of 91. The median age of all residents is 32.9, 42% of people 15 years of age or older are married and 44% have kids under the age of 18. In Knoxville, 30% of households have a median income that is below $25,000 and 9% of households report a median income above $150,000.

Knoxville Racial Demographics & Ethnicity

The 5 largest ethnic groups in Knoxville are 75.6% White, 16.9% Black or African American, 1.7% Asian, 0.3% American Indian and 0% Native Hawaiian, with 5.4% of the population identifying as Hispanic or Latino. Of note, 92.6% of households reported speaking English only, while 3.5% reported speaking Spanish only. Additionally, 6.1% of residents were classified as foreign-born. The Knoxville racial demographics and ethnicity breakdown are essential for comprehending and addressing systemic inequities, advancing social justice and inclusion and cultivating resilient communities.

Knoxville Population Density

Knoxville could serve as a prime example of how areas with higher-than-average population density can champion environmental sustainability by reducing per capita energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions and land use. Embracing compact urban development, these densely populated areas promote energy-efficient buildings and encourages walking, cycling and public transit use, fostering sustainable lifestyles and minimizing environmental impact. Moreover, densely populated regions are renowned for their vibrant social and cultural scenes, driven by a diverse population that organizes an array of cultural events, festivals and community activities. This cultural diversity ignites creativity, innovation and cross-cultural exchange, enriching the social fabric of the community. The Knoxville population density is 1,899, surpassing the national average of 91 per square miles, positioning itself to capitalize on the advantages of dense urban living.

Why are Demographics Important?

Education Allocation: Education planning benefits significantly from Knoxville demographic information, which helps identify student demographics, school enrollment trends, and educational needs. This data assists schools and policymakers in allocating resources effectively and devising impactful educational programs. It serves as a vital tool for recognizing disparities in educational access and outcomes among diverse demographic groups, including racial and ethnic minorities, socio-economic status, and students with disabilities. By disaggregating data based on demographic factors, education planners can pinpoint areas of inequity and implement targeted interventions to improve access, support, and outcomes for marginalized students. Ultimately, Knoxville demographic data is essential in education for advancing equity, fostering student success, and cultivating inclusive learning environments tailored to meet the needs of all students.

Understanding Populations: By reporting and analyzing Knoxville demographics, we can acquire valuable insights into the makeup and traits of populations, encompassing age, gender, race, ethnicity, income, education and various socio-economic factors. This comprehension is vital for tackling the varied needs, preferences, and obstacles encountered by different demographic groups within communities. Demographics serve a pivotal role in comprehending populations, guiding decision-making processes and advancing equity, inclusion and overall well-being for all individuals and communities. The Knoxville population data serves as a cornerstone for addressing social, economic and environmental challenges, while also fostering the well-being and strength of communities.

Urban Development: Urban planners could use Knoxville demographic data to design and create areas that accommodate the needs of residents, including housing, transportation and public services, while promoting sustainability and quality of life. Demographic shifts can contribute to gentrification and neighborhood change in urban or rural areas. As neighborhoods attract new residents with different income levels and lifestyle preferences, property values may rise, leading to displacement of long-time residents and changes in the character and identity of the neighborhood. Understanding population density, age distribution, household size and income levels helps inform decisions related to zoning, transportation infrastructure, housing development and public amenities. Lastly, using Knoxville demographics for planning and development of affordable housing can help prevent displacement.

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Demographics Quick Facts

  • The population density in Knoxville is 1037% higher than Tennessee
  • The median age in Knoxville is 15% lower than Tennessee
  • In Knoxville 75.63% of the population is White
  • In Knoxville 16.94% of the population is Black
  • In Knoxville 1.68% of the population is Asian

Compare Knoxville, TN Demographics

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      Knoxville racial demographics

      Race Knoxville Tennessee National
      White 75.63% 77.84% 73.35%
      Black 16.94% 16.81% 12.63%
      Asian 1.68% 1.61% 5.22%
      American Indian 0.28% 0.29% 0.82%
      Native Hawaiian 0.05% 0.05% 0.18%
      Mixed race 3.86% 2.03% 3.06%
      Other race 1.56% 1.38% 4.75%
      In Knoxville, 5.4% of people are of Hispanic or Latino origin.
      Please note: Hispanics may be of any race, so also are included in any/all of the applicable race categories above.

      Household income distribution

      Place of birth by citizenship

      Knoxville age breakdown

      Marital status

      Age of children in married couples

      Source: The Knoxville, TN demographics data displayed above is derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).