| Statistic | Cookeville | Tennessee | National |
| Population | 33,922 | 6,833,174 | 328,239,523 |
| Population density (sq mi) | 948 | 167 | 91 |
| Median age | 29.9 | 38.5 | 37.7 |
| Male/Female ratio | 0.9:1 | 1.0:1 | 1.0:1 |
| Married (15yrs & older) | 45% | 57% | 55% |
| Families w/ Kids under 18 | 45% | 41% | 43% |
| Speak English | 91% | 93% | 79% |
| Speak Spanish | 5% | 4% | 13% |
Understanding the demographics of Cookeville is essential for gaining insights into the composition, dynamics and needs of any city, town or village. This knowledge empowers planners, developers and policymakers to strategize effectively, promoting prosperity, equity and well-being for all residents. The Cookeville population is 33,922, with a population density of 948 people per square mile, diverging from the national average of 91. The median age is 29.9, and 45% of individuals aged 15 or older are married, while 45% have children under 18. As far as income equality in Cookeville, 31% of households have a median income below $25,000, whereas 11% report an income exceeding $150,000, indicating a varied economic landscape within the area.
The Cookeville racial demographics and ethnicity breakdown serves as a critical tool for understanding and addressing systemic inequities, promoting social justice and inclusion and building stronger, more resilient communities. The racial breakdown in Cookeville is 89.5% White, 4.2% Black or African American, 2.2% Asian, 0.1% American Indian and 0% Native Hawaiian - 8.1% of the population identify as Hispanic or Latino. Of all households, 91.2% reported speaking English only, while 5.3% reported speaking Spanish only. A total of 5.9% of residents were considered foreign born.
Communities such as Cookeville, with population densities higher than the average, play a significant role in promoting environmental sustainability by decreasing per capita energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions and land use. Their compact urban development encourages the adoption of energy-efficient buildings, walking, cycling, and public transportation, fostering sustainable lifestyles and minimizing environmental impact. Additionally, densely populated areas tend to cultivate vibrant social and cultural scenes, fueled by a diverse population that contributes to a myriad of cultural events, festivals and community activities. This cultural diversity sparks creativity, innovation and cross-cultural exchange, enriching the social fabric of the community. Cookeville has a population density of 948, surpassing the national average of 91 people per square mile, as it stands poised to reap the benefits of dense urban living.
Social Cohesion: Reporting and analyzing demographics can play a crucial role in fostering social cohesion and understanding among diverse communities. By recognizing and appreciating differences in Cookeville demographics, societies can promote inclusivity, diversity and social harmony, while addressing social disparities and promoting equal opportunities for all individuals. Racial demographics reflect the diversity of a population and contribute to fostering inclusive and welcoming communities. Embracing diversity strengthens social cohesion, promotes cultural understanding and enriches the fabric of society by celebrating the contributions of individuals from different racial and ethnic backgrounds.
Urban Development: Urban planners can leverage demographics data in Cookeville to design and develop areas that cater to residents' needs, spanning housing, transportation, and public services, while prioritizing sustainability and enhancing quality of life. Demographic changes can contribute to gentrification and neighborhood evolution, whether in urban or rural contexts. As neighborhoods attract new residents with diverse income levels and lifestyle preferences, property values may appreciate, potentially displacing longstanding residents and reshaping the neighborhood's identity. Understanding population density, age distribution, household size and income levels is essential for guiding decisions on zoning, transportation infrastructure, housing development and public amenities. Incorporating Cookeville demographics data into planning and implementing affordable housing initiatives can help mitigate displacement risks.
Policy Planning: Demographic data and statistics serve as vital tools for informing policy and decision-making processes across various levels of government, as well as within organizations and businesses. Through the reporting and analysis of demographic data, policymakers, government officials, and organizational leaders can pinpoint areas of need, allocate resources efficiently, and craft tailored policies and programs to address the unique needs and priorities of different demographic groups. The utilization of demographic data in Cookeville is instrumental in policy planning, facilitating resource allocation, evidence-based decision-making, priority identification, trend forecasting, policy impact assessment, and the promotion of equity and inclusion. By harnessing this data effectively, policymakers can devise targeted, impactful, and inclusive policies that cater to the diverse needs of communities.
| Race | Cookeville | Tennessee | National |
| White | 89.49% | 77.84% | 73.35% |
| Black | 4.25% | 16.81% | 12.63% |
| Asian | 2.17% | 1.61% | 5.22% |
| American Indian | 0.07% | 0.29% | 0.82% |
| Native Hawaiian | 0.00% | 0.05% | 0.18% |
| Mixed race | 3.00% | 2.03% | 3.06% |
| Other race | 1.02% | 1.38% | 4.75% |
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