Bolivar city, Tennessee Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Bolivar city, Tennessee has a total population of 5,171, the 113th largest city in Tennessee, with a median household income of $38,575, which is 43% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 24.6%.
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 43% below the state average, indicating significant economic challenges.
- Unemployment rate of 16.4% is notably above the national average.
Bolivar city Quick Facts
How Bolivar city Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
Moderate diversity with one or two groups making up the majority.
State average: 46 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Bolivar city Rankings in Tennessee
Explore Tennessee Rankings
Cities Similar to Bolivar city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dunlap city | 5,546 | $38,666 | $148,300 | 12.7% | 39.6% |
| Rockwood city | 5,510 | $37,867 | $132,100 | 11.1% | 18.7% |
| Madisonville city | 5,184 | $45,274 | $202,600 | 13.8% | 14.6% |
| Sparta city | 4,915 | $43,989 | $200,600 | 15.2% | 14.4% |
| McKenzie city | 5,706 | $35,988 | $140,200 | 25.1% | 23.2% |
Population Overview
Bolivar city is a small city located in Tennessee. The total population is 5,171. It ranks as the 113th most populous out of 504 cities and towns in Tennessee.
Age Demographics
The median age in Bolivar city is 35.9 years. This is 8% lower than the state median of 38.9 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Bolivar city is $38,575. This is 43% lower than the state median of $67,097. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 51% lower. The poverty rate stands at 24.6%. This is 79% higher than the state poverty rate of 13.8%. With more than one in five residents living below the poverty line, economic hardship is a significant challenge for the community. The unemployment rate is 16.4%. This is 246% higher than the state rate of 4.7%. The median home value is $136,000. Housing costs are 47% lower than the state median of $256,800. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.5x. 56.5% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 16% lower than the state average of 67.0%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Bolivar city is Black or African American, making up 66.8% of the population. White (non-Hispanic) residents account for 26.0%. The White (non-Hispanic) population (26.0%) is well below the state average of 71.5%. The Black or African American population is significantly higher than the state average (66.8% vs 15.7%). The Hispanic or Latino population (3.2%) is well below the state average of 7.1%. The Asian population (0.2%) is well below the state average of 1.8%.
Education
11.9% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 61% lower than the state rate of 30.4%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 81.2%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Bolivar city, Tennessee is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023). The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually, providing reliable estimates for communities of all sizes. Comparisons are made against Tennessee state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 504 Census-designated places in Tennessee. For official data, visit data.census.gov.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Bolivar city, Tennessee?
Bolivar city, Tennessee has a population of 5,171 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Bolivar city, TN?
The median household income in Bolivar city is $38,575, which is 51% lower the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Bolivar city, TN?
The poverty rate in Bolivar city is 24.6%. This means approximately 1,254 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Bolivar city, Tennessee?
Bolivar city's population is 26.0% White, 66.8% Black, 3.2% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.2% Asian.
What is the median home value in Bolivar city, TN?
The median home value in Bolivar city is $136,000. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.5x.
How educated is Bolivar city, Tennessee?
11.9% of adults (25+) in Bolivar city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 3.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.