Central, Tennessee Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, Central, Tennessee had a total population of 1,938, the 222nd largest community in Tennessee, with a median household income of $37,444, which is 46% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 11.7%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 46% below the state average, indicating significant economic challenges.
Central Quick Facts
How Central Changed
Change from the 2019–2023 ACS period to 2020–2024. These are rolling five-year estimates, not year-over-year measurements.
| Metric | 2019–2023 | 2020–2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,944 | 1,938 | -0.3% |
| Median household income | $42,292 | $37,444 | -11.5% |
| Median home value | $126,700 | $151,800 | +19.8% |
How Central Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Detailed income brackets
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
A less diverse community where one racial or ethnic group represents a large majority.
State average: 46 | National average: 61
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Central Rankings in Tennessee
Explore Tennessee Rankings
Other Cities in Carter County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elizabethton | 14,374 | $46,975 | 18.8% | $172,900 |
| Valley Forge | 2,136 | $54,631 | 15.1% | $158,100 |
| Pine Crest | 2,029 | $53,537 | 9.7% | $196,600 |
| Hunter | 1,918 | $51,815 | 13.7% | $169,500 |
| Hampton | 1,883 | $39,028 | 19.9% | $98,200 |
| Biltmore | 1,846 | $52,917 | 9.6% | $125,300 |
| Roan Mountain | 797 | $55,625 | 1.7% | $166,200 |
| Butler | 127 | $64,188 | 4.7% | N/A |
Cities Similar to Central
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hampton | 1,883 | $39,028 | $98,200 | 10.7% | 19.9% |
| Celina | 1,941 | $32,220 | $203,200 | 10.2% | 28.0% |
| Decatur | 1,898 | $42,578 | $220,900 | 11.2% | 34.3% |
| Jellico | 1,855 | $41,467 | $127,300 | 15.9% | 27.7% |
| Cowan | 1,934 | $46,406 | $174,500 | 13.3% | 30.8% |
Population Overview
Central is a small community located in Tennessee, within Carter County. The total population is 1,938. It ranks as the 222nd most populous out of 502 Census-designated places in Tennessee.
Age Demographics
The median age in Central is 55.8 years. This is 43% higher than the state median of 38.9 years. Only 14.2% of residents are under 18, indicating fewer families with children. 10.2% of residents are 75 or older, suggesting a significant retirement-age population with implications for healthcare services and senior housing.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Central is $37,444. This is 46% lower than the state median of $69,595. It is also 54% lower than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 11.7%. This is 15% lower than the state poverty rate of 13.8%. The unemployment rate is 5.1%. This is 10% higher than the state rate of 4.7%. The median home value is $151,800. Housing costs are 47% lower than the state median of $286,700. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.1x. 76.4% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 14% higher than the state average of 66.9%.
Race & Ethnicity
Central has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 96.8% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 0.9%. The Hispanic or Latino population (0.9%) is well below the state average of 7.4%.
Education
15.6% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 50% lower than the state rate of 31.1%. Nationally, 35.7% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 84.5%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Central, Tennessee is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates. The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually and pools five years of responses so that even small communities can be measured, though the margin of error widens as the population falls. Comparisons are made against Tennessee state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 502 Census-designated places in Tennessee. Read more about how these figures are produced on our methodology page, or visit data.census.gov for official data.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Central, Tennessee?
Central, Tennessee has a population of 1,938 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Central, TN?
The median household income in Central is $37,444, which is 54% lower than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in Central, TN?
The poverty rate in Central is 11.7%. This means approximately 226 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Central, Tennessee?
Central's population is 96.8% White, 0.0% Black, 0.9% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.0% Asian.
What is the median home value in Central, TN?
The median home value in Central is $151,800. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.1x.
How educated is Central, Tennessee?
15.6% of adults (25+) in Central hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 2.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.