Chattanooga city, Tennessee Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Chattanooga city, Tennessee has a total population of 182,832, the 4th largest city in Tennessee, with a median household income of $61,028, which is 9% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 17.6%.
Key Takeaways
- Chattanooga city is the 4th largest city in Tennessee with a population of 182,832.
Chattanooga city Quick Facts
How Chattanooga city Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
A diverse community with significant representation from multiple racial and ethnic groups.
State average: 46 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Chattanooga city Rankings in Tennessee
Explore Tennessee Rankings
Cities Similar to Chattanooga city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clarksville city | 171,897 | $66,786 | $236,100 | 30.6% | 12.8% |
| Knoxville city | 193,721 | $50,994 | $214,000 | 33.7% | 20.5% |
| Murfreesboro city | 157,547 | $76,241 | $365,100 | 41.1% | 10.0% |
| Johnson City city | 71,455 | $55,429 | $238,000 | 41.8% | 21.1% |
| Jackson city | 68,098 | $51,552 | $195,000 | 26.6% | 22.7% |
Population Overview
Chattanooga city is a major urban center located in Tennessee. The total population is 182,832. It ranks as the 4th most populous out of 504 cities and towns in Tennessee.
Age Demographics
The median age in Chattanooga city is 36.6 years. This is 6% lower than the state median of 38.9 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Chattanooga city is $61,028. This is 9% lower than the state median of $67,097. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 22% lower. The poverty rate stands at 17.6%. This is 28% higher than the state poverty rate of 13.8%. The unemployment rate is 4.9%. This is 4% higher than the state rate of 4.7%. The median home value is $259,200. Housing costs are about average than the state median of $256,800. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.2x. 53.1% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 21% lower than the state average of 67.0%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Chattanooga city is White (non-Hispanic), making up 55.8% of the population. Black or African American residents account for 28.4%. The Black or African American population is significantly higher than the state average (28.4% vs 15.7%).
Education
35.5% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 17% higher 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 89.6%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga city, Tennessee?
Chattanooga city, Tennessee has a population of 182,832 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Chattanooga city, TN?
The median household income in Chattanooga city is $61,028, which is 22% lower the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Chattanooga city, TN?
The poverty rate in Chattanooga city is 17.6%. This means approximately 31,149 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Chattanooga city, Tennessee?
Chattanooga city's population is 55.8% White, 28.4% Black, 9.3% Hispanic/Latino, and 2.3% Asian.
What is the median home value in Chattanooga city, TN?
The median home value in Chattanooga city is $259,200. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.2x.
How educated is Chattanooga city, Tennessee?
35.5% of adults (25+) in Chattanooga city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 13.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.