DeKalb County, Tennessee Demographics 2026

Population Overview

DeKalb County is located in Tennessee with a total population of 20,551. It is the 65th most populous county out of 95 in Tennessee.

Age Demographics

The median age in DeKalb County is 42.2 years. This is 8% higher than the state median of 38.9 years.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in DeKalb County is $48,484. This is 28% lower than the state median of $67,097. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 38% lower. The poverty rate stands at 21.4%. This is 55% 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 6.0%. This is 26% higher than the state rate of 4.7%. The median home value is $206,600. Housing costs are 20% lower than the state median of $256,800. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.3x. 68.9% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 3% higher than the state average of 67.0%.

Race & Ethnicity

DeKalb County has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 87.6% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 7.5%. The Black or African American population (1.7%) is well below the state average of 15.7%. The Asian population (0.8%) is well below the state average of 1.8%.

Education

20.0% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 34% 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 82.7%.