Jackson, Tennessee Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, Jackson, Tennessee had a total population of 68,435, the 9th largest city in Tennessee, with a median household income of $53,032, which is 24% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 22.2%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- Unemployment rate of 8.1% is notably above the national average.
Jackson Quick Facts
How Jackson 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 | 68,098 | 68,435 | +0.5% |
| Median household income | $51,552 | $53,032 | +2.9% |
| Median home value | $195,000 | $217,800 | +11.7% |
How Jackson 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 diverse community with significant representation from multiple racial and ethnic groups.
State average: 46 | National average: 61
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Jackson Rankings in Tennessee
Explore Tennessee Rankings
Other Cities in Madison County
Cities Similar to Jackson
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Johnson City | 72,222 | $57,254 | $268,200 | 42.5% | 20.3% |
| Kingsport | 56,262 | $52,490 | $234,100 | 31.5% | 20.7% |
| Hendersonville | 63,091 | $97,200 | $430,700 | 43.9% | 6.3% |
| Cleveland | 48,829 | $58,559 | $272,200 | 30.2% | 16.7% |
| Smyrna | 56,692 | $81,926 | $358,300 | 27.8% | 12.5% |
Population Overview
Jackson is a mid-sized community located in Tennessee, within Madison County. The total population is 68,435. It ranks as the 9th most populous out of 502 Census-designated places in Tennessee.
Age Demographics
The median age in Jackson is 35.5 years. This is 9% lower than the state median of 38.9 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Jackson is $53,032. This is 24% lower than the state median of $69,595. It is also 34% lower than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 22.2%. This is 62% 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 8.1%. This is 74% higher than the state rate of 4.7%. The median home value is $217,800. Housing costs are 24% lower than the state median of $286,700. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.1x. 51.2% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 23% lower than the state average of 66.9%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Jackson is White (non-Hispanic), making up 45.7% of the population. Black or African American residents account for 44.0%. The Black or African American population is significantly higher than the state average (44.0% vs 15.4%).
Education
27.8% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 11% 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 90.0%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Jackson, 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 Jackson, Tennessee?
Jackson, Tennessee has a population of 68,435 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Jackson, TN?
The median household income in Jackson is $53,032, which is 34% lower than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in Jackson, TN?
The poverty rate in Jackson is 22.2%. This means approximately 14,378 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Jackson, Tennessee?
Jackson's population is 45.7% White, 44.0% Black, 5.1% Hispanic/Latino, and 1.3% Asian.
What is the median home value in Jackson, TN?
The median home value in Jackson is $217,800. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.1x.
How educated is Jackson, Tennessee?
27.8% of adults (25+) in Jackson hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 11.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.