Kenton, Tennessee Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, Kenton, Tennessee had a total population of 1,513, the 254th largest town in Tennessee, with a median household income of $41,525, which is 40% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 24.3%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 40% below the state average, indicating significant economic challenges.
- Only 5.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree, well below the national average of 35.7%.
Kenton Quick Facts
How Kenton 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 | 1,487 | 1,513 | +1.7% |
| Median household income | $40,993 | $41,525 | +1.3% |
| Median home value | $96,400 | $111,200 | +15.4% |
How Kenton 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
Moderate diversity with one or two groups making up the majority.
State average: 46 | National average: 61
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Kenton Rankings in Tennessee
Explore Tennessee Rankings
Other Cities in Gibson County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Milan | 8,244 | $43,886 | 21.3% | $144,100 |
| Medina | 5,407 | $107,807 | 2.6% | $287,200 |
| Trenton | 4,151 | $58,750 | 29.6% | $126,000 |
| Dyer | 2,217 | $54,766 | 16.7% | $113,500 |
| Bradford | 1,385 | $47,361 | 24.0% | $116,000 |
| Rutherford | 1,119 | $50,667 | 12.0% | $93,900 |
| Gibson | 479 | $53,750 | 9.8% | $154,200 |
| Yorkville | 307 | $71,000 | 2.9% | $132,500 |
Cities Similar to Kenton
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spencer | 1,511 | $46,705 | $150,800 | 11.3% | 8.8% |
| Lone Oak | 1,422 | $40,781 | $257,500 | 19.0% | 14.8% |
| Bon Aqua Junction | 1,586 | $43,586 | $187,500 | 8.7% | 12.7% |
| Gruetli-Laager | 1,480 | $47,313 | $154,700 | 9.6% | 10.2% |
| Bruceton | 1,431 | $45,469 | $131,300 | 10.5% | 19.1% |
Population Overview
Kenton is a small community located in Tennessee, within Gibson County. The total population is 1,513. It ranks as the 254th most populous out of 502 Census-designated places in Tennessee.
Age Demographics
The median age in Kenton is 39.5 years. This is 2% higher than the state median of 38.9 years. 10.3% 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 Kenton is $41,525. This is 40% lower than the state median of $69,595. It is also 49% lower than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 24.3%. This is 77% 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 3.7%. This is 21% lower than the state rate of 4.7%. The median home value is $111,200. Housing costs are 61% lower than the state median of $286,700. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.7x, Kenton is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 57.1% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 15% lower than the state average of 66.9%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Kenton is White (non-Hispanic), making up 72.0% of the population. Black or African American residents account for 12.4%. The Hispanic or Latino population (0.5%) is well below the state average of 7.4%. The Asian population (0.3%) is well below the state average of 1.9%.
Education
5.9% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is among the lowest rates in the state, which may correlate with employment and income patterns. This is 81% 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 89.5%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Kenton, 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 Kenton, Tennessee?
Kenton, Tennessee has a population of 1,513 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Kenton, TN?
The median household income in Kenton is $41,525, which is 49% lower than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in Kenton, TN?
The poverty rate in Kenton is 24.3%. This means approximately 368 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Kenton, Tennessee?
Kenton's population is 72.0% White, 12.4% Black, 0.5% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.3% Asian.
What is the median home value in Kenton, TN?
The median home value in Kenton is $111,200. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.7x.
How educated is Kenton, Tennessee?
5.9% of adults (25+) in Kenton hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 2.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.