Memphis city, Tennessee Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Memphis city, Tennessee has a total population of 629,063, the 2nd largest city in Tennessee, with a median household income of $51,211, which is 24% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 22.5%.
Key Takeaways
- Memphis city is the 2nd largest city in Tennessee with a population of 629,063.
- Unemployment rate of 8.3% is notably above the national average.
Memphis city Quick Facts
How Memphis city Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
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: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Memphis city Rankings in Tennessee
Explore Tennessee Rankings
Cities Similar to Memphis city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nashville-Davidson metropolitan government (balance) | 684,298 | $75,197 | $383,100 | 46.9% | 14.1% |
| Knoxville city | 193,721 | $50,994 | $214,000 | 33.7% | 20.5% |
| Chattanooga city | 182,832 | $61,028 | $259,200 | 35.5% | 17.6% |
| Clarksville city | 171,897 | $66,786 | $236,100 | 30.6% | 12.8% |
| Murfreesboro city | 157,547 | $76,241 | $365,100 | 41.1% | 10.0% |
Population Overview
Memphis city is a major urban center located in Tennessee. The total population is 629,063. It ranks as the 2nd most populous out of 504 cities and towns in Tennessee.
Age Demographics
The median age in Memphis city is 34.3 years. This is 12% lower than the state median of 38.9 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Memphis city is $51,211. This is 24% lower than the state median of $67,097. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 35% lower. The poverty rate stands at 22.5%. This is 64% 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 8.3%. This is 74% higher than the state rate of 4.7%. The median home value is $157,100. Housing costs are 39% lower than the state median of $256,800. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.1x. 46.0% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 31% lower than the state average of 67.0%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Memphis city is Black or African American, making up 62.7% of the population. White (non-Hispanic) residents account for 22.9%. The White (non-Hispanic) population (22.9%) is well below the state average of 71.5%. The Black or African American population is significantly higher than the state average (62.7% vs 15.7%).
Education
28.2% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 7% 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 87.4%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Memphis 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 Memphis city, Tennessee?
Memphis city, Tennessee has a population of 629,063 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Memphis city, TN?
The median household income in Memphis city is $51,211, which is 35% lower the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Memphis city, TN?
The poverty rate in Memphis city is 22.5%. This means approximately 138,498 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Memphis city, Tennessee?
Memphis city's population is 22.9% White, 62.7% Black, 10.2% Hispanic/Latino, and 1.7% Asian.
What is the median home value in Memphis city, TN?
The median home value in Memphis city is $157,100. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.1x.
How educated is Memphis city, Tennessee?
28.2% of adults (25+) in Memphis city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 11.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.