Parsons city, Tennessee Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Parsons city, Tennessee has a total population of 2,578, the 179th largest city in Tennessee, with a median household income of $32,129, which is 52% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 27.6%.
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 52% below the state average, indicating significant economic challenges.
- More than 1 in 4 residents live below the poverty line (27.6%), well above the national average of 12.4%.
- Only 6.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree, well below the national average of 35.0%.
- Unemployment rate of 10.0% is notably above the national average.
Parsons city Quick Facts
How Parsons 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 less diverse community where one racial or ethnic group represents a large majority.
State average: 46 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Parsons city Rankings in Tennessee
Explore Tennessee Rankings
Cities Similar to Parsons city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pikeville city | 2,653 | $32,917 | $155,500 | 8.8% | 34.8% |
| Decherd city | 2,816 | $34,646 | $118,600 | 9.1% | 21.1% |
| Spring City town | 2,299 | $35,957 | $151,600 | 14.6% | 19.8% |
| Clifton city | 2,632 | $44,286 | $126,900 | 4.3% | 43.8% |
| Mountain City town | 2,275 | $36,902 | $186,800 | 8.9% | 32.2% |
Population Overview
Parsons city is a small community located in Tennessee. The total population is 2,578. It ranks as the 179th most populous out of 504 cities and towns in Tennessee.
Age Demographics
The median age in Parsons city is 44.3 years. This is 14% higher than the state median of 38.9 years. 13.0% 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 Parsons city is $32,129. This is 52% lower than the state median of $67,097. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 59% lower. The poverty rate stands at 27.6%. This is 101% 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 10.0%. This is 112% higher than the state rate of 4.7%. The median home value is $107,400. Housing costs are 58% lower than the state median of $256,800. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.3x. 55.5% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 17% lower than the state average of 67.0%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Parsons city is White (non-Hispanic), making up 84.5% of the population. Black or African American residents account for 9.4%. The Hispanic or Latino population (1.3%) is well below the state average of 7.1%. The Asian population is significantly higher than the state average (3.9% vs 1.8%).
Education
6.6% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 78% 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 80.0%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Parsons 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 Parsons city, Tennessee?
Parsons city, Tennessee has a population of 2,578 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Parsons city, TN?
The median household income in Parsons city is $32,129, which is 59% lower the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Parsons city, TN?
The poverty rate in Parsons city is 27.6%. This means approximately 685 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Parsons city, Tennessee?
Parsons city's population is 84.5% White, 9.4% Black, 1.3% Hispanic/Latino, and 3.9% Asian.
What is the median home value in Parsons city, TN?
The median home value in Parsons city is $107,400. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.3x.
How educated is Parsons city, Tennessee?
6.6% of adults (25+) in Parsons city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 1.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.