Rocky Top, Tennessee Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, Rocky Top, Tennessee had a total population of 1,607, the 250th largest city in Tennessee, with a median household income of $32,868, which is 53% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 36.6%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 53% below the state average, indicating significant economic challenges.
- More than 1 in 4 residents live below the poverty line (36.6%), well above the national average of 12.4%.
- Only 6.2% of adults have a bachelor's degree, well below the national average of 35.7%.
- Unemployment rate of 10.6% is notably above the national average.
Rocky Top Quick Facts
How Rocky Top 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 | 1,830 | 1,607 | -12.2% |
| Median household income | $30,119 | $32,868 | +9.1% |
| Median home value | $112,200 | $149,100 | +32.9% |
How Rocky Top 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 less diverse community where one racial or ethnic group represents a large majority.
State average: 46 | National average: 61
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Rocky Top Rankings in Tennessee
Explore Tennessee Rankings
Other Cities in Anderson County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oak Ridge | 32,693 | $72,311 | 12.2% | $270,200 |
| Clinton | 10,239 | $68,882 | 12.7% | $225,000 |
| Oliver Springs | 3,281 | $51,183 | 17.0% | $180,900 |
| Norris | 1,485 | $75,515 | 6.6% | $315,900 |
| Andersonville | 353 | N/A | 22.7% | $340,400 |
| Briceville | 175 | N/A | 25.7% | N/A |
Cities Similar to Rocky Top
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Benton | 1,560 | $29,414 | $184,200 | 12.0% | 22.7% |
| Tracy City | 1,682 | $39,479 | $136,300 | 11.6% | 24.2% |
| Huntsville | 1,814 | $31,313 | $201,100 | 13.9% | 30.9% |
| Bon Aqua Junction | 1,586 | $43,586 | $187,500 | 8.7% | 12.7% |
| Kenton | 1,513 | $41,525 | $111,200 | 5.9% | 24.3% |
Population Overview
Rocky Top is a small community located in Tennessee, within Anderson County. The total population is 1,607. It ranks as the 250th most populous out of 502 Census-designated places in Tennessee.
Age Demographics
The median age in Rocky Top is 27.4 years. This is 30% lower than the state median of 38.9 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Rocky Top is $32,868. This is 53% lower than the state median of $69,595. It is also 59% lower than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 36.6%. This is 166% 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 10.6%. This is 126% higher than the state rate of 4.7%. The median home value is $149,100. Housing costs are 48% lower than the state median of $286,700. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.5x. 31.7% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 53% lower than the state average of 66.9%.
Race & Ethnicity
Rocky Top has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 87.2% of all residents. Black or African American residents account for 2.8%. The Black or African American population (2.8%) is well below the state average of 15.4%. The Hispanic or Latino population (1.6%) is well below the state average of 7.4%.
Education
6.2% 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 80% 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 77.6%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Rocky Top, 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 Rocky Top, Tennessee?
Rocky Top, Tennessee has a population of 1,607 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Rocky Top, TN?
The median household income in Rocky Top is $32,868, which is 59% lower than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in Rocky Top, TN?
The poverty rate in Rocky Top is 36.6%. This means approximately 577 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Rocky Top, Tennessee?
Rocky Top's population is 87.2% White, 2.8% Black, 1.6% Hispanic/Latino, and 2.5% Asian.
What is the median home value in Rocky Top, TN?
The median home value in Rocky Top is $149,100. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.5x.
How educated is Rocky Top, Tennessee?
6.2% of adults (25+) in Rocky Top hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 4.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.