Unicoi County, Tennessee Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Unicoi County is located in Tennessee with a total population of 17,779. It is the 71st most populous county out of 95 in Tennessee.

Age Demographics

The median age in Unicoi County is 47.4 years. This is 22% higher than the state median of 38.9 years.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Unicoi County is $50,381. This is 25% lower than the state median of $67,097. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 36% lower. The poverty rate stands at 14.2%. This is 3% higher than the state poverty rate of 13.8%. The unemployment rate is 5.1%. This is 9% higher than the state rate of 4.7%. The median home value is $168,200. Housing costs are 35% lower than the state median of $256,800. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.3x. 72.8% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 9% higher than the state average of 67.0%.

Race & Ethnicity

Unicoi County has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 90.6% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 6.4%. The Black or African American population (0.5%) is well below the state average of 15.7%. The Asian population (0.2%) is well below the state average of 1.8%.

Education

20.0% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 34% 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 88.0%.