Chattanooga, TN demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
185,783
1.6% year-over-year change
Median household income
$64,523/yr
5.7% year-over-year change
Housing units
87,970
0.9% year-over-year change

Chattanooga population

How many people live in Chattanooga

Chattanooga is home to 185,783 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.4% of Chattanooga locals are male, and 51.6% are female.

Total population
185,783
1.6% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.4%
89,918
Female
51.6%
95,865
Value Percent YoY change
Male 89,918 48.4% 2.2%
Female 95,865 51.6% 1.1%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Chattanooga is 36, with the population distributed as follows: about 17.7% are children under 15, then 13.6% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 29.6% of the population, while another 21.7% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 17.3% are 65 or older.

Median age
36.3
Age breakdown
Under 15
17.7%
15 to 24
13.6%
25 to 44
29.6%
45 to 64
21.7%
Over 65
17.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 32,943 17.7% 2.0%
15 to 24 25,312 13.6% 4.5%
25 to 44 54,990 29.6% 2.0%
45 to 64 40,348 21.7% -1.7%
Over 65 32,190 17.3% 2.7%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Chattanooga, 90.6% of the population are US-born citizens, while 3.6% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 5.8% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 57.5% of locals are Caucasian, 27.8% are African American and 2.3% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 8.2% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
90.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
3.6%
Non-citizens
5.8%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 168,366 90.6% 0.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 6,646 3.6% 2.0%
Non-citizens 10,771 5.8% 16.1%
Racial breakdown
White
57.5%
Black or African American
27.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.4%
Asian
2.3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
8.2%
Other
3.8%
Value Percent
White 106,774 57.5%
Black or African American 51,709 27.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native 787 0.4%
Asian 4,228 2.3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 32 0%
Two or more races 15,289 8.2%
Other 6,964 3.8%

Households in Chattanooga

A peek inside Chattanooga households

Chattanooga has 79,084 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 54% are families, while the remaining 46% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
79,084
1.5% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
36,362
Family households
42,722
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 36,362 46% 2.4%
Family households 42,722 54% 0.8%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Chattanooga

The housing landscape of Chattanooga

Chattanooga's housing consists of 87,970 units, with 57.6% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 5.3% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 1.5% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
87,970
0.9% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 50,669 57.6%
1 unit, attached 4,651 5.3%
2 units 5,527 6.3%
3 or 4 units 2,975 3.4%
5 to 9 units 4,765 5.4%
10 to 19 units 5,155 5.9%
20 to 49 units 5,753 6.5%
50 or more units 7,122 8.1%
Mobile home 1,307 1.5%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 46 0%
Homes built since 2020
2,000
66.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Chattanooga

In Chattanooga, the median construction year is 1976. About 12.6% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 5.8% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 13.4% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 11.7% between 2010 and 2019, and 2.3% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 11,105 12.6% -0.1%
Built between 1940 and 1949 5,122 5.8% 1.4%
Built between 1950 and 1959 9,471 10.8% -6.5%
Built between 1960 and 1969 11,639 13.2% 3.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 10,650 12.1% -6.2%
Built between 1980 and 1989 8,678 9.9% 7.4%
Built between 1990 and 1999 7,188 8.2% -9.6%
Built between 2000 and 2009 11,807 13.4% 8.8%
Built between 2010 and 2019 10,310 11.7% 2.2%
Built in 2020 or later 2,000 2.3% 66.0%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Chattanooga occupancy rates

Out of the 79,084 occupied housing units in Chattanooga, 52.4% are owner-occupied, while 47.6% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 10.1% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
79,084
1.5% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
37,647
Owner occupied
41,437
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 37,647 47.6% 3.1%
Owner occupied 41,437 52.4% 0.1%
Unoccupied housing units
10.1%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Chattanooga housing costs

Housing costs in Chattanooga come to a median of $1,199 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,256.

Median housing costs per month
$1,199/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Chattanooga
$1,256/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Chattanooga

Chattanooga education at a glance

About 31.5% of the population in Chattanooga went to high school, while 23.6% pursued college studies. Another 7.7% earned an associate degree and 21.2% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 11.8% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 6,223 4.2% 6.4%
High school diploma 46,230 31.5% 1.1%
College diploma 34,552 23.6% -0.9%
Associate degree 11,315 7.7% 0.8%
Bachelor's degree 31,155 21.2% 6.1%
Graduate degree 17,240 11.8% -2.6%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Chattanooga

How much people earn in Chattanooga

The average annual household income in Chattanooga was $95,469 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +4.6% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $64,523, reflecting a +5.7% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Chattanooga
$95,469/year
4.6% year-over-year change
Median household income in Chattanooga
$64,523/year
5.7% year-over-year change

Chattanooga income by age

In Chattanooga, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $75,289. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $72,381 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $44,728, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $50,374 in earnings. Overall, 81.2% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $44,728 6.1%
25 - 44 $75,289 8.0%
45 - 64 $72,381 3.7%
Over 65 $50,374 6.6%
Above poverty level
143,704
Below poverty level
33,323
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 143,704 81.2% 0.3%
Below poverty level 33,323 18.8% 10.2%

Average renter income in Chattanooga

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Chattanooga, their median household income was $42,245 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 35.7%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$42,245
Rent-to-income ratio
35.7%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Chattanooga

Workforce and job types in Chattanooga

The job market in Chattanooga is powered by 91,906 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 78.1% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 21.9% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 8.5% run their own businesses, 71.1% are employed by private companies, and 10.6% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
91,906
1.3% year-over-year change
White collar
71,757
Blue collar
20,149
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 71,757 78.1% 0.4%
Blue collar 20,149 21.9% 4.9%
Employer type
Self employees
8.5%
Private companies
71.1%
Governmental workers
10.6%
Not for profit companies
9.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 7,852 8.5% 4.8%
Private companies 65,316 71.1% 1.4%
Governmental workers 9,770 10.6% 0.3%
Not for profit companies 8,968 9.8% -1.1%
Unemployment rate
5.4%
12.5% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Chattanooga stands at 5.4%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Chattanooga

How people get around in Chattanooga

Commuting methods vary: 82.4% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.9% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 74,046 82.4% -0.2%
Taxicab 351 0.4% 46.2%
Bus or trolleybus 758 0.8% -20.3%
Subway or elevated 2 0% N/A
Railroad 10 0% 25.0%
Ferryboat 32 0% 0.0%
Motorcycle 31 0% -18.4%
Bicycle 295 0.3% -0.7%
Walk 1,673 1.9% -3.6%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Chattanooga by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
37341 15,591 6,047 $92,120 $109,306
37343 45,101 18,097 $82,227 $113,275
37350 2,111 806 $201,000 $295,539
37351 281 184 $50,250 $64,138
37363 42,093 16,359 $97,399 $122,167
37402 3,953 2,665 $24,214 $58,897
37403 6,413 1,990 $81,136 $123,535
37404 14,737 5,057 $56,637 $87,039
37405 18,109 8,620 $81,337 $148,162
37406 13,364 5,263 $44,850 $63,611

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FAQs about Chattanooga demographics 

What is the total population of Chattanooga?

Chattanooga has a total population of 185,783 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +1.6% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Chattanooga?

The gender ratio in Chattanooga is as follows:
  • 48.4% males (89,918 residents)
  • 51.6% females (95,865 residents)

What is the median age in Chattanooga?

The median age in Chattanooga is 36.3.

What is the age distribution of the population in Chattanooga?

The age distribution in Chattanooga is as follows:
  • Under 15: 17.7% (32,943 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 13.6% (25,312 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 29.6% (54,990 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 21.7% (40,348 residents)
  • Over 65: 17.3% (32,190 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Chattanooga?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Chattanooga is as follows:
  • White: 57.5% (106,774 residents)
  • Black or African American: 27.8% (51,709 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.4% (787 residents)
  • Asian: 2.3% (4,228 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (32 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 8.2% (15,289 residents)
  • Other: 3.8% (6,964 residents)

What percentage of the population in Chattanooga are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 90.6% of the population in Chattanooga.

How many housing units are there in Chattanooga?

There are 87,970 housing units in Chattanooga, reflecting a +0.9% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Chattanooga and what is the average household size?

Chattanooga has a total of 79,084 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Chattanooga?

Chattanooga has a median household income of $64,523, representing a +5.7% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Chattanooga?

The employment rate is 94.6% in Chattanooga, with a workforce of 91,906 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 78.1% (71,757 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 21.9% (20,149 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 8.5% (7,852 residents)
  • Private companies: 71.1% (65,316 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 10.6% (9,770 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 9.8% (8,968 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025