Karns, Knoxville, TN demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
10,560
2.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$92,150/yr
0.9% year-over-year change
Housing units
4,435
4.7% year-over-year change

Karns population

How many people live in Karns

Karns is home to 10,560 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.1% of Karns locals are male, and 50.9% are female.

Total population
10,560
2.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.1%
5,182
Female
50.9%
5,378
Value Percent YoY change
Male 5,182 49.1% 2.4%
Female 5,378 50.9% 2.1%
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 Karns is 38, with the population distributed as follows: about 20.8% are children under 15, then 9.7% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 30% of the population, while another 23.6% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 15.9% are 65 or older.

Median age
37.7
Age breakdown
Under 15
20.8%
15 to 24
9.7%
25 to 44
30%
45 to 64
23.6%
Over 65
15.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 2,195 20.8% 7.7%
15 to 24 1,028 9.7% -1.7%
25 to 44 3,165 30% 0.8%
45 to 64 2,495 23.6% -2.4%
Over 65 1,677 15.9% 8.3%
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 Karns, 93.3% of the population are US-born citizens, while 4% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 2.8% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 84.6% of locals are Caucasian, 3.3% are African American and 2% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 8.3% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
93.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
4%
Non-citizens
2.8%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 9,850 93.3% 1.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 417 4% 10.9%
Non-citizens 293 2.8% 9.3%
Racial breakdown
White
84.6%
Black or African American
3.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.2%
Asian
2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
8.3%
Other
1.5%
Value Percent
White 8,937 84.6%
Black or African American 350 3.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 20 0.2%
Asian 209 2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 5 0%
Two or more races 879 8.3%
Other 159 1.5%

Households in Karns

A peek inside Karns households

Karns has 4,158 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 67.8% are families, while the remaining 32.2% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
4,158
3.0% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
1,338
Family households
2,821
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,338 32.2% 6.6%
Family households 2,821 67.8% 1.4%
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 Karns

The housing landscape of Karns

Karns's housing consists of 4,435 units, with 69.5% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 7.2% 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 5.7% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
4,435
4.7% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 3,082 69.5%
1 unit, attached 317 7.2%
2 units 45 1%
3 or 4 units 89 2%
5 to 9 units 204 4.6%
10 to 19 units 243 5.5%
20 to 49 units 108 2.4%
50 or more units 95 2.1%
Mobile home 251 5.7%
Homes built since 2020
179
43.2% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Karns

In Karns, the median construction year is 1997. About 1.3% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 1.1% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 20.8% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 19.3% between 2010 and 2019, and 4% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 58 1.3% -7.9%
Built between 1940 and 1949 49 1.1% 8.9%
Built between 1950 and 1959 157 3.5% 7.5%
Built between 1960 and 1969 350 7.9% 8.7%
Built between 1970 and 1979 391 8.8% 15.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 595 13.4% 5.5%
Built between 1990 and 1999 877 19.8% -1.0%
Built between 2000 and 2009 924 20.8% 0.7%
Built between 2010 and 2019 855 19.3% 3.4%
Built in 2020 or later 179 4% 43.2%
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.

Karns occupancy rates

Out of the 4,158 occupied housing units in Karns, 71.4% are owner-occupied, while 28.7% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 6.2% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
4,158
3.0% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,192
Owner occupied
2,967
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,192 28.7% 1.7%
Owner occupied 2,967 71.4% 3.6%
Unoccupied housing units
6.2%
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.

Karns housing costs

Housing costs in Karns come to a median of $1,413 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,542.

Median housing costs per month
$1,413/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 Karns
$1,542/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 Karns

Karns education at a glance

About 26.3% of the population in Karns went to high school, while 19.7% pursued college studies. Another 7.9% earned an associate degree and 29% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 15.2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 160 2% -14.9%
High school diploma 2,107 26.3% -7.6%
College diploma 1,576 19.7% 5.7%
Associate degree 630 7.9% -1.2%
Bachelor's degree 2,325 29% 6.2%
Graduate degree 1,220 15.2% 6.3%
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 Karns

How much people earn in Karns

The average annual household income in Karns was $109,516 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -3.1% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $92,150, reflecting a +1% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Karns
$109,516/year
-3.1% year-over-year change
Median household income in Karns
$92,150/year
0.9% year-over-year change

Karns income by age

In Karns, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $99,063. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $119,514 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $23,980, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $65,818 in earnings. Overall, 93% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $23,980 -3.4%
25 - 44 $99,063 6.5%
45 - 64 $119,514 -2.4%
Over 65 $65,818 2.8%
Above poverty level
9,623
Below poverty level
730
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 9,623 93% 1.5%
Below poverty level 730 7% 10.3%

Employment in Karns

Workforce and job types in Karns

84.2% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 15.8% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 6.5% run their own businesses, 68.9% are employed by private companies, and 15.2% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
4,420
Blue collar
826
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 4,420 84.2% 0.2%
Blue collar 826 15.8% 1.0%
Employer type
Self employees
6.5%
Private companies
68.9%
Governmental workers
15.2%
Not for profit companies
9.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 341 6.5% 4.6%
Private companies 3,613 68.9% -2.4%
Governmental workers 797 15.2% 4.7%
Not for profit companies 495 9.4% 12.5%

Transportation in Karns

How people get around in Karns

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 4,246 99.8% -2.3%
Ferryboat 9 0.2% 0.0%
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 Karns by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
37931 31,842 12,538 $92,150 $109,520

Explore more communities

FAQs about Karns demographics 

What is the total population of Karns?

Karns has a total population of 10,560 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 +2.2% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Karns?

The gender ratio in Karns is as follows:
  • 49.1% males (5,182 residents)
  • 50.9% females (5,378 residents)

What is the median age in Karns?

The median age in Karns is 37.7.

What is the age distribution of the population in Karns?

The age distribution in Karns is as follows:
  • Under 15: 20.8% (2,195 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 9.7% (1,028 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 30% (3,165 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 23.6% (2,495 residents)
  • Over 65: 15.9% (1,677 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Karns?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Karns is as follows:
  • White: 84.6% (8,937 residents)
  • Black or African American: 3.3% (350 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.2% (20 residents)
  • Asian: 2% (209 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (5 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 8.3% (879 residents)
  • Other: 1.5% (159 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 93.3% of the population in Karns.

How many housing units are there in Karns?

There are 4,435 housing units in Karns, reflecting a +4.7% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Karns has a total of 4,158 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Karns?

Karns has a median household income of $92,150, representing a +0.9% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Karns?

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 84.2% (4,420 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 15.8% (826 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 6.5% (341 residents)
  • Private companies: 68.9% (3,613 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 15.2% (797 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 9.4% (495 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