McNairy County, TN demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
25,970
0.1% year-over-year change
Median household income
$53,473/yr
5.4% year-over-year change
Housing units
12,327
0.4% year-over-year change

McNairy County population

How many people live in McNairy County

McNairy County is home to 25,970 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.4% of McNairy County locals are male, and 50.6% are female.

Total population
25,970
0.1% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.4%
12,833
Female
50.6%
13,137
Value Percent YoY change
Male 12,833 49.4% 0.2%
Female 13,137 50.6% 0.1%
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 McNairy County is 43, with the population distributed as follows: about 17.2% are children under 15, then 12.3% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 23% of the population, while another 26.8% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 20.8% are 65 or older.

Median age
42.9
Age breakdown
Under 15
17.2%
15 to 24
12.3%
25 to 44
23%
45 to 64
26.8%
Over 65
20.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 4,459 17.2% 1.0%
15 to 24 3,186 12.3% -1.0%
25 to 44 5,964 23% -0.8%
45 to 64 6,951 26.8% 1.9%
Over 65 5,410 20.8% -1.0%
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 McNairy County, 98.4% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.3% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.4% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 90.2% of locals are Caucasian, 5.4% are African American and 0.4% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 3.5% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
98.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.3%
Non-citizens
0.4%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 25,543 98.4% -0.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 330 1.3% 11.5%
Non-citizens 97 0.4% 70.2%
Racial breakdown
White
90.2%
Black or African American
5.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.2%
Asian
0.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
3.5%
Other
0.3%
Value Percent
White 23,420 90.2%
Black or African American 1,394 5.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native 57 0.2%
Asian 108 0.4%
Two or more races 918 3.5%
Other 73 0.3%

Households in McNairy County

A peek inside McNairy County households

McNairy County has 9,939 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 67% are families, while the remaining 33% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
9,939
1.4% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
3,283
Family households
6,656
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 3,283 33% 4.8%
Family households 6,656 67% -0.2%
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 McNairy County

The housing landscape of McNairy County

McNairy County's housing consists of 12,327 units, with 78.3% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 0.5% 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 17.4% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
12,327
0.4% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 9,654 78.3%
1 unit, attached 61 0.5%
2 units 154 1.2%
3 or 4 units 139 1.1%
5 to 9 units 73 0.6%
10 to 19 units 33 0.3%
20 to 49 units 31 0.2%
50 or more units 26 0.2%
Mobile home 2,146 17.4%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 10 0.1%
Homes built since 2020
182
114.1% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in McNairy County

In McNairy County, the median construction year is 1983. About 3.8% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 4.7% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 14.8% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 7.4% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.5% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 474 3.8% -6.1%
Built between 1940 and 1949 579 4.7% 5.3%
Built between 1950 and 1959 753 6.1% -2.2%
Built between 1960 and 1969 1,211 9.8% -5.5%
Built between 1970 and 1979 2,639 21.4% 2.6%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,541 12.5% 1.7%
Built between 1990 and 1999 2,208 17.9% -6.5%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,830 14.8% 6.5%
Built between 2010 and 2019 910 7.4% -1.2%
Built in 2020 or later 182 1.5% 114.1%
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.

McNairy County occupancy rates

Out of the 9,939 occupied housing units in McNairy County, 79.7% are owner-occupied, while 20.3% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 19.4% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
9,939
1.4% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
2,014
Owner occupied
7,925
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 2,014 20.3% -3.5%
Owner occupied 7,925 79.7% 2.7%
Unoccupied housing units
19.4%
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.

McNairy County housing costs

Housing costs in McNairy County come to a median of $659 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $723.

Median housing costs per month
$659/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 McNairy County
$723/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 McNairy County

McNairy County education at a glance

About 56.1% of the population in McNairy County went to high school, while 20.4% pursued college studies. Another 7.8% earned an associate degree and 8.5% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 3.9% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 658 3.2% -5.3%
High school diploma 11,426 56.1% -1.6%
College diploma 4,164 20.4% 1.7%
Associate degree 1,592 7.8% -1.2%
Bachelor's degree 1,733 8.5% 8.4%
Graduate degree 797 3.9% 8.7%
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 McNairy County

How much people earn in McNairy County

The average annual household income in McNairy County was $69,996 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $53,473, reflecting a +5.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in McNairy County
$69,996/year
2.0% year-over-year change
Median household income in McNairy County
$53,473/year
5.4% year-over-year change

McNairy County income by age

In McNairy County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $73,184. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $66,961 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $41,563, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $32,534 in earnings. Overall, 83.4% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $41,563 19.4%
25 - 44 $73,184 7.3%
45 - 64 $66,961 -3.4%
Over 65 $32,534 3.1%
Above poverty level
21,158
Below poverty level
4,197
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 21,158 83.4% -0.4%
Below poverty level 4,197 16.6% 3.7%

Employment in McNairy County

Workforce and job types in McNairy County

The job market in McNairy County is powered by 10,609 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 60.7% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 39.3% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 7.4% run their own businesses, 68.6% are employed by private companies, and 19.5% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
10,609
3.5% year-over-year change
White collar
6,442
Blue collar
4,167
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 6,442 60.7% 4.9%
Blue collar 4,167 39.3% 1.3%
Employer type
Self employees
7.4%
Private companies
68.6%
Governmental workers
19.5%
Not for profit companies
4.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 786 7.4% -9.8%
Private companies 7,272 68.6% 4.2%
Governmental workers 2,072 19.5% 11.2%
Not for profit companies 479 4.5% -11.0%
Unemployment rate
5.8%
4.8% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in McNairy County stands at 5.8%, 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 McNairy County

How people get around in McNairy County

Commuting methods vary: 90.3% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.3% 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 9,525 90.3% 2.5%
Bus or trolleybus 16 0.2% -15.8%
Bicycle 3 0% N/A
Walk 34 0.3% -41.4%
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 McNairy County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
38044 791 394 $46,471 $72,160
38061 1,138 422 $38,047 $58,624
38310 6,556 2,463 $50,232 $69,676
38315 3,631 1,460 $50,089 $64,751
38332 1,188 595 $0 $47,509
38334 2,004 635 $66,563 $83,394
38339 503 201 $68,646 $98,002
38357 3,516 1,231 $56,224 $81,324
38359 307 129 $0 $48,793
38367 2,541 996 $58,571 $66,886

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FAQs about McNairy County demographics 

What is the total population of McNairy County?

McNairy County has a total population of 25,970 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 +0.1% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in McNairy County?

The gender ratio in McNairy County is as follows:
  • 49.4% males (12,833 residents)
  • 50.6% females (13,137 residents)

What is the median age in McNairy County?

The median age in McNairy County is 42.9.

What is the age distribution of the population in McNairy County?

The age distribution in McNairy County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 17.2% (4,459 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12.3% (3,186 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 23% (5,964 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 26.8% (6,951 residents)
  • Over 65: 20.8% (5,410 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of McNairy County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of McNairy County is as follows:
  • White: 90.2% (23,420 residents)
  • Black or African American: 5.4% (1,394 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.2% (57 residents)
  • Asian: 0.4% (108 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 3.5% (918 residents)
  • Other: 0.3% (73 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 98.4% of the population in McNairy County.

How many housing units are there in McNairy County?

There are 12,327 housing units in McNairy County, reflecting a +0.4% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

McNairy County has a total of 9,939 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in McNairy County?

McNairy County has a median household income of $53,473, representing a +5.4% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for McNairy County?

The employment rate is 94.2% in McNairy County, with a workforce of 10,609 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 60.7% (6,442 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 39.3% (4,167 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 7.4% (786 residents)
  • Private companies: 68.6% (7,272 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 19.5% (2,072 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 4.5% (479 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