Downtown Memphis, Memphis, TN demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
11,133
4.0% year-over-year change
Median household income
$34,015/yr
10.3% year-over-year change
Housing units
7,007
4.8% year-over-year change

Downtown Memphis population

How many people live in Downtown Memphis

Downtown Memphis is home to 11,133 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 52.6% of Downtown Memphis locals are male, and 47.4% are female.

Total population
11,133
4.0% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
52.6%
5,861
Female
47.4%
5,273
Value Percent YoY change
Male 5,861 52.6% 2.3%
Female 5,273 47.4% 6.0%
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 Downtown Memphis is 36, with the population distributed as follows: about 11.4% are children under 15, then 12.8% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 43.6% of the population, while another 21% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 11.3% are 65 or older.

Median age
35.5
Age breakdown
Under 15
11.4%
15 to 24
12.8%
25 to 44
43.6%
45 to 64
21%
Over 65
11.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,265 11.4% -8.7%
15 to 24 1,419 12.8% 9.5%
25 to 44 4,853 43.6% 2.8%
45 to 64 2,341 21% 10.2%
Over 65 1,254 11.3% 6.5%
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 Downtown Memphis, 91.7% of the population are US-born citizens, while 3.7% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 4.6% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 40.1% of locals are Caucasian, 49.6% are African American and 5% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 4.5% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
91.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
3.7%
Non-citizens
4.6%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 10,210 91.7% 3.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 409 3.7% 12.1%
Non-citizens 514 4.6% 5.3%
Racial breakdown
White
40.1%
Black or African American
49.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
5%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
4.5%
Other
0.8%
Value Percent
White 4,464 40.1%
Black or African American 5,516 49.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native 6 0%
Asian 556 5%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 5 0%
Two or more races 498 4.5%
Other 88 0.8%

Households in Downtown Memphis

A peek inside Downtown Memphis households

Downtown Memphis has 6,118 households, with an average of 1 members in each. Of these, 33.9% are families, while the remaining 66.1% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
6,118
4.7% year-over-year change
Average people per household
1
Non-family households
4,044
Family households
2,074
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 4,044 66.1% 2.3%
Family households 2,074 33.9% 9.8%
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 Downtown Memphis

The housing landscape of Downtown Memphis

Downtown Memphis's housing consists of 7,007 units, with 22% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 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 0.3% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
7,007
4.8% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,543 22%
1 unit, attached 351 5%
2 units 178 2.5%
3 or 4 units 436 6.2%
5 to 9 units 715 10.2%
10 to 19 units 965 13.8%
20 to 49 units 821 11.7%
50 or more units 1,974 28.2%
Mobile home 21 0.3%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 2 0%
Homes built since 2020
218
70.3% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Downtown Memphis

In Downtown Memphis, the median construction year is 1979. About 12.5% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 5% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 24% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 16.4% between 2010 and 2019, and 3.1% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 879 12.5% 11.0%
Built between 1940 and 1949 350 5% 3.9%
Built between 1950 and 1959 746 10.6% 4.2%
Built between 1960 and 1969 373 5.3% -2.4%
Built between 1970 and 1979 304 4.3% 11.4%
Built between 1980 and 1989 415 5.9% 19.9%
Built between 1990 and 1999 894 12.8% 2.3%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,682 24% -2.9%
Built between 2010 and 2019 1,147 16.4% 3.6%
Built in 2020 or later 218 3.1% 70.3%
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.

Downtown Memphis occupancy rates

Out of the 6,118 occupied housing units in Downtown Memphis, 24.8% are owner-occupied, while 75.2% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 12.7% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
6,118
4.7% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
4,598
Owner occupied
1,520
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 4,598 75.2% 5.2%
Owner occupied 1,520 24.8% 3.3%
Unoccupied housing units
12.7%
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.

Downtown Memphis housing costs

Housing costs in Downtown Memphis come to a median of $981 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $997.

Median housing costs per month
$981/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 Downtown Memphis
$997/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 Downtown Memphis

Downtown Memphis education at a glance

About 29.7% of the population in Downtown Memphis went to high school, while 18.1% pursued college studies. Another 3.2% earned an associate degree and 26.6% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 21% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 142 1.5% 14.5%
High school diploma 2,858 29.7% 2.1%
College diploma 1,744 18.1% 2.8%
Associate degree 305 3.2% -4.4%
Bachelor's degree 2,559 26.6% 8.2%
Graduate degree 2,018 21% 8.0%
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 Downtown Memphis

How much people earn in Downtown Memphis

The average annual household income in Downtown Memphis was $78,947 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +5.6% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $34,015, reflecting a +10.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Downtown Memphis
$78,947/year
5.6% year-over-year change
Median household income in Downtown Memphis
$34,015/year
10.3% year-over-year change

Downtown Memphis income by age

In Downtown Memphis, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $43,819. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $40,972 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $26,811, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $23,956 in earnings. Overall, 76.9% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $26,811 -12.4%
25 - 44 $43,819 0.8%
45 - 64 $40,972 22.1%
Over 65 $23,956 9.1%
Above poverty level
7,625
Below poverty level
2,293
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 7,625 76.9% 4.9%
Below poverty level 2,293 23.1% 7.6%

Employment in Downtown Memphis

Workforce and job types in Downtown Memphis

86.8% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 13.2% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 5.4% run their own businesses, 66.9% are employed by private companies, and 14.8% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
5,087
Blue collar
776
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 5,087 86.8% 5.7%
Blue collar 776 13.2% 1.0%
Employer type
Self employees
5.4%
Private companies
66.9%
Governmental workers
14.8%
Not for profit companies
13%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 315 5.4% 27.0%
Private companies 3,922 66.9% 3.6%
Governmental workers 865 14.8% 5.1%
Not for profit companies 760 13% 5.6%

Transportation in Downtown Memphis

How people get around in Downtown Memphis

Commuting methods vary: 92.5% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 6.1% 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 4,721 92.5% 3.0%
Taxicab 3 0.1% -25.0%
Bus or trolleybus 53 1% 0.0%
Bicycle 14 0.3% -51.7%
Walk 312 6.1% 25.8%
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 Downtown Memphis by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
38103 14,534 8,372 $76,278 $125,340
38105 5,534 3,242 $34,015 $48,733
38126 5,946 2,892 $30,071 $33,780

Find your place

Explore more communities

FAQs about Downtown Memphis demographics 

What is the total population of Downtown Memphis?

Downtown Memphis has a total population of 11,133 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 +4.0% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Downtown Memphis?

The gender ratio in Downtown Memphis is as follows:
  • 52.6% males (5,861 residents)
  • 47.4% females (5,273 residents)

What is the median age in Downtown Memphis?

The median age in Downtown Memphis is 35.5.

What is the age distribution of the population in Downtown Memphis?

The age distribution in Downtown Memphis is as follows:
  • Under 15: 11.4% (1,265 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12.8% (1,419 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 43.6% (4,853 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 21% (2,341 residents)
  • Over 65: 11.3% (1,254 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Downtown Memphis?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Downtown Memphis is as follows:
  • White: 40.1% (4,464 residents)
  • Black or African American: 49.6% (5,516 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (6 residents)
  • Asian: 5% (556 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (5 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 4.5% (498 residents)
  • Other: 0.8% (88 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 91.7% of the population in Downtown Memphis.

How many housing units are there in Downtown Memphis?

There are 7,007 housing units in Downtown Memphis, reflecting a +4.8% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Downtown Memphis has a total of 6,118 households, with an average of 1 people in each.

What is the median household income in Downtown Memphis?

Downtown Memphis has a median household income of $34,015, representing a +10.3% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Downtown Memphis?

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

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 86.8% (5,087 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 13.2% (776 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 5.4% (315 residents)
  • Private companies: 66.9% (3,922 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 14.8% (865 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 13% (760 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