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

Total population
360,646
2.6% year-over-year change
Median household income
$85,470/yr
3.5% year-over-year change
Housing units
138,929
2.6% year-over-year change

Rutherford County population

How many people live in Rutherford County

Rutherford County is home to 360,646 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.3% of Rutherford County locals are male, and 50.7% are female.

Total population
360,646
2.6% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.3%
177,902
Female
50.7%
182,744
Value Percent YoY change
Male 177,902 49.3% 2.6%
Female 182,744 50.7% 2.6%
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 Rutherford County is 34, with the population distributed as follows: about 20.3% are children under 15, then 16.1% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 29.1% of the population, while another 23.4% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 11.2% are 65 or older.

Median age
34.2
Age breakdown
Under 15
20.3%
15 to 24
16.1%
25 to 44
29.1%
45 to 64
23.4%
Over 65
11.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 73,078 20.3% 2.0%
15 to 24 57,936 16.1% 2.3%
25 to 44 104,787 29.1% 2.5%
45 to 64 84,547 23.4% 2.2%
Over 65 40,298 11.2% 5.0%
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 Rutherford County, 87.4% of the population are US-born citizens, while 6.2% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 6.3% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 66% of locals are Caucasian, 14.8% are African American and 3.7% have Asian roots. Another 0.2% are Indigenous American, 0.3% are Pacific Islanders, while 4.6% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 10.5% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
87.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
6.2%
Non-citizens
6.3%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 315,254 87.4% 1.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 22,548 6.2% 8.3%
Non-citizens 22,844 6.3% 7.9%
Racial breakdown
White
66%
Black or African American
14.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.2%
Asian
3.7%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.3%
Two or more races
10.5%
Other
4.6%
Value Percent
White 237,834 66%
Black or African American 53,479 14.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native 667 0.2%
Asian 13,222 3.7%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 1,130 0.3%
Two or more races 37,911 10.5%
Other 16,403 4.6%

Households in Rutherford County

A peek inside Rutherford County households

Rutherford County has 129,431 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 69.7% are families, while the remaining 30.3% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
129,431
2.8% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
39,228
Family households
90,203
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 39,228 30.3% 1.1%
Family households 90,203 69.7% 3.6%
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 Rutherford County

The housing landscape of Rutherford County

Rutherford County's housing consists of 138,929 units, with 67.5% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 7% 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 2.4% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
138,929
2.6% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 93,739 67.5%
1 unit, attached 9,693 7%
2 units 1,842 1.3%
3 or 4 units 3,796 2.7%
5 to 9 units 7,987 5.8%
10 to 19 units 8,172 5.9%
20 to 49 units 5,519 4%
50 or more units 4,698 3.4%
Mobile home 3,386 2.4%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 97 0.1%
Homes built since 2020
7,897
54.5% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Rutherford County

In Rutherford County, the median construction year is 2001. About 1.7% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 1.2% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 24.2% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 21.6% between 2010 and 2019, and 5.7% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 2,365 1.7% 18.8%
Built between 1940 and 1949 1,650 1.2% -18.9%
Built between 1950 and 1959 5,073 3.6% 9.8%
Built between 1960 and 1969 5,286 3.8% -5.4%
Built between 1970 and 1979 11,649 8.4% -5.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 16,999 12.2% 2.8%
Built between 1990 and 1999 24,365 17.5% -5.0%
Built between 2000 and 2009 33,620 24.2% 0.2%
Built between 2010 and 2019 30,025 21.6% 7.3%
Built in 2020 or later 7,897 5.7% 54.5%
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.

Rutherford County occupancy rates

Out of the 129,431 occupied housing units in Rutherford County, 64.8% are owner-occupied, while 35.2% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 6.8% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
129,431
2.8% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
45,536
Owner occupied
83,895
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 45,536 35.2% 3.4%
Owner occupied 83,895 64.8% 2.5%
Unoccupied housing units
6.8%
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.

Rutherford County housing costs

Housing costs in Rutherford County come to a median of $1,465 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,502.

Median housing costs per month
$1,465/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 Rutherford County
$1,502/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 Rutherford County

Rutherford County education at a glance

About 34.1% of the population in Rutherford County went to high school, while 23.2% pursued college studies. Another 7.3% earned an associate degree and 22.6% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 10.1% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 7,328 2.7% 2.9%
High school diploma 92,622 34.1% 2.5%
College diploma 63,050 23.2% -1.0%
Associate degree 19,733 7.3% -2.3%
Bachelor's degree 61,303 22.6% 5.6%
Graduate degree 27,507 10.1% 10.3%
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 Rutherford County

How much people earn in Rutherford County

The average annual household income in Rutherford County was $105,834 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +4.4% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $85,470, reflecting a +3.5% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Rutherford County
$105,834/year
4.4% year-over-year change
Median household income in Rutherford County
$85,470/year
3.5% year-over-year change

Rutherford County income by age

In Rutherford County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $88,362. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $104,414 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $51,094, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $65,554 in earnings. Overall, 90.7% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $51,094 1.4%
25 - 44 $88,362 5.1%
45 - 64 $104,414 3.6%
Over 65 $65,554 2.2%
Above poverty level
318,012
Below poverty level
32,590
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 318,012 90.7% 2.6%
Below poverty level 32,590 9.3% 4.0%

Employment in Rutherford County

Workforce and job types in Rutherford County

The job market in Rutherford County is powered by 194,366 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 74.8% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 25.2% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 8.4% run their own businesses, 71.8% are employed by private companies, and 13.7% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
194,366
3.0% year-over-year change
White collar
145,310
Blue collar
49,056
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 145,310 74.8% 3.6%
Blue collar 49,056 25.2% 1.1%
Employer type
Self employees
8.4%
Private companies
71.8%
Governmental workers
13.7%
Not for profit companies
6.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 16,263 8.4% 5.8%
Private companies 139,622 71.8% 2.2%
Governmental workers 26,709 13.7% 6.0%
Not for profit companies 11,772 6.1% 2.1%
Unemployment rate
3.6%
11.4% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Rutherford County stands at 3.6%, 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 Rutherford County

How people get around in Rutherford County

In Rutherford County, the average commute time is 28 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 82.8% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.9% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
28 min
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 158,242 82.8% 0.2%
Taxicab 250 0.1% 15.2%
Bus or trolleybus 507 0.3% 1.0%
Railroad 32 0% 68.4%
Ferryboat 5 0% -16.7%
Motorcycle 61 0% 69.4%
Bicycle 109 0.1% 4.8%
Walk 1,710 0.9% 0.6%
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 Rutherford County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
37060 3,396 1,079 $97,386 $116,093
37085 5,853 1,992 $119,405 $144,061
37086 38,872 12,887 $78,857 $92,549
37118 1,094 424 $74,592 $84,819
37127 21,499 7,056 $91,401 $104,270
37128 79,268 28,968 $93,665 $108,318
37129 63,652 23,583 $91,259 $116,921
37014 3,227 1,250 $105,125 $199,164
37020 5,000 1,998 $86,034 $110,394
37037 9,855 3,128 $102,645 $125,738

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FAQs about Rutherford County demographics 

What is the total population of Rutherford County?

Rutherford County has a total population of 360,646 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 +2.6% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Rutherford County?

The gender ratio in Rutherford County is as follows:
  • 49.3% males (177,902 residents)
  • 50.7% females (182,744 residents)

What is the median age in Rutherford County?

The median age in Rutherford County is 34.2.

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

The age distribution in Rutherford County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 20.3% (73,078 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 16.1% (57,936 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 29.1% (104,787 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 23.4% (84,547 residents)
  • Over 65: 11.2% (40,298 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Rutherford County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Rutherford County is as follows:
  • White: 66% (237,834 residents)
  • Black or African American: 14.8% (53,479 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.2% (667 residents)
  • Asian: 3.7% (13,222 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.3% (1,130 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 10.5% (37,911 residents)
  • Other: 4.6% (16,403 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 87.4% of the population in Rutherford County.

How many housing units are there in Rutherford County?

There are 138,929 housing units in Rutherford County, reflecting a +2.6% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Rutherford County has a total of 129,431 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Rutherford County?

Rutherford County has a median household income of $85,470, representing a +3.5% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 96.4% in Rutherford County, with a workforce of 194,366 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 74.8% (145,310 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 25.2% (49,056 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 8.4% (16,263 residents)
  • Private companies: 71.8% (139,622 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 13.7% (26,709 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 6.1% (11,772 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