Arlington, Shelby County, TN demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
15,205
1.4% year-over-year change
Median household income
$135,105/yr
7.3% year-over-year change
Housing units
4,884
0.8% year-over-year change

Arlington population

How many people live in Arlington

Arlington is home to 15,205 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.3% of Arlington locals are male, and 50.7% are female.

Total population
15,205
1.4% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.3%
7,494
Female
50.7%
7,711
Value Percent YoY change
Male 7,494 49.3% 0.5%
Female 7,711 50.7% 2.4%
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 Arlington is 37, with the population distributed as follows: about 25.2% are children under 15, then 12.9% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 26.2% of the population, while another 26.4% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 9.3% are 65 or older.

Median age
36.7
Age breakdown
Under 15
25.2%
15 to 24
12.9%
25 to 44
26.2%
45 to 64
26.4%
Over 65
9.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 3,835 25.2% -0.6%
15 to 24 1,964 12.9% -10.2%
25 to 44 3,978 26.2% 3.9%
45 to 64 4,014 26.4% 6.9%
Over 65 1,414 9.3% 4.2%
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 Arlington, 93.3% of the population are US-born citizens, while 5% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.7% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 77.6% of locals are Caucasian, 13.1% are African American and 2.7% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 6.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
93.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
5%
Non-citizens
1.7%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 14,185 93.3% -1.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 757 5% 52.3%
Non-citizens 263 1.7% 141.3%
Racial breakdown
White
77.6%
Black or African American
13.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.2%
Asian
2.7%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
6.4%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 11,793 77.6%
Black or African American 1,992 13.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native 29 0.2%
Asian 412 2.7%
Two or more races 979 6.4%

Households in Arlington

A peek inside Arlington households

Arlington has 4,837 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 85.8% are families, while the remaining 14.2% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
4,837
2.4% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
687
Family households
4,150
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 687 14.2% -5.1%
Family households 4,150 85.8% 3.7%
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 Arlington

The housing landscape of Arlington

Arlington's housing consists of 4,884 units, with 93.1% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 0.2% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
4,884
0.8% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 4,549 93.1%
1 unit, attached 11 0.2%
2 units 16 0.3%
3 or 4 units 23 0.5%
5 to 9 units 96 2%
10 to 19 units 111 2.3%
20 to 49 units 37 0.8%
50 or more units 41 0.8%
Homes built since 2020
228
245.4% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Arlington

In Arlington, the median construction year is 2005. About 3.1% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 0.4% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 53.3% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 19.7% between 2010 and 2019, and 4.7% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 153 3.1% 50.0%
Built between 1940 and 1949 22 0.4% -47.6%
Built between 1950 and 1959 159 3.3% -33.2%
Built between 1960 and 1969 120 2.5% 21.2%
Built between 1970 and 1979 220 4.5% -1.8%
Built between 1980 and 1989 82 1.7% -8.9%
Built between 1990 and 1999 334 6.8% -12.6%
Built between 2000 and 2009 2,602 53.3% -8.7%
Built between 2010 and 2019 964 19.7% 28.4%
Built in 2020 or later 228 4.7% 245.4%
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.

Arlington occupancy rates

Out of the 4,837 occupied housing units in Arlington, 84.7% are owner-occupied, while 15.3% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 1% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
4,837
2.4% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
739
Owner occupied
4,098
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 739 15.3% 5.6%
Owner occupied 4,098 84.7% 1.8%
Unoccupied housing units
1.0%
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.

Arlington housing costs

Housing costs in Arlington come to a median of $2,129 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $2,164.

Median housing costs per month
$2,129/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 Arlington
$2,164/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 Arlington

Arlington education at a glance

About 23% of the population in Arlington went to high school, while 19% pursued college studies. Another 10% earned an associate degree and 32.6% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 14.9% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 46 0.4% -23.3%
High school diploma 2,405 23% -3.5%
College diploma 1,981 19% 1.4%
Associate degree 1,049 10% 7.4%
Bachelor's degree 3,401 32.6% 15.6%
Graduate degree 1,555 14.9% -6.1%
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 Arlington

How much people earn in Arlington

The average annual household income in Arlington was $151,413 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +10.7% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $135,105, reflecting a +7.3% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Arlington
$151,413/year
10.7% year-over-year change
Median household income in Arlington
$135,105/year
7.3% year-over-year change

Arlington income by age

In Arlington, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $138,523. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $147,585 overall. Overall, 95.1% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $138,523 4.5%
45 - 64 $147,585 3.0%
Over 65 $79,000 -14.7%
Above poverty level
14,298
Below poverty level
738
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 14,298 95.1% 1.6%
Below poverty level 738 4.9% -9.4%

Average renter income in Arlington

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Arlington, their median household income was $49,329 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 52.6%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$49,329
Rent-to-income ratio
52.6%
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 Arlington

Workforce and job types in Arlington

The job market in Arlington is powered by 7,864 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 87.6% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 12.4% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 9% run their own businesses, 64.5% are employed by private companies, and 15.5% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
7,864
5.8% year-over-year change
White collar
6,893
Blue collar
971
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 6,893 87.6% 6.6%
Blue collar 971 12.4% 0.6%
Employer type
Self employees
9%
Private companies
64.5%
Governmental workers
15.5%
Not for profit companies
11.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 706 9% 28.8%
Private companies 5,070 64.5% 5.7%
Governmental workers 1,217 15.5% -1.9%
Not for profit companies 871 11.1% 3.1%
Unemployment rate
3.4%
3.0% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Arlington stands at 3.4%, 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 Arlington

How people get around in Arlington

Commuting methods vary: 83.9% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.4% 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 6,547 83.9% 2.9%
Motorcycle 11 0.1% N/A
Walk 31 0.4% 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 Arlington by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
38002 43,882 15,248 $116,895 $144,503

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FAQs about Arlington demographics 

What is the total population of Arlington?

Arlington has a total population of 15,205 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 +1.4% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Arlington?

The gender ratio in Arlington is as follows:
  • 49.3% males (7,494 residents)
  • 50.7% females (7,711 residents)

What is the median age in Arlington?

The median age in Arlington is 36.7.

What is the age distribution of the population in Arlington?

The age distribution in Arlington is as follows:
  • Under 15: 25.2% (3,835 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12.9% (1,964 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 26.2% (3,978 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 26.4% (4,014 residents)
  • Over 65: 9.3% (1,414 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Arlington?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Arlington is as follows:
  • White: 77.6% (11,793 residents)
  • Black or African American: 13.1% (1,992 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.2% (29 residents)
  • Asian: 2.7% (412 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 6.4% (979 residents)
  • Other: 0% (0 residents)

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

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

How many housing units are there in Arlington?

There are 4,884 housing units in Arlington, reflecting a +0.8% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Arlington has a total of 4,837 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Arlington?

Arlington has a median household income of $135,105, representing a +7.3% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 96.6% in Arlington, with a workforce of 7,864 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 87.6% (6,893 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 12.4% (971 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 9% (706 residents)
  • Private companies: 64.5% (5,070 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 15.5% (1,217 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 11.1% (871 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