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

Total population
17,756
-0.1% year-over-year change
Median household income
$52,218/yr
3.6% year-over-year change
Housing units
8,749
0.1% year-over-year change

Unicoi County population

How many people live in Unicoi County

Unicoi County is home to 17,756 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.7% of Unicoi County locals are male, and 51.3% are female.

Total population
17,756
-0.1% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.7%
8,654
Female
51.3%
9,102
Value Percent YoY change
Male 8,654 48.7% -1.0%
Female 9,102 51.3% 0.7%
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 Unicoi County is 47, with the population distributed as follows: about 14% are children under 15, then 11.7% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 22.7% of the population, while another 27.9% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 23.7% are 65 or older.

Median age
46.9
Age breakdown
Under 15
14%
15 to 24
11.7%
25 to 44
22.7%
45 to 64
27.9%
Over 65
23.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 2,482 14% -5.2%
15 to 24 2,077 11.7% 4.2%
25 to 44 4,026 22.7% 1.9%
45 to 64 4,955 27.9% -3.0%
Over 65 4,216 23.7% 2.7%
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 Unicoi County, 98.5% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.1% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.4% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 90.9% of locals are Caucasian, 0.7% are African American and 0.1% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 7.5% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
98.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.1%
Non-citizens
0.4%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 17,493 98.5% 0.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 198 1.1% -36.5%
Non-citizens 65 0.4% 306.2%
Racial breakdown
White
90.9%
Black or African American
0.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.2%
Asian
0.1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
7.5%
Other
0.6%
Value Percent
White 16,139 90.9%
Black or African American 120 0.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native 43 0.2%
Asian 25 0.1%
Two or more races 1,329 7.5%
Other 100 0.6%

Households in Unicoi County

A peek inside Unicoi County households

Unicoi County has 7,795 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 64.3% are families, while the remaining 35.7% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
7,795
-0.1% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
2,781
Family households
5,014
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 2,781 35.7% -7.5%
Family households 5,014 64.3% 4.6%
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 Unicoi County

The housing landscape of Unicoi County

Unicoi County's housing consists of 8,749 units, with 67.2% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 2.2% 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 19.5% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
8,749
0.1% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 5,880 67.2%
1 unit, attached 192 2.2%
2 units 207 2.4%
3 or 4 units 199 2.3%
5 to 9 units 301 3.4%
10 to 19 units 155 1.8%
20 to 49 units 92 1%
Mobile home 1,709 19.5%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 14 0.2%
Homes built since 2020
38
31.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Unicoi County

In Unicoi County, the median construction year is 1977. About 11.2% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 6.6% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 10.3% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 3.9% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.4% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 978 11.2% -14.1%
Built between 1940 and 1949 574 6.6% -24.6%
Built between 1950 and 1959 717 8.2% -4.7%
Built between 1960 and 1969 849 9.7% 14.9%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,860 21.3% 11.6%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,109 12.7% 8.7%
Built between 1990 and 1999 1,384 15.8% 9.5%
Built between 2000 and 2009 901 10.3% -3.7%
Built between 2010 and 2019 339 3.9% -21.9%
Built in 2020 or later 38 0.4% 31.0%
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.

Unicoi County occupancy rates

Out of the 7,795 occupied housing units in Unicoi County, 72.9% are owner-occupied, while 27.1% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 10.9% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
7,795
-0.1% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
2,113
Owner occupied
5,682
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 2,113 27.1% -0.6%
Owner occupied 5,682 72.9% 0.1%
Unoccupied housing units
10.9%
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.

Unicoi County housing costs

Housing costs in Unicoi County come to a median of $716 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $750.

Median housing costs per month
$716/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 Unicoi County
$750/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 Unicoi County

Unicoi County education at a glance

About 47.2% of the population in Unicoi County went to high school, while 21.7% pursued college studies. Another 7.4% earned an associate degree and 12.5% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 7.1% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 616 4.2% 7.3%
High school diploma 6,880 47.2% 0.8%
College diploma 3,160 21.7% -3.8%
Associate degree 1,073 7.4% -6.9%
Bachelor's degree 1,818 12.5% 7.1%
Graduate degree 1,040 7.1% 4.0%
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 Unicoi County

How much people earn in Unicoi County

The average annual household income in Unicoi County was $70,417 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +7% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $52,218, reflecting a +3.6% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Unicoi County
$70,417/year
7.0% year-over-year change
Median household income in Unicoi County
$52,218/year
3.6% year-over-year change

Unicoi County income by age

In Unicoi County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $48,523. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $68,238 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $32,864, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $40,673 in earnings. Overall, 85.9% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $32,864 87.8%
25 - 44 $48,523 -7.3%
45 - 64 $68,238 6.1%
Over 65 $40,673 10.3%
Above poverty level
14,743
Below poverty level
2,416
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 14,743 85.9% -0.2%
Below poverty level 2,416 14.1% -1.8%

Employment in Unicoi County

Workforce and job types in Unicoi County

The job market in Unicoi County is powered by 7,787 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 69.5% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 30.5% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 8.6% run their own businesses, 65.9% are employed by private companies, and 18% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
7,787
2.4% year-over-year change
White collar
5,411
Blue collar
2,376
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 5,411 69.5% 3.8%
Blue collar 2,376 30.5% -0.8%
Employer type
Self employees
8.6%
Private companies
65.9%
Governmental workers
18%
Not for profit companies
7.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 666 8.6% -4.3%
Private companies 5,131 65.9% 6.3%
Governmental workers 1,401 18% -2.3%
Not for profit companies 589 7.6% -9.4%
Unemployment rate
4.3%
-14.5% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Unicoi County stands at 4.3%, 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 Unicoi County

How people get around in Unicoi County

In Unicoi County, the average commute time is 26 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 91.6% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.4% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
26 min
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 7,068 91.6% 5.7%
Walk 104 1.4% -47.7%
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 Unicoi County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
37650 12,774 5,336 $50,654 $67,967
37657 1,060 400 $73,108 $65,207
37692 4,766 2,239 $53,531 $72,540

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FAQs about Unicoi County demographics 

What is the total population of Unicoi County?

Unicoi County has a total population of 17,756 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 Unicoi County?

The gender ratio in Unicoi County is as follows:
  • 48.7% males (8,654 residents)
  • 51.3% females (9,102 residents)

What is the median age in Unicoi County?

The median age in Unicoi County is 46.9.

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

The age distribution in Unicoi County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 14% (2,482 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.7% (2,077 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 22.7% (4,026 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 27.9% (4,955 residents)
  • Over 65: 23.7% (4,216 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Unicoi County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Unicoi County is as follows:
  • White: 90.9% (16,139 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.7% (120 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.2% (43 residents)
  • Asian: 0.1% (25 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 7.5% (1,329 residents)
  • Other: 0.6% (100 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 98.5% of the population in Unicoi County.

How many housing units are there in Unicoi County?

There are 8,749 housing units in Unicoi County, reflecting a +0.1% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Unicoi County has a total of 7,795 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Unicoi County?

Unicoi County has a median household income of $52,218, representing a +3.6% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 95.7% in Unicoi County, with a workforce of 7,787 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 69.5% (5,411 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 30.5% (2,376 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 8.6% (666 residents)
  • Private companies: 65.9% (5,131 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 18% (1,401 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 7.6% (589 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