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

Total population
28,160
1.4% year-over-year change
Median household income
$52,188/yr
-0.0% year-over-year change
Housing units
12,335
1.5% year-over-year change

White County population

How many people live in White County

White County is home to 28,160 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.6% of White County locals are male, and 50.4% are female.

Total population
28,160
1.4% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.6%
13,952
Female
50.4%
14,208
Value Percent YoY change
Male 13,952 49.6% 2.1%
Female 14,208 50.4% 0.8%
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 White County is 44, with the population distributed as follows: about 17.7% are children under 15, then 10.4% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 24.1% of the population, while another 26.6% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 21.2% are 65 or older.

Median age
43.5
Age breakdown
Under 15
17.7%
15 to 24
10.4%
25 to 44
24.1%
45 to 64
26.6%
Over 65
21.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 4,976 17.7% -0.1%
15 to 24 2,939 10.4% 2.5%
25 to 44 6,784 24.1% 0.7%
45 to 64 7,482 26.6% 0.7%
Over 65 5,979 21.2% 4.1%
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 White County, 98.1% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.4% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.5% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 92.6% of locals are Caucasian, 1% are African American and 0.4% have Asian roots. Another 0.5% are Indigenous American, 0.2% are Pacific Islanders, while 0.7% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 4.6% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
98.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.4%
Non-citizens
0.5%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 27,623 98.1% 1.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 397 1.4% -3.6%
Non-citizens 140 0.5% -18.1%
Racial breakdown
White
92.6%
Black or African American
1%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.5%
Asian
0.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.2%
Two or more races
4.6%
Other
0.7%
Value Percent
White 26,076 92.6%
Black or African American 287 1%
American Indian and Alaska Native 130 0.5%
Asian 124 0.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 46 0.2%
Two or more races 1,295 4.6%
Other 202 0.7%

Households in White County

A peek inside White County households

White County has 11,226 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 64% are families, while the remaining 36% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
11,226
2.0% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
4,042
Family households
7,184
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 4,042 36% 9.7%
Family households 7,184 64% -1.8%
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 White County

The housing landscape of White County

White County's housing consists of 12,335 units, with 75.6% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 0.7% 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 18.8% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
12,335
1.5% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 9,326 75.6%
1 unit, attached 85 0.7%
2 units 160 1.3%
3 or 4 units 231 1.9%
5 to 9 units 194 1.6%
50 or more units 8 0.1%
Mobile home 2,315 18.8%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 16 0.1%
Homes built since 2020
331
198.2% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in White County

In White County, the median construction year is 1984. About 6.5% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 3.9% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 12.1% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 8.5% between 2010 and 2019, and 2.7% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 807 6.5% -5.9%
Built between 1940 and 1949 484 3.9% -9.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 732 5.9% 1.2%
Built between 1960 and 1969 1,663 13.5% 7.1%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,945 15.8% 12.6%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,286 10.4% -12.5%
Built between 1990 and 1999 2,535 20.6% 3.3%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,498 12.1% -7.6%
Built between 2010 and 2019 1,054 8.5% -5.0%
Built in 2020 or later 331 2.7% 198.2%
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.

White County occupancy rates

Out of the 11,226 occupied housing units in White County, 76.9% are owner-occupied, while 23.1% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 9% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
11,226
2.0% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
2,596
Owner occupied
8,630
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 2,596 23.1% 6.0%
Owner occupied 8,630 76.9% 0.9%
Unoccupied housing units
9.0%
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.

White County housing costs

Housing costs in White County come to a median of $713 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $849.

Median housing costs per month
$713/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 White County
$849/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 White County

White County education at a glance

About 50.9% of the population in White County went to high school, while 23.2% pursued college studies. Another 7% earned an associate degree and 9.8% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 4.8% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 926 4.2% -18.8%
High school diploma 11,232 50.9% 1.0%
College diploma 5,126 23.2% 5.9%
Associate degree 1,546 7% -5.8%
Bachelor's degree 2,163 9.8% 4.9%
Graduate degree 1,071 4.8% 15.8%
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 White County

How much people earn in White County

The average annual household income in White County was $71,135 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +1.6% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $52,188, reflecting a -0% shift over the same period.

Average household income in White County
$71,135/year
1.6% year-over-year change
Median household income in White County
$52,188/year
-0.0% year-over-year change

White County income by age

In White County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $67,708. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $61,457 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $51,929, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $41,427 in earnings. Overall, 86.7% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $51,929 5.7%
25 - 44 $67,708 -3.3%
45 - 64 $61,457 0.3%
Over 65 $41,427 6.9%
Above poverty level
23,874
Below poverty level
3,655
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 23,874 86.7% 3.6%
Below poverty level 3,655 13.3% -9.3%

Employment in White County

Workforce and job types in White County

The job market in White County is powered by 11,684 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 68.5% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 31.5% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 11% run their own businesses, 68.4% are employed by private companies, and 14.4% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
11,684
0.9% year-over-year change
White collar
8,000
Blue collar
3,684
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 8,000 68.5% 3.6%
Blue collar 3,684 31.5% -4.5%
Employer type
Self employees
11%
Private companies
68.4%
Governmental workers
14.4%
Not for profit companies
6.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 1,289 11% -1.1%
Private companies 7,986 68.4% -1.0%
Governmental workers 1,680 14.4% 15.4%
Not for profit companies 729 6.2% -3.3%
Unemployment rate
5.6%
23.0% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in White County stands at 5.6%, 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 White County

How people get around in White County

In White County, the average commute time is 24 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 88.2% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.5% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
24 min
-5.6% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 10,170 88.2% -3.4%
Motorcycle 26 0.2% N/A
Walk 58 0.5% 70.6%
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 White County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
38559 1,551 499 $43,961 $56,781
38579 1,475 560 $51,940 $58,433
38583 25,584 10,341 $54,644 $72,876
38587 1,446 602 $51,500 $99,769

Explore more communities

FAQs about White County demographics 

What is the total population of White County?

White County has a total population of 28,160 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 White County?

The gender ratio in White County is as follows:
  • 49.6% males (13,952 residents)
  • 50.4% females (14,208 residents)

What is the median age in White County?

The median age in White County is 43.5.

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

The age distribution in White County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 17.7% (4,976 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 10.4% (2,939 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 24.1% (6,784 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 26.6% (7,482 residents)
  • Over 65: 21.2% (5,979 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of White County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of White County is as follows:
  • White: 92.6% (26,076 residents)
  • Black or African American: 1% (287 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.5% (130 residents)
  • Asian: 0.4% (124 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.2% (46 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 4.6% (1,295 residents)
  • Other: 0.7% (202 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 98.1% of the population in White County.

How many housing units are there in White County?

There are 12,335 housing units in White County, reflecting a +1.5% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

White County has a total of 11,226 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in White County?

White County has a median household income of $52,188, representing a -0.0% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 94.4% in White County, with a workforce of 11,684 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 68.5% (8,000 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 31.5% (3,684 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 11% (1,289 residents)
  • Private companies: 68.4% (7,986 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 14.4% (1,680 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 6.2% (729 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