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

Total population
158,805
3.4% year-over-year change
Median household income
$95,839/yr
1.9% year-over-year change
Housing units
63,031
3.4% year-over-year change

Wilson County population

How many people live in Wilson County

Wilson County is home to 158,805 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.4% of Wilson County locals are male, and 50.6% are female.

Total population
158,805
3.4% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.4%
78,473
Female
50.6%
80,332
Value Percent YoY change
Male 78,473 49.4% 3.2%
Female 80,332 50.6% 3.6%
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 Wilson County is 40, with the population distributed as follows: about 19.2% are children under 15, then 11.6% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 26.8% of the population, while another 26.4% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 15.9% are 65 or older.

Median age
39.8
Age breakdown
Under 15
19.2%
15 to 24
11.6%
25 to 44
26.8%
45 to 64
26.4%
Over 65
15.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 30,575 19.2% 2.9%
15 to 24 18,484 11.6% 2.8%
25 to 44 42,548 26.8% 5.4%
45 to 64 41,948 26.4% 1.6%
Over 65 25,250 15.9% 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 Wilson County, 92.4% of the population are US-born citizens, while 3.7% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 3.9% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 80.9% of locals are Caucasian, 7.2% are African American and 2.3% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 6.1% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
92.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
3.7%
Non-citizens
3.9%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 146,701 92.4% 2.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 5,937 3.7% 10.5%
Non-citizens 6,167 3.9% 26.3%
Racial breakdown
White
80.9%
Black or African American
7.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.3%
Asian
2.3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
6.1%
Other
3.2%
Value Percent
White 128,404 80.9%
Black or African American 11,470 7.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native 426 0.3%
Asian 3,618 2.3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 21 0%
Two or more races 9,725 6.1%
Other 5,141 3.2%

Households in Wilson County

A peek inside Wilson County households

Wilson County has 59,139 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 72.6% are families, while the remaining 27.4% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
59,139
4.5% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
16,207
Family households
42,932
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 16,207 27.4% 10.1%
Family households 42,932 72.6% 2.5%
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 Wilson County

The housing landscape of Wilson County

Wilson County's housing consists of 63,031 units, with 75.8% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 5.4% 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 5.2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
63,031
3.4% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 47,779 75.8%
1 unit, attached 3,433 5.4%
2 units 1,116 1.8%
3 or 4 units 728 1.2%
5 to 9 units 1,968 3.1%
10 to 19 units 1,784 2.8%
20 to 49 units 1,512 2.4%
50 or more units 1,370 2.2%
Mobile home 3,254 5.2%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 87 0.1%
Homes built since 2020
4,324
89.8% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Wilson County

In Wilson County, the median construction year is 2000. About 2.2% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 1.6% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 20.5% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 22.1% between 2010 and 2019, and 6.9% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 1,419 2.2% -4.0%
Built between 1940 and 1949 1,018 1.6% 8.8%
Built between 1950 and 1959 1,803 2.9% 0.3%
Built between 1960 and 1969 4,649 7.4% 2.6%
Built between 1970 and 1979 6,063 9.6% -9.2%
Built between 1980 and 1989 8,013 12.7% 1.6%
Built between 1990 and 1999 8,880 14.1% -1.6%
Built between 2000 and 2009 12,933 20.5% 1.4%
Built between 2010 and 2019 13,929 22.1% 2.3%
Built in 2020 or later 4,324 6.9% 89.8%
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.

Wilson County occupancy rates

Out of the 59,139 occupied housing units in Wilson County, 77% are owner-occupied, while 23% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 6.2% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
59,139
4.5% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
13,592
Owner occupied
45,547
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 13,592 23% 3.6%
Owner occupied 45,547 77% 4.7%
Unoccupied housing units
6.2%
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.

Wilson County housing costs

Housing costs in Wilson County come to a median of $1,493 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,486.

Median housing costs per month
$1,493/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 Wilson County
$1,486/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 Wilson County

Wilson County education at a glance

About 33.8% of the population in Wilson County went to high school, while 20.1% pursued college studies. Another 8.3% earned an associate degree and 23.9% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 11.7% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 2,733 2.2% 1.6%
High school diploma 41,100 33.8% 1.4%
College diploma 24,473 20.1% 1.2%
Associate degree 10,106 8.3% 6.4%
Bachelor's degree 29,039 23.9% 6.3%
Graduate degree 14,176 11.7% 6.3%
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 Wilson County

How much people earn in Wilson County

The average annual household income in Wilson County was $123,252 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2.1% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $95,839, reflecting a +1.9% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Wilson County
$123,252/year
2.1% year-over-year change
Median household income in Wilson County
$95,839/year
1.9% year-over-year change

Wilson County income by age

In Wilson County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $110,464. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $114,676 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $63,922, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $62,053 in earnings. Overall, 92% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $63,922 -0.9%
25 - 44 $110,464 2.8%
45 - 64 $114,676 4.1%
Over 65 $62,053 -0.2%
Above poverty level
142,428
Below poverty level
12,374
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 142,428 92% 3.0%
Below poverty level 12,374 8% 8.4%

Employment in Wilson County

Workforce and job types in Wilson County

The job market in Wilson County is powered by 81,002 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 78.8% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 21.2% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 9% run their own businesses, 70.4% are employed by private companies, and 13.5% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
81,002
4.0% year-over-year change
White collar
63,834
Blue collar
17,168
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 63,834 78.8% 4.6%
Blue collar 17,168 21.2% 2.2%
Employer type
Self employees
9%
Private companies
70.4%
Governmental workers
13.5%
Not for profit companies
7.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 7,261 9% 4.3%
Private companies 57,041 70.4% 3.3%
Governmental workers 10,961 13.5% 8.1%
Not for profit companies 5,739 7.1% 3.5%
Unemployment rate
3.2%
-3.7% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Wilson County stands at 3.2%, 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 Wilson County

How people get around in Wilson County

In Wilson County, the average commute time is 30 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 81.1% 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.

Commute time
30 min
0.0% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 65,000 81.1% 1.7%
Taxicab 106 0.1% 278.6%
Bus or trolleybus 61 0.1% -18.7%
Subway or elevated 49 0.1% N/A
Railroad 144 0.2% -33.0%
Ferryboat 23 0% 0.0%
Motorcycle 110 0.1% 8.9%
Bicycle 7 0% N/A
Walk 340 0.4% -3.1%
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 Wilson County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
37085 5,853 1,992 $119,405 $144,061
37087 56,655 20,894 $82,143 $106,318
37090 19,774 7,916 $84,299 $103,869
37118 1,094 424 $74,592 $84,819
37122 68,492 24,785 $112,967 $149,121
37138 22,575 9,708 $85,149 $112,306
37184 7,289 2,914 $83,125 $90,197
37012 2,118 876 $49,265 $64,359
37016 900 358 $64,821 $94,019

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FAQs about Wilson County demographics 

What is the total population of Wilson County?

Wilson County has a total population of 158,805 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 +3.4% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Wilson County?

The gender ratio in Wilson County is as follows:
  • 49.4% males (78,473 residents)
  • 50.6% females (80,332 residents)

What is the median age in Wilson County?

The median age in Wilson County is 39.8.

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

The age distribution in Wilson County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 19.2% (30,575 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.6% (18,484 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 26.8% (42,548 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 26.4% (41,948 residents)
  • Over 65: 15.9% (25,250 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Wilson County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Wilson County is as follows:
  • White: 80.9% (128,404 residents)
  • Black or African American: 7.2% (11,470 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.3% (426 residents)
  • Asian: 2.3% (3,618 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (21 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 6.1% (9,725 residents)
  • Other: 3.2% (5,141 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 92.4% of the population in Wilson County.

How many housing units are there in Wilson County?

There are 63,031 housing units in Wilson County, reflecting a +3.4% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Wilson County has a total of 59,139 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Wilson County?

Wilson County has a median household income of $95,839, representing a +1.9% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 96.8% in Wilson County, with a workforce of 81,002 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 78.8% (63,834 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 21.2% (17,168 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 9% (7,261 residents)
  • Private companies: 70.4% (57,041 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 13.5% (10,961 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 7.1% (5,739 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