Introduction to Tennessee’s Population
Tennessee is a state located in the southeastern region of the United States. It is the 16th most populous state in the country, with a population of approximately 6.8 million as of 2021. The state is primarily known for its music scene, scenic beauty, and southern hospitality. Tennessee has a diverse population, with people of different ethnicities and backgrounds residing in both urban and rural areas.
Historical Population Growth in Tennessee
Tennessee’s population has been steadily growing over the years. In 1790, the population of Tennessee was only 35,691. By 1850, it had grown to 1,002,717, and by 1900, it had reached 2,020,616. The state’s population continued to increase throughout the 20th century, and in 2000, it was 5,689,283. Today, the population of Tennessee is projected to reach 7.3 million by 2050.
Current Population of Tennessee
As of 2021, the population of Tennessee is approximately 6.8 million. The state has a growth rate of around 0.8%, which is slightly lower than the national average. The largest city in the state is Memphis, with a population of about 650,000, followed by Nashville, which has a population of around 670,000. Other major cities in Tennessee include Knoxville, Chattanooga, and Clarksville.
Tennessee’s Population by Age and Gender
According to recent estimates, the median age in Tennessee is 39.2 years. The state has a slightly higher proportion of females than males, with females making up 51.1% of the population. The age group with the largest population in Tennessee is between 25 and 44 years old, with around 30% of the state’s population falling within this range.
Diversity and Ethnicity in Tennessee
Tennessee is a diverse state, with a mix of different ethnicities and cultures. The largest racial group in the state is White, comprising around 73% of the population. African Americans constitute around 16% of the population, while Hispanics and Latinos make up around 6%. Other minority groups in Tennessee include Asians, Native Americans, and Pacific Islanders.
Population Density of Tennessee
Tennessee has a population density of around 165 people per square mile. The state’s population is concentrated in its larger cities, such as Memphis and Nashville, which have population densities of around 2,300 and 1,300 people per square mile, respectively.
Urban and Rural Population Distribution
Around 70% of Tennessee’s population lives in urban areas, while the remaining 30% lives in rural areas. The state has a mix of urban and rural areas, with some parts of the state being highly developed and others being more sparsely populated.
Birth and Death Rates in Tennessee
As of 2021, the birth rate in Tennessee is around 10 births per 1,000 people, while the death rate is around 10 deaths per 1,000 people. The state’s infant mortality rate is slightly higher than the national average, at around 6.8 deaths per 1,000 live births.
Migration Patterns in Tennessee
Tennessee has experienced a net migration gain in recent years, with people moving to the state from other parts of the country. The state’s largest sources of migration include other southern states such as Georgia, Florida, and Alabama, as well as northern states such as Illinois and Ohio.
Education and Occupation of Tennessee’s Population
Around 25% of Tennessee’s population has a bachelor’s degree or higher, while around 12% has less than a high school diploma. The state’s largest industries include healthcare, manufacturing, and retail, with the highest-paying jobs being in management, computer science, and engineering.
Tennessee’s Household and Family Statistics
Around 65% of households in Tennessee are family households, while the remaining 35% are non-family households. The state has a slightly higher proportion of married-couple families than the national average, at around 52% of all households.
Future Projections for Tennessee’s Population
According to projections by the US Census Bureau, Tennessee’s population is expected to continue growing over the next few decades. The state’s population is projected to reach 7.3 million by 2050, with the largest increases expected in the Nashville metropolitan area. The state’s aging population is also expected to increase, with the number of people over 65 years old projected to double by 2040.
