Largest cities in Tennessee

Tennessee, known for its rich musical heritage and southern hospitality, is a state that offers a high quality of life and a strong sense of community. With a population of approximately 7 million, it ranks as the 16th most populated state in the U.S. Tennessee has experienced rapid population growth, driven by its attractive living conditions and economic opportunities. Bordered by Kentucky and Virginia to the north, North Carolina to the east, Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi to the south, and Arkansas and Missouri to the west, Tennessee offers a variety of living environments across its roughly 345 cities and towns.

Living in Tennessee provides residents with numerous benefits, including a low cost of living, a mild climate, and a rich cultural scene. The state's moderate population density allows for vibrant community life and ample opportunities for recreation and relaxation. Tennessee's economy is diverse, with strengths in manufacturing, healthcare, and tourism. The state's rapid population growth supports sustainable development and economic stability. The AreaVibes list of the largest cities in Tennessee, based on data from the United States Census Bureau's American Community Survey, offers a comprehensive overview of Tennessee cities by population, highlighting the state's most significant urban centers.

Nashville Population: 667,070 Livability Score: 78

Area Size: 1,233 KM² Density (sq mi): 1,402 Med. Household Income: $62,087

Nashville, TN, known as 'Music City,' offers a unique blend of musical heritage and Southern hospitality. Located in central Tennessee, Nashville is a large city that serves as a major cultural and economic hub. Major nearby cities like Franklin and Murfreesboro enhance its status as a central point in the region. Nashville's blend of live music venues, historic landmarks, and urban amenities creates a distinctive living experience.

Memphis Population: 650,910 Livability Score: 70

Area Size: 822 KM² Density (sq mi): 2,207 Med. Household Income: $41,864

Memphis, TN, known as 'Home of the Blues,' offers a unique blend of musical history and Southern charm. Located in southwestern Tennessee, Memphis is a large city that serves as a major cultural and economic hub. Major nearby cities like Southaven and Germantown enhance its status as a central point in the region. Memphis's blend of live music, historic landmarks, and urban amenities creates a distinctive living experience.

Knoxville Population: 187,487 Livability Score: 73

Area Size: 256 KM² Density (sq mi): 1,899 Med. Household Income: $41,598

Knoxville, TN, known as "The Marble City," is renowned for its rich history and vibrant cultural scene. Located in eastern Tennessee along the Tennessee River, Knoxville is approximately 180 miles northeast of Nashville and 110 miles south of Lexington, KY. This medium-sized city is known for its beautiful landscapes and historical significance.

Chattanooga Population: 181,370 Livability Score: 76

Area Size: 370 KM² Density (sq mi): 1,274 Med. Household Income: $47,165

Chattanooga, TN, known as "The Scenic City," offers a vibrant lifestyle with stunning natural beauty. Located in southeastern Tennessee along the Tennessee River, Chattanooga is approximately 120 miles northwest of Atlanta, GA, and 130 miles southwest of Knoxville. This medium-sized city provides a unique blend of urban amenities and outdoor activities, making it a highly desirable place to live.

Clarksville Population: 156,092 Livability Score: 83

Area Size: 254 KM² Density (sq mi): 1,569 Med. Household Income: $55,819

Clarksville, TN, known as "The Queen City," is a vibrant community with a rich history and a strong sense of pride. Located in northern Tennessee, Clarksville is approximately 50 miles northwest of Nashville and 50 miles south of Hopkinsville, KY. This medium-sized city is celebrated for its beautiful parks, historic sites, and thriving arts scene.

Murfreesboro Population: 141,704 Livability Score: 76

Area Size: 151 KM² Density (sq mi): 2,235 Med. Household Income: $60,683

Murfreesboro, TN, known as 'The Heart of Tennessee,' offers a unique blend of historic charm and modern urban amenities. Located in Rutherford County, Murfreesboro is a large city that serves as a major cultural and economic hub. Major nearby cities like Nashville (34 miles) and Franklin (40 miles) enhance its status as a central point in the region. Murfreesboro's blend of historic landmarks, cultural festivals, and urban amenities creates a distinctive living experience.

Franklin Population: 80,675 Livability Score: 75

Area Size: 108 KM² Density (sq mi): 1,873 Med. Household Income: $100,169

Franklin, TN - A City of History and Southern Charm"; echo "

Jackson Population: 67,036 Livability Score: 63

Area Size: 151 KM² Density (sq mi): 1,147 Med. Household Income: $42,549

Johnson City Population: 66,934 Livability Score: 75

Area Size: 112 KM² Density (sq mi): 1,541 Med. Household Income: $42,174

Bartlett Population: 59,252 Livability Score: 72

Area Size: 84 KM² Density (sq mi): 1,836 Med. Household Income: $81,568

Full list of the largest cities in Tennessee

Rank	Location	Population	Area KM²	Median Income	Livability Score
1	Nashville	667,070	1,233	$62,087	78
2	Memphis	650,910	822	$41,864	70
3	Knoxville	187,487	256	$41,598	73
4	Chattanooga	181,370	370	$47,165	76
5	Clarksville	156,092	254	$55,819	83
6	Murfreesboro	141,704	151	$60,683	76
7	Franklin	80,675	108	$100,169	75
8	Jackson	67,036	151	$42,549	63
9	Johnson City	66,934	112	$42,174	75
10	Bartlett	59,252	84	$81,568	72
11	Hendersonville	57,888	81	$75,146	70
12	Kingsport	53,699	138	$42,066	69
13	Smyrna	50,820	77	$66,003	76
14	Collierville	50,596	93	$117,327	76
15	Cleveland	45,115	70	$44,542	68
16	Brentwood	42,700	107	$160,174	72
17	Spring Hill	41,797	70	$90,322	74
18	Gallatin	40,262	82	$60,930	66
19	Columbia	39,515	83	$50,378	63
20	Germantown	39,196	52	$123,387	68
21	Mount Juliet	35,834	64	$93,096	69
22	La Vergne	35,556	65	$66,360	65
23	Lebanon	34,759	99	$58,859	71
24	Cookeville	33,922	92	$40,836	75
25	Morristown	29,887	71	$33,511	64
26	Maryville	29,325	44	$66,038	71
27	Oak Ridge	29,124	221	$55,869	77
28	Bristol	26,973	84	$42,067	72
29	Farragut	23,110	41	$109,156	75
30	Shelbyville	21,841	48	$44,030	63
31	East Ridge	21,187	21	$47,811	70
32	Tullahoma	19,982	61	$48,342	65
33	Sevierville	17,185	62	$43,307	55
34	Springfield	17,147	35	$48,420	61
35	Goodlettsville	16,829	37	$55,857	63
36	Dyersburg	16,371	45	$41,724	64
37	Dickson	15,500	52	$52,399	60
38	Seymour	15,444	33	$61,490	64
39	Greeneville	14,938	44	$41,020	65
40	Athens	13,931	40	$36,864	60
41	McMinnville	13,707	29	$36,337	65
42	Elizabethton	13,568	25	$38,007	64
43	Soddy-Daisy	13,510	60	$51,192	67
44	Portland	12,928	37	$55,777	66
45	Lakeland	12,644	61	$106,211	68
46	White House	12,258	29	$80,085	71
47	Lewisburg	12,150	35	$41,988	61
48	Middle Valley	12,100	25	$73,692	64
49	Red Bank	11,785	17	$44,730	72
50	Arlington	11,715	60	$101,196	68

Methodology

To compile the list of the largest cities in Tennessee, AreaVibes used census data from the United States Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS). The American Community Survey releases updated estimates annually, offering a valuable resource for understanding the evolving dynamics within communities. These estimates are crucial for officials, community leaders, businesses, and local residents as they provide insights into demographic, economic, and social changes. By analyzing ACS data, stakeholders can make informed decisions, plan for future developments, and address the needs of their communities effectively. The detailed population information from the ACS helps track trends, allocate resources, and implement policies that enhance the quality of life for all residents.

Map of the population Density by State

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The map above serves as an excellent tool for discovering the most and least densely populated states across the United States. By highlighting both the states with the highest and lowest population density, it offers a comprehensive view of the nation's demographic landscape. This visual representation allows users to easily compare different regions, making it a valuable resource for anyone considering relocation or investment opportunities. Living in high density states could give you access to the following benefits: additional economic opportunities, enhanced amenities, improved health care, better infrastructure and technological advancement. Less densely poupulated states on the other hand, often have a lower cost of living, reduced traffic, closer-knit communities, abundant natural spaces and lower crime rates.