Chattanooga Demographics

Overview

Chattanooga is one of the largest cities in Tennessee (4th largest), but is relatively small compare to other major metropolitan areas in the country. Its residents are diverse and varied in terms of age, race, and income that lend to the fact that Chattanooga is a great place for those seeking cultural diversity.

Population

As of the 2000 census, there were 155,554 people, 65,499 households, and 39,626 families residing in the city of Chattanooga. The population density was 1,150.5 people per square mile (444.2/km²). There were 72,108 housing units, at an average density of 533.3/sq mi (205.9/km²).

Racial Makeup

The racial makeup of the city was 59.71% White, 36.06% Black, or African American, 0.29% Native American, 1.54% Asian, 0.11% Pacific Islander, 1.01% from other races, and 1.30% from two or more races. 2.11% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. The 2006 revised estimated population was 168,293 which is an 8.4% percent increase over the original 2006 estimate.

Households

There were 65,499 households out of which 25.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 39.2% were married couples living together, 17.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 39.5% were non-families. 33.5% of all households were made up of individuals and 11.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.29 and the average family size was 2.92.

Age Distribution

In the city the population was spread out with 22.4% under the age of 18, 10.8% from 18 to 24, 28.8% from 25 to 44, 22.8% from 45 to 64, and 15.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females there were 89.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 85.2 males.

Income

The median income for a household in the city was $32,006, and the median income for a family was $41,318. Males had a median income of $31,375 versus $23,267 for females. The per capita income for the city was $19,689. About 14.0% of families and 17.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 27.0% of those under age 18 and 13.8% of those age 65 or over.

Metropolitan Statistical Area

Chattanooga's Metropolitan Statistical Area, which includes Hamilton, Marion, and Sequatchie counties in Tennessee and Catoosa, Dade, and Walker counties in Georgia, had an estimated population of 496,704 in 2006. The Chattanooga-Cleveland-Athens Combined Statistical Area which also includes Bradley, Polk, and McMinn Counties in Tennessee had an estimated population of 658,201 in 2006.