By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Census Data Shows Growth in DeKalb and Region
Census

The United States Census Bureau has released data from the 2020 census showing growth in DeKalb County and a population boom in Middle Tennessee and the State as a whole.

DeKalb County reported 20,080 in 2020, up from 18,723 in 2010. Data shows 18.8 percent over 65 years of age, and 21.5 percent under the age of 18. A break down along racial lines shows 88.5 percent are white, 1.2 percent black or African American, 5.4 percent two or more races, .4 percent Asian, and .4 percent American Indian or Alaska Native. Ethnicity shows 7.2 percent Hispanic or Latino.

Other interesting figures show that there are 80.1 percent of households with a computer, while 72 percent report having a broadband internet subscription.

Education wise, 80.1 percent report having a high school diploma or higher education, while 16.7 percent report having a bachelor’s degree or higher.

Also, 14.2 percent report not having health insurance, with the median household income at $45,511, and the per capita income in the past 12 months at $25,399. The county also reported 18 percent of persons in poverty. The county reports 8,061 occupied households, with an average of 2.53 persons per household.

The City of Smithville experienced growth from 4,530 in 2010 to 5,004 in 2020, while Liberty grew 7.7 percent or 24 people from 310 to 334. Alexandria’s population increased by 1.6 percent, or 15 people from 966 to 981, while Dowelltown dropped by 3.7 percent or 13 people from 355 in 2010 to 342 in 2020.

The population in surrounding counties also saw growth in the census data. Cannon County was up 14,506 from 13,801 in 2010, while Warren reported 40,953 people, up from 39,839. Putnam County saw an increase in population with 79,854 from 72,321 in 2010. White County was up 27,351 from 25,841, while Smith County increased 19,904 from 19,166.

The counties surrounding Nashville saw a large increase in population. Davidson County (Nashville) was up 715,884 from 626,681 in 2010, while Wilson County grew 147,737 from 113,993. Rutherford County also saw a huge surge, up 341,486 from 262,604.

Three Upper Cumberland Counties lost residents over that time. Clay County dropped 280 residents, Pickett County 76 residents, and Jackson County 21 residents.

Tennessee as a whole has seen 7.6 percent growth, with 6,910,840 people. New York saw only a .4 percent growth, while California saw 6.1 percent growth.