Wealth Index
Less wealthy than 80% of states in US
The wealth index reflects the overall economic prosperity and financial well-being of a state's residents based on income levels, employment rates, and income inequality metrics.
Wealthiest and Least Wealthy Counties in Tennessee
- Williamson County (131% of U.S. avg)
- Wilson County (111% of U.S. avg)
- Sumner County (106% of U.S. avg)
- Lake County (52% of U.S. avg)
- Hardeman County (69% of U.S. avg)
- Lauderdale County (70% of U.S. avg)
Ranked by the Map AI Wealth Index, which combines income, employment, and income inequality metrics.
Income Statistics Overview
| Metric | Tennessee | US Average |
|---|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $67,486 | $78,145 |
| Median Personal Income | $54,029 | $61,726 |
| Average income growth | 5.4% | 5.1% |
| Six-Figure Earners | 9.7% | 13.2% |
The median household income in Tennessee is about 14% lower than in US. Income has been growing faster in Tennessee (5.4%/yr) than in US (5.1%/yr).
About 10% of adults in Tennessee earn six figures ($100,000 or more) a year, lower than the US average of 13%.
Median Household Income 2009–2023 Trend
Median Household Income Over Time
Median household income in Tennessee grew by 57.1% from 2009 to 2023, reaching $67,486 in 2023. That's an average of about 5.4% per year.
Economic Inequality in Tennessee | Gender Pay Gap | Gini Coefficient
| Metric | Tennessee | US Average |
|---|---|---|
| Gini Coefficient | 0.558 | 0.570 |
| Male Median Income | $60,097 | $67,746 |
| Female Median Income | $48,310 | $54,793 |
| Gender Pay Gap | 19.6% | 19.1% |
The Gini coefficient measures how evenly income is shared between richer and poorer households, from 0 (everyone earns the same) to 1 (one household earns nearly everything). The lower the number, the more equally income is distributed. In Tennessee, it is 0.558, lower than US's 0.570, so income is more evenly distributed here than there.
Men's income is about 24% more than women's income in Tennessee. Over a 35-year career, a 24% wage gap accumulates to roughly $412,545 in unearned income for female workers in the area.
Income by Sex Over Time
Since 2009, the income gap between men and women in Tennessee has narrowed from about 23% to 20% in 2023. In dollar terms, the gap has widened by $2,306 since 2009.
Employment
| Metric | Tennessee | US Average |
|---|---|---|
| Unemployment Rate | 4.7% | 5.2% |
| Working from Home | 11.4% | 13.4% |
| Commute time (minutes) | 22 | 22 |
Approximately 164,134 people are unemployed in Tennessee.
The average commute time in Tennessee is 22 minutes, about the same as in US.
Unemployment Rate Over Time
Since 2011, the unemployment rate in Tennessee has fallen from 9.2% to 4.7% in 2023.
Conclusion
Considering all these factors, Tennessee has an overall wealth index grade of C, making it about on par with the country as a whole.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about income and wealth in Tennessee.
How Rich Is Tennessee?
Tennessee has a wealth index grade of C. The wealth index grades areas from A+ (best) to F- by combining income levels, employment rates, and income inequality; a C grade means residents are close to the U.S. average. The median household income is $67,486, about 14% lower than the US average of $78,145.
What is the current median household income in Tennessee?
As of 2023, the median household income in Tennessee is $67,486.
What was the median household income in Tennessee in 2023?
In 2023, the median household income in Tennessee was $67,486.
What was the median household income in Tennessee in 2020?
In 2020, the median household income in Tennessee was $55,256.
What is the Gini coefficient in Tennessee?
The Gini coefficient in Tennessee is 0.558. It measures income inequality on a scale from 0 (everyone earns the same) to 1 (one household earns everything). That is lower than the US average of 0.570, so income is distributed more equally than in the country overall.
How has the income gap between men and women changed in Tennessee?
Since 2009, the income gap between men and women in Tennessee has narrowed from about 23% to 20% in 2023. In dollar terms, the gap has widened by $2,306 since 2009.