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Background Report

Population and Growth Trends
Map 2: Population Density

  • According to 2000 Census figures, population for the Northwest City Sector reached 27,974
  • Between 1990 and 2000, population in all tracts within the sector grew by at least 8 percent
  • Population increased most significantly in tract 38 (Map 3, Census Tracts)
  • Population dropped significantly in tract 48 during the 1980’s, causing the tract to experience a net population loss over the past 20 years
  • Northwest City’s population is dense enough to support public transit in certain spots, as shown in Map 2.

Demographic Characteristics
Changes in population and housing characteristics influence land use and capital improvements. With most of the land already developed, the population count for Northwest City Sector is expected to remain relatively stable. In general, the population is becoming more racially diversified and older. While still a young population compared to other city sectors, persons aged 75 and up are increasing by a larger percentage than other age groups.

  • Table 1 shows housing characteristics, including average household size.
  • Table 2 shows population by race, sex and age.

 

Map 3: City of Knoxville Census Tracts

census tract map

 

Figure 1: Northwest City Population Change, 1970-2000

figure 1
 

Table 1: Housing Characteristics

1990

2000

Total Households

10,807

12,547

Families

6,888

7,183

Married Couples

5,453

5,462

Single Parent Families w/ children under 18

819

884

Male Headed

113

189

Female Headed

706

695

Non-family Households (HH)

3,919

5,364

HH w/individuals under 18 years

n/a

3,244

HH w/individuals 65 years and over

n/a

2,773

Average Household Size

2.3

2.19

Average Family Size

n/a

2.81

Total Housing Units

11,435

13,319

Owner Occupied

6,190

7,424

Renter Occupied

4,617

5,123

Seasonal Use

n/a

33

Vacant

628

772

Table 2: Population by Race, Sex, and Age

1990
2000

Sex

Male

12,023

13,332

Female

13,184

14,642

Total

25,207

27,974

Age Group

Under 5 years

1,477

1,743

5 to 9 years

1,371

1,528

10 to 14 years

1,414

1,356

15 to 19 years

1,382

1,408

20 to 24 years

2,736

3,054

25 to 34 years

4,997

5,107

35 to 44 years

3,591

3,984

45 to 54 years

2,331

3,353

55 to 59 years

1,196

1,235

60 to 64 years

1,349

993

65 to 74 years

2,040

2,146

75 to 84 years

1,014

1,530

85 years and over

309

537

Median Age

33.8

35.2

Race

White

23,793

24,828

Black

1,096

1,926

Other

319

1,220