August 19, 2021
By: Dwayne Page
More people are living in DeKalb County today than ten years ago.
Tennessee’s census data is out, showing a 7.2% population growth in DeKalb County over the last decade.
According to the 2020 census numbers made available by the Upper Cumberland Development District, DeKalb County’s population stands at 20,080, up from 18,723 in 2010, a growth of 1,357 people.
The City of Smithville experienced a 10.5% population growth from 4,530 in 2010 to 5,004 in 2020. That’s 474 more people.
Liberty grew 7.7% or 24 people from 310 to 334.
Alexandria’s population increased by 1.6% or 15 people from 966 to 981
Dowelltown’s census dropped by 3.7% or 13 people going from 355 to 342.
Meanwhile the Upper Cumberland region as a whole grew by 21,513 people since 2010.
Putnam, Van Buren and Cumberland Counties led the way in growth by percentage. Van Buren County grew its population by 11.2 percent; Putnam County, 10.4 percent; and Cumberland County 9.1 percent.
Three Upper Cumberland Counties lost residents over that time. Clay County dropped 280 residents, Pickett County 76 residents, and Jackson County 21 residents.
The list of Upper Cumberland Counties alphabetically includes:
Clay County lost 3.6 percent of its population, 280 residents
Cumberland County grew by 9.1 percent, adding 5,092 people
DeKalb County jumped by 7.2 percent, 1,357
Fentress County up by 3 percent, 530 residents
Jackson County lost 0.02 percent of its population, 21 people
Overton County grew by 1.9 percent, adding 428 residents
Pickett County dropped 1.5 percent, losing 76
Putnam County grew by 10.4 percent, 7,533 people
Van Buren County jumped by 11.2 percent, 620 residents
Warren County up by 2.8 percent, adding 1,114
White County grew by 5.8 percent, 1,510 people