2023 Rhea County, Tennessee Demographics | Data & Analysis

Ready-to-use reports, analytics, and visualizations covering Rhea County, Tennessee, including population, race, income, and more. Based on 2023 American Community Survey Estimates.

Rhea County, Tennessee Key Demographic Statistics (2023 Estimates)

Key demographic statistics summarized from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS).

Total Population
33,299
Median Age
41.0 years
Median Household Income
$58,133
Bachelor's Degree+
17.38%
Uninsured Rate
11.4%
Total Households
13,243
Total Workers
13,601
Citizenship Rate
97.7%
Total Veterans
2,364
Top Veteran Era
Vietnam Era Only
Poverty Rate
12.6%
Families in Poverty
1,236
SNAP Recipients
16.38%
Households w/ SNAP
2,169

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates

Rhea County, Tennessee 2023 Demographics: Age & Gender Distribution

Bar chart showing the population distribution of Rhea County, Tennessee by age group and gender, based on 2023 ACS data.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the total population of Rhea County, Tennessee is 33,299. The median age of the population in Rhea County, Tennessee is 41.0 years. The median age for males is 40.5 years, and for females it is 42.3 years.

The age distribution of the population in Rhea County, Tennessee by age group is as follows:

Population Percentage by Age Group in Rhea County, Tennessee, 2023
Age Group Percentage
Under 5 years 6.20%
5–17 years (children) 15.92%
18–24 years (young adults) 8.27%
25–34 years 11.75%
35–54 years 24.67%
55–64 years 13.86%
65 years and over (seniors) 19.34%

Understanding the Demographic Dependency Ratio in Rhea County, Tennessee

The total dependency ratio in Rhea County, Tennessee is 70.81. The youth dependency ratio is 37.77, and the old-age dependency ratio is 33.03. In demographic terms, the dependency ratio measures the size of the population typically not in the labor force (children under 18 and older adults 65+) relative to the working age (18-64) population. A higher ratio indicates a greater financial and social burden on the working population to support the non-working age groups.

For more detailed reports, explore the demographics for each of the most populated ZIP Codes in Rhea County, Tennessee, including Dayton (37321) (20,670), and Spring City (37381) (10,170).


What is the Racial and Ethnic Breakdown of Rhea County, Tennessee?

Race and Ethnicity Distribution Chart for Rhea County, Tennessee
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

The racial makeup and ethnic composition (racial demographics) of Rhea County, Tennessee is detailed below, based on the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates.

The Diversity Index for Rhea County, Tennessee is calculated at 22.98, suggesting a low level of racial and ethnic diversity. This index measures the probability that two people chosen at random will be from different racial or ethnic groups.

The following table provides the breakdown of the population of Rhea County, Tennessee by race and ethnicity:

Population Percentage by Racial and Ethnic Group in Rhea County, Tennessee, 2023
Racial/Ethnic Group Percentage
White Alone (Non-Hispanic) 87.46%
Hispanic or Latino (Any Race) 6.10%
Two or More Races 3.61%
Black/African American Alone 1.61%
Asian Alone 0.67%
Some Other Race Alone 0.50%
American Indian and Alaska Native Alone 0.06%
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander Alone 0.00%

Rhea County, Tennessee 2023 Demographics: Household Income Distribution

Horizontal bar chart showing household income distribution in Rhea County, Tennessee.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the median household income in Rhea County, Tennessee over the past 12 months, adjusted for 2023 inflation, was $58,133. This figure is based on a total of 13,243 households.

The distribution of household income in Rhea County, Tennessee across various income brackets is as follows:

Household Income Distribution in Rhea County, Tennessee, 2023
Income Range Percentage of Households
Less than $20,000 16.22%
$20,000 to $34,999 12.49%
$35,000 to $49,999 12.74%
$50,000 to $74,999 23.45%
$75,000 to $149,999 26.72%
$150,000 or more 8.38%

For detailed household income distribution reports on the ZIP Codes with the highest median household income in Rhea County, Tennessee, explore the data for: Dayton (37321) ($59,182), and Spring City (37381) ($57,553).


Rhea County, Tennessee 2023 Demographics: Property Value Distribution

Line chart showing the distribution of property values for owner-occupied housing units in Rhea County, Tennessee.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the distribution of property values for owner-occupied housing units in Rhea County, Tennessee is based on a total of 9,661 properties.

The property value distribution in Rhea County, Tennessee across various value brackets is as follows:

Property Value Distribution in Rhea County, Tennessee, 2023
Property Value Range Percentage of Properties
Less than $25,000 7.60%
$25,000 to $49,999 3.20%
$50,000 to $99,999 13.26%
$100,000 to $199,999 32.00%
$200,000 to $499,999 35.07%
$500,000 to $999,999 8.54%
$1,000,000 or more 0.33%

Educational Attainment in Rhea County, Tennessee (2023 Data)

Treemap chart illustrating the educational attainment breakdown for population 25 years and over in Rhea County, Tennessee.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the educational attainment data covers the population 25 years and older in Rhea County, Tennessee, totaling 23,181 individuals.

84.09% of Rhea County, Tennessee population has a high school diploma or higher. Furthermore, the percentage of individuals who hold a Bachelor's Degree or a higher professional/graduate degree is 17.38%.

The detailed breakdown by educational level is presented below:

Educational Attainment Distribution in Rhea County, Tennessee, 2023
Educational Attainment Level Percentage of Population 25+
Less than high school graduate 15.91%
High school graduate (incl. equivalency) 41.37%
Some college or associate's degree 25.34%
Bachelor's Degree 11.82%
Graduate or professional degree 5.56%

What is the Health Insurance Coverage Rate in Rhea County, Tennessee?

Pyramid chart showing health insurance coverage by age and sex in Rhea County, Tennessee.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the health insurance coverage data for Rhea County, Tennessee shows that 11.4% of the population lacks health insurance coverage. This represents 3,774 individuals out of a total population of 33,101 people.

The uninsured rates vary significantly by age group. Young adults (18-34 years) have uninsured rates of 25.1% for males and 14.9% for females. In the 35-64 age bracket, 20.3% of males and 12.9% of females are uninsured.

Children under 18 and seniors aged 65+ generally have higher coverage rates due to public programs like Medicaid/CHIP and Medicare. In Rhea County, Tennessee, uninsured rates for children are 6.3% for males and 3.9% for females, while seniors have rates of 0.0% for males and 0.0% for females.

Uninsured Rates by Age Group and Sex in Rhea County, Tennessee, 2023
Age Group Male Uninsured % Female Uninsured %
Under 18 6.3% 3.9%
18-34 years 25.1% 14.9%
35-64 years 20.3% 12.9%
65+ years 0.0% 0.0%

Rhea County, Tennessee 2023 Population by Nativity and Citizenship Status

Treemap showing the population distribution by nativity and citizenship status in Rhea County, Tennessee based on U.S. Census data.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the nativity and citizenship data for Rhea County, Tennessee shows that 97.7% of the population are U.S. citizens. This includes both native-born and naturalized citizens, representing 32,518 individuals out of a total population of 33,299 people.

The nativity breakdown reveals diverse origins: 96.4% were born in the United States, 0.2% were born in Puerto Rico or U.S. Island Areas, and 0.4% were born abroad of American parent(s).

Among the foreign-born population, 0.7% of the total population have become naturalized U.S. citizens (221 individuals), while 2.3% are non-citizens (781 individuals).

Nativity and Citizenship Distribution in Rhea County, Tennessee, 2023
Nativity/Citizenship Status Percentage
Born in the United States 96.4%
Born in Puerto Rico or U.S. Island Areas 0.2%
Born abroad of American parent(s) 0.4%
U.S. citizen by naturalization 0.7%
Not a U.S. citizen 2.3%
Total U.S. Citizens 97.7%

Rhea County, Tennessee 2023 Demographics: Means of Transportation to Work

Treemap showing means of transportation to work distribution in Rhea County, Tennessee.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the commuting patterns for Rhea County, Tennessee show that 92.1% of workers commute by car, truck, or van. This represents 12,055 workers out of a total workforce of 13,091 people.

Public transportation usage stands at 0.2% (31 workers), which includes buses, subways, light rail, commuter trains, and ferries, but excludes taxicabs. Active transportation methods include walking (0.9%) and bicycling (0.0%).

6.1% of workers in Rhea County, Tennessee report working from home. An additional 0.7% use other means such as taxicabs, motorcycles, or other forms of transportation. These alternative commuting patterns reflect changing work arrangements and transportation preferences in the modern workforce.

Commuting Methods Distribution in Rhea County, Tennessee, 2023
Transportation Method Percentage Number of Workers
Car, truck, or van 92.1% 12,055
Public transportation 0.2% 31
Bicycle 0.0% 0
Walked 0.9% 121
Taxicab, motorcycle, or other means 0.7% 86
Worked from home 6.1% 798
Total Workers - 13,091

Rhea County, Tennessee 2023 Demographics: Employment by Class of Worker

Horizontal bar chart showing employment distribution by class of worker and gender in Rhea County, Tennessee, based on 2023 ACS data.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the civilian employed population aged 16 and over in Rhea County, Tennessee totals 13,601 workers. Of these, 7,911 (58.2%) are male and 5,690 (41.8%) are female.

The employment distribution by class of worker in Rhea County, Tennessee is as follows:

Employment Distribution by Class of Worker and Sex in Rhea County, Tennessee, 2023
Employment Class Male Workers Female Workers
Private For-Profit 5,954 (43.8%) 3,825 (28.1%)
Private Non-Profit 311 (2.3%) 418 (3.1%)
Government (All Levels) 1,171 (8.6%) 959 (7.1%)
  • Local Government 533 751
  • State Government 172 129
  • Federal Government 466 79
Self-Employed 475 (3.5%) 488 (3.6%)

Class of worker categorizes employed civilians by their employment arrangement. Private sector workers are employed by for-profit or non-profit companies. Government workers include those employed at local, state, or federal levels. Self-employed workers operate their own unincorporated businesses. Understanding the class of worker distribution provides insights into the economic structure and employment diversity of Rhea County, Tennessee.


Rhea County, Tennessee 2023 Demographics: Veterans by Period of Service

Horizontal bar chart showing veteran distribution by period of military service in Rhea County, Tennessee, based on 2023 ACS data.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, there are 2,364 civilian veterans aged 18 and over in Rhea County, Tennessee.

The largest group of veterans served during Vietnam Era Only, accounting for 793 veterans (33.5% of all veterans). The second-largest group served during Gulf War Only, with 494 veterans (20.9%).

The complete distribution of veterans by period of military service in Rhea County, Tennessee is as follows:

Veteran Distribution by Period of Military Service in Rhea County, Tennessee, 2023
Period of Service Number of Veterans Percentage
Vietnam Era Only (August 1964 to April 1975) 793 33.5%
Gulf War Only (August 1990 to August 2001) 494 20.9%
Post-9/11 Only (September 2001 or later) 361 15.3%
Between Gulf War and Vietnam Era 360 15.2%
Post-9/11 and Gulf War (August 1990 to August 2001) 156 6.6%
Between Vietnam Era and Korean War 55 2.3%
Vietnam Era and Korean War 46 1.9%
Korean War Only (July 1950 to January 1955) 41 1.7%
Post-9/11, Gulf War, and Vietnam Era 25 1.1%
Between Korean War and World War II 19 0.8%
World War II Only (December 1941 to December 1946) 14 0.6%
Total Veterans 2,364 100.0%

Period of military service categorizes veterans based on when they served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces. Veterans may have served during multiple periods, including World War II (December 1941–December 1946), the Korean War (July 1950–January 1955), the Vietnam Era (August 1964–April 1975), the Gulf War (August 1990–August 2001), and Post-9/11 (September 2001 or later). Understanding veteran demographics helps communities provide appropriate services, benefits, and support to those who have served.


Rhea County, Tennessee 2023 Demographics: Families by Income-to-Poverty Ratio

Horizontal bar chart showing family distribution by income-to-poverty ratio in Rhea County, Tennessee, based on 2023 ACS data.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, there are 9,822 families in Rhea County, Tennessee.

Of these families, 1,236 (12.6%) live below the poverty line (income less than 100% of the federal poverty level). An additional 4,206 families (42.8%) are at or near poverty (100-199% of poverty). Meanwhile, 4,380 families (44.6%) have incomes at least twice the poverty level.

The complete distribution of families by income-to-poverty ratio in Rhea County, Tennessee is as follows:

Family Distribution by Income-to-Poverty Ratio in Rhea County, Tennessee, 2023
Income-to-Poverty Ratio Number of Families Percentage
Below 50% of Poverty 473 4.8%
50-74% of Poverty 493 5.0%
75-99% of Poverty 270 2.7%
100-124% of Poverty 648 6.6%
125-149% of Poverty 432 4.4%
150-174% of Poverty 397 4.0%
175-184% of Poverty 284 2.9%
185-199% of Poverty 570 5.8%
200-299% of Poverty 1,875 19.1%
300-399% of Poverty 1,489 15.2%
400-499% of Poverty 1,009 10.3%
500%+ of Poverty 1,882 19.2%
Total Families 9,822 100.0%

Income-to-poverty ratio measures how a family's income compares to the federal poverty threshold, which varies by family size and composition. A ratio below 1.00 (100%) indicates the family lives in poverty. Ratios between 1.00 and 1.99 represent families with low incomes who may still struggle financially despite being technically above the poverty line. Families with ratios of 2.00 (200%) or higher generally have more economic security. Understanding poverty distribution helps communities allocate resources and develop programs to support families in need.


Rhea County, Tennessee 2023 Demographics: SNAP/Food Stamps Recipients

Stacked bar chart showing SNAP/Food Stamps recipient household composition by presence of children under 18 in Rhea County, Tennessee, based on 2023 ACS data.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, there are 13,243 total households in Rhea County, Tennessee. Of these, 2,169 households (16.38%) received SNAP/Food Stamps benefits in the past 12 months.

Among SNAP-recipient households, 1,124 (51.82%) have children under 18 years, while 1,045 (48.18%) do not have children under 18 years.

Household Composition of SNAP Recipients

SNAP Recipient Household Composition in Rhea County, Tennessee, 2023
Household Type With Children Under 18 No Children Under 18
Married-Couple Family 318 (14.66%) 224 (10.33%)
Male Householder, No Spouse 143 (6.59%) 17 (0.78%)
Female Householder, No Spouse 647 (29.83%) 314 (14.48%)
Nonfamily Households 16 (0.74%) 490 (22.59%)

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps, provides nutrition assistance to low-income individuals and families. The program aims to help eligible households purchase nutritious food. SNAP participation rates and household composition patterns provide important insights into economic hardship and food security challenges in Rhea County, Tennessee. Households with children under 18 often face greater nutritional needs, while households without children may include seniors, disabled individuals, or working adults facing economic challenges.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The age breakdown for the population of Rhea County, Tennessee is detailed below, showing the percentage of the total population for each group:

Age Group Percentage
Under 5 years6.20%
5–17 years (children)15.92%
18–24 years (young adults)8.27%
25–34 years11.75%
35–54 years24.67%
55–64 years13.86%
65 years and over (seniors)19.34%

The racial and ethnic composition of Rhea County, Tennessee is dominated by: White Alone (Non-Hispanic): 87.46%, Hispanic or Latino (Any Race): 6.10%, Two or More Races: 3.61%. The complete breakdown includes 8 distinct racial and ethnic categories.

The median household income in Rhea County, Tennessee is $58,133. This represents the midpoint of all household incomes in the area, meaning half of households earn more than this amount and half earn less.

The household income distribution in Rhea County, Tennessee is: Very Low Income (under $20,000): 16.22%, Low Income ($20,000-$34,999): 12.49%, Lower Middle Income ($35,000-$49,999): 12.74%, Middle Income ($50,000-$74,999): 23.45%, Upper Middle Income ($75,000-$149,999): 26.72%, High Income ($150,000+): 8.38%.

Approximately 22.11% of households in Rhea County, Tennessee earn over $100,000 annually. This includes households earning between $100,000 and $124,999, $125,000 and $149,999, $150,000 and $199,999, and $200,000 or more.

The property value distribution for owner-occupied housing units in Rhea County, Tennessee is: Less than $25,000: 7.60%, $25,000-$49,999: 3.20%, $50,000-$99,999: 13.26%, $100,000-$199,999: 32.00%, $200,000-$499,999: 35.07%, $500,000-$999,999: 8.54%, $1,000,000 or more: 0.33%.

There are 9,661 owner-occupied housing units in Rhea County, Tennessee. This represents homes that are owned by the people living in them, as opposed to rental properties or vacant units.

Approximately 8.87% of owner-occupied housing units in Rhea County, Tennessee are valued over $500,000. This includes properties valued between $500,000 and $749,999, $750,000 and $999,999, $1,000,000 and $1,499,999, $1,500,000 and $1,999,999, and $2,000,000 or more.

In Rhea County, Tennessee, 17.38% of the population aged 25 and older holds a bachelor's degree or higher. This includes those with bachelor's degrees as well as those with graduate or professional degrees.

The educational attainment breakdown for Rhea County, Tennessee (population 25+) is: Less than high school graduate: 15.91%, High school graduate (including equivalency): 41.37%, Some college or associate's degree: 25.34%, Bachelor's degree: 11.82%, Graduate or professional degree: 5.56%.

In Rhea County, Tennessee, 84.09% of the population aged 25 and older has completed at least a high school education. This includes high school graduates, those with some college, associate's degrees, bachelor's degrees, and graduate degrees.

In Rhea County, Tennessee, 11.4% of the population lacks health insurance coverage. This represents 3,774 individuals out of a total population of 33,101 people.

The uninsured rates vary by age group in Rhea County, Tennessee. For young adults (18-34 years), 25.1% of males and 14.9% of females lack coverage. In the 35-64 age group, 20.3% of males and 12.9% of females are uninsured. These working-age populations typically face different coverage challenges than children or seniors.

Children under 18 in Rhea County, Tennessee have uninsured rates of 6.3% for males and 3.9% for females. Seniors aged 65 and older, who are typically covered by Medicare, have uninsured rates of 0.0% for males and 0.0% for females. These age groups generally have higher coverage rates due to public programs.

In Rhea County, Tennessee, 97.7% of the population are U.S. citizens. This includes native-born citizens and naturalized citizens. Out of a total population of 33,299 people, 32,518 are U.S. citizens.

Rhea County, Tennessee has 221 naturalized U.S. citizens, representing 0.7% of the total population. These are foreign-born individuals who have gone through the naturalization process to become U.S. citizens.

The nativity and citizenship breakdown for Rhea County, Tennessee is: 96.4% were born in the United States, 0.2% were born in Puerto Rico or U.S. Island Areas, 0.4% were born abroad of American parent(s), 0.7% are foreign-born naturalized U.S. citizens, and 2.3% are foreign-born non-citizens.

In Rhea County, Tennessee, 92.1% of workers commute by car, truck, or van, making it the most common means of transportation to work. Out of 13,091 total workers, 12,055 use personal vehicles for their commute.

31 workers in Rhea County, Tennessee use public transportation (excluding taxicabs) to commute to work, representing 0.2% of all workers. This includes buses, subways, light rail, commuter trains, and ferries.

Alternative commute methods in Rhea County, Tennessee include: 6.1% work from home, 0.9% walk to work, 0.0% bicycle, and 0.7% use other means such as taxicabs or motorcycles. These alternatives to driving alone help reduce traffic congestion and environmental impact.

"Class of worker" refers to the type of employer or work arrangement for employed civilians aged 16 and over in Rhea County, Tennessee. It categorizes workers into private sector (for-profit and non-profit), government (local, state, and federal), self-employed, and unpaid family workers. This classification helps understand the employment structure and economic composition of the workforce.

According to the American Community Survey, Rhea County, Tennessee has 13,601 employed civilians aged 16 and over. The private for-profit sector employs the largest share of workers, with 43.8% of male workers and 28.1% of female workers in this category.

In Rhea County, Tennessee, there are 1,171 male government workers and 959 female government workers. Government employment includes local, state, and federal positions. This represents 8.6% of male workers and 7.1% of female workers.

Self-employment in Rhea County, Tennessee includes 475 males (3.5%) and 488 females (3.6%). Self-employed workers operate their own businesses that are not legally incorporated.

In Rhea County, Tennessee, 2,169 households (16.38% of all households) received SNAP/Food Stamps benefits in the past 12 months. Out of 13,243 total households, these families rely on this federal nutrition assistance program to help purchase food.

Of the SNAP-receiving households in Rhea County, Tennessee, 1,124 (51.82%) have children under 18 years. These families face additional nutritional needs and food security challenges as they work to provide adequate nutrition for growing children.

SNAP recipients in Rhea County, Tennessee include diverse household types. Among households with children, 647 (29.83%) are headed by a female householder with no spouse present, while 318 (14.66%) are married-couple families. The program also serves households without children, including seniors, disabled individuals, and working adults facing economic challenges.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps, is a federal program that provides nutrition assistance to low-income individuals and families. Eligibility is based on household income, resources, and size. In Rhea County, Tennessee, SNAP helps eligible households purchase nutritious food at authorized retailers. The program aims to alleviate hunger and improve nutrition and health outcomes for vulnerable populations.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey, there are 2,364 civilian veterans aged 18 and over living in Rhea County, Tennessee. These individuals have served on active duty in the U.S. Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard. This number does not include those with only National Guard or Reserves training without active duty service.

The most common period of military service for veterans in Rhea County, Tennessee is Vietnam Era Only, with 793 veterans (33.5% of all veterans) who served during this period. The second most common period is Gulf War Only, with 494 veterans (20.9%).

"Period of service" categorizes veterans based on when they served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces. Major periods include World War II (December 1941-December 1946), the Korean War (July 1950-January 1955), the Vietnam Era (August 1964-April 1975), the Gulf War (August 1990-August 2001), and Post-9/11 (September 2001 or later). Veterans may have served during multiple periods. Understanding the distribution of service periods helps communities in Rhea County, Tennessee provide appropriate services and support to their veteran population.

Veterans who served during the Gulf War era (1990-2001) and Post-9/11 era (2001-present) represent approximately 59.1% of all veterans in Rhea County, Tennessee. These more recent-era veterans, totaling around 1,396 individuals, often have different service experiences and support needs compared to veterans of earlier conflicts. They may benefit from targeted programs addressing issues such as transition to civilian life, employment assistance, and access to VA healthcare services.

In Rhea County, Tennessee, 1,236 families (12.6% of all families) live below the federal poverty line. This means their household income is less than 100% of the poverty threshold established by the U.S. Census Bureau, which varies by family size and composition. Out of 9,822 total families, these households face significant economic challenges meeting basic needs.

"Income-to-poverty ratio" measures how a family's income compares to the federal poverty threshold. A ratio of 1.00 (100%) means the family's income equals the poverty line. Below 1.00 indicates poverty, while ratios above 1.00 show income levels relative to poverty. For example, a ratio of 2.00 (200%) means the family earns twice the poverty threshold. In Rhea County, Tennessee, this data helps identify not just families in poverty, but also those who are economically vulnerable despite being above the official poverty line.

Beyond families living in poverty, Rhea County, Tennessee has 4,206 families (42.8%) with incomes between 100% and 199% of the poverty level. These families are often called 'near poverty' or low-income households. Specifically, 1,477 families (15.0%) have incomes between 100% and 149% of poverty. While technically above the poverty line, these families often struggle with housing costs, healthcare, childcare, and other expenses, making them economically vulnerable.

In Rhea County, Tennessee, 473 families (4.8%) live in extreme poverty, with incomes below 50% of the federal poverty threshold. These families face severe economic hardship and often require comprehensive assistance programs. On the other end of the spectrum, 4,380 families (44.6%) have incomes at least 200% above the poverty level, indicating greater financial stability and economic security.