The results are in, and the growth is real. Davidson County’s population exceeded expectations and now stands at 715,884 residents, up 14.2% from 2010, according to new census data.

In other words, that equates to 1 new resident per hour for the past 10 years.

Why is this happening now?

Every 10 years, the US Census Bureau collects nationwide population and demographic data, which is used to redraw congressional and state legislative district lines + determine federal spending.

What did we find?

In terms of population growth, Davidson County attracted more residents during the past decade than any other county in Tennessee + accounts for 15% of the statewide growth.
Nashville’s total housing units — occupied + unoccupied houses, condos, apartments, and mobile homes — increased 15.6%, from 283,978 to almost 328,309 + 91.8% of all housing is occupied.
Nashville’s population growth in this census exceeded expectations by around 15,000 residents.
The growth spurs beyond Nashville: Williamson County’s population grew 35% over the past decade, bringing the total population to over 247,700 residents. Additionally, Rutherford County’s population jumped 30%, from 262,604 to 341,468 residents.

Why does this matter?

Redistricting, or the process of redrawing council and school districts, is completed every 10 years after the US Census is finalized. New voting district boundaries must be balanced by population and follow traditional redistricting criteria.

With the census data now available, Nashville is getting ready to redraw its 35 council districts and 9 school districts + plans to finalize the process in late 2021 or early 2022.

As we reported last month, the Metro Planning Department will now prepare a summary of growth trends and begin working on draft maps, which will be ready for public review on the official website + at community workshops in September. The maps will go to Metro Council for final approval, which is expected to happen by early January.