Population growth in Chattanooga has slowed to its lowest rate since the pandemic, according to new data from the U.S. Census Bureau.
The phenomenon matches statewide and national trends. Tennessee’s growth also is at its lowest since the pandemic, and a federal report released in late March stated that a majority of the country’s counties and 80% of U.S. metro areas saw growth slow in 2025 compared to 2024. That same report attributed the drops to a sharp decrease in international migration. Nine out of 10 counties saw a drop in migration from outside the U.S., and the 10% that did not see a drop did not experience an increase either.
Chattanooga’s metro area population rose by 4,666 people from mid-2024 to mid-2025, bringing a new total of 594,530 residents. That represents a growth rate of 0.8%. During the pandemic, from 2020 to 2021, the growth rate was 0.7%.
When expanded to the Chattanooga, Cleveland and Dalton combined statistical area measured by the census, the trend remained the same.
“While the city may feel to some like it is growing rapidly, the facts don’t bear that out,” Stephanie Cepak, spokesperson for Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly, said in an emailed statement. “On the other hand, our moderate growth trajectory means we’re in a great spot going forward to balance responsible, sustainable growth without becoming as overwhelmed as other communities.”