Information Revolution
Living in TN
During the last quarter of the 20th century, some areas in the state experienced impressive economic and population growth.
The state’s largest cities—Memphis, Nashville, Knoxville, and Chattanooga— and their suburbs expanded in population. Other cities like Johnson City, Kingsport, Bristol, Murfreesboro, Franklin, and Clarksville grew rapidly.
These places offered residents jobs, medical care, entertainment, and recreation that were not as readily available in rural areas. During this time, more Tennesseans lived in cities, suburbs, and towns rather than rural areas.
The move towards the metropolitan areas began around 1960. Since 1960, Tennessee’s population has grown considerably. In that year, the census takers counted 3.6 million Tennesseans. By the year 2000, the state’s population had grown to 5.7 million.
The population has also become more diversified as more people move to the state. For example, the Hispanic population of the state in 2000 was 215,485—nearly seven times larger than it was in 1990.
Despite the changes where many people within the state live, Tennessee continues to have more people living in rural communities than many other states.
In comparison to the rest of the nation, more Tennesseans who are born here choose to stay in their home state throughout their lives. Tennessee offers many new and native residents a good place to live and work.
In comparison to the rest of the nation, more Tennesseans who are born here choose to stay in their home state throughout their lives. Tennessee offers many new and native residents a good place to live and work.
Picture Credits:
- Photograph showing the Music of the People festival. This photo was taken in Nashville in 2008 by photographer, “johnlamb.” It shows a band and two children playing instruments on stage at the Coleman Park Community Center. A Mexican flag and an American flag can be seen in the background to the right. Flickr.com
- Photograph showing a homecoming float. This photo was taken in 1986 in Plant, Tennessee in Humphreys County. It shows numerous women riding on a white float during a parade. Tennessee State Museum Collection, 2000.264.10.
- Photograph of downtown Franklin, Tennessee. This photo was taken in 2006 by photographer, “lumierefl.” It shows many pedestrians and cars on Main Street. Flickr.com
- Photograph of participants of the Nashville Immigrant Prayer Vigil. This photo was taken in 2007 in Nashville near the state capitol. It shows a small group posed with American flags. Dozens of other participants can be seen in the background. Flickr.com.
- Photograph showing adult students and a teacher inside a classroom. This photo was taken in Nashville in 2009 at the Diploma Plus High School. Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools.
- Photograph of J. T. Moore Middle School. This photo was taken in 2009 and shows two students walking. Numerous other students can be seen in the background. Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools.
- Photograph of downtown Chattanooga. This photo was taken in 2009. It shows numerous people gathered near Martin Luther King Street. Flickr.com.
- Photograph of Miley Cyrus. This photo was taken in Nashville in 2009 for the premiere of Hannah Montana: The Movie. The Tennessean.
- Photograph of workers at the Nashville airport. This photo was taken in 2009 by photographer “lemoncat1.” Flickr.com.
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