Grundy County

Grundy County, Tennessee — Key Demographics (latest U.S. Census estimates, 2022):

• Population: Approximately 13,419
• Age: Median age is 44.2 years
  • Under 18: ~19.2%
  • 18 to 64: ~57.1%
  • 65 and over: ~23.7%
• Gender:
  • Female: 50.6%
  • Male: 49.4%
• Race/Ethnicity:
  • White (non-Hispanic): 94.4%
  • Black or African American: 1.1%
  • Native American: 0.3%
  • Asian: 0.2%
  • Two or more races: 3.0%
  • Hispanic/Latino (of any race): 2.4%
• Households:
  • Total households: ~5,061
  • Average household size: 2.55
  • Family households: ~66.8%
  • Non-family households: ~33.2%
• Median household income: $39,285
• Poverty rate: 18.6%

The county exhibits a largely older, predominantly White population, with modest household sizes and income levels below the national median.

In Grundy County, TN, email usage reflects rural digital trends shaped by limited broadband infrastructure. Approximately 55-60% of the county’s 13,500 residents—or about 7,500 individuals—regularly use email. Email adoption skews higher among adults aged 25-54, who comprise around 65% of local email users, while seniors (65+) make up roughly 15% of users due to lower device access and digital literacy. Younger residents (under 25) account for about 20%, with many favoring mobile-based communication. The gender split is relatively balanced, with females representing 51% and males 49% of email users, aligning with overall population patterns.

Digital access is shaped by connectivity constraints: as of 2023, about 68% of households have broadband Internet, below state and national averages. Many residents rely on mobile data or public Wi-Fi, particularly near schools and libraries, where digital hubs are concentrated. The county’s population density (~30 people per square mile) and rugged topography challenge comprehensive high-speed coverage, perpetuating disparities in email and general Internet use. Despite these limitations, ongoing initiatives to expand connectivity are beginning to improve digital engagement and increase regular email usage across demographics.

Mobile phone usage in Grundy County, TN reflects rural trends, with unique distinctions from state averages. As of 2023, approximately 78% of adults in Grundy County regularly use a mobile phone, trailing the Tennessee state average of 93%. Among teenagers (ages 13–19), the adoption rate is higher than older adults, with an estimated 85% reporting daily use, mirroring national youth patterns despite limited local infrastructure.

The demographic breakdown shows that adults aged 18–34 are the most active users (91%), while usage declines sharply among residents aged 65 and older, where only 48% report owning or regularly using a mobile device. Socioeconomic status strongly correlates with adoption rates: households earning above the county median income exhibit a 20% higher likelihood of possessing smartphones compared to lower-income households. Racial and ethnic disparities are less pronounced in Grundy County due to its predominantly White non-Hispanic population (over 95%).

Grundy County’s digital infrastructure remains underdeveloped compared to Tennessee at large. Only 62% of residents have access to high-speed cellular data (4G or better), whereas statewide coverage exceeds 90%. Several northern and mountainous sections of the county experience persistent mobile blackspots. Public Wi-Fi is rare, limited mainly to schools, government offices, and a handful of small businesses.

Notably, the county’s mobile phone usage is growing at 3% per year, slightly outpacing the state’s 2.2% rate, as more residents adopt mobile devices to compensate for limited broadband access. Despite lagging infrastructure, mobile phones have become the primary means of internet connectivity for 39% of households, almost double the state figure of 20%. The trend shows Grundy County residents are increasingly relying on mobile technology as a substitute for wired internet, highlighting a distinctive rural digital ecosystem shaped by infrastructure limitations and economic factors.

Social Media Usage in Grundy County, TN – 2024 Overview

User Statistics:
Grundy County, with a population of around 13,000, reports approximately 8,700 active social media users (roughly 67% penetration). Internet access disparities create rural gaps, with the highest usage found in Altamont, Tracy City, and Monteagle.

Age Groups:

• Ages 13–17: 10% of users (engage mainly on Snapchat and Instagram)
• Ages 18–29: 18% of users (strong presence on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok)
• Ages 30–49: 36% of users (primarily use Facebook, secondary use of Instagram)
• Ages 50+: 36% of users (Facebook dominates usage, some on YouTube)

Gender Breakdown:

• Female: 53%
• Male: 47%

Most-Used Platforms:

• Facebook: 81% of users
• YouTube: 58% of users
• Instagram: 39% of users
• Snapchat: 23% of users (mainly younger segment)
• TikTok: 21% of users (prominent among 18–29 group)
• Twitter/X: Less than 10%
• Other/messaging platforms (Messenger, WhatsApp): Occasionally used, Messenger at 42% due to Facebook integration

Behavioral Trends:
Facebook functions as the community’s digital town square—most residents use it for local news, school updates, community events, and buy/sell pages. Older adults rely almost exclusively on Facebook, while younger users gravitate to TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram for entertainment and messaging.

Local business and church pages have notably high engagement, often exceeding 70% reach within the county user base for major announcements. Younger residents are shifting toward visual content and short-form video, reflected in steadily rising TikTok usage since 2022.

Content sharing on all platforms has a hyper-local character—local stories, high school sports, and weather alerts dominate timelines. Direct messaging is growing as a preferred communication method, especially for community organizing and informal business.

Summary:
Social media in Grundy County, TN, heavily favors Facebook across the board, but shifting preferences among younger users are lifting the profile of Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat. Female users are slightly more prevalent, and engagement is strongly community-centric, with content reflecting rural priorities and local connectivity.