1 million+ workers make up the labor force.
Demographics & Commuting
Dickson County, Tennessee is home to more than 56,000 people, including a wide range of eligible workers with a variety of skills. State and federal forecasters project the Dickson County population will continue its growth trajectory and exceed 57,500 by 2028. This growth will add more skilled workers to the area as well as the support businesses that come with a larger population base.
The county’s six incorporated towns include communities that grew up along the railroad from Nashville to the Tennessee River as well as the historic county seat of Charlotte, which boasts the state's oldest working courthouse and at one time was in consideration to become the state capital. Founded in 1803, Dickson County was named for William Dickson, a Nashville physician and legislator who reportedly was a friend of President Andrew Jackson. Dickson County's rich history includes industry in the iron furnaces of Cumberland Furnace.
Housing: Stable and Affordable
There is stability within the Dickson County population of 56,283 indicated by two key statistics: owner-occupied housing rates and the percentage of persons living in the same home as the previous year. Dickson County residents are well above the national averages in both categories, with more than 70.5% of the population residing in homes they own and at about 96.5% living in the same residence year-to-year. Housing options are plentiful and affordable, with monthly homeowner costs (including mortgage) just over $1,400 and median monthly rental cost around $863, well below the national and state average.
Employment
Recent figures released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics show the unemployment rate in Dickson County down to around 3.1%. Dickson County’s economic growth over the last several years has also impacted the surrounding counties. Serving as the main commercial center west of Nashville, Dickson County businesses pull from nearby areas for a consistent supply of customers and clients as well as employees.
Unemployment Rate (2022)
| Labor Force | Dickson County | Workforce Dev. Area | State |
|---|---|---|---|
| Civilian Labor Force | 27,918 | 1,129,352 | 3,352,030 |
| Employment | 27,093 | 1,095,433 | 3,238,559 |
| Unemployment | 825 | 33,919 | 113,471 |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.1% | 3.3% | 3.4% |
* North Middle TN Local Workforce Dev. Area includes the following counties: Cheatham, Davidson, Dickson, Houston, Humphreys, Montgomery, Robertson, Rutherford, Stewart, Sumner, Trousdale, Williamson, Wilson
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2022
Housing Statistics (2022)
| Dickson County | Tennessee | U.S. | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Owner Occupied Housing Rate | 70.5% | 66.9% | 65.9% |
| Median Value, Owner Occupied Housing | $236,599 | $193,700 | $308,943 |
| Median Monthly owner costs with mortgage | $1,400 | $1,337 | $1,666 |
| Median Gross Rent | $863 | $951 | $2,019 |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Quick Facts
Commuting a Breeze
Commute times for Dickson County workers are around 32 minutes. Many residents opt to live in more rural parts of the county and travel to the commercial and industrial hubs. With the array of thoroughfares across Dickson County, including I-40 and U.S. Hwy 70 among others, traversing the area is no problem. Just a 30-minute drive from Nashville, some residents relish the benefits of living in Dickson County, such as a lower cost of living and great schools, and drive to Music City, USA when necessary.