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Memphis Demographics and Other Statistics

By Teresa R. Simpson, About.com

Population :

  • Memphis is the 18th largest city in the United States by population.
  • Memphis city limits: 680,768
  • Memphis metropolitan area: 1,230,303 (includes Shelby, Tipton, Fayette, Desoto, Marshall, Tate, Tunica, and Crittenden counties)

Demographics:

  • Black/African American population: 61.1%
  • White/Caucasian population: 33.6%
  • Hispanic/Latino: 3.0%
  • Asian population: 0.79%
  • Other races: 1.51%
  • Male population: 47.5%
  • Female population: 52.5%
  • Median Age: 33.4 years

Education:

  • High school graduates: 35.6%
  • Some college: 19.7%
  • Associates degree: 4.7%
  • Bachelor's degree: 16.1%
  • Graduate degree: 10.8%

Income and Careers:

  • Median Income: $35,807 (see also What People Make in Memphis)
  • Manufacturing careers: 9%
  • Construction careers: 4%
  • Wholesale and retail trade careers: 17%
  • Transportation, warehousing, and utilities careers: 10%
  • Information careers: 1%
  • Financial services careers: 5%
  • Professional and business activities careers: 12%
  • Educational and health services careers: 12%
  • Leisure and hospitality careers: 11%
  • Other service careers: 4%
  • Government careers: 15%

Land and Climate:

  • Total land area: 296.03 miles
  • Elevation: 262 feet
  • Average annual temperature: 62 °F
  • Average winter temperature: 43 °F
  • Average summer temperature: 80 °F
  • Average annual precipitation: 54 inches

Other Information:

  • Memphis mayor: Willie Herenton
  • City flower: Crape Myrtle
  • City tree: Dogwood
  • Founded: 1819 by John Overton, James Winchester, and Andrew Jackson
  • Incorporated: December 19, 1826
  • Memphis nicknames: Bluff City, Home of the Blues, River City, Birthplace of Rock and Roll

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