The population of Tennessee Ridge has been steadily decreasing for the last 5 years. While it is possible to attribute the population decline to one critical event, most likely, it is a combination of long-term demographic patterns and short-term events. One critical event in the city's history triggered a domino effect that caused even more residents to move out. The low birth rate has also contributed to a decline in the population. A low birth rate and declining demand for basic services may further drive the population decline.
The first inhabitants of Tennessee were believed to have migrated from Asia during the ice age. The city grew to be a wholesale and manufacturing center after the Civil War. Between 1880 and 1887, the city had 97 factories, producing textiles, food, and iron products. These industries resulted in air pollution and unclean drinking water, and caused strained race relations. In the early 1800s, Tennessee's economy was based on farming. Pioneers ground corn and wheat into flour and meal, processed hides, and manufactured farm equipment.
In 2010, the city's population was 533. Twenty-three percent of the population was under the age of 18, while 62.5% of the households included a married couple. The remaining twenty-one percent were non-families. One in every eight households was a single person, and nine percent were senior citizens. The median household size was 2.48, with a family size of 2.53.