NASHVILLE, TN (WGNS) - Tennessee is emerging as one of the nation’s strongest immigrant‑driven workforce states, according to a new analysis that places the Volunteer State in the top five nationally—and first in the South—for immigrant workforce readiness. With 79.6% of immigrants in Tennessee falling within the working‑age range of 18 to 64, the state now outperforms traditional immigration hubs like Texas, Florida, New York, and California.
The study, conducted by The Mendoza Law Firm using Migration Policy Institute data, highlights one key factor behind Tennessee’s rise: a remarkably young immigrant population. The state’s median immigrant age is 39.9, making it the 4th youngest in the country and more than a decade younger than California’s median age of 50.1. That age gap translates into significantly more years of workforce participation—an advantage that cannot be quickly replicated by policy changes alone.
Tennessee Outpaces All Bordering States
The report shows Tennessee leading all eight neighboring states with an Immigrant Worker Dependency Score of 84.5, a metric combining median age and working‑age concentration. Kentucky, Mississippi, and Missouri trail behind, while Virginia ranks lowest among Tennessee’s neighbors with a score of 67.2.
Even Arkansas, which has a slightly higher share of working‑age immigrants at 83.6%, falls behind Tennessee due to its older median age of 43.2. The study notes that youthfulness—not just workforce participation—is the key driver of long‑term labor strength.
Beating the Traditional Gateway States
For decades, states like Texas, Florida, and California have been viewed as the nation’s immigrant workforce engines. But the data shows those populations are aging rapidly. Tennessee now surpasses them all, scoring 33 to 34 points higher than Florida, New York, and California.
Texas, often considered a national leader in immigrant labor, posts a dependency score of just 69.5—15 points below Tennessee.
Why It Matters for Tennessee’s Economy
A younger, working‑age immigrant population strengthens sectors that rely heavily on labor, including healthcare, manufacturing, construction, and logistics. The study notes that Tennessee exceeds the national average in every major category: younger median age, higher working‑age share, and a significantly stronger overall workforce score.
As Tennessee continues to grow, the report suggests the state’s demographic advantage will play an increasingly important role in meeting employer demand and sustaining economic momentum.
