RANK #531 / 996 · POP 135,951 · TN
PROJECTED GROWTH: +0.6%
Townsend, known as the "Peaceful Side of the Smokies," offers a distinctive entry point to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, a major draw for Blount County. Located in East Tennessee, Blount County sits just south of Knoxville, with commutes to downtown Knoxville typically ranging from 25 to 45 minutes from Maryville, the county seat. The community offers a blend of suburban and rural living, characterized by natural beauty and a serene environment. Outdoor recreation is a significant aspect of life, with access to hiking trails, the Little River for water activities, and numerous local parks like the Maryville-Alcoa Greenway.
Life in Blount County is often described as family-friendly, appealing to those seeking a relaxed environment with access to amenities. The area benefits from a diverse economy, with manufacturing and tourism being prominent sectors. Recent economic developments include investments in advanced manufacturing and healthcare facilities, alongside growth in local businesses such as restaurants and entertainment venues. The county is served by three public school districts—Alcoa City Schools, Blount County Schools, and Maryville City Schools—which are noted for their quality.
Below national median (4.7x)
Above national median
Well below national median
Moderate climate & terrain
Housing is fairly valued at 4.5x relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Amazon Fulfillment Center (TYS1)
Amazon
|
$200M | Operating |
|
Smith & Wesson Headquarters and Operations Relocation
Smith & Wesson
|
$125M | Operating |
|
Arconic Manufacturing Expansion
Arconic
|
$100M | Under Construction |
|
Silicon Ranch Solar Facilities (3 projects)
Silicon Ranch, DENSO, City of Maryville, TVA
|
$50M | Under Construction |
|
Pellissippi Place Mixed-Use Development
Ramston Capital
|
$50M | Under Construction |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Blount County has a Boom Town Index score of 47/100, ranking #531 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +4.5% and a median household income of $70,935, it faces some economic headwinds compared to faster-growing counties.
The median home value in Blount County is $247,600 with median rent at $957/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.2865, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +1.4% year-over-year. Job growth: +4.5%. Home values changed +0.6% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 2.43% of Blount County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.