RANK #691 / 996 · POP 108,859 · TN
PROJECTED GROWTH: +0.1%
Bradley County, Tennessee, is often recognized for Red Clay State Historic Park, the last seat of the Cherokee National Government before the Trail of Tears. Located in the southeastern corner of Tennessee, it sits among the Appalachian foothills, approximately 30 miles northeast of Chattanooga. The county seat, Cleveland, blends small-town atmosphere with city amenities. Commuting within the county is primarily by car, though public transit options are available through the Southeast Tennessee Human Resource Agency (SETHRA). The natural landscape, with its ridges, valleys, and access to the Hiwassee and Ocoee Rivers, offers opportunities for outdoor recreation like hiking, camping, and whitewater rafting.
Life in Bradley County offers a moderate climate with four distinct seasons and housing costs below the national average. The public school systems, Bradley County Schools and Cleveland City Schools, serve the area, with Bradley County Schools noting a high graduation rate. The economy is supported by a diverse manufacturing sector, which has been the anchor of the local economy for decades. Recent economic developments include ongoing investments in industrial parks and infrastructure, attracting new businesses in manufacturing, warehousing, and logistics services. This growth contributes to job creation and a stable economic environment for residents.
Below national median (4.7x)
Above national median
Well below national median
Below-average climate & terrain
Below national median (13x)
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 |
|---|---|---|
|
SK Food Group Production Facility
SK Food Group
|
$205M | Operating |
|
Amazon Fulfillment Center
Amazon
|
$200M | Operating |
|
New Residential Construction (Combined)
Various Developers
|
$100M | Under Construction |
|
Linde Inc. Air Separation Facility
Linde Inc.
|
$70M | Under Construction |
|
Bradley County RNG Facility
N/A
|
$50M | Operating |
|
Michigan Avenue Road / Dry Valley Road Urban Collector and Corridor Plan
Bradley County/TDOT
|
$50M | Planned |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Bradley County has a Boom Town Index score of 31/100, ranking #691 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at -4.8% and a median household income of $60,692, it faces some economic headwinds compared to faster-growing counties.
The median home value in Bradley County is $209,800 with median rent at $917/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.2893, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +0.9% year-over-year. Job growth: -4.8%. Home values changed +0.5% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 2.8% of Bradley County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.