RANK #418 / 996 · POP 55,017 · TN
PROJECTED GROWTH: +1.0%
Dandridge, the second oldest town in Tennessee, anchors Jefferson County with its historic charm and lakeside setting on Douglas Lake. Located in East Tennessee, the county is a short drive from Knoxville, with commutes averaging around 29 minutes for residents. The community offers a blend of small-town living and access to larger city amenities. Outdoor recreation is a significant draw, with Douglas and Cherokee Lakes providing opportunities for boating, fishing, and other water sports, complemented by mountain views and nearby access to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Life in Jefferson County is characterized by a small-town atmosphere and a focus on community. The public school system is recognized for high graduation rates and academic programs, with institutions like Carson-Newman University also present in the county. The economy has seen growth, particularly in manufacturing and distribution, with existing businesses expanding and new industries establishing a presence. This economic activity contributes to the area's infrastructure and job market, appealing to families and individuals seeking a balance of natural beauty and economic opportunity.
Above national median (4.7x)
Below national median
Moderate climate & terrain
Above national median (13x)
Housing is fairly valued at 5.4x relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Dumplin Valley Energy Storage Project
Plus Power
|
$500M | Proposed |
|
Bush Brothers & Company Process Water Filtration Plant
Bush Brothers & Company
|
$60M | Completed |
|
Oshkosh Corporation Manufacturing Facility
Oshkosh Corporation
|
$50M | Operating |
|
English Mountain Spring Water Expansion
English Mountain Spring Water
|
$50M | Completed |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Jefferson County has a Boom Town Index score of 58/100, ranking #418 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +1.2% and a median household income of $60,393, it's an above-average county on economic indicators.
The median home value in Jefferson County is $183,800 with median rent at $832/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.3286, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +1.2% year-over-year. Job growth: +1.2%. Home values changed +0.7% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 3.82% of Jefferson County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.