2 / 100

Sevier County, TN

RANK #981 / 996  ·  POP 98,455  ·  TN

PROJECTED GROWTH: -4.4%

Sevier County ranks in the bottom tier of U.S. counties on economic momentum.

[01] Why Sevier County?

Sevier County, Tennessee, is defined by its connection to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which forms a significant portion of its southern border. The county seat, Sevierville, is known as the birthplace of Dolly Parton, with a statue of the singer located downtown. Sevier County is approximately 26 miles from Knoxville, a drive that typically takes under 30 minutes in normal traffic. The community feel varies across its towns, from the bustling tourist centers of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge to quieter areas like Wears Valley. The county's landscape features fertile lowlands along the French Broad and Little Pigeon Rivers, alongside the mountainous terrain of the Smokies, including Clingman's Dome, the highest peak in Tennessee. Outdoor recreation is a major draw, with opportunities for hiking, fishing, camping, and exploring waterfalls like Ramsey Cascades within the national park. Douglas Lake also offers boating and other water activities.

Life in Sevier County is shaped by its natural surroundings and a strong tourism industry. The population includes families, retirees, and individuals drawn to the area's scenic beauty and outdoor activities. The Sevier County School System serves nearly 15,000 students across 31 schools, with public schools generally rated above average. While public transit options like the Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg trolley systems exist, personal vehicles are common for commuting. The economy is largely driven by tourism, with significant investment in commercial and residential developments to support both visitors and a growing resident base. This includes new attractions and housing projects, reflecting a continuous influx of people and capital into the region.

[02] Market Snapshot

Housing Ratio
4.1x

Below national median (4.7x)

GDP Growth
+2.2%

Below national median

Home Prices
-3.9%

Prices declining

Climate & Terrain
1.8

Moderate climate & terrain

Price/Rent
12x

Strong rental yield

Housing is fairly valued at 4.1x relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.

[03] Signal Profile

[04] Home Value Growth vs National

Sevier County U.S. National

The Numbers

DEMOGRAPHICS
Population
98,455
+0.37% YoY
Median Household Income
$60,103
Median Home Value
$239,800
-3.85% 12mo
Median Rent
$968
Average Annual Pay
$43,711
+2.7% YoY
Employment
53,730
+2.8% YoY
Income-to-Home-Value
0.2506
More affordable than average
Migration Inflow
2.4%
of pop. from another state

Market Activity

REAL ESTATE
Median Sale Price
$474,950
Days on Market
94
Slower market
Months of Supply
10.5
Buyer's market
Sale-to-List Ratio
95.6%
Negotiation room for buyers
Sold Above List
7.8%
Listings w/ Price Drops
19.2%
Building Permits (2024)
1,441
Single-Family Permits
882

Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →

[05] Capital Investment

$408M
TOTAL
PROJECT AMOUNT STATUS
407 Gateway to Adventure
Undisclosed (multiple developers)
$200M Under Construction
FedEx Ground Distribution Facility
FedEx Ground
$50M Operating
D.R. Horton Townhome Development (Redbank Road)
D.R. Horton
$50M Proposed
Wilderness at the Smokies Water Park Expansion
Wilderness at the Smokies
$40M Completed
Sevier County Courts Building
Sevier County Government
$34M Under Construction
Anakeesta Expansion
Anakeesta
$34M Under Construction

Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.

[06] Score Breakdown

GDP Growth +2.2% 39 percentile
Population Growth +0.4% 46 percentile
Income Growth +10.6% 87 percentile
Vacancy Rate 3.6% 1 percentile
Home Price Change -3.9% 6 percentile
Rent Growth -0.9% 5 percentile
Price/Rent 12x 74 percentile

Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.

[07] Frequently Asked Questions

Is Sevier County, TN a good place to move to?

Sevier County has a Boom Town Index score of 2/100, ranking #981 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +2.8% and a median household income of $60,103, it faces some economic headwinds compared to faster-growing counties.

Is Sevier County affordable?

The median home value in Sevier County is $239,800 with median rent at $968/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.2506, which is more affordable than the national average.

Is Sevier County growing or shrinking?

Population growth: +0.4% year-over-year. Job growth: +2.8%. Home values changed -3.9% in the past 12 months.

Are people moving to Sevier County?

Yes — 2.4% of Sevier County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.

[08] Similar Metros

Okaloosa County, FL 12 Orange County, FL 12 Coweta County, GA 12 Gordon County, GA 12 Sussex County, DE 12 Clark County, NV 12 DeKalb County, GA 12 Jones County, MS 12