District 4
RANK #479 / 996 NAT · #13 / 33 TN · POP 135,951
1YR FORECAST: +0.9%
5YR OUTLOOK: +24%
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.
Estimated local headcount ranges. Larger employers shown as floor + "+"; smaller employers show exact counts where reported.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Source: CDC/NCHS vital statistics via County Health Rankings (2020–2022 avg). Rates per 100,000 population. Grade based on homicide rate relative to national average (~6.3). Learn more →
Source: EPA Air Quality System (2021–2023). Grade based on 3-year average median AQI. Learn about AQI →
| 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 scores 52/100 on the Boom Town Index, landing in the middle of the pack among 996 U.S. counties (#479). Median household income is $70,935 and job growth is running at +4.5%. The data points to a county with mixed signals — some positive indicators alongside areas that lag faster-growing peers.
Housing in Blount County is roughly in line with national affordability norms. The median home costs $247,600 and the income-to-home-value ratio sits at 0.29, with rents averaging $957/month. Not a bargain, but not a stretch for most local earners either.
Blount County is growing on multiple fronts. Population is up +1.4% year-over-year while employers added jobs at a +4.5% clip. Home values shifted +0.6% in the past year.
There's a moderate stream of newcomers. About 2.43% of residents moved from another state, which is above average and suggests Blount County has appeal as a relocation destination — though it's not among the highest-inflow counties nationally.