District 2
RANK #515 / 996 NAT · #14 / 33 TN · POP 108,859
1YR FORECAST: +0.7%
5YR OUTLOOK: +23%
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.
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 →
| 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 scores 48/100 on the Boom Town Index, landing in the middle of the pack among 996 U.S. counties (#515). Median household income is $60,692 and job growth is running at -4.8%. The data points to a county with mixed signals — some positive indicators alongside areas that lag faster-growing peers.
Housing in Bradley County is roughly in line with national affordability norms. The median home costs $209,800 and the income-to-home-value ratio sits at 0.29, with rents averaging $917/month. Not a bargain, but not a stretch for most local earners either.
Bradley County is attracting residents (population +0.9% YoY) even as the job market softens with employment at -4.8%. Housing values changed +0.5% over the past 12 months. People may be moving here for affordability or lifestyle reasons rather than job opportunities.
There's a moderate stream of newcomers. About 2.8% of residents moved from another state, which is above average and suggests Bradley County has appeal as a relocation destination — though it's not among the highest-inflow counties nationally.