RANK #169 / 1001 NAT · #4 / 41 GA · POP 68,634
1YR FORECAST: +0.4%
5YR OUTLOOK: +34%
Ringgold, the county seat of Catoosa County, Georgia, holds a notable place in Civil War history, with its 1849 depot serving as a crucial hub and a site of significant fighting. The county, located in northwest Georgia along the Tennessee border, is approximately 17 miles south of Chattanooga, Tennessee, and about 100 miles northwest of Atlanta. This proximity allows for a manageable commute to Chattanooga, which many residents utilize for employment. The community offers a blend of small-town atmosphere with access to natural beauty, including portions of the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park, providing hiking and historical exploration.
Life in Catoosa County often appeals to families seeking a quieter pace with convenient access to urban amenities. The public school system is a key draw, with Catoosa County Schools serving over 10,000 students and generally receiving positive ratings. The local economy is influenced by its position on Interstate 75, a major transportation artery, which has historically supported manufacturing and retail growth. Recent economic developments include efforts to attract new industrial investment and jobs, with a focus on leveraging the county's infrastructure and workforce.
Catoosa County is one of 35 U.S. counties in this market profile — stronger than typical on the BoomTown Index. Within this cohort, its recent home-price change of +1.2% matches the profile's typical +1.4%.
See all 35 Secondary Market Surge counties →Overvalued relative to economy
Below national median
Below-average climate & terrain
Below national median (15x)
Housing looks overvalued at 21.4x — home prices are high 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.
Bars show trailing 12-month growth. The dashed Forecast bars are the model's next-12-month projection; the whisker marks the ±1% range (cooling–accelerating).
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 |
|---|---|---|
|
Mass Grading Project for Shovel-Ready Sites
Catoosa County Development Authority
|
$50M | Completed |
|
Residential Developments (Multiple Communities)
Various (e.g., Smith Douglas Homes, D.R. Horton)
|
$50M | Under Construction |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 1001 counties.
Catoosa County ranks #169 out of 1001 U.S. counties on the Boom Town Index with a score of 83/100, putting it in the top tier nationally. Job growth of +0.8% and a median household income of $74,639 point to a county with active economic momentum.
Housing in Catoosa County is roughly in line with national affordability norms. The median home costs $240,900 and the income-to-home-value ratio sits at 0.31, with rents averaging $993/month. Not a bargain, but not a stretch for most local earners either.
Population and employment in Catoosa County are both close to flat — population +0.4% YoY and jobs +0.8%. Home values shifted +1.2% over the past 12 months. A steady-state county, neither expanding quickly nor shrinking.
Not particularly — 1.97% of Catoosa County's population moved in from another state, which is below the national average. Most residents are long-term locals rather than recent transplants.