RANK #452 / 1001 NAT · #12 / 33 TN · POP 56,864
1YR FORECAST: +0.1%
5YR OUTLOOK: +29%
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.
Jefferson County is one of 35 U.S. counties in this market profile — near the profile average on the BoomTown Index. Within this cohort, its recent home-price change of +1.4% matches the profile's typical +1.4%.
See all 35 Secondary Market Surge counties →Overvalued relative to economy
Below national median
Moderate climate & terrain
Prices detached from rents
Housing looks overvalued at 16.3x — 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: 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 |
|---|---|---|
|
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 1001 counties.
Jefferson County scores 54/100 on the Boom Town Index, landing in the middle of the pack among 1001 U.S. counties (#452). Median household income is $66,114 and job growth is running at -1.8%. The data points to a county with mixed signals — some positive indicators alongside areas that lag faster-growing peers.
Housing in Jefferson County is roughly in line with national affordability norms. The median home costs $229,300 and the income-to-home-value ratio sits at 0.29, with rents averaging $904/month. Not a bargain, but not a stretch for most local earners either.
Jefferson County is attracting residents (population +1.8% YoY) even as the job market softens with employment at -1.8%. Housing values changed +1.4% 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 4.04% of residents moved from another state, which is above average and suggests Jefferson County has appeal as a relocation destination — though it's not among the highest-inflow counties nationally.