RANK #513 / 996 · POP 53,532 · TN
PROJECTED GROWTH: +0.7%
The oldest standing train station in Tennessee, located in Niota, is a distinctive landmark in McMinn County, offering a glimpse into the region's past, including a documented slave sale in 1863. Located in Southeast Tennessee, McMinn County sits between Knoxville and Chattanooga, with both cities less than an hour away. This central location along I-75 makes for manageable commutes, with the average travel time being under 25 minutes. The county is characterized by its rural landscape, dotted with small farms and towns like Athens, the county seat, and Etowah. The area also offers outdoor recreation, including hiking trails, disc golf courses, and access to lakes for fishing and boating.
Life in McMinn County offers a lower cost of living compared to the national average, particularly for housing and transportation. The community is described as close-knit, with a mix of families and retirees. McMinn County Schools serve most of the county, with Athens and Etowah having separate districts for younger grades. The local economy is experiencing growth, driven by investments in manufacturing and other sectors. Efforts are underway to attract new businesses and support existing ones, creating job opportunities and diversifying the economic landscape.
Below national median (4.7x)
Below national median
Below-average climate & terrain
Below national median (13x)
Housing is fairly valued at 4.3x relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Tennessee Lithium Hydroxide Processing Facility
Piedmont Lithium
|
$582M | Under Construction |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
McMinn County has a Boom Town Index score of 48/100, ranking #513 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at -1.5% and a median household income of $57,982, it faces some economic headwinds compared to faster-growing counties.
The median home value in McMinn County is $173,300 with median rent at $803/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.3346, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +0.9% year-over-year. Job growth: -1.5%. Home values changed +3.5% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 5.82% of McMinn County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.