RANK #626 / 996 · POP 133,282 · TN
PROJECTED GROWTH: +0.3%
Washington County, Tennessee, holds the distinction of being the state's oldest county, established in 1777 when the area was still part of North Carolina. Its county seat, Jonesborough, chartered in 1779, is Tennessee's oldest town and features a well-preserved historic district. Located in the northeastern part of the state, nestled in the Appalachian Highlands, the county is home to Johnson City, a regional hub for education, medicine, and commerce. Commutes within the county and to nearby areas are facilitated by access to Interstates 26 and 81. The natural scenery includes parts of the Cherokee National Forest, Buffalo Mountain Park, and the Nolichucky and Watauga Rivers, offering extensive outdoor recreation like hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and kayaking.
Life in Washington County offers a blend of community and access to amenities. The public school system includes several highly-rated elementary, middle, and high schools. East Tennessee State University in Johnson City contributes to the area's educational and healthcare services, attracting both young professionals and retirees. Recent economic developments show significant investment in advanced manufacturing, life sciences, and information technology, with new businesses and housing developments expanding across Johnson City, Jonesborough, and Gray. The region's economy is also supported by agribusiness and a focus on workforce development programs.
Below national median
Prices declining
Moderate climate & terrain
Below national median (13x)
Housing looks undervalued at 3.9x — home prices are low relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
ebm-papst Manufacturing Facility
ebm-papst Inc.
|
$37M | Operating |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Washington County has a Boom Town Index score of 37/100, ranking #626 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at -1.9% and a median household income of $58,507, it faces some economic headwinds compared to faster-growing counties.
The median home value in Washington County is $211,100 with median rent at $890/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.2772, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +0.9% year-over-year. Job growth: -1.9%. Home values changed -0.6% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 4.72% of Washington County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.