District 4
RANK #372 / 996 NAT · #10 / 33 TN · POP 133,282
1YR FORECAST: +0.5%
5YR OUTLOOK: +27%
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.
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 |
|---|---|---|
|
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.
With a Boom Town Index score of 62/100, Washington County sits in the upper half of all 996 ranked counties. and median household income stands at $58,507 — indicators that suggest solid fundamentals even if it's not among the fastest-growing counties in TN.
Housing in Washington County is roughly in line with national affordability norms. The median home costs $211,100 and the income-to-home-value ratio sits at 0.28, with rents averaging $890/month. Not a bargain, but not a stretch for most local earners either.
Washington County is attracting residents (population +0.9% YoY) even as the job market softens with employment at -1.9%. Housing values changed -0.6% 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 4.72% of residents moved from another state, which is above average and suggests Washington County has appeal as a relocation destination — though it's not among the highest-inflow counties nationally.