AREAS OF OPPORTUNITY—AVAILABLE BUSINESS SITES

Jefferson County is a practical place to build a business whether you are relocating, expanding, or establishing a new company.

From a logistical standpoint it would be difficult to find a more convenient location than Jefferson County. Located in the heart of the South with quick access to three major interstates, airports, waterways, and railroads, Jefferson County efficiently connects businesses with lucrative markets.

Tennessee is a Right-to-Work state with pro-business policies and tax structure. With local access to several top-notch higher education institutions, the Jefferson County workforce is not only strong, but skillful.

Affordable land, abundant natural resources, low taxes, a culture that values hard work, beautiful mountains and lakes, and a growing economy make Jefferson County an advantageous and fulfilling place to live and work.

TRANSPORTATION & LOGISTICS

While Jefferson County is made up of rolling hills, forests, lakes, rural communities and small towns, it is not isolated. Jefferson County is well connected to major cities and markets through multiple transportation channels. Waterways, airports, railways, and major interstates in and around Jefferson County form a strong transportation network that provides businesses with easy access to national and international shipping routes.

Additionally, the state of Tennessee is #1 in the United States for employment concentration in distribution and logistics, so there’s plenty of manpower to get goods moving.

ROAD

Located at the intersection of two major interstates—I-40 and I-81—and a 30-minute drive from I-75, over-the-road transport is easily accessible from Jefferson County. In fact, 70% of the United States’ population is accessible within a day’s drive.

AIR

There are 3 airports in close proximity to Jefferson County. The closest general aviation airport, Morristown Regional Airport, is just 18 miles away. McGhee Tyson is located 45 miles away in Knoxville, TN, and Tri-Cities airport is only an hour away.

RAIL

For rail transport, businesses can utilize Norfolk Southern Corporation from within county limits. Norfolk Southern Corporation is a major railway company with 19,300 route miles covering 22 states and Washington DC.

WATER

Did you know that over 50 million tons worth of goods, including raw materials and machinery, are transported via the Tennessee River each year? A commercial port is located in Knoxville, just 30 minutes outside of Jefferson County. This valuable waterway connects to other inland channels and the Gulf of Mexico.

RESEARCH & DATA

The statistical benefits of conducting business and living in Jefferson County include the tax structure, strength of labor force, and affordability.

Whether you are a site selector working on behalf of a client, an existing business seeking information, an entrepreneur looking for a place to establish a new business, or a developer searching for opportunities, our goal is to assist you by providing useful and current information about Jefferson County.

County Profile

Population: 55,624
52% Population Aged 18-64
Labor Force: 24,696
Unemployment Rate: 3.3%

Download Full Jefferson County TN Profile

Tax Rates

Low tax rates in Jefferson County and the state of Tennessee are a major financial advantage for businesses and residents. 

Download Full Jefferson County TN Economic Profile

State Sales Tax: 7%
County Sales Tax: 2.75%
State Income Tax on Wages: 0%
State Income Tax – Interest from bonds, notes, & dividends from stock: 3%
State Excise Tax: 6.5% of TN Taxable Income

High Quality of Life, Low Cost of Living

Cost of Living Index: 77.3 (Jefferson County is 22.7% more affordable than the US average)

Affordable Real Estate—Average Property Value: $154,800 (National Avg: $229,800)

Homeownership Rate: 75.7% (11.3% higher than national average)

Quality Education–95% High School Graduation Rate (10% higher than national average)

Predicted Job Growth over the next 10 Years: 39.1%

Low Taxes

Notice of Meeting: July 17, 2024

NOTICE IS HERBY GIVEN to all Jefferson Alliance members, Jefferson County residents, and all others who may be interested that there will be a Jefferson Alliance meeting on Wednesday, July 17, 2024 at 8:30 A.M. This meeting will be held in the Jefferson City Council...

Notice of Meeting: April 17, 2024

NOTICE IS HERBY GIVEN to all Jefferson Alliance members, Jefferson County residents, and all others who may be interested that there will be a Jefferson Alliance meeting on Wednesday, April 17, 2024 at 8:30 A.M. This meeting will be held in the Jefferson City Council...

Notice of Meeting: January 24, 2024

        PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Jefferson Alliance of Jefferson County, Tennessee (the “Alliance”) will meet in regular, open and public session at the Jefferson City Council Chambers, 112 City Center Drive, Jefferson City, TN at...

Notice of Upcoming Meeting: October 5, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Jefferson Alliance of Jefferson County, Tennessee (the “Alliance”) will meet in regular, open and public session at the Jefferson City Council Chambers at 8:30 a.m., on Thursday, October 5, 2023, for the purpose of considering...

Notice of Upcoming Meeting: July 19, 2023

NOTICE IS HERBY GIVEN to all Jefferson Alliance members, Jefferson County residents, and all others who may be interested that there will be a Jefferson Alliance meeting on Wednesday, July 19, 2023 at 8:30 A.M.

Notice of Upcoming Meeting: May 31, 2023

NOTICE IS HERBY GIVEN to all Jefferson Alliance members, Jefferson County residents, and all others who may be interested that there will be a Jefferson Alliance meeting on Wednesday, May 31, 2023 at 8:30 A.M.

Notice of Upcoming Meeting: March 15, 2023

NOTICE IS HERBY GIVEN to all Jefferson Alliance members, Jefferson County residents, and all others who may be interested that there will be a Jefferson Alliance meeting on Wednesday, March 15, 2023 at 8:30 A.M.