Jefferson County, also known as the Lakeside of the Smokies, is an oasis of natural beauty with rolling hills, mountain views, and two pristine lakes. In addition to the great outdoors, Jefferson County’s convenient geographic location, pro-business culture, and affordability make it an ideal place for residents and businesses to plant their roots.

Jefferson County, also known as the Lakeside of the Smokies, is an oasis of natural beauty with rolling hills, mountain views, and two pristine lakes. In addition to the great outdoors, Jefferson County’s convenient geographic location, pro-business culture, and affordability make it an ideal place for residents and businesses to plant their roots.

Quality of Life

A high quality of life, low cost of living, and a picturesque landscape make Jefferson County a great place to call home. Residents enjoy the small-town way of life with friendly neighbors, a strong sense of community, and low crime rates. However, they still have quick access to larger cities–Knoxville, Johnson City, and Chattanooga–as well as popular tourist destinations—Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and The Great Smoky Mountains National Park. With schools that exceed state and national averages, universities and technical colleges, ample job opportunities, and affordable housing, if you work hard in Jefferson County, you will succeed.

Location & Infrastructure

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.

INFRASTRUCTURE

Jefferson County has a solid infrastructure that is built to support businesses of all sizes and a growing population and economy.

Tennessee Valley Authority

TVA was founded in the 1930s as part of President Roosevelt’s “New Deal” to boost economic growth in the region. In a way TVA continues to do so today, providing dependable power so that businesses and communities can thrive. We can thank TVA for creating gorgeous Cherokee Lake and Douglas Lake with the construction of Cherokee Dam and Douglas Dam. These hydroelectric power sources generate clean renewable, and affordable energy.

Appalachian Electric Cooperative

AEC distributes TVA electricity across Jefferson County and surrounding areas. AEC leading the charge into the future in Jefferson County by installing a network of over 1,600 miles of fiber optic cables. They provide dependable power to over 50,000 members, including more than 42,000 residences and 7,000+ commercial properties. AEC offers an energy efficiency loan program and an energy assistance program (empower) to help elderly and disabled customers pay their utility bills.

Fiber

WiFi is out and Fiber is in! Access to a fiber network provides superior speed and dependability, it’s a great asset for businesses and a convenient service for residents to take advantage of. Thanks to Trilight, Jefferson County has four municipalities that are each certified as a “Gig City” with 10+ gig download speeds and impressive bandwidth available.

Gas

Jefferson-Cocke Utility District

JCCUD provides natural gas and propane with a focus on safety and customer service. They also offer rebates and incentives for new service customers.

Water & Sewer

Water and sewer service providers in Jefferson County include White Pine Public Works, Jefferson City Public Works, Dandridge Water Management Facility, Shady Grove Utility District, Witt Utility District, New Market Utility District, and Alpha-Talbott Utility District.

COUNTY PROFILE

Population: 54,624

Time Zone: Eastern

Grand Division: East TN

Area: 274.1 Square Miles

County Seat: Dandridge, TN

Metro Area: Morristown, TN

ECD Region: East

COST OF LIVING

Average Household Income: $51,900.00

Average Property Value: $154,800

(National Avg: $229,800)

Median Rent for Apartment: $750

No State Income Tax

Homeownership Rate: 75.7%

(11.3% higher than national average)

Cost of Living Index: 77.3

(Jefferson County is 22.7% more affordable than the US average)

EMPLOYMENT

Labor Force: 24,696

Unemployment Rate: 3.3%

Predicted Job Growth over the next 10 Years: 39.1%

EDUCATION

%

High School Graduation Rate

(10% higher than national average)

%

Population with Associate Degree or Higher

%

Population with Bachelor’s Degree or Higher

EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY

Manufacturing: 15.61%

Retail Trade: 13%

Healthcare & Social Services: 10.19%

Hospitality and Food Service: 10.19%

Education: 7.93%

Other: 43.08%

EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY

15.61%

13%

10.19%

7.93%

43.08%

ESTABLISHMENTS BY INDUSTRY

Service & Public Administration

Retail Trade

Hospitality & Food Service

Healthcare & Social Services

Construction

Professional & Technological

Real Estate

Wholesale Trade

Other

MAJOR INDUSTRIAL EMPLOYEERS

Old Dominion Freight Lines

Bush Brothers & Company

Nyrstar-TN Mines Co.

American Book Company

Oshkosh Manufacturing

Sonoco

Matsuo Industries

TRU Homes

Overman USA, Inc.

Masonite International Corp

Footwear Industries of TN

Taxes & Incentives

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

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

%

State Income Tax on Wages

%

State Sales Tax

%

County Sales Tax

County Property Tax

Tax Rates by Municipality

Jefferson County

White Pine

Jefferson City

New Market

Dandridge

Baneberry

Tax Assessment Ratios

Residential Property 25% 25%
Commercial & Industrial Property 40% 40%
Business & Personal Property 30% 30%
Public Utility 55% 55%

Incentives

Jefferson County businesses have access to a long list of local and state incentive and grant programs. These programs are designed to reduce costs, support financial health, and provide opportunities and funds so that businesses can succeed and grow.

The Jefferson County and Jefferson City Industrial Development Boards (IDB) offer tax abatement incentives including the Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) program. This is an abatement on the real or personal property taxes related to a new or expanding business’ project. These incentive programs are based upon capital investment, new jobs created, and the wages associated with those jobs.

The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) offers several incentives and grant programs that benefit businesses in their service area. The Valley Incentive Programs (VIP) support economic growth by assisting new and growing businesses, rewarding top performing companies, and providing helpful financing options with minimal risk.

Contact our team for more information on these programs and how to apply.