City Leaders Work To Meet Demands As Tri-Cities Continue To Show Record Growth Rates

Image: Town of Greeneville, Tennessee Image Credit: greenevilletn.gov

The Tennessee Conservative Staff –

The Tri-Cities have experienced a record increase in growth for the second year in a row, following several years of increase at a much slower rate.

According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau estimates, the seven-county region saw a surge of 12,682 people from 2021 to 2023, surpassing the entire population growth recorded from 2010 to 2020. 

During the previous ten years, most of that growth was seen in Washington County. The most recent data shows, however, that the other six counties are now seeing greater increases, with the regional growth now aligned with the state growth rate.

Northeast Tennessee’s estimated population is now said to be 524,885. Because growth across the nation has slowed since 2020, the region is now growing at a rate that exceeds the national average. 

Don Fenley, a data analyst with the Northeast Tennessee Association of Realtors, told News Channel 11, “We’ve been discovered.”

Area leaders believe that post-pandemic trends, coupled with the natural aesthetic and quality of life in the region have played an integral part in the increase. The availability of high-speed broadband internet allows those who are now working from home to do so without issue in the area. No state income or property tax is also assumed to be a draw to the area.

Some of the areas in the region are looking towards future development in order to accommodate their growing size.

Greeneville Town Manager Todd Smith says the town is working hard to determine what improvements need to be made to meet the demands of continued increase. While there are plans to build at least 600 new homes in the area, the town added more than 1200 new residents before that could take place.

He also noted that some areas would need new traffic signals and additional turn lanes. They are also looking at increasing fire and police services. 

Smith says the increase is a positive thing that brings in additional revenue to the area, despite the expenses brought about.

“The influx of new people, I think, is an indicator that we’re doing something right,” Smith stated.