Knoxville Residents Brace Themselves For Possible Growth In 2026

Image Credit: Canva

Tennessee Conservative News Staff –

Knoxville residents are worried about a recent prediction that the city will experience a major population increase in 2026.

A recent report from moveBuddha shows that it is anticipated that Knoxville will have the highest in-to-out ratio with 1.61 people moving in for every person leaving the city.

Governor Bill Lee, however, is excited about the potential growth in the area. He noted that Tennessee is a common destination for families and companies alike.

In a recent post on X, Lee invited New York businesses to consider a move to the state.

“If you’re a New York business owner who doesn’t like the direction your city is headed, we have a message for you: Tennessee is open for business. Strong economy. Low taxes. Government won’t get in your way. TN is the place for people who value opportunity, security & freedom.”

In his invitation, he noted that the state has “a workforce that is ready for any industry.”

UT Knoxville’s Center for Transportation Research director Kevin Heaslip says the city is well-prepared for the growth and that the increase could be a positive thing.

“If lots of rich people move to Knoxville, that gives us the opportunity to have more revenue to do more things,” Heaslip said. “I think that it’s a positive thing in general, and the more people that see the area and fall in love with it, and they move here, that’s more economic activity.” 

Some residents are concerned that the infrastructure of the city is not up to par to handle the growth, and they are worried about potential traffic issues.

“If you want to go somewhere like over here or to the doctor’s office, you can’t plan anything else for your day because it’s done,” said resident Peggy Hosack. “You go get something to eat, and you go home and go to bed.”