The latest data from the Census Bureau highlights steady population growth across key cities in the Tri-Cities region with varying levels of momentum depending on the community. The overall trend suggests a continuation of modest but meaningful urban expansion, with a few standout performers.

Jonesborough led all cities with a notable population growth rate of 4.0%. This strong gain reflects the town’s rising appeal as a residential hub, likely driven by its historic charm and proximity to Johnson City’s residential development.

Rogersville followed with a growth rate of 1.86%, marking a rebound after several years of minimal or negative growth. The town’s gradual revitalization and affordable living conditions may be contributing factors.

Church Hill, Elizabethton, and Mountain City rounded out the top five, each registering growth just under or above 1%. These communities continue to benefit from spillover growth, affordable housing, and infrastructure investments that support livability for smaller cities.

Stability in Larger Cities

Johnson City, the region’s largest city, maintained steady growth through 2024 but showed a deceleration compared to earlier years. This is being driven by a tight housing supply and some shifting demand toward surrounding suburbs by buyers’ affordability concerns.

Kingsport, while still expanding, posted minimal year-over-year growth, suggesting that population momentum may be stabilizing after stronger post-2020 gains.

Broader Trends and Implications

• Suburban Momentum: Cities like Jonesborough and Church Hill are attracting new residents at faster rates than larger urban cores, pointing to a continued suburban shift.
• Small Town Revivals: Rogersville and Mountain City’s upticks reflect broader regional dynamics where affordability and quality of life are driving population increases outside the main metros.

• Tri-Cities suburban momentum, small towns revival show best population growth rates

• Moderated Growth: Most cities are growing at rates under 2%, which suggests sustainable, non-speculative development—an encouraging sign for infrastructure planning and service delivery.

This population growth outlook signals a healthy regional dynamic where both core cities and surrounding towns are evolving in tandem.

The 2024 population growth estimates and new residents as of July 1 are:

Categories: CORE DATA