Washington County continues to see a steady stream of new households from across the country. It’s not the flood it was during the early pandemic,  but household growth remains consistent and above pre-pandemic norms.

The continued growth of 600 – 800 new households per year suggests a durable appeal rooted in quality of life, affordability, and access to opportunity.

The influx began in 2020, when 1,659 new households of people from out of state. That pace remained strong in 2021 with 1,501 additional households, then gradually tapered off:

• 2022: 826 new households
• 2023: 641 new households
• 2024: 640 new households

Johnson City continues to lead where the new households are by a wide margin, but other areas are also sharing in the growth.

• Johnson City – 2,826 households
• Jonesborough – 847 households
• Gray – 79 households
• Piney Flats – 268 households
• The portion of Kingsport serviced by Brightridge – 251

Age Segmentation by Community

While Johnson City attracts the widest demographic spread, surrounding communities are carving out distinct niches – especially among older adults

Johnson City

The region’s relocation hub, attracting a wide range of ages:

•  Young adults – 18–22 – 145 households
• Young adults – 23-34 – 1,014 households
• Prime-age families -35-54 – 907 households
• Seniors – 65+ – 342 households

Jonesborough

A magnet for midlife movers and retirees:

• 45–64 – 276 households
• 65–84 – 222 households

Gray

Balanced appeal across working-age and retirement demographics:

• 25–44 – 290 households
•  55–74 – 280 households

Piney Flats

Small volume, older skew:

• 55–84 – 76 households
• Family age – 35-54 –  52 households

Kingsport

Mixed-age migration, with notable appeal to older adults:

• 18-34: 85 households
•  55+: 108 households

Where Are These Households Coming From?

1. Florida – 778 households
2. North Carolina – 723 households
3. Virginia – 588 households
4. California – 370 households
5. Texas – 255 households

Categories: DEMOGRAPHICS