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?
- Florida – 778 households
- North Carolina – 723 households
- Virginia – 588 households
- California – 370 households
- Texas – 255 households