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Local
Development Data:
Development
Activity
Knoxville Area Facts and Figures
Property
Market Studies
Technical Report Series
Traffic Counts
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KNOXVILLE AREA FACTS
AND FIGURES
June 2003, Edition
MPC's annually published brochure is a
descriptive text and statistical summary of local physical, social,
cultural, government, and economic conditions in the Knoxville area.
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WAYS TO RECEIVE THE FACTS AND FIGURES BROCHURE:
1. Copies of the printed version of the
brochure are available from the Planning Commission, free of charge
for quantities up to 15. Contact Gretchen Beal (215-2500, gretchen.beal@knoxmpc.org)
for more information.
2. If you have Adobe Acrobat Reader, you
can view, download, and print the formatted (.pdf) brochure. 2003
Facts and Figures PDF (450K file)
3. The on-line version of the 2003
Facts and Figures Brochure is
presented below in two sections:
Description
Statistics
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THE
KNOXVILLE AREA
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LOCATION AND CLIMATE
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Founded
in 1791 where the French Broad and Holston Rivers meet to form
the Tennessee River, Knoxville is the largest city in East Tennessee
and ranks 3rd statewide with its metropolitan population of
704,000. It is located in a broad valley between the Cumberland
Mountains to the northwest and the Great Smoky Mountains to
the southeast. These two mountain ranges afford an attractive
natural setting and provide a moderate, four-season climate,
with average monthly temperatures ranging from 38 degrees in
January to 78 degrees in July. The City of Knoxville comprises
101 square miles of the 526-square mile total for Knox County.
Downtown Knoxville is 936 feet above sea level.
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LIVABILITY
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The most
recent edition of the Places Rated Almanac, a nationally-recognized
barometer of metropolitan quality, ranked Knoxville 13th best
city for overall livability amid 353 competitors. Among centers
with less than 1 million population, Knoxville topped the list.
Its high scores were the result of an impressive showing in
job growth, health care, recreation, education, and cost of
living.
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INCOME
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In 2001,
Knoxville/Knox County per capita personal income was $29,426,
a 3.5% increase from 2000. The 2000-01 state increase was 2.0%,
and the national change was 2.2%. Between 1991 and 2001, the
average annual growth rate of per capita personal income in
Knox County was 4.2%. This was below the 4.4% average for Tennessee
and nearer the national rate of 4.3%.
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LABOR FORCE
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The 2002
civilian labor force in the Knoxville MSA was 378,500, with
an average unemployment rate of 3.5%. Knox County reported a
total labor force of 213,320 and 2.8% unemployment. Rates for
both Knox County and the MSA were lower than the statewide average
of 5.1% and the national level of 5.8%.
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EMPLOYMENT
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2002 nonfarm
employment by industry for the Knoxville MSA:
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Industry
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Employment |
Share
of Total (%)
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| Natural
Resources, Mining |
600 |
0.2 |
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Construction
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16,400
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4.7 |
| Manufacturing |
42.200 |
12.1 |
Durable
goods
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29,700 |
8.5 |
Nondurable
good
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12,500 |
3.6 |
| Wholesale
Trade |
14,200 |
4.1 |
| Retail
Trade |
49,000 |
14.0 |
| Transportation,
Utilities |
11,000 |
3.2 |
| Information |
5,900 |
1.7 |
| Financail
Activities |
16,300 |
4.7 |
| Professional,
Business Services |
40,600 |
11.6 |
| Educational,
Health Services |
36,200 |
10.4 |
| Leisure
and Hospitality |
42,900 |
12.3 |
| Other
Services |
14,000 |
4.0 |
| Government |
59,500 |
17.1 |
| Total |
348,800 |
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Source: Tennessee Department of
Labor and Workforce Development, January 2003.
*MSA refers to Anderson, Blount,
Knox, Loudon, Sevier, and Union Counties.
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A diversified economy is credited for the stability of local employment
and wages. Total MSA employment in 2002 was 365,300, including
self-employed and agricultural workers, up 5% from the previous
year. The metropolitan area hopes to gain 35,000 new jobs over
the next 5 years through its economic development initiative,
Jobs Now!. |
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COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
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A recent
evaluation by Forbes.com ranked Knoxville 22nd among the 300
Best Places for Business and Careers, based on cost of doing
business, job growth, educational attainment, and population.
The favorable business climate has fostered an economy driven
by health and education services, retail trade, government,
and manufacturing operations. Many local companies are recognized
as national and global business leaders, including Clayton Homes,
Brunswick Corporation, Goody’s Family Clothing, Pilot Corporation,
and Ruby Tuesday.
Knox County
offers 11 business parks and a Technology Corridor to meet a
wide range of corporate facility needs. Investment in new or
expanded industrial operations in the county in 2002 totaled
$148 million and created 1,734 jobs. Across the metro area,
new investment reached $632 million, netting 4,243 jobs.
Four regional
malls and more than 150 shopping centers and factory outlets
comprise the retail landscape of the Knoxville area. Total retail
sales hit $6.6 billion in Knox County in 2002, up 4.2% from
the previous year. MSA retail sales topped $10.7 billion, a
3.9% gain over 2001 figures. The Knoxville metro area is ranked
61st nationwide in total retail sales.
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TAXES
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Under Tennessee
Constitutional law, residential property is assessed at 25%
of appraised value, and commercial/industrial property is assessed
at 40% of appraised value. The current property tax rate for
Knox County residents is $2.96 per $100 assessed value. The
rate within the City of Knoxville is $2.70 per $100 assessed
value. Residents in the city are subject to both city and county
property taxes.
The state
sales tax is 6% on food and food ingredients and 7% on all other
tangible personal property. The local rate, applicable countywide,
is 2.25%, bringing the total sales tax in Knox County to 8.25-9.25%.
About 72 percent of the local portion goes to the Knox County
School system and the remainder is dedicated to the general
funds of Knoxville and Knox County.
There is
no personal income tax in Tennessee, however, the state does
levy a tax of 6% on stock dividends and bond interest over $1,250
for single-filers. Called the Hall Income Tax, it applies to
both individuals and partnerships.
All businesses
in Knox County must have an operating license. Establishments
within the City of Knoxville must have both a city and county
license. Business taxes are calculated on gross receipts and
are assessed within 1 of 4 classes of operation. Assessments
range from 1/40 of 1% to 3/16 of 1%, depending on type of business.
Many professional services and manufacturers are exempt from
local business taxes but are responsible for the state’s Professional
Privilege Tax or Franchise and Excise Taxes. More information
can be obtained from the business tax offices of the city at
865-215-2083 and the county at 865-215-2392. State tax information
is available from the Department of Revenue, 615-253-0600.
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EDUCATION
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Knox County
operates 89 public schools, including 51 elementary, 14 middle,
and 12 high schools, 2 vocational schools, and 10 special/adult
education centers. Included in the total are 5 magnet schools
offering an enhanced arts and science curriculum. Public school
enrollment in 2002 was 51,800. The system employs 3,435 teachers
with an average classroom ratio of 1 teacher for every 20 students.
In addition to public schools, there are 31 active private and
parochial schools offering elementary and secondary instruction
in Knox County.
Post-secondary
education is available at 10 public and private 4-year institutions
in Knox County and surrounding area. The University of Tennessee
is the largest, with an average enrollment of 25,500 students
at its main campus in Knoxville. Five community colleges offer
2-year programs for associate degrees, and several vocational
and technical institutions also serve the area.
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TRANSPORTATION
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An extensive
transportation network connects Knoxville to the U.S. marketplace.
Forty percent of the nation’s population is within 600 miles
of Knoxville via I-40, I-75, and I-81 which intersect the metro
area. The city is directly linked to the Great Lakes by the
Interconnected Inland Water System and to the Gulf of Mexico
by the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway. Barge shipping is facilitated
by 3 local river terminals. Also serving the area are 125 truck
lines, 3 railroads, and 7 airlines. Knoxville Area Transit (KAT)
serves the city with 28 public bus routes, operating 80 vehicles
and carrying 2 million passengers a year. A trolley system serves
the downtown and university areas.
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COMMUNICATIONS
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Knoxville
businesses and residents have access to services that are on
the leading edge of communications technology. Downtown Knoxville
and other local sites are served by BellSouth’s high capacity
fiber optic network, allowing direct access to long distance
carriers and point-to-point connections. Also available are
digital switching centers, common channel signaling, ISDN and
DSL capabilities, cellular/wireless mobility, enhanced E-911,
metro area calling, and equal access to several long distance
providers. Comcast and other local companies offer digital cable
and high speed internet access. The advanced communications
network has attracted the telemarketing divisions of several
large corporations to Knoxville.
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UTILITIES
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In much
of Knox County, the Knoxville Utilities Board (KUB) provides
natural gas, water, and wastewater services and distributes
electric power generated by the Tennessee Valley Authority.
Beyond KUB’s service area, portions of the county receive electricity
from 2 local power companies, and water is supplied by 6 utility
districts, 5 of which also provide wastewater treatment service.
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CIVIC ORGANIZATIONS
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The
Knoxville Area Chamber Partnership has 1,813 members who
participate in economic development, general commerce,
and civic affairs. Around 150 civic groups and 200 neighborhood
associations are active in the city and county. United
Way and Community Shares support agencies providing youth,
family, and social service programs. Organizations such
as the Community Action Committee and Child and Family
Tennessee also offer local assistance. More than 430 churches,
serving many faiths and denominations, meet the religious
needs of the community.
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RECREATION AND TOURISM
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Knoxville/Knox
County has 5,702 acres of park and recreation space, including
27 recreation centers, 6 senior citizen centers, 144 playgrounds
and parks, 103 tennis courts, 20 public golf courses,
and 14 greenways and walking trails. Two major attractions
for both young and old are the Knoxville Zoological Gardens
and Ijams Nature Center. The Tennessee Smokies provide
professional baseball for East Tennesseans, while the
Knoxville Ice Bears bring minor league hockey to local
fans. National championship UT sports teams draw thousands
of enthusiasts to games each year. Special seasonal events
include the Dogwood Arts Festival in the spring, Festival
on the Fourth in the summer, Boomsday in the fall, and
Christmas In The City in December. The nearby Great Smoky
Mountains National Park is the country’s most visited
national park with 9.3 million visitors in 2002. Knoxvillians
and visitors alike enjoy the beauty and leisure activities
that can be found there and at the numerous state parks,
lakes, and resorts which dot the area.
Knoxville
supports an active tourism and convention trade. A new
500,000 square foot convention center on the World’s Fair
Park site opened in 2002. The center includes spacious
meeting rooms and a 500-seat lecture hall. Other local
facilities are a large civic coliseum/auditorium, two
exhibition halls, and a 25,000-seat arena. In 2000, travelers
spent more than $549 million in Knox County, ranking it
fifth in the state for visitor expenditures. Over 8,500
people are employed in travel related jobs in Knox County.
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ARTS AND CULTURE
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The
Knoxville Symphony, the Knoxville Opera Company, and the
Tennessee Children’s Dance Ensemble are among the many
exceptional arts organizations in Knoxville. Additional
dance companies, civic choral groups, and ten theaters
also help celebrate the arts. Live entertainment productions
include touring Broadway productions, ice shows, concerts,
and circuses. The Knoxville Museum of Art, the 11th Street
Artists Colony, and The Candy Factory feature changing
exhibits throughout the year. Many libraries, historic
sites, and museums, such as the Museum of Appalachia and
the Beck Cultural Center, celebrate the cultural heritage
of the Knoxville area.
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The Knoxville Metropolitan Statistical
Area (MSA) refers to Anderson, Blount, Knox, Loudon, Sevier,
and Union Counties.
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Airlines
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American Eagle, ComAir, Continental
Express, Delta, Northwest/Northwest AirLink, United Express,
USAirways Express
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7
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Daily flights
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59
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Air passengers
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1,432,010
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Air
Services
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Cargo Services
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7
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Air freight 2000/(tons)
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38,260
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Building
Permits 2002 (city/county)
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Total number
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3,676
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Total value
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$653,653,811
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Bus
Terminals
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Greyhound/Trailways
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1
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Businesses—2001
Census
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Knox County
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11,099
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MSA*
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18,523
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Churches
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Number
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430
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Cost
of Living
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US average = 100
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Knoxville = 88.5
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Country
Clubs
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Number
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6
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Dwelling
Units (city/county)
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2000 Census
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171,439
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2002 estimate
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181,225
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Earnings
2001 MSA*
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Average All Production
Workers
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Per hour
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$13.75
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Per week
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$569
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Annual average pay
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$29,806
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Education
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College Graduates
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Percent of population
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29
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College and University
Enrollment/2001
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University of Tennessee
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25,500
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Knoxville College
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262
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Pellissippi State Technical Community
College
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7,800
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Schools
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Public
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89
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Private/Parochial
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31
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Business/Vocational
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20
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Employment
2002 MSA*
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Annual average
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365,300
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Labor force
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378,500
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Government
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City
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Mayor;
9 Council members
(4-year terms)
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County
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County Executive;
Board of 19 Commissioners (4-year terms)
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Historic
Districts
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17
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Hospital
Systems (Knox County)
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General use
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5
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Children's hospital
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1
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Beds, approximate number
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2,630
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Hotel/Motel
Rooms
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Number
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7,500
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Average room rate
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$62.37
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Occupancy rate
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58.0%
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Housing—2002
Median Sales Price
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Knox County
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$119,800
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US
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$162,400
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Apartment rent
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$545
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Industrial
Properties—2001
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Number of buildings
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704
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Total footage (million sq.ft.)
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33.7
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Vacancy
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7.2%
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Libraries
- Knox County Public Library
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Size of collection
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1,002,713
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Branches
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17
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Manufacturing
Establishments—2001 Census
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Knox County
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459
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MSA*
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873
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Newspapers—circulation
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Knoxville News-Sentinel, Daily (morning) - circulation |
121,000
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The Knoxville News-Sentinel, Sunday - circulation |
155,000
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Weeklies, biweeklies, and monthlies
(Total Number)
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12
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Office
Properties—2002
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Number of buildings
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476
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Total footage (million sq. ft.)
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17.9
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Vacancy
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7.9%
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| Average
Rent (per sq. ft.) |
$12.60
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Park
Area - approximate public acreage
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Knox County
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5,702
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Population—2000
Census
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City of Knoxville
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173,890
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Knox County (including city)
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382,032
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 (2002)
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389,327
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MSA*
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687,249
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(2002)
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704,431
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Median age
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36
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Radio
and Television
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Radio stations
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26
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Television stations
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6
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Railroad
Lines
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CSX/Seaboard, Norfolk Southern
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2
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| Miles
of Lines |
170
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Retail
Establishments—2001 Census
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Knox County
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1,913
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MSA*
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3,500
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Retail
Sales - (in thousands) 2002
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Knox County
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$6,568,766,000
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MSA*
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$10,727,260,000
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| Sales
per Capita |
$16,872
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Service
Establishments—2001 Census
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Knox County
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5,222
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MSA*
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8,462
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Shopping
Centers—2000
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Number
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148
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Total Footage (millions sq. ft.)
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14.5
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Vacancy Rate
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8.3%
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Temperature
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Average, yearly
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58 degrees F
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Theaters
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Movie theaters
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86
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Performance theaters
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9
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Dinner theaters
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1
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Water
Transportation - 2002
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Port of Knoxville (tons)
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569,785
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| Barges
per Year |
591
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Wholesale
Establishments—2001 Census
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Knox County
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922
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MSA*
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1,208
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Text Description
Top of Statistics
E-mail comments
or questions to: contact@knoxmpc.org
This is
not a legal document. It does not replace or amend the existing procedures
and regulations governing the publication of agency information. If
you have questions, please contact MPC by telephone at (865) 215-2500.
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