Cocke County Public RecordsTennessee

Cocke County, TN, has a higher crime rate than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 8.19 per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 37.76 per 1,000, according to recent FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data. The county reports over 1,000 property crimes and 220 violent crimes annually. Safety initiatives are ongoing, but crime rates remain above Tennessee’s state averages. Residents are advised to be vigilant, as the chance of becoming a victim of property crime in Cocke County is 1 in 27, and 1 in 122 for violent crime.

Cocke County, TN, has approximately 22,000 registered voters as of 2024. Voters participate in federal, state, and local elections, including primaries and general elections. In the 2020 presidential election, about 80% voted Republican and 18% Democrat. There are 14 polling locations across the county, administered by the Cocke County Election Commission. Notable issues include economic development and drug abuse. Republican and Democratic parties are active, with Republicans dominating local offices. Voter turnout typically ranges from 56% to 65% in major elections.

Cocke County, TN, operates 14 public schools, including two high schools (Cocke County High and Cosby High), serving about 4,500 students. The high school graduation rate is 89%, but only around 10% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Average district-wide test scores fall below the state average, ranking in the bottom 50% of Tennessee districts. School safety initiatives include resource officers and security upgrades. Adult education programs, such as GED preparation and workforce training, are available through Walters State Community College's Newport center. Specialized programs include vocational training and dual enrollment partnerships.

As of 2022, Cocke County, TN, had an employment rate of approximately 50.9%. Leading industries include manufacturing (22%), retail trade (15%), and health care/social assistance (14%). Major occupation groups are production (18%), sales/office (17%), and management/business (11%). The average commute time is 25 minutes, with 77% of workers driving alone and about 18% commuting outside the county for work, primarily to Sevier and Knox Counties.

Cocke County, TN, has a homeownership rate of about 68%, with median home values around $175,000 (2023). Rental rates average $900/month, and approximately 32% of households rent. The market has seen annual price increases of 7% in recent years. Housing consists mainly of single-family homes, with some apartments and mobile homes, especially in Newport and surrounding rural communities. Notable neighborhoods include Edwina and Parrottsville. Property taxes are low, averaging $520 annually for a $150,000 home, attracting retirees and new residents.

As of the 2020 Census, Cocke County, TN, has a population of 35,999. The median age is 44.1 years, with 49% male and 51% female residents. The county is predominantly White (92.0%), with smaller populations of Black or African American (2.1%), Native American (0.4%), Asian (0.4%), and those identifying as two or more races (4.1%). Hispanic or Latino residents comprise 3.7% of the population.