Demographics
As of 2022, Grainger County, Tennessee has a population of approximately 23,400. The median age is about 45 years, indicating an older population. Females slightly outnumber males, comprising 51% of residents. The county is predominantly White (94.8%), with small percentages of Black or African American (1.2%), Hispanic or Latino (2.3%), and other races making up the remainder. The population is largely rural, reflecting the county’s agricultural roots.
Elections
Grainger County, TN, had 16,232 registered voters as of 2022. The county holds primary, general, and local elections, with polling locations in Rutledge, Bean Station, and surrounding precincts. In the 2020 Presidential Election, 83% voted Republican, 16% Democrat. Voter turnout was 65%. Issues include school funding and infrastructure. Elections are overseen by the Grainger County Election Commission, with Republican and Democratic parties actively involved. In 2024, 6 polling sites were used.
Education, Employment and Housing
Grainger County, TN has 8 public schools, including 2 high schools: Grainger High and Washburn High. The high school graduation rate is about 92%, but only roughly 10% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. School safety measures are in place, and schools have earned average GreatSchools ratings between 4 and 6 out of 10. The district offers vocational, dual enrollment, and adult education programs. Education funding per pupil is approximately $9,200.
Grainger County, TN, had an employment rate of approximately 52.3% in 2022. The largest industries include manufacturing (17.4%), health care and social assistance (16.6%), and retail trade (12.3%). Most workers hold office and administrative support, production, or sales occupations. The average commute time is around 31 minutes, with 81% of residents driving alone to work. A significant portion of the labor force commutes to nearby counties—such as Knox and Hamblen—for employment.
Grainger County, TN, boasts a 2024 homeownership rate of approximately 78%, significantly higher than the U.S. average. The median home value is around $190,000, with rental rates averaging $925 per month. Housing mainly consists of single-family homes and rural properties, with most neighborhoods being small towns like Rutledge and Bean Station. Over the past year, property values have increased by about 5%. Property tax rates are low, at roughly $0.97 per $100 of assessed value, making it an affordable option for homeowners seeking rural or semi-rural living.
County Crime & Safety
Grainger County, TN, maintains a relatively low crime rate compared to national averages. According to recent FBI data, the county reported a violent crime rate of approximately 84 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime rate of about 540 per 100,000. Law enforcement agencies encourage prompt public reporting and maintain community policing efforts. Overall, Grainger County is considered safer than 65% of U.S. counties. Residents benefit from proactive sheriff’s office patrols, with local crime statistics regularly updated and available through annual reports and Tennessee Bureau of Investigation databases.
Popular names
- Kathleen Carter
- James Williams
- Rebecca Thompson
- Michael Smith
- Barbara Smith
- David Roach
- James Dalton
- Larry Johnson
- Linda Johnson
- Michael Collins
- Michael Jarnigan
- Randy Dalton
- Robert Atkins
- Tammy Dalton
- William Fennell
- Amanda Smith
- Barbara Jones
- Charles Smith
- Derrick Dalton
- Douglas Collins
- James Coffey
- James Collins
- James King
- James Smith
- Jamie Collins
- Jason Newman
- Jerry Dalton
- Joyce Long
- Karen Cameron
- Lisa Smith
- Michael Brown
- Patricia Nicley
- Richard Bailey
- Ricky Johnson
- Timothy Williams
- Victor Garcia
- Alvin Rouse
- Amanda Bailey
- Andrew Collins
- Anna Walker
- Anthony Pruitt
- Barbara Owens
- Belinda Dees
- Bobbie Smith
- Bobby Williams
- Brenda Scearce
- Brian Collins
- Brian Johnson
- Carolyn Greenlee
- Charles Coffey
- Christopher Roach
- Crystal Hayes
- David Davis
- David Miller
- David Patterson
- David Shelton
- Diane Wilson
- Dustin Coffey
- Gary Dalton
- Gary Johnson
Other Counties in Tennessee
- Anderson
- Bedford
- Benton
- Bledsoe
- Blount
- Bradley
- Campbell
- Cannon
- Carroll
- Carter
- Cheatham
- Chester
- Claiborne
- Clay
- Cocke
- Coffee
- Crockett
- Cumberland
- Davidson
- Decatur
- Dekalb
- Dickson
- Dyer
- Fayette
- Fentress
- Franklin
- Gibson
- Giles
- Greene
- Grundy
- Hamblen
- Hamilton
- Hancock
- Hardeman
- Hardin
- Hawkins
- Haywood
- Henderson
- Henry
- Hickman
- Houston
- Humphreys
- Jackson
- Jefferson
- Johnson
- Knox
- Lake
- Lauderdale
- Lawrence
- Lewis