Hamilton County Public RecordsTennessee

Hamilton County, TN has over 70 public schools, including 20 high schools, serving nearly 45,000 students. About 26% of residents aged 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Schools in the county score an average of 6/10 on GreatSchools ratings. The county offers magnet, STEM, and career/technical programs, as well as adult education initiatives. The graduation rate is approximately 87%. School safety measures include resource officers and security technology across all campuses.

As of early 2024, Hamilton County, TN, boasts an employment rate of approximately 97%. Major industries include healthcare (employing 22%), manufacturing (13%), and retail trade (12%). Prominent occupations are in management, business, and healthcare, comprising about 35% of jobs. Most residents (78%) commute by car, averaging a 20-minute commute. Key employment locations are the city of Chattanooga and surrounding suburbs, with around 62% working within the county and 38% commuting from neighboring areas.

Hamilton County, TN, has a homeownership rate of approximately 65%, with median home values around $298,000 in 2024. The median rent is $1,300 per month. Housing options range from historic homes in neighborhoods like St. Elmo and North Chattanooga to new developments in Ooltewah. The county’s property values have increased about 8% year-over-year, reflecting a competitive market. Property taxes average 1.6%, with an annual tax of roughly $2,500 on a median-priced home. Rental and homeowner options are robust, with diverse neighborhoods and strong market growth.

As of the 2020 Census, Hamilton County, TN, had a population of 366,207. The median age is 40.2 years. Females comprise about 52%, while males are 48%. Racially, the county is 71% White, 20% Black or African American, 2% Asian, and 6% Hispanic or Latino, with other races making up the remainder. This diverse demographic reflects growth and change in the Chattanooga metropolitan area.

Hamilton County, TN, had 247,000 registered voters as of 2024. The county holds primary, general, and runoff elections for local, state, and federal offices. In the 2020 presidential election, 58% voted Republican and 40% Democratic. There are 80 polling locations managed by the Hamilton County Election Commission. Key issues include education funding and public safety. Election administration emphasizes security and accessibility, with both Republican and Democratic parties active; 38% of voters identify as Republican, 31% Democrat, and 31% independent or other. Early, absentee, and Election Day voting options are available.

Hamilton County, TN, reported a crime rate of 41.29 per 1,000 residents in 2023, with property crime making up 34.67 and violent crime accounting for 6.62 per 1,000. Chattanooga, the county’s largest city, saw higher rates than the national average. The Sheriff’s Office encourages public reporting via online portals and neighborhood watch programs. Crime has decreased 5% since 2022, with increased patrols and community outreach contributing to improved safety. Despite progress, Hamilton County’s overall crime rate remains above Tennessee’s state average, highlighting ongoing challenges in the region.