Jefferson County Public RecordsTennessee

Jefferson County, TN, with over 36,200 residents, had 25,815 registered voters as of 2022. Elections include federal, state, and local offices, plus referenda. In the 2020 presidential election, 78% voted Republican and 20% Democrat. Polling locations number 17, managed by the Jefferson County Election Commission. Recent issues include school funding and property tax. Administration follows Tennessee state law, with bipartisan oversight; the Republican Party holds most local offices. Turnout in major elections typically averages 60%, reflecting robust civic engagement.

Jefferson County, TN has about 13 public schools, including two high schools. The high school graduation rate is approximately 91%, while around 17% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Test scores in the district are close to the state average, with a score of 55/100 on some statewide metrics. School safety initiatives include resource officers and security upgrades. Educational programs offered include dual enrollment, Advanced Placement, and vocational training, supporting both college-bound and career-focused students. Adult education services, including GED preparation, are available through local education centers.

As of early 2024, Jefferson County, TN, has an unemployment rate of approximately 3.2%. Major employment sectors include manufacturing (23%), health care and social assistance (18%), and retail trade (12%). About 60% of workers are employed in management, business, sciences, sales, and office occupations, while 33% work in production, transportation, and material moving. Roughly 76% of residents commute outside the county for employment, with Knoxville and Sevier County being common destinations, and the average one-way commute time is 28 minutes.

Jefferson County, TN has a homeownership rate of approximately 75%, higher than the national average, with a median home value around $240,000 in 2023. Rental options are limited, with median rents near $1,100/month. Housing types include single-family homes, manufactured homes, and some apartments, notably in Dandridge and Jefferson City. Popular neighborhoods feature lakefront and rural living. Property values have risen about 10% year-over-year, reflecting growing demand. Property tax rates are roughly $1.66 per $100 of assessed value, making the area relatively affordable compared to larger Tennessee markets.

Jefferson County, TN, maintains a relatively low crime rate compared to national averages, with a violent crime rate of 2.03 per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 17.05 per 1,000 people as of 2023. The Sheriff's Office regularly reports incidents and emphasizes community policing. Jefferson City, the county’s largest city, experiences slightly higher rates, but overall, residents report feeling safe. Crime statistics are publicly accessible via annual reports, and the county saw a modest 4% decrease in total crime over the last year, reflecting ongoing safety efforts.

As of 2022, Jefferson County, TN, has an estimated population of 56,200. The median age is approximately 43. About 51% are female and 49% male. The racial composition is predominantly White (91%), followed by Black or African American (3%), Hispanic or Latino (3%), and smaller percentages of Asian, Native American, and other groups. This demographic profile reflects a largely White, slightly older population with modest racial and ethnic diversity.