County Crime & Safety
McMinn County, TN, reports a higher-than-average crime rate compared to state and national levels. The 2022 FBI data showed a violent crime rate of about 4.1 incidents per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 17.6 per 1,000. Athens, the county seat, experiences most of these incidents. Law enforcement records indicate around 350 total violent crimes and over 1,400 property crimes reported countywide annually. Community initiatives and increased police presence are in place to enhance public safety and reduce these numbers.
Elections
As of 2024, McMinn County, TN has about 34,000 residents and approximately 25,000 registered voters. The county holds federal, state, and local elections, with the Republican Party dominating recent results—over 75% supported GOP candidates in the 2020 presidential race. Voting takes place at 15 polling locations across the county, managed by the McMinn County Election Commission. Key issues include education funding and economic development. Administration ensures compliance with state election laws. Both Republican and Democratic parties maintain a presence, though the former is stronger. Voter turnout averaged 62% in recent general elections.
Demographics
As of 2022, McMinn County, TN, has a population of approximately 53,000. The median age is about 42 years, reflecting a slightly older population. Gender distribution is nearly balanced, with 51% female and 49% male. Racially, the county is predominantly White (89%), with Black or African American residents making up 4%, Hispanic or Latino 4%, and other races and multiracial individuals comprising about 3% of the total population.
Education, Employment and Housing
McMinn County, TN, has 15 public schools, including 2 high schools, with a graduation rate of 91%. About 15% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Public schools, scoring an average of 5/10 on GreatSchools, offer AP courses, vocational training, and dual enrollment programs. Adult education is supported by local community colleges and the Tennessee College of Applied Technology. School safety measures such as SROs and counseling services are in place.
As of 2022, McMinn County, TN, had an employment rate of 55.2%, with major industries including manufacturing (24.6%), healthcare and social assistance (17.9%), and retail trade (10.7%). The leading occupation types are production (15.2%), office and administrative support (12.3%), and sales (10.5%). About 75% of residents commute by car, with an average commute time of 22.7 minutes. Most workers are employed within the county, but approximately 32% commute to neighboring cities such as Athens and Cleveland for work.
McMinn County, TN features a homeownership rate of about 69%, with median home values around $192,000 (2024). The median monthly rent is approximately $900. Market trends show property values have increased roughly 7% year-over-year. Housing types mainly include single-family homes, with some apartments and mobile homes. Popular neighborhoods in Athens and Etowah offer proximity to schools and parks. Property tax rates average 0.66% of assessed value, making the county relatively affordable compared to national averages. Rental demand remains steady, supported by local industry and commuting options to nearby Chattanooga and Knoxville.
Popular names
- Andre Smith
- Charles Johnson
- Robin Vaughn
- Angela Smith
- Ashley Walker
- Bertha Hicks
- Bonnie Brown
- Brandon Adams
- Chris Rogers
- David Slack
- Eddie Smith
- Emily Wood
- Heather Hughes
- Jennifer White
- Jess Brown
- Katherine Davis
- Richard Mathews
- Sabrina Ellison
- Sung Baek
- Tammy Morgan
- Tina Eaton
- Ty Williams
- William Henry
- Aaron Parsons
- Adam Crisp
- Adam Long
- Alan Davis
- Alexis Wilkins
- Alicia Long
- Allen Shepherd
- Amanda Evans
- Amanda Graves
- Amanda Helton
- Amanda Neil
- Andrea Jones
- Andrew Mays
- Angel Presley
- Angel Shelton
- Angela Templeton
- Ann Kelley
- Anna Ware
- Anthony Bishop
- Anthony Casteel
- Anthony Drake
- Anthony Martin
- Ashley Black
- Ashley Chavez
- Ashley Hayes
- Ashley Johnson
- Ashley Moore
- Ashley Smith
- Austin Davis
- Betty Mccann
- Betty White
- Bobbie Perkins
- Bobby Plemons
- Bobby Williams
- Bonita Rogers
- Bonnie Freeman
- Brandon Kennedy
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
- Grainger
- Greene
- Grundy
- Hamblen
- Hamilton
- Hancock
- Hardeman
- Hardin
- Hawkins
- Haywood
- Henderson
- Henry
- Hickman
- Houston
- Humphreys
- Jackson
- Jefferson
- Johnson
- Knox
- Lake
- Lauderdale
- Lawrence
- Lewis