Sullivan County Public RecordsTennessee

Sullivan County, TN, has over 105,000 registered voters. Election types include primaries, general, and municipal, with turnout ranging from 40% (primaries) to 62% (general elections). In 2020, the county voted 71% Republican and 27% Democrat in the presidential race. Polling locations number 24 across the county’s precincts. Issues often center on education funding and property taxes. The Sullivan County Election Commission oversees administration, ensuring compliance and efficiency. Both Republican and Democratic parties are active locally, but the GOP maintains a clear majority. Voter registration can be done online or at the Election Commission office.

Sullivan County, TN boasts 36 public schools, including 8 high schools, serving over 11,000 students. About 87% of adults hold a high school diploma, while 22% have a bachelor’s degree or higher. The average graduation rate is 88%, with test scores slightly above the Tennessee average. School safety measures are in place, with resource officers and security protocols. The county offers diverse educational programs, including Advanced Placement (AP), Career and Technical Education (CTE), and adult education classes, supporting lifelong learning and workforce readiness.

Sullivan County, TN, has an employment rate of approximately 56%, with around 70,000 residents in the labor force. Major industries include health care and social assistance (20%), manufacturing (16%), and retail trade (13%). Top occupations are office and administrative support (15%), sales (12%), and production (11%). The average commute time is 23 minutes, with 84% of workers driving alone. Most residents are employed within the county’s largest cities, Kingsport and Bristol, but about 15% commute outside the county for work, mainly to neighboring Washington and Johnson counties.

Sullivan County, TN, features a homeownership rate of approximately 72%, with a median home value around $185,000 in 2023. The rental vacancy rate is near 6%, and average monthly rent is about $925. Housing types range from single-family homes to some apartment complexes, concentrated in neighborhoods like Colonial Heights and Blountville. Recent years have seen property values increase by 8% year-over-year. Property tax rates are approximately $1.82 per $100 assessed value. The market remains competitive, with limited inventory and new construction expanding in suburban areas.

Sullivan County, TN, experiences a slightly higher crime rate than the national average, with a total crime rate of approximately 35.5 per 1,000 residents. Violent crime in the county stands at around 3.4 per 1,000, while property crime is about 32.1 per 1,000. Recent reports show that theft and burglary are the most common offenses, and the sheriff’s office encourages prompt reporting of suspicious activities. Despite these numbers, the county invests in community policing and safety programs to minimize risks and enhance public security.

As of the 2020 Census, Sullivan County, TN, had a population of approximately 158,163 residents. About 51% are female, and 49% male. The median age is around 46 years, reflecting an older demographic. Racially, the county is predominantly White (93%), with Black or African American (2%), Hispanic or Latino (2.2%), and smaller Asian and multiracial populations. Children under 18 constitute 18.6% of the population, while those aged 65 and over make up about 22.3%.