23 Jan If You Are Thinking About A Move, Add Unicoi County On Your List
New Census Data Proves It
America’s population is growing…and moving. That’s the word from the U.S. Census and U-Haul. According to data from both sources, Unicoi County should be on the list of candidates for families in search of a new home.
In late December the U.S. Census Bureau said that America’s population grew by 1.2 million between 2020 and 2021, largely driven by immigration across the Southern Border and by the highest birth rate growth among native Americans in 14 years. Meanwhile, Tennessee is among the Top 10 states where Americans are moving.
Meanwhile, U-Haul’s annual report on where people are moving saw Tennessee among the Top 10 destinations where people are moving and the Tri-Cities, TN market as a net gainer over the previous year.
Tennessee’s population grew by nearly 83,000 between 2020 and 2021, ahead of Washington, Utah, and Idaho among the Top 10. Meanwhile, New York, California, and Illinois were the biggest losers with a population decline totaling nearly 400,00 people.
Top 10 States in Numeric Decline: 2021 to 2022
“Unicoi County is a perfect destination for families in search of a lifestyle embraced by nature within minutes of larger city amenities,” says Austin Finch, Executive Director of Unicoi County’s Economic Development Council. Unicoi County’s position along I-26 from Charleston, SC, makes it easily accessible to both Asheville, NC and Johnson City, TN.
Rocky Fork State Park is just one of the outdoor adventure spots to enjoy in the county.
Unicoi County’s population of nearly 18,000 enjoys access to a growing number of small business entrepreneurs with many focused on outdoor adventure tourism as well as manufacturing and retail jobs. The county’s public school system offers a solid education, including advanced placement courses for college-bound students as well as vocational training.
“Families who move here tell us they came because of the beauty and access to a variety of outdoor activities in a mild climate,” explains Finch. “They likewise sought a place with lower crime and taxes.”
Love Street in Erwin features a collection of homes originally build during the town’s “railroad era”.
The Town of Erwin is best known as a railroad town built in the early 20th century as a home for the Clinchfield Railroad. Today, the architecture of the town and neighborhoods offers an eclectic mix of homes on tree-lined streets, beautiful church buildings and downtown shops.
Stately churches adorn the streets of Erwin.
Fishery Village, a new housing development features 36 homes under construction for one and two-level living adjacent to a U.S. fish hatchery and the U.S. Forest Service’s Rock Creek Park nearby.
“America is growing, and many are on the move to find a better place to raise a family,” says Finch. “Unicoi County should be on their radar because we have plenty to offer.”
