Facts and Stats

Kingsport embodies an ideal example of how rural and metro lifestyles can flourish side-by-side. An economic hub of a proud, historically significant region of the United States, ‘The Mountain Empire’, the city of Kingsport and its surrounding area have capitalized on a temperate climate, abundant natural resources, and a capable workforce to create a fulfilling, affordable, and accessible quality-of-life on every level.

Population

  • 54,076  (City)
  • 157,668 (Sullivan County)
  • 56,530 (Hawkins County)
  • 509,335 (Tri-Cities Combined Statistical Area)

Climate

  • Four balanced seasons
  • Average Temperature is 58˚F
  • Precipitation: 43 inches
  • Snowfall: 9 inches
  • Elevation: 1160′ River; 1200′ Downtown, 1800′ Chestnut Ridge, 2400′ at the top of Bays Mountain

Location

  • Kingsport is in the northeast corner of Tennessee bordering Virginia.
  • Kingsport is located along the Interstate 81 and Interstate 26 corridors, within a day’s drive of over 70% of the U.S. population
  • Home to Tri-Cities Airport (TRI), served daily by Delta, American and Allegiant (Link TRI)

Tax Information

  • Total City & County property taxes = approximately 1% of home appraisal
  • Solid waste fee = $8/month (city), no fees for weekly recycling or yard waste
  • No special school tax or tuition for city residents
  • No special district tax (fire, parks, etc.)
  • No wheel tax in Sullivan County
  • No state income tax on salaries/wages
  • No personal property tax on vehicles, boats, etc.
  • No vehicle inspection fees
  • No annual vehicle taxes of any kind
  • Sales Tax = 9.75%

2017 Kingsport Achievements

  • Concluded a yearlong celebration of the city’s centennial by opening the $1.2 million Centennial Park
  • Rebuilt the historic Church Circle in recognition of the city’s centennial celebration
  • Purchased remainder of General Shale site, controlling 100 acres for Brickyard Park
  • Broke ground on a $31 million, 263 unit downtown apartment complex, Town Park Lofts
  • Broke ground on a $22 million expansion of Dobyns-Bennett High School
  • Broke ground on a $21 million development of The Blake at Riverbend
  • Completed a $13.7 million rebuild of the city’s raw water intake
  • Completed $10.8 million installation of sewer lines to Colonial Heights annexation area
  • Cut the ribbon on The Overlook at Indian Trail, a 168-unit apartment complex
  • Partially-completed The Villas at Riverbend, a 265-unit apartment complex
  • Began a $6.7 million project to rehabilitate the Reedy Creek sewer trunkline
  • Began a $6.6 million project to install SCADA remote monitoring technology for water system
  • Broke ground on new $4.2 million KATS transit center downtown
  • Concluded a $2.7 million renovation of MeadowView Conference Center
  • Invested $2.4 million to improve sewer service to Ridgefields
  • Finished the new Water Services Center on Konnarock Road at $1.6 million
  • Completed a $1.1 million sewer rehabilitation in the Fort Henry/Moreland area
  • Completing a $950,000 sidewalk to connect Eastman corporate campus to the YMCA/Aquatic Center
  • Spent $847,000 to pave roads in the Colonial Heights annexation area
  • Invested $750,000 to install hydrants and upgrade waterlines in Colonial Heights
  • Added $742,000 improvements to Bays Mountain Park, including The Pavilion at Lilypad Cove
  • Completed the stabilization of Riverport Road at $682,570
  • Concluded $639,000 renovation to Borden Park, the city’s oldest park
  • Invested $619,720 to signalize Memorial/Island Road in Indian Springs
  • Earmarked $600,000 to build Riverbend Park
  • Upgraded waterlines in Colonial Heights annexation area at a price of $573,000
  • Invested $541,000 to rebuild Enterprise Place to accommodate The Retreat at MeadowView Apartments
  • Added $500,000 in Greenbelt improvements, including a new boardwalk and a bridge over Reedy Creek
  • Earmarked $424,000 for improvements to the Library children’s area and colonnade enclosure
  • Celebrated the reaccreditation of our Police & Fire Departments
  • Received financial excellence awards for budgeting and financial reporting
  • Adopted one of the lowest property tax rates in city history ($1.9750)
  • Celebrated Dobyns-Bennett Band’s 6th place finish at Grand Nationals with highest score ever from Tennessee