Hamblen County | |
---|---|
Motto(s): Service, Community, Industry | |
Coordinates: 36°13′N83°16′W / 36.22°N 83.27°W | |
Country | United States |
State | Tennessee |
Founded | 1870 |
Named for | Hezekiah Hamblen [1] |
Seat | Morristown |
Largest city | Morristown |
Government | |
• Mayor | Bill Brittain [2] (R) [3] |
Area | |
• Total | 176 sq mi (460 km2) |
• Land | 161 sq mi (420 km2) |
• Water | 15 sq mi (40 km2) 8.3% |
Population (2020) | |
• Total | 64,499 |
• Density | 400.61/sq mi (154.68/km2) |
Time zone | UTC−5 (Eastern) |
• Summer (DST) | UTC−4 (EDT) |
Congressional district | 1st |
Website | www |
Hamblen County is a county located in the U.S. state of Tennessee. As of the 2020 census, the population was 64,499. [4] Its county seat and only incorporated city is Morristown. [5] Hamblen County is the core county of the Morristown, Tennessee Metropolitan Statistical Area, which includes Hamblen, Jefferson, and Grainger counties. The county and the Morristown MSA are included in the Knoxville-Morristown-Sevierville, TN Combined Statistical Area. [6]
Hamblen County was created in 1870 from parts of Jefferson, Grainger, and Hawkins counties. The county is named in honor of Hezekiah Hamblen (1775–1854), [1] [7] an early settler, landowner, attorney, and member of the Hawkins County Court for many years. Governor Dewitt Clinton Senter, a resident of the county, used his influence to assist in its establishment. [8] The Hamblen County Courthouse was completed in 1874.
During World War I, Hamblen County was the only county in the United States to have two Medal of Honor recipients. Edward R. Talley and Calvin Ward both earned them while fighting on the Western Front. [9]
During World War II, the attack transport naval ship USS Hamblen was named after the county.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 176 square miles (460 km2), of which 161 square miles (420 km2) is land and 15 square miles (39 km2) (8.3%) is water. [10] It is the third-smallest county in Tennessee by land area and fourth-smallest by total area.
The main source of water on Hamblen County is the man-made Cherokee Lake. Cherokee Lake was created during WWII as part of the TVA hydroelectric project. The lake is fed by multiple sources, including a series of natural creeks and runoff waters. The lake begins with its first source at Poor Valley Creek in Hawkins County, extends through neighboring Grainger County and then Hamblen County. Cherokee Lake then ends with Cherokee Dam where the water is drained into the Holston River. In total, Cherokee Lake has 28,780 acres of surface area and extends for 400 miles of shoreline, though only a portion of this resides in Hamblen County. [11]
Census | Pop. | Note | %± |
---|---|---|---|
1880 | 10,187 | — | |
1890 | 11,418 | 12.1% | |
1900 | 12,728 | 11.5% | |
1910 | 13,650 | 7.2% | |
1920 | 15,056 | 10.3% | |
1930 | 16,616 | 10.4% | |
1940 | 18,611 | 12.0% | |
1950 | 23,976 | 28.8% | |
1960 | 33,092 | 38.0% | |
1970 | 38,696 | 16.9% | |
1980 | 49,300 | 27.4% | |
1990 | 50,480 | 2.4% | |
2000 | 58,128 | 15.2% | |
2010 | 62,544 | 7.6% | |
2020 | 64,499 | 3.1% | |
U.S. Decennial Census [12] 1790-1960 [13] 1900-1990 [14] 1990-2000 [15] 2010-2014 [4] |
Race | Number | Percentage |
---|---|---|
White (non-Hispanic) | 49,197 | 76.28% |
Black or African American (non-Hispanic) | 1,605 | 5.27% |
Native American | 130 | 0.2% |
Asian | 712 | 1.1% |
Pacific Islander | 268 | 0.42% |
Other/mixed | 2,603 | 4.04% |
Hispanic or Latino | 9,483 | 14.7% |
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 64,499 people, 24,456 households, and 16,391 families residing in the county.
As of the census [17] of 2010, there were 62,544 people, 29,693 households, and 17,161 families residing in the county. The population density was 388 people per square mile (150 people/km2). There were 24,560 housing units at an average density of 153 units per square mile (59/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 91.74% White, 4.22% African American, 0.20% Native American, 0.70% Asian, 0.09% Pacific Islander, and 1.42% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origins constituted 10.73% of the population.
There were 24,560 households, out of which 28.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.3% were married couples living together, 13.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.1% were non-families. 25.70% of all households were made up of individuals living alone, and 11.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.51 and the average family size was 2.98.
In the county, the population was spread out, with 23.30% under the age of 20, 5.7% from 20 to 24, 25.7% from 25 to 44, 26.7% from 45 to 64, and 15.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39.6 years. For every 100 females, there were 94.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.30 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $39,807, and the median income for a family was $48,353. Males had a median income of $36,166 versus $27,094 for females. The per capita income for the county was $21,162. 17.7% of the population and 13.2% of families were below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 15.7% are under the age of 65 and 19.3% are 65 or older.
Hamblen County's economic development in recent decades has been phenomenal. Several large industrial parks on the eastern, western, and southern parts of the county are home to manufacturing facilities for regionally, nationally, and internationally based corporations. [18]
The Hamblen County government consists of 26 elected officials, twelve appointed officials, and the staffing and offices therein. In addition to these offices, the county also houses a liaison office with the University of Tennessee for its Agricultural Extension office. [19] [20]
The Hamblen County Department of Education has two high schools, four middle schools, eleven elementary/intermediate schools, and one alternative-placement school. The Tennessee Board of Regents also has a community college located in Morristown, as well as a technical college for vocational training. Hamblen County's department of education's current mission statement, as of the 2019–2020 school year, is, "The mission of Hamblen County Department of Education is to educate students so they can be challenged to successfully compete in their chosen fields." [30] The current superintendent of Hamblen County Schools is Arnold Bunch [31] As of the 2019–2020 school year, Hamblen County Department of Education has 10,424 students enrolled. [32]
Lakeway Christian Schools is a private school system that contains three schools in Hamblen County. Cornerstone Christian Academy enrolls students from grades PreK through 5. Lakeway Christian Academy enrolls students from grades 6 through 12. Tri-Cities Cristian Academy enrolls students from grades 9 through 12. [33] The current mission statement is, "Partnering with families to provide a Christ-centered and academically challenging education, equipping students with a biblical worldview and a heart for Christ, that they may grow in wisdom, stature and in favor with God and man." [34] [35]
All Saints' Episcopal School was founded in 1967 as a preschool. In 1985, the school was expanded to include first grade. Since then, the school has further expanded (completion in 1992) to enroll students from PreK to 8th grade. [36]
Faith Christian Academy enrolls students from grades 1 through 12. [37]
Morristown Covenant Academy was founded in 1985 and enrolls students in grades Kindergarten through 12. In their high school educational program, students can choose an educational path for general education, college/university readiness, or vocational readiness. [38] The Morristown Covenant Academy also houses a day care and PreK program. [39]
Like almost all of East Tennessee, Hamblen County has long voted overwhelmingly Republican, starting with its powerful Unionist sentiment during the Civil War. The last Democratic candidate to carry the county was Jimmy Carter in 1976.
Year | Republican | Democratic | Third party | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
No. | % | No. | % | No. | % | |
2020 | 18,811 | 76.37% | 5,500 | 22.33% | 320 | 1.30% |
2016 | 15,857 | 76.63% | 4,075 | 19.69% | 760 | 3.67% |
2012 | 14,522 | 72.49% | 5,234 | 26.13% | 276 | 1.38% |
2008 | 15,508 | 68.41% | 6,807 | 30.03% | 354 | 1.56% |
2004 | 14,742 | 66.05% | 7,433 | 33.30% | 143 | 0.64% |
2000 | 11,824 | 60.02% | 7,564 | 38.40% | 311 | 1.58% |
1996 | 9,797 | 54.13% | 7,006 | 38.71% | 1,296 | 7.16% |
1992 | 8,898 | 49.84% | 7,114 | 39.85% | 1,842 | 10.32% |
1988 | 10,418 | 66.93% | 5,061 | 32.52% | 86 | 0.55% |
1984 | 11,144 | 68.97% | 4,922 | 30.46% | 92 | 0.57% |
1980 | 9,741 | 60.60% | 5,890 | 36.65% | 442 | 2.75% |
1976 | 6,989 | 47.78% | 7,504 | 51.30% | 135 | 0.92% |
1972 | 8,879 | 76.39% | 2,563 | 22.05% | 182 | 1.57% |
1968 | 6,382 | 57.86% | 2,390 | 21.67% | 2,259 | 20.48% |
1964 | 5,196 | 53.00% | 4,607 | 47.00% | 0 | 0.00% |
1960 | 7,093 | 69.23% | 3,122 | 30.47% | 30 | 0.29% |
1956 | 5,608 | 67.77% | 2,592 | 31.32% | 75 | 0.91% |
1952 | 5,031 | 67.19% | 2,395 | 31.98% | 62 | 0.83% |
1948 | 2,116 | 53.80% | 1,552 | 39.46% | 265 | 6.74% |
1944 | 2,001 | 53.73% | 1,723 | 46.27% | 0 | 0.00% |
1940 | 1,794 | 46.27% | 2,055 | 53.00% | 28 | 0.72% |
1936 | 2,261 | 48.12% | 2,438 | 51.88% | 0 | 0.00% |
1932 | 1,458 | 41.40% | 2,032 | 57.69% | 32 | 0.91% |
1928 | 1,902 | 60.09% | 1,263 | 39.91% | 0 | 0.00% |
1924 | 1,342 | 49.48% | 1,317 | 48.56% | 53 | 1.95% |
1920 | 1,571 | 53.86% | 1,301 | 44.60% | 45 | 1.54% |
1916 | 795 | 50.73% | 741 | 47.29% | 31 | 1.98% |
1912 | 427 | 28.62% | 722 | 48.39% | 343 | 22.99% |
Jefferson County is an exurban county located in the U.S. state of Tennessee. As of the 2020 census, the population was 54,683. Its county seat is Dandridge. Jefferson County is part of the Morristown Metropolitan Statistical Area with neighboring Grainger and Hamblen counties. The county, along with the Morristown MSA, is included in the Knoxville-Morristown-Sevierville Combined Statistical Area.
Greene County is a county located on the eastern border of the U.S. state of Tennessee. As of the 2020 census, the population was 70,152. Its county seat is Greeneville. Greene County comprises the Greeneville, TN Micropolitan Statistical Area.
Grainger County is a county located in the U.S. state of Tennessee. As of the 2020 census, the population was 23,527. Its county seat is Rutledge. Grainger County is a part of both the Knoxville Metropolitan Statistical Area and Morristown Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Cocke County is a county on the eastern border of the U.S. state of Tennessee. As of the 2020 census, the population was 35,999. Its county seat is Newport. Cocke County comprises the Newport, TN Micropolitan Statistical Area, which is part of the Knoxville-Morristown-Sevierville, Tennessee Combined Statistical Area.
Carter County is a county located in the U.S. state of Tennessee. As of the 2020 census, the population was 56,356. Its county seat is Elizabethton. The county is named in honor of Landon Carter (1760-1800), an early settler active in the "Lost State of Franklin" 1784-1788 secession from the State of North Carolina. Carter County is part of the Johnson City, TN Metropolitan Statistical Area, which is a component of the Johnson City–Kingsport–Bristol, TN-VA Combined Statistical Area, located in northeastern Tennessee.
Rutledge is a city in and the county seat of Grainger County, Tennessee. The city is part of both the Knoxville metropolitan area and the Morristown metropolitan area. As of the 2020 census, the city had a total population of 1,321.
Dandridge is a town in and the county seat of Jefferson County, Tennessee. It had a population of 3,344 at the 2020 census. The town is part of the Morristown, Tennessee Metropolitan Statistical Area, which consists of Jefferson, Hamblen, and Grainger counties.
Jefferson City is a city in Jefferson County, Tennessee, United States. It is part of the Morristown Metropolitan Statistical Area. As of the 2020 census the population was 8,419.
Morristown is a city in and the county seat of Hamblen County, Tennessee, United States. Morristown also extends into Jefferson County on the western and southern ends. The city lies within the Ridge and Valley of the Appalachians. The city's population was recorded to be 30,431 at the 2020 United States census. It is the principal city of the Morristown Metropolitan Statistical Area, which encompasses all of Grainger, Hamblen, and Jefferson counties. The Morristown metropolitan area is also part of the Knoxville-Morristown-Sevierville Combined Statistical Area.
White Pine is a town in Jefferson and Hamblen counties in Tennessee, United States. It is part of the Morristown metropolitan area. The population was 2,471 at the 2020 census.
Bean Station is a town in Grainger and Hawkins counties in the state of Tennessee, United States. As of the 2020 census, the population was 2,967. It is part of the Kingsport Metropolitan Statistical Area, Knoxville Metropolitan Statistical Area, and Morristown metropolitan statistical area. Established in 1776 as a frontier outpost by pioneer William Bean, it is considered one of the earliest permanently settled communities in Tennessee. It grew throughout the rest of the 18th and 19th centuries as an important stopover for early pioneers and settlers in the Appalachia region due to its strategic location at the crossroads of Daniel Boone's Wilderness Road and the Great Indian Warpath.
U.S. Route 25E (US 25E) is the eastern branch of US 25 from Newport, Tennessee, where US 25 splits into US 25E and US 25W, to North Corbin, Kentucky, where the two highways rejoin. The highway, however, continues as US 25E for roughly two miles (3.2 km) until it joins Interstate 75 (I-75) in the Laurel County community of North Corbin at exit 29. The highway serves the Appalachia regions of Kentucky's Cumberland Plateau and the Ridge-and-Valley section of East Tennessee, including the urbanized areas of Corbin and Middlesboro in Kentucky and Morristown in Tennessee.
State Route 66 is a state-maintained highway in eastern Tennessee, including a six-lane divided highway known as Winfield Dunn Parkway in Sevier County, a four-lane expressway in Hamblen and Jefferson counties and a two-lane rural collector through mountainous terrain continuing to the northeast terminus in Hancock County.
The Knoxville metropolitan area, commonly known as Greater Knoxville, is a metropolitan statistical area (MSA) centered on Knoxville, Tennessee, the third largest city in Tennessee and the largest city in East Tennessee. It is the third largest metropolitan area in Tennessee. In 2020, the Knoxville metro area had a population of 879,773, and a population of 903,300 including Grainger County. The Knoxville–Morristown–Sevierville Combined Statistical Area (CSA) had a population of 1,156,861 according to the census bureau in 2020.
The Morristown Metropolitan Statistical Area, commonly known as the Lakeway Area, as defined by the United States Census Bureau, is an area consisting of three counties - Grainger, Hamblen, and Jefferson - in eastern Tennessee, anchored by the city of Morristown. Grainger County is both in the Knoxville and Morristown Metropolitans. Including Grainger County, the 2020 census showed that the MSA had a population of 142,709.
WBGQ ("Q100.7") is a radio station broadcasting a Hot AC format, playing popular hits today. Branded as "Q100.7", the station serves the Lakeway Area of East Tennessee, including the cities of Morristown, Rogersville, Greeneville, Newport, Jefferson City. The station can be heard in Hamblen, Jefferson, Greene, Cocke, Grainger, Claiborne, Hawkins, Hancock and Union counties. The station is currently owned by Clark, David, and Beverly Quillen, through licensee Cherokee Broadcasting LLC.
Thorn Hill is an unincorporated community in rural northeastern Grainger County, Tennessee. It is part of the Morristown Metropolitan Statistical Area which consists of Grainger, Hamblen, and Jefferson counties.
Morristown-Hamblen High School East is a secondary school located in Morristown, Tennessee. MHHSE is the oldest accredited high school in the state of Tennessee. The school incorporates grades 9-12. The school mascot is "Storm" the Ibis, students and faculty are known as the Hurricanes and the school colors are orange and black. The school had an enrollment of around 1,520 students as of the 2017-2018 school year. Joseph Ely is the head principal.
State Route 343 is a state highway in Morristown, Hamblen County in the U.S. state of Tennessee. It serves as connector from US 25E into downtown Morristown.
The East Tennessee Crossing Byway is a 83-mile (134 km) National Scenic Byway in the U.S. state of Tennessee. Established in 2009, it is one of the newest byways in the National Scenic Byway system. The scenic byway traverses mostly along an unsigned concurrency of U.S. Route 25E/State Route 32 (US 25E/SR 32) in East Tennessee.