-----Square Miles: 310
-----Population: 20,219
-----County Seat: Rutledge
-----Average Temperature:
----------- Jan. - 49 degrees
----------- July - 88 degrees
-----Average Rainfall: 59 inches
-----Attractions: Cherokee Lake,
----------- Norris Lake, Clinch Mountain
----------- Overlook, Clinch River
-----Festivals: Grainger County
----------- Tomato Festival (July),
----------- Clinch Mountain Summerfest
----------- (Summer, Washburn),
----------- Harvest Pride Days (October,
----------- Bean Station),
-----

• Low Taxes
• Natural Beauty
• Friendly People
• Honest Government

Grainger County is what Tennessee is all about: Friendly people, breathtaking natural beauty, and a growing business community. Government is honest, taxes are low, and real estate is affordable.

Located in the heart of East Tennessee (map), Grainger County covers 310 square miles. The county is crisscrossed with two US Highways (11W) and 25E) and three State Roads (61, 92, and 131).

The diverse landscape features pastoral rolling farm lands, lush hardwood forests, two large lakes, and rugged mountains. Five important geographic features make Grainger County unique: Clinch Mountain (2,000 ft. elev.), Cherokee and Norris Lakes, and Holston and Clinch Rivers.

But it’s the people who make Grainger County special. Their ancestral roots run deep. They are self-reliant, independent, and proud of their strong work ethic and traditional family values.

About one-third of the county’s 20,219 residents live in one of three incorporated cities - Rutledge (the county seat), Bean Station, and Blaine. In addition, dozens of smaller communities - some not much more than a crossroads - dot the county. Each has its own distinct personality. Washburn, Thorn Hill, Tate Springs, Joppa, Central Point, Briar Fork, and Avondale are just few of the places our residents call home.

While generally rural in nature, Grainger County borders Knox County and is within minutes of Knoxville, a teeming metropolitan center that is home to the University of Tennessee and was host to the 1982 World’s Fair.

Agriculture is Grainger County’s primary industry, but low taxes, a skilled work force, and a new industrial park are helping attract new business and industry to the community. The 85 acre Grainger County Industrial Park on 11W is home to several high-tech industries. Products manufactured in Grainger County include canvas products, athletic wear, furniture, housing, metallized paper, and air conditioning and heating systems.

Seven public schools serve the county and help prepare students for the future. In addition, there are five volunteer fire departments, two volunteer rescue squads, four public libraries, and three health clinics.

Outdoor Adventure

Blessed with unparalleled natural beauty, Grainger County’s recreational opportunities revolve around the great outdoors. With numerous boat ramps, docks, marinas, and campgrounds, Grainger County is truly a sportsman’s paradise. Cherokee and Norris Lakes are popular with boaters and fishermen and, each summer, the lakes attract thousands of anglers. Clinch Mountain offers great hiking, while Clinch River offers excellent kayaking and canoeing. Hunting is also a popular pastime. White-tailed deer and wild turkey are abundant throughout the county. Five community parks, a golf course, and organized softball and Little League baseball provide enjoyment for hundreds during the summer months.

Grainger County has a long and colorful history. Davy Crockett, Daniel Boone, Henry Clay, Andrew Johnson, Andrew Jackson, and James Polk are just a few of the notable Americans who have impacted the community over the years.

Grainger County has many claims to fame but, without question, the best tasting is its deliciously juicy tomatoes. Each year, on the last weekend of July, thousands gather to pay tribute to the tomato at the Grainger County Tomato Festival in Rutledge.

It’s just one more of the many things that make Grainger County a great place to live and work.

More information on Grainger County