Community Profile
Geographic Location
Hamilton County, Tennessee is located in the southeastern region of the state on the border of Georgia. Hamilton County has nearly 500,000 residents. The City of Chattanooga, with over 170,000 people, is the largest municipality located in Hamilton County. The region is nationally recognized for its quality of life, resting on the banks of the Tennessee River and near the mountains for which the area is famous. Chattanooga is home to the Tennessee Aquarium, the largest fresh-water aquarium in the world. The community is rich in family-friendly activities and is known worldwide for its Civil War history. With historic Lookout Mountain as its centerpiece, Hamilton County enjoys the reputation as a growing center of tourism in the South.
Being only 2 hours by car from Nashville and Atlanta, Chattanooga is a central location for business, tourism and visitors. Historic Gatlinburg, child-friendly Pigeon Forge and the Great Smokey Mountains are only 3 hours away.
Hamilton County, Chattanooga and the surrounding communities of Red Bank, East Ridge, Soddy Daisy, Ooltewah, Hixson, Lookout Mountain and Signal Mountain, offer an attractive cost of living. The American Chamber of Commerce Research Association compared the cost of living in more than 300 cities across the county with Chattanooga ranking 112th lowest. The median price of homes, both new and previously occupied, is currently about $150,000 with an annual appreciation of roughly 6%. Two-bedroom apartments rent for about $600 a month. Area residents enjoy a mild four-season climate: extreme cold is rare with a minimal snow fall each year. Summer temperatures hover in the 80s and 90s while spring and fall bring pleasant temperatures, crisp air and colorful foliage.
There are more than 1,000 churches and synagogues representing various denominations and faiths throughout Hamilton County.
In July 2008, Hamilton County recruited the much acclaimed Volkswagen plant to the area. The international company is currently building a $1 billion manufacturing plant in Enterprise South and will produce about 2,000 jobs locally.
According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, Hamilton County’s median income is roughly $40,000 with a yearly average of 5.9% unemployment. Roughly 59% of students who attend a Hamilton County public school are considered economically disadvantaged, living below the national poverty level.
There are several universities and colleges in the Hamilton County area including University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Chattanooga State Technical Community College, Lee University, Tennessee Temple University, Covenant College and Dalton State University.
Follow the link to see more information from the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce