Pendergrass Knoxville TN: Demographics and Geography
Pendergrass is a city in Jackson County, Tennessee, located northeast of Knoxville. The population was 522 as of the 2020 U.S. Census, making it a small rural community. The city covers a total area of approximately 9.5 square miles, with a population density of about 55 people per square mile. The median household income in Pendergrass is around $48,000, and the median age is approximately 43 years. The city is part of the Knoxville Metropolitan Statistical Area, which has a population of over 900,000. Pendergrass is situated along U.S. Route 25E, connecting it to Corbin, Kentucky, and Knoxville. The city operates under a mayor-council form of government. For more on Tennessee demographics, see U.S. Census Bureau.
The city's racial composition is predominantly White, with a small African American and multiracial population. Housing units number around 230, with a homeownership rate consistent with rural Tennessee trends. Pendergrass is known for its proximity to the Cumberland River and the Appalachian Mountains. The city has a few local parks and recreational areas, including the nearby Cumberland Trail. The cost of living in Pendergrass is lower than the national average, with housing costs significantly below the Knoxville metro average. The city's school district is Jackson County Schools, which serves the broader rural area. Pendergrass has a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons.
Economy and Major Employers in Pendergrass Knoxville TN
The local economy in Pendergrass Knoxville TN relies on agriculture, small retail, and commuting to Knoxville. Major nearby employers include the East Tennessee Children's Hospital and the University of Tennessee Medical Center, both in Knoxville. The city has a few manufacturing and logistics businesses along the industrial corridors near Interstate 75. The unemployment rate in Jackson County is slightly below the state average, hovering around 3.5%. Key industries include healthcare, education, and retail trade. The city's sales tax rate is 9.75%, combining state and local taxes. For business registration and compliance, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission provides federal guidelines.
Real estate in Pendergrass is affordable, with median home values around $120,000. The city has seen modest commercial development along Highway 25E, including new restaurants and service businesses. Agriculture remains a part of the local economy, with cattle farming and crop production in surrounding areas. The Jackson County Chamber of Commerce supports local businesses and economic development. Pendergrass does not have a major hospital within city limits, but it is within a 15-minute drive of several facilities in Corbin and Knoxville. The city's public works department manages water, sewer, and road maintenance. Small business grants and Tennessee state programs often target rural areas like Pendergrass for development funding.
Living in Pendergrass Knoxville TN: Schools, Transportation, and Community
Education in Pendergrass is served by Jackson County Schools, which operates several elementary and secondary schools in the county. The closest higher education institutions are Walters State Community College and East Tennessee State University, both accessible via Highway 25E. The city has a public library branch and community center. Pendergrass Knoxville TN offers a quiet, rural lifestyle with easy access to Knoxville's urban amenities. The average commute time to Knoxville is about 25 minutes. Public transportation options are limited, with most residents relying on personal vehicles. The city has a few churches and civic organizations that foster community engagement.
Transportation infrastructure includes U.S. Route 25E and nearby Interstate 75, providing direct access to Lexington, Kentucky, and Knoxville