Blountville is the historic county seat of Sullivan County and one of the oldest towns in Northeast Tennessee. With its preserved courthouse square, small-town atmosphere, and convenient location between Kingsport and Bristol, Blountville offers a unique blend of heritage and modern living. Residents appreciate its quiet neighborhoods, access to excellent schools, and proximity to major employers across the Tri-Cities.

Short History

Founded in the 1790s and named for Governor William Blount, Blountville quickly became a center of law, politics, and commerce. The Old Deery Inn, built in 1802, served travelers along the Great Stage Road, which carried pioneers and goods between Virginia and Tennessee. During the Civil War, Blountville was the site of the Battle of Blountville (1863), an important engagement in the Union’s advance into East Tennessee. Today, much of the town’s historic core is preserved, and the Sullivan County Courthouse remains a symbol of its central role in regional history.

People & Demographics

Population: ~3,200 (2023 estimate)

Median Age: ~47 years

Households: ~1,200 with an average size of 2.4 people

Diversity: Predominantly White, with smaller African American, Hispanic, and multiracial communities

Median Household Income: ~$54,000

Median Home Value: ~$180,000–$200,000, more affordable than nearby Johnson City or Kingsport

Blountville is small but growing steadily, attracting families and retirees who appreciate its charm and lower housing costs while still enjoying quick access to larger city amenities.

Schools & Education

Blountville is part of Sullivan County Schools. Students typically attend:

Blountville Elementary School

Blountville Middle School

Sullivan Central Middle/High feeder schools (transitioning to West Ridge High School, which opened in 2021 to consolidate several high schools in the region).

For higher education, residents are only a short drive from Northeast State Community College in Blountville and East Tennessee State University in Johnson City.

Housing & Real Estate

Blountville offers a range of housing options, from historic homes near the courthouse square to modern subdivisions and country estates on rolling farmland. Many homes feature larger lots, appealing to buyers looking for more space while still being minutes from I-81, the Tri-Cities Airport, and major employers.

Lifestyle & Attractions

Historic Deery Inn & Museum – An 1802 stagecoach inn turned museum, centerpiece of downtown history.

Battle of Blountville Civil War Site – Preserves the location of the 1863 battle.

Sullivan County Courthouse Square – Anchors downtown Blountville with historic architecture.

Proximity to Boone Lake and Warriors’ Path State Park – Boating, fishing, hiking, and family recreation just minutes away.

Tri-Cities Regional Airport – Located just outside Blountville, providing convenient travel options.

The town also benefits from being only 10–15 minutes to Kingsport, Bristol, or Johnson City, offering the best of both worlds: small-town living with regional amenities.

Blountville at a Glance

Population: ~3,200

Median Household Income: ~$54,000

Median Home Value: ~$190,000

Median Age: ~47

School System: Sullivan County Schools

Highlights: Deery Inn, Battle of Blountville Site, Sullivan County Courthouse, proximity to Boone Lake & Tri-Cities Airport

Sources: U.S. Census/ACS (QuickFacts, ACS), DataUSA, district sites.