Community Profile: Johnson City, Tennessee

Overview & History

Railroad Roots: Founded in 1856 as “Johnson’s Depot” by Henry Johnson, the city quickly grew around its rail junction. It was officially incorporated in 1869 and remains a key regional hub in northeastern Tennessee .

Boom & Legacy: In the late 19th–early 20th centuries, Johnson City rose as a railroad and mining boomtown, later becoming home to Mountain Home Veterans' facility and deep ties to Appalachian music heritage, including the famed "Johnson City Sessions" .

Cultural Charm: Nicknamed “Little Chicago” during Prohibition for its vibrant nightlife and bootlegging scene, the city later embraced its creative flair with public art installations, murals, and ever‐changing statues downtown .

Demographics & Economy

Metric Details

Population ~71,000 (2020), ~73,300 estimated (2023)  

Median Household Income ~$55,400–56,100 (2023) 

Per Capita Income ~$36,450 

Homeownership Rate ~67.8% 

Average Commute Time ~18 minutes 

Poverty Rate ~21–22% 

Cost of Living ~16.5% below U.S. average 

Economic Highlights: Johnson City thrives as a medical and educational hub—anchored by East Tennessee State University and the Med-Tech corridor, including the Johnson City Medical Center and Niswonger Children’s Hospital . It also celebrates its lighter side as the birthplace of Mountain Dew soda .

Schools & Education

K–12 Education: Johnson City Schools, with around 11 schools and 8,000 students, earned the “Exemplary District” distinction in 2022‑2023—the only district of its size to do so . Additional portions of the city fall under Washington, Carter, or Sullivan County districts .

Higher Education: ETSU serves approximately 16,000 students and includes a laboratory K–12 school. Milligan University and satellite campuses for Northeast State Community College and Tusculum University broaden learning access .

Local Attractions & Lifestyle

Arts & Outdoors:

Public art installations and rotating sculptures downtown add creative flair to the urban landscape .

Outdoor escapes like Buffalo Mountain Park, Tweetsie Trail (old rail line turned trail), Tipton-Haynes State Historic Site, Founders Park, and the Gray Fossil Site/Hands On! Discovery Center offer hiking, history, and family education .

Shopping & Entertainment:

The enclosed Mall at Johnson City, plus newer retail developments like Johnson City Crossings, make shopping convenient .

Johnson City Doughboys, a collegiate summer baseball team, bring local sports excitement .

Culture & Community:

ETSU events, local theater, and music venues contribute to a vibrant arts scene.

A walkable downtown with cafés, boutiques, and frequent festivals continues the city’s legacy of public creativity.

Why Johnson City, TN Makes a Great Home

Regional Hub with Southern Charm: A city-sized community with small-town warmth, framed by hills and history.

Solid Education & Healthcare Anchors: ETSU and top medical facilities support a knowledge-based lifestyle.

Affordability & Accessibility: Household incomes near $55K, lower cost of living, and under-20-minute commutes.

Active, Engaging Lifestyle: Public art, hiking trails, historic sites, and community sports create plenty of local flavor.

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