04/16/2026
While most in our area are very welcoming, I still come across many comments and posts along the lines of "We're full", "We're closed to anyone new", or "Transplants are ruining things" normally following some sort of national recognition (for example, this week being The Daily Wire article about people flocking to our area.) While unnecessary due to their unkind nature, these statement are also untrue.
Our Tri-Cities area saw over 21,000 newcomers since 2020. With this significant increase, there have been big changes that have caused some controversy, such as rapid housing developments, increased traffic with the need for new infrastructure to support more vehicles, and new corporations moving into our area. However, we've also witnessed new small businesses opening and revitalizing parts of our community, increased attendance to local events, and more tourism and visitors coming through our local airport increasing flight and airline opportunities which are harder to argue against as great benefits to our area.
While the positives and negatives can be disputed about all of these changes and factors, there are two numbers that prove the necessity of our growth:
Tri-Cities TN 2024 Death Rate: 9501
Tri-Cities TN 2023 Birth Rate: 5508
We are not replacing our population through births alone. Add to that the fact that roughly 26.6% of our residents are 62 or older, and it becomes clear: growth isn’t optional, it’s necessary. Without new residents, we risk long-term challenges like workforce shortages, reduced economic activity, and strain on local systems.
That doesn’t mean ignoring the debates about growth, because there will always be debates (sometimes in very unproductive ways). It means planning better by building the right housing, investing in infrastructure, and growing in a way that supports both current residents and newcomers.
Instead of saying “we’re full,” maybe the better conversation is: how do we grow well?
(Statistics pulled from Don Fenley.)
607,381 2025 Regional Population +21,124 Net Gain Snce 2020 +3.6% Five-Year Growth Rate +3,014 2024-25 Annual Gain By DON FENLEY The Tri-Cities population reached an estimated 607,381 residents as of July 1, 2025, according to newly released population estimates... Read More ›
