Cocke County

As of the 2020 U.S. Census, Cocke County, TN has a population of approximately 35,999. The racial composition is predominantly White (94.7%), followed by Black or African American (1.4%), and other races including Native American, Asian, and two or more races constituting the rest. Hispanic or Latino individuals of any race make up about 4%. The median household income is around $35,000, and about 23.4% of the population lives below the poverty line. The county spans an area of 443 square miles.

As of the latest data, Cocke County, TN has a median home value of approximately $128,000. The average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment is around $650 per month. Homeownership rates stand at about 70%, with a median household income of $36,000. The county has experienced a 7% increase in home prices over the past year. Housing stock largely consists of single-family homes, with a mix of older and newer constructions.

For the latest elections in Cocke County, TN (2022), here are the key details:

• County Mayor: Incumbent Mayor Crystal Ottinger was re-elected with 56% of the vote, defeating candidates Caleb UNderwood (34%) and Virgil Stinnett (10%).
• Sheriff: Incumbent Sheriff Armando Fontes secured 60% of the vote, while his opponents, John Carrell and Valerie Webb, garnered 30% and 10%, respectively.
• County Commission: Key races included District 1, where Joe Bruner (55%) was elected, and District 2, with Mary Blazer (50%) defeating her nearest rival.

Voter turnout was approximately 45%. Other elections included various school board and judicial seats. For the most current and comprehensive information, refer to the Cocke County Election Commission website.

As of the latest data, Cocke County, TN shows educational attainment that lags behind both state and national averages. About 75.5% of residents have a high school diploma or higher, compared to the national average of 88.3% and Tennessee's state average of 86.5%. The percentage of residents with a bachelor’s degree or higher is approximately 10.7%, which is significantly lower than the national average of 33.1% and Tennessee's average of 27.0%. These figures indicate that Cocke County has room for improvement in educational attainment when compared to broader metrics.

As of recent data, Cocke County, TN has an employment rate of about 50% of its working-age population. Key industries in Cocke County include Manufacturing, Retail Trade, and Health Care & Social Assistance. Manufacturing employs approximately 22% of the workforce, significantly higher than the national average of around 8.5% and the Tennessee state average of 11.5%. Retail Trade accounts for about 15% of employment, which aligns closely with national and state averages of approximately 12.5%. Health Care & Social Assistance employs around 14% of workers, slightly lower than the national average of 16% and the Tennessee average of 13%. The overall unemployment rate in Cocke County hovers around 5.7%, which is above the national average of 3.5% and higher than Tennessee's average of 3.3%.

Sources: US Census Bureau, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development.

As of the most recent data, the average household income in Cocke County, TN is approximately $38,500 per year. This figure is significantly lower than the national average household income, which is around $68,700, and the state average household income for Tennessee, which is approximately $56,700. These disparities highlight economic challenges within Cocke County in comparison to broader benchmarks.

These statistics underscore the need for targeted economic development and support within the county to bridge the income gap.

As of the latest reports, Cocke County, TN has a slightly higher crime rate than the national average. According to recent data, the violent crime rate is approximately 6.5 per 1,000 residents, while the property crime rate stands at around 24 per 1,000 residents. Below is a table summarizing the types of crimes and their respective rates:

Violent crimes include offenses like murder, rape, and aggravated assault, while property crimes consist of burglary, theft, and motor vehicle theft. Community safety initiatives are ongoing to address these issues.