Lake County

As of the 2020 U.S. Census, Lake County, Tennessee, has a population of approximately 7,005. The racial makeup is predominantly White (60.1%), followed by Black or African American (34.4%), and smaller percentages of other races, including Native American (0.3%), Asian (0.5%), and individuals of two or more races (3.5%). Hispanic or Latino residents account for about 2.1% of the population. The county has a median household income of around $32,020 and a poverty rate of approximately 29.7%. The population density is roughly 29.7 people per square mile.

As of the latest data, Lake County, TN has a median home value of approximately $69,000. Rental rates average around $550 per month. Homeownership stands at about 60%, while approximately 40% are renters. Median household income is roughly $28,000. The area has seen slight fluctuations in property values and rental rates in recent years. Local housing inventory is limited, reflecting a smaller, rural community. The typical home size ranges from 1,000 to 1,500 square feet.

Lake County, TN, holds local elections aligned with state and federal schedules. The county's governing body includes a mayor and board of commissioners. Elections occur in even-numbered years, with early voting options available.

In the 2022 election, the key races included:

• County Mayor: Candidates were Denny Johnson (Incumbent, Independent) and James “Jimmy” Tankersley (Independent).
• County Commissioners: A total of 12 commissioner positions were up for election, representing different districts.

Voter turnout was approximately 55% of the county’s 5,000 registered voters. Early voting saw about 1,000 participants. Official results are provided by the Lake County Election Commission, which also oversees voter registration and election logistics. For upcoming elections, candidate lists and detailed schedules are updated regularly on the commission’s website.

As of recent data, Lake County, TN shows educational attainment lower than state and national averages. About 75% of residents aged 25 and older have at least a high school diploma, compared to the national average of approximately 88% and the Tennessee state average of 87%. Moreover, around 10% of Lake County adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is significantly lower than the 32% national average and the state's 27%. In terms of school performance, standardized test scores and graduation rates in Lake County also tend to fall below both state and national levels, highlighting ongoing challenges in educational achievement.

As of the latest data, Lake County, TN, has a labor force participation rate of approximately 45.3%, with an unemployment rate hovering around 6.9%, which is higher than both the national average of approximately 3.8% and the Tennessee state average of around 3.5%.

Top industries in Lake County include:

1. Manufacturing: Employs about 28% of the workforce, significantly above the national average of around 8.5%.
2. Public Administration: Comprising around 15% of employment, which is higher than the national average of 5%.
3. Healthcare and Social Assistance: Accounts for roughly 10%, below the national average of about 13%.
4. Retail Trade: Employs 8%, close to the national average of 9%.

These statistics reflect a community with a strong manufacturing base and a higher reliance on public sector employment relative to national trends.

As of the latest available data, the average household income in Lake County, TN is approximately $30,000 per year. This is significantly lower than the national average household income, which is around $68,700, and the state of Tennessee's average household income, which stands at approximately $54,700.

Lake County's income levels suggest economic challenges in comparison to broader state and national metrics, highlighting the need for targeted economic development initiatives.

As of the most recent data, Lake County, TN has a relatively low crime rate compared to national averages. The total crime rate is approximately 1,400 incidents per 100,000 people. Here is a breakdown of specific crime statistics:

These values provide a snapshot of the crime landscape, with property crimes being more prevalent than violent crimes.