Kingsport Spirit

February is typically a slow month for out-of-state relocations, but this year saw 37 new families move in, a 16% increase from last year.

The monthly median purchase price reached $350,000, marking a 3% increase over the past 12 months.

The top sources of newcomers from outside the region for the past month, in order, were North Carolina, California, Florida, Tennessee, Texas, Georgia, and Virginia.

Over the 12 months ending February 2025, 658 new families from outside the region made Kingsport home, a 1.2% increase from the previous year.

Deaths exceed births in every county of Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia, making recruiting newcomers critical. Nationwide, 69% of U.S. counties face this trend, though 60% offset losses with new residents.

Moderate growth (up to 1% annually) sustains communities without overwhelming resources or altering local culture.

Some counties—Washington, Greene, Hawkins, and Hancock—are growing quickly, which may concern longtime residents. Others, like Sullivan, Carter, Johnson, and Washington County (VA), maintain stable growth. Meanwhile, Unicoi and much of Southwest Virginia continue losing residents.

Northeast Tennessee benefits from controlled growth, with newcomers supporting small businesses and local economies. A balanced approach ensures long-term prosperity while preserving community character.