Knoxville is a city in Tennessee and the third-largest city in the state. The city was geographically isolated for much of its early history, although it quickly grew after the Civil War and is now one of the largest cities in the Appalachian area.
Knoxville Poverty and Health Statistics
Knoxville has a poverty rate of 25%, well above the Tennessee average (16.1%) and the national average (15.1%). A 2009 study found that Knoxville residents have a life expectancy of 76 years.
The study also found that 22% of adults smoked, 11% were binge drinkers, 14% did not have health insurance and 28% were obese.
Knoxville Population Growth
Knoxville experienced its first population decline in the 1950s, when it lost more than 10% of its population, although it more than made up the loss by 1970, posting a 56% increase. Today, Knoxville is among the ten fastest-growing U.S. cities with the best employment outlook in the country. Knoxville also has a low cost of living that is 80% of the national average along with low crime, which is attracting young college graduates.
Knoxville Facts
- Knoxville was the first capital of Tennessee.
- According to a 2006 study by the Economic Research Institute, Knoxville is the most affordable U.S. city for new college graduates based on typical salary and cost of living.
- Knoxville is the base for Jewelry Television, a home shopping channel, as well as Scripps Networks Interactive, which operates HGTV, DIY Network, Food Network, and Travel Channel.
- Quentin Tarantino and Johnny Knoxville were both born in Knoxville.
- In 2013, there was not a single day of the year that remained at or below freezing. This has also happened in 1990, 1921 and 1915.
- Mountain Dew was first marketed in Knoxville in 1948 as a whiskey mixer.