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Kingsport, TN

Frequently asked questions

Kingsport, TN

Kingsport is a city in Sullivan and Hawkins counties in the U.S. state of Tennessee. As of the 2020 census, its population was 55,442. Lying along the Holston River, Kingsport is commonly included in what is known as the Mountain Empire, which spans a portion of southwest Virginia and the mountainous counties in northeastern Tennessee. It is the largest city in the Kingsport–Bristol metropolitan area, which had a population of 307,614 in 2020. The metro area is a component of the larger Tri-Cities region of Tennessee and Virginia, with a population of 508,260 in 2020.

The name "Kingsport" is a simplification of "King's Port", originally referring to the area on the Holston River known as King's Boat Yard, the head of navigation for the Tennessee Valley.

Kingsport was developed after the Revolutionary War, at the confluence of the North and South Forks of the Holston River. In 1787 it was known as "Salt Lick" for an ancient mineral lick. It was first settled along the banks of the South Fork, about a mile from the confluence. The Long Island of the Holston River is near the confluence, which is mostly within the present-day corporate boundaries of Kingsport. The island was an important site for the Cherokee, colonial pioneers, and early settlers, and specifically mentioned in the 1770 Treaty of Lochaber.

Early settlements at the site were used as a staging ground for other pioneers who were traveling overland on the Wilderness Road leading to Kentucky through the Cumberland Gap. First chartered in 1822, Kingsport became an important shipping port on the Holston River. Goods originating for many miles around from the surrounding countryside were loaded onto barges for the journey downriver to the Tennessee River at Knoxville.

Kingsport is located in western Sullivan County at the intersection of U.S. Routes 11W and 23. Kingsport is the northwest terminus of Interstate 26. The city is bordered to the west by the town of Mount Carmel, to the southeast by unincorporated Colonial Heights, and to the northeast by unincorporated Bloomingdale. The Kingsport city limits extend west into Hawkins County and north to the Virginia border.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 50.8 square miles (131.5 km²), of which 49.8 square miles (129.0 km²) are land and 0.93 square miles (2.4 km²), or 1.86%, is water. Most of the water area is in the South Fork Holston River.

Kingsport places a strong emphasis on the health and wellness of its residents. Holston Valley Medical Center offers comprehensive health services, including wellness check-ups and preventive care programs. Anytime Fitness offers comprehensive fitness programs, including cardio, strength training, and group exercise classes. Start your fitness journey at the Greater Kingsport Family YMCA, which provides a wide range of classes and programs for all ages and fitness levels. For a more specialized workout, check out Gold Star Fitness, known for its state-of-the-art facilities. Enhance your mental wellness at the Kingsport Aquatic Center, where you can enjoy swimming and other aquatic activities. Great Body Co. offers personal training and fitness classes to help you achieve your health goals. The Kingsport Senior Center hosts wellness seminars and activities like Essential Oils Bingo to promote brain health. Enjoy outdoor activities and community events organized by Kingsport Parks and Recreation. 

Top sites in Kingsport, TN are Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium, Warriors' Path State Park, and Kingsport Carousel

Population: 57,109 (2024). ZIP codes: 37660, 37662, 37663, 37664, 37665 & 37669. Area code: 423. Elevation: 369 m. Area: 50.8 square miles (131.5 km²).

FAQs

Is Kingsport, TN a good place to live?

Kingsport is in Sullivan County. Living in Kingsport offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Kingsport, there are a lot of parks. Many young professionals and retirees live in Kingsport and residents tend to be conservative. The public schools in Kingsport are highly rated.

What is Kingsport, TN is known for?

The city’s industry is well-diversified. Kingsport is the home of an international chemical and plastics manufacturer. Printing and the manufacture of glass and paper are also important. East Tennessee State University has a center in the city, and King College (1867) is in nearby Bristol. Nearby mountains and Tennessee Valley Authority lakes (including Boone Lake) provide recreational facilities.

Is Kingsport, TN expensive?

The cost of living in Kingsport, TN is 7% lower than the state average and 17% lower than the national average. Kingsport, TN housing is 30% cheaper than the U.S. average, while utilities are about 15% less pricey. When it comes to necessities such as food and clothing, groceries are around 9% less in Kingsport, TN than in the rest of the country, while clothing costs around 9% less. Healthcare services such as doctor check-ups and dentistry cost 10% less here compared to the U.S. average. At the same time, non-necessary expenses such as entertainment and grooming services are 9% cheaper in Kingsport, TN.

Sources

Wikipedia 

City of Kingsport

Niche

Britannica

Rentcafe

Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium

Warriors' Path State Park

Kingsport Carousel

Holston Valley Medical Center

Anytime Fitness

Greater Kingsport Family YMCA

Gold Star Fitness

Kingsport Aquatic Center

Great Body Co

Kingsport Senior Center

Kingsport Parks and Recreation

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.