Knox County had the largest population increase over a three-year period, more than any other Tennessee county in a major city, according to a new U.S. Census study.

Knox County gained about 11,000 people from April 2000 to July 2003, followed by Shelby (Memphis), Hamilton (Chattanooga) and Davidson (Nashville), which had a net loss.

“Knoxville stands apart from other major cities in a number of ways,” said Rhonda Rice, executive vice president for the Partnership. “They all have their significant qualities, but Knoxville has the lowest cost of living (from other major cities in the state of Tennessee) and excellent quality of life, but still has that hometown feel that larger cities begin to lose.”

Knoxville’s cost of living is 89.5 percent while Nashville’s and Chattanooga’s are 97.1 and 92.2 percent respectively according to ACCRA Cost of Living Survey.

According to the Knoxville News Sentinel, U.S. Rep. John J. Duncan, Jr. said he talks often to people who moved in recent years to Knox or an adjoining county for the quality of life.

“The big attraction is the beauty, the mountains, the hills, the lakes,” said Duncan. “The attractions like big-time sports at the University of Tennessee. You’ve still got…reasonable prices on land and homes compared to some of the bigger metropolitan areas around the country.”

Other bordering counties of Knox also saw a huge percentage growth. Blount, Sevier, Jefferson, Loudon and Union counties had 5.4 to 6.5 percent gains during the three-year period.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau