According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of, of which is land and is water. It is the third-smallest county in Tennessee by land area and fourth-smallest by total area.
The main source of water on Hamblen County is the man-made Cherokee Lake. Cherokee Lake was created during WWII as part of the TVA hydroelectric project. The lake is fed by multiple sources, including a series of natural creeks and runoff waters. The lake begins with its first source at Poor Valley Creek in Hawkins County, extends through neighboring Grainger County and then Hamblen County. Cherokee Lake then ends with Cherokee Dam where the water is drained into the Holston River. In total, Cherokee Lake has 28,780 acres of surface area and extends for 400 miles of shoreline; though, only a portion of this resides in Hamblen County.
Demographics
As of the census of 2010, there were 62,544 people, 29,693 households, and 17,161 families residing in the county. The population density was 388 people per square mile. There were 24,560 housing units at an average density of 153 per square mile. The racial makeup of the county was 91.74% White, 4.22% African American, 0.20% Native American, 0.70% Asian, 0.09% Pacific Islander, and 1.42% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origins constituted 10.73% of the population. There were 24,560 households out of which 28.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.3% were married couples living together, 13.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.1% were non-families. 25.70% of all households were made up of individuals living alone and 11.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.51 and the average family size was 2.98. In the county, the population was spread out with 23.30% under the age of 20, 5.7% from 20 to 24, 25.7% from 25 to 44, 26.7% from 45 to 64, and 15.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39.6 years. For every 100 females, there were 94.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.30 males. The median income for a household in the county was $39,807, and the median income for a family was $48,353. Males had a median income of $36,166 versus $27,094 for females. The per capita income for the county was $21,162. 17.7% of the population and 13.2% of families were below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 15.7% are under the age of 65 and 19.3% are 65 or older.
Economy
Hamblen County's economic development in recent decades has been phenomenal. Several large industrial parks on the eastern, western, and southern parts of the county are home to manufacturing facilities for regionally, nationally, and internationally based corporations.
Government
The Hamblen County government consists of twenty-six elected officials, twelve appointed officials, and the staffing and offices therein. In addition to these offices, the county also houses a liaison office with the University of Tennessee for its Agricultural Extension office.
The Hamblen County Department of Education has two high schools, four middle schools, eleven elementary/intermediate schools, and one alternative-placement school. The Tennessee Board of Regents also has a communinty college located in Morristown. Hamblen County's department of education's current mission statement, as of the 2019–2020 school year, is, "The mission of Hamblen County Department of Education is to educate students so they can be challenged to successfully compete in their chosen fields." The current superintendent of Hamblen County Schools is Dr. Jeff Perry. As of the 2019–2020 school year, Hamblen County Department of Education has 10,424 students enrolled.
Lakeway Christian Schools is a private school system that contains two schools in Hamblen County. Cornerstone Christian Academy enrolls students from grades PreK through 5. Lakeway Christian Academy enrolls students from grades 6 through 12. The current mission state is, "Partnering with families to provide a Christ-centered and academically challenging education, equipping students with a biblical worldview and a heart for Christ, that they may grow in wisdom, stature and in favor with God and man."
All Saints' Episcopal School
All Saints' Episcopal School was founded in 1967 as a preschool. In 1985, the school was expanded to include first grade. Since then, the school has further expanded to enroll students from PreK to 8th grade.
Faith Christian Academy enrolls students from grades 1 through 12.
Morristown Covenant Academy
Morristown Covenant Academy was founded in 1985 and enrolls students in grades Kindergarten through 12. In their high school educational program, students can choose an educational path for general education, college/university readiness, or vocational readiness. The Morristown Covenant Academy also houses a day care and pre-k program.
Politics
Like all of East Tennessee, Hamblen County has long been overwhelmingly voting Republican, due to its powerful Unionist sentiment during the Civil War. The last Democratic candidate to carry the county was Jimmy Carter in 1976.
