New home construction on the rise in Rhea County and beyond; sales tax revenue shows growth

Aug. 2024

Looking to relocate to Rhea County, Tenn.?

You aren’t alone – 90 of Tennessee’s 95 counties grew from 2022 to 2023, including Rhea County, according to the University of Tennessee. And as a result, new home construction is on the rise.

New homes are popping up across Southeast Tennessee, including in Rhea County. In the Chattanooga MSA, approximately 1,500 new single-family home permits have been issued since Jan. 1, 2024, meaning a slew of new home construction is underway.

Rhea County’s labor force has also experienced growth as the local economy expands, from approximately 12,700 in June 2023 to 12,900 in June 2024.

Sales Tax Revenue

Rhea County residents are enjoying economic growth in the state and region. According to Middle Tennessee State University, sales tax revenue in Rhea County topped $2 million per month for the first time in Aug. 2020, and as of June 2024, the community enjoyed 40 straight months with local sales tax surpassing $2 million per month.