Economic Development
Currently, there are 3 industrial parks and acres of land with highway frontage ready for development. The current industrial base includes medical manufacturing, paper & box manufacturing, aggregates, limestone, concrete, crushed stone, injectable plastic moldings, and manufactured housing. Union County is part of the metropolitan statistical area of Knoxville. Our current workforce is comprised of persons living in Union, Grainger, Claiborne, Anderson and Knox counties.
The significant growth of the county is directly linked to the growth of infrastructure, such as water and broadband; the development of upscale lake communities including Sunset Bay, Norris Shores and Waterside Condominiums, and the abundant natural beauty that make this area so unique and so attractive to people seeking a mild climate and a desirable quality of life. With a significant unmet demand for retail and services, a favorable business tax structure, and the availability of both a skilled and professional labor source, Union County is open for business. For more information on doing business in Tennessee, please visit: www.tn.gov/ecd/
Visitor's Information
Imagine waking to a beautiful sunrise over a lake misted with fog or experiencing a glowing sunset with your family and friends around a campfire, from a boat deck or simply from a porch and you have Union County. With over 34,000 acres of water, Norris Lake provides multiple recreational uses. From large ski boats to houseboats, from jet skis to canoes and kayaks, the water enthusiast can be assured of a “great day on the water.”
Norris Lake is also renowned for its fishing, boasting over 56 species of fish. Fishing for stripers, walleye, bass and crappie are a tradition for the dedicated sportsman and novice alike.
For campers there are multiple islands on which to float up to and camp for evening or for a week.
“Landlubbers” or for those who are seeking a day off the water, can enjoy the 3400 acre Big Ridge State Park and the 22,000 acre Chuck Swan WMA which both provide multi-use trails that include wildlife observation, hiking, 4 wheeling, mountain biking, horse back riding, and hunting. Or take a tour of the county, driving the rolling back roads where cattle and buffalo may be seen grazing in pastures; take the ferry to the community of Braden; dine at one of the marinas accessible by water or by car. Plan a road trip on the White Lightening Trail along Thunder Road or follow National Geographic's map of our East Tennessee Rivers and Byways; wander through Union County’s musical heritage by visiting the Union County Historical Society or stop by Luttrell , home of CMA musicians, Kenny Chesney and Chet Atkins.