The I-75 corridor's best-kept secret. Affordable land, barndo-friendly zoning, and Knoxville is 30 minutes up the highway.
📊74/100AcreScore
💰$22KLand $/acre
🏠$295KHome Value
👥54,773Population
📈+11.4%Growth (10yr)
🌊14%Flood RiskLow
🌡️Mild Four-SeasonClimateZone 4A
🏗️ Can You Build Here?
Yes — Loudon County is very builder-friendly. Agricultural and Rural Residential zones welcome barndominiums. Land costs are among the lowest near the Knoxville metro.
Zone
Min Lot
Barndo OK?
A-1 (Agricultural)
3 acres
✅ Yes
R-1 (Low Density Residential)
1 acre
⚠️ Conditional
R-2 (Medium Density Residential)
15,000 sqft
❌ No
Rural Residential (RR)
1 acre
✅ Yes
Source: Loudon County Zoning Ordinance
📋 What Permits Do You Need?
Tennessee allows owner-builders to act as their own general contractor for personal residences. Licensed subs needed for electrical, plumbing, and HVAC.
Required Permits
• Building permit
• Septic permit (most rural areas)
• Electrical permit
• Plumbing permit
• Grading permit (if > 1 acre disturbed)
Permit Office
Loudon County Building & Codes
100 River Road, Suite 218, Loudon, TN 37774
(865) 458-0413
Mon–Fri 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
🌊 What's the Flood & Soil Risk?
Moderate flood risk near lakes and rivers. Tellico Lake and the Tennessee River create flood zones along the western edge. Stick to higher ground east of Lenoir City for lowest risk.
14%
In Flood Zone
Good
Soil Drainage
Good
Septic Viability
Source: FEMA National Flood Hazard Layer, USDA Web Soil Survey
💰 What Does It Cost?
Loudon County is a value play. Median land is $22K/acre — 23% less than Blount and half the price of Knox. Property taxes are among the lowest in the Knoxville metro.
$22K
Median $/acre
$295K
Median Home Value
$140–210
Build Cost $/sqft
0.48%
Property Tax Rate
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024, Loudon County Assessor
🏔️ Why People Love Living Here
Loudon County is where Knoxville commuters go when they want real land without the real price tag. Tellico Lake for weekends, I-75 for the commute, and space to build what you want.
💰
Best Value Near Knoxville
Half the land cost of Knox County. Lowest property taxes in the metro. Your build budget goes further here.
🚗
Easy Commute
I-75 puts Knoxville 30 minutes away. Oak Ridge 25 minutes. No mountain passes.
🎣
Lake Life
Tellico Lake and Fort Loudoun Lake for boating, fishing, and sunsets. Year-round water access.
At a Glance
Population54,773
10-Year Growth+11.4%
County SeatLoudon
State Income TaxNone
ClimateMild four-season (Zone 4A)
How Close Is Everything?
Knoxville30 min
Oak Ridge25 min
Chattanooga1.5 hr
McGhee Tyson Airport25 min
Gatlinburg / Smokies1 hr
💧 Utilities & Infrastructure
Mixed infrastructure. Lenoir City and areas along I-75 have municipal services. Rural areas rely on wells, septic, and propane — but broadband is expanding.
Electric ProviderLenoir City Utilities / TVA
WaterMunicipal or Well
SewerSeptic (most rural)
InternetCharter / AT&T (patchy rural)
Cell CoverageGood along corridors
Natural GasLimited (propane common)
🏦 Financing & Incentives
Most of Loudon County qualifies for USDA Rural Development — zero down payment for eligible buyers. Combined with low property taxes, this is one of the most affordable places to build near Knoxville.
New listings, zoning changes, and builder availability — delivered to your inbox.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I build a barndominium in Loudon County?
Yes — Agricultural (A-1) and Rural Residential (RR) zones allow barndominiums. R-1 zones may allow them with a conditional use permit. Loudon County is one of the most barndo-friendly counties in the Knoxville metro area.
Why is Loudon County a good value compared to Blount or Knox?
Land is roughly 23% cheaper than Blount and 50% cheaper than Knox, with similar access to Knoxville via I-75. Population growth is strong (11.4%) and property taxes are among the lowest in the region at 0.48%.
Is Loudon County eligible for USDA Rural Development loans?
Yes — most of Loudon County outside the Lenoir City limits qualifies for USDA Rural Development programs, including zero-down-payment home loans.
What about Tellico Village?
Tellico Village is a large master-planned retirement community on Tellico Lake in western Loudon County. It has its own architectural standards and HOA. If you want land freedom, look outside Tellico in the eastern/central county.
How far is Loudon County from Knoxville?
About 30 minutes via I-75. Lenoir City (county seat) to downtown Knoxville is 33 miles. Easy commute with no mountain passes.