Explore the elevation of Knoxville—set in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, this historic Tennessee city rests under 900 feet above sea level and blends Appalachian charm with rich culture, industry, and natural beauty.

Table of Contents

Where is Knoxville?

  • Location: Knoxville is located in eastern Tennessee and serves as the county seat of Knox County.
  • Size: Spans 104.2 square miles.
  • Population: Approximately 186,000 residents, with more than 860,000 in the metro area.

City Profile

  • Nicknames: Known as the Queen City of the Mountains and The Marble City.
  • First settled: 1786; officially founded in 1791.
  • Historic capital: Was the first capital of Tennessee.
  • Railroad impact: The railroad fueled Knoxville’s 19th-century growth.
  • Civil War era: Divided loyalties with support for both Union and Confederate causes.
  • Industries: Grew due to marble, textiles, and manufacturing.
  • Modern revitalization: The 1982 World’s Fair spurred local redevelopment.
  • Education: Home to the University of Tennessee’s main campus.

Elevation Basics

  • City elevation: Knoxville is located at an elevation of 886 feet (270 m) above sea level.
  • National comparison: This is lower than the U.S. average of 2,500 feet (760 m), but higher than cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago.
  • State elevation: Tennessee has a mean elevation of 900 feet (274 m), making Knoxville very close to average.

Must-Know Elevation Facts

  • Highest point in Tennessee: Clingmans Dome – 6,643 feet (2,025 m)
  • Lowest point in Tennessee: Mississippi River near the Tennessee-Mississippi border – 178 feet (54 m)
  • Highest community:
    • Trade (unincorporated): 3,100 feet (955 m)
    • Mountain City (incorporated): 2,418 feet (737 m)
  • Other major cities in Tennessee:
    • Nashville: 597 feet (182 m)
    • Memphis: 337 feet (103 m)
    • Chattanooga: 676 feet (206 m)
    • Clarksville: 476 feet (145 m)

Climate and Tourism

  • Climate type: Knoxville has a humid subtropical climate with warm, humid summers and mild winters.
  • Hottest month: July – Average highs of 88°F (31°C)
  • Coldest month: January – Average lows of 29°F (-2°C)
  • Annual precipitation: Over 47 inches of rain and snow each year
  • Downtown features: Historic architecture, shops, and eateries in a revitalized district
  • Cultural attractions:
    • Museum of East Tennessee History
    • Knoxville Museum of Art
  • Outdoor recreation:
    • Fishing, hiking, cycling
    • Scenic trails, nature center, and a zoo
  • Cultural events:
    • Christmas in the City (December)
    • Knoxville Marathon

Plan Your Trip