Sevier County (pronounced "severe") is a county located in the U.S. state of Tennessee, and is named for John Sevier. As of the 2000 census, the population is 71,170. Its county seat is Sevierville⁶.

The county's economy relies heavily on tourism. Gatlinburg is at the edge of Great Smoky Mountains National Park along U.S. 441, with Pigeon Forge in the middle, and Sevierville where it meets Interstate 40 northeast of Knoxville. That road, named the Great Smoky Mountains Parkway through the county, is packed in July and October each year, and is thoroughly traveled year-round. The three major towns are known for the Winterfest , which decorates streets and buildings with Christmas lights every night for four full months, from November to February.

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 1,548 km² (598 mi²). 1,534 km² (592 mi²) of it is land and 14 km² (5 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 0.91% water.

Demographics

As of the census² of 2000, there are 71,170 people, 28,467 households, and 20,837 families residing in the county. The population density is 46/km² (120/mi²). There are 37,252 housing units at an average density of 24/km² (63/mi²). The racial makeup of the county is 97.27% White, 0.56% Black or African American, 0.32% Native American, 0.55% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.42% from other races, and 0.85% from two or more races. 1.24% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 28,467 households out of which 30.70% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.30% are married couples living together, 10.10% have a female householder with no husband present, and 26.80% are non-families. 22.00% of all households are made up of individuals and 7.90% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.48 and the average family size is 2.88.

In the county, the population is spread out with 23.00% under the age of 18, 8.30% from 18 to 24, 29.80% from 25 to 44, 26.30% from 45 to 64, and 12.60% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 38 years. For every 100 females there are 95.90 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 92.20 males.

The median income for a household in the county is $34,719, and the median income for a family is $40,474. Males have a median income of $27,139 versus $20,646 for females. The per capita income for the county is $18,064. 10.70% of the population and 8.20% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 13.10% of those under the age of 18 and 10.10% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.

Cities and towns

• Gatlinburg
• Pigeon Forge
• Pittman Center
• Sevierville