As a local real estate professional, I make it a priority to stay informed about how Wilson County is growing and changing. After attending the recent Wilson County Master Land Use Plan meetings and reviewing the draft plan, I wanted to share some key insights with you. This information is valuable not only for current residents but also for anyone considering a move here—because understanding where we’re headed as a community can help you make smarter real estate decisions.
🌳 Land Use
Wilson County is still deeply rooted in its rural character. Today, 74% of our land is agricultural and open space, 19% is residential, and only 6% is public, commercial, or industrial. Community members have made it clear: preserving our rural charm is a top priority.
What This Means: If you’re moving here, you’ll find a county that values open space and the small-town feel—even as growth continues. For current residents, this balance helps protect property values and quality of life.
👨👩👧👦 Population
Between 2000 and 2020, Wilson County’s population surged 66%, growing from 88,809 to 147,737 residents. By 2045, projections show Wilson County will top 257,000 people, making it Tennessee’s 9th largest county.
- Mt. Juliet grew an astounding 217.7% between 2000–2020.
- Lebanon grew nearly 90% in the same timeframe and has since outpaced Mt. Juliet in growth, adding 25.2% since 2020 compared to Mt. Juliet’s 9.2%.
- The county is adding an average of 281 new residents per month, with households averaging 2.72 people.
- Demographics: 18% of residents are school-aged children, and 16% are over 65, showing balance across generations.
What This Means: Families will find strong community growth and new opportunities, while retirees will see services and amenities expanding. For homeowners, population growth fuels housing demand and long-term equity.
🏘 Housing
Population growth has fueled rapid housing development. Since 2010, Wilson County has added more than 100 net new homes per month, a 38% increase in housing units overall.
- Median construction year: 1998 (much newer than Tennessee’s statewide median of 1986).
- Total housing units: 60,976 as of 2025, with 55% located in Mt. Juliet, Lebanon, or Watertown.
- Home type: 77% of occupied homes are single-family detached (88% in unincorporated areas).
- Homeownership rate: 77% countywide, 89% in rural areas—both above state averages.
- Median home value: $483,000 (up 54% since 2010). To afford this, a household would need an income of $123,700—30% higher than the county’s median of $94,000.
- Cost burden: 18% of homeowners and 43% of renters spend more than 30% of their income on housing.
What This Means: For current homeowners, equity has grown significantly. For buyers, affordability is a challenge, but it also signals a strong and stable market.
⚙️ Infrastructure Matters
As housing and population expand, so does the need for strong infrastructure. To sustain this growth, Wilson County must continue to invest in:
- Expanding and upgrading roads, bridges, and public transit
- Ensuring reliable water, sanitation, and power systems
- Modernizing internet and mobile networks
- Expanding healthcare and education facilities
- Improving waste management systems
- Preserving and creating green spaces and public amenities
What This Means: Whether you’re a long-time resident or considering a move, infrastructure investments directly affect your daily quality of life—from commute times to reliable utilities to the schools your children attend.
🏗 Growth vs. Opposition: Finding Balance
As Wilson County grows, one of the most important conversations we face is about development vs. preservation. There are always strong opinions on both sides who have may fall under the below acronyms:
- YIMBY (“Yes In My Backyard”) – advocates who support new development to meet demand.
- NIMBY (“Not In My Backyard”) – those who oppose new housing development near their homes—particularly denser or more affordable housing projects.
- BANANA (“Build Absolutely Nothing Anywhere Near Anything”) – a more extreme version of opposition to virtually all new growth.
However, I feel that most people fall somewhere in between these views, and just have a desire to know more info and exactly how they or their community will be affected by future growth and development.
When my family moved to Wilson County 55 years ago, it was a very different place. We were considered “out in the country” and traffic was non-existent, but I also knew our community would not stay the same forever—progress is a natural part of any community’s cycle. Without it, communities risk stagnation or even decline.
That said, growth must be balanced and thoughtful. Development should be paired with upgraded infrastructure—better roads, utilities, schools, healthcare, and green spaces—to ensure quality of life keeps pace with change.
What This Means: For community members, open discussions about growth influence the policies and planning that shape our community character and quality of life. Staying informed and active in the planning process ensures your voice and values are part of the conversation.
💼 Economy
Wilson County’s job market continues to expand. In 2023, the county supported 70,304 jobs. The largest employment sectors are:
- Trade, transportation, and utilities (38.5% of all employment)
- Education and health services (13.9%)
Top employers include:
- Wilson County Schools – 2,500 employees
- Amazon – 1,389
- CEVA Logistics – 1,157
- Wilson County Government – 650
- Lochinvar – 612
The county’s median household income rose to $94,048 in 2023, well above the state median of $67,100.
What This Means: A strong local economy supports home values and creates career opportunities for new residents, making Wilson County an attractive place to live and invest.
🎓 Education
Education levels are rising steadily. In 2000, just 19% of residents held a bachelor’s degree or higher. By 2023, that number had nearly doubled to 35%.
Mt. Juliet leads the county with 49% of residents holding a four-year degree or higher, making it a hub for highly educated professionals and families.
What This Means: For families moving here, improving educational attainment strengthens schools and opportunities for children. For the community, it means a more skilled workforce and stronger long-term growth.
🗣 Your Voice Matters
Wilson County is growing, and with that growth comes tough decisions about development, infrastructure, and quality of life. Some residents want to see more new development, while others strongly oppose it. Wherever you stand, one thing is clear: your voice matters.
If you don’t get involved in the process, it’s much harder to influence the outcome. Too often, people only react once changes are made and then wonder “what happened” — but by then, the opportunity to shape those decisions has passed.
I encourage every resident to participate in county and city commission meetings, and planning sessions. These are the places where the future of our community is shaped.
If you’d like more information on the Wilson County Master Land Use Plan, visit www.planwilson.org. There, you’ll find an interactive map of the plan and opportunities to share your feedback directly.
Whether you’re for or against new development, being informed and speaking up ensures your perspective is considered in shaping Wilson County’s future.
🏡 Final Takeaway
Wilson County is growing in population, housing, jobs, and opportunity, all while working to preserve its rural charm. Growth is inevitable, but managed wisely, it can enhance the quality of life for everyone.
For buyers, this means investing in a county with strong long-term growth potential. For current homeowners, it’s an opportunity to realize steady home appreciation as our communities continue to grow and strengthen.
📲 I’m Roger Bradley with Compass, your local real estate expert. If you’re curious how these changes could impact your next move—whether buying, selling, or investing in Wilson County—let’s talk. You can reach me by phone directly at 615-417-3373 or by email at [email protected]