The East Tennessee region has been enjoying steady population growth over the past several decades and much of this growth is driven by in-migration from other parts of the region, state and country. Since 2003, an average of nearly 5,000 people per year have moved into the county and enjoy a low cost of living, stable employment base and high quality of life. The Innovation Valley which includes Knox, Anderson, Blount, Loudon, Monroe and Roane counties is home to nearly 800,000 residents providing access to a large, skilled and motivated labor force.