Karns, Tennessee facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Karns
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Oak Ridge Highway (TN-62) in Karns
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 Karns
Location in Tennessee
Karns
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Tennessee |
| County | Knox |
| Named for | Thomas Karns |
| Area | |
| • Total | 2.98 sq mi (7.73 km2) |
| • Land | 2.98 sq mi (7.73 km2) |
| • Water | 0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2) |
| Elevation | 981 ft (299 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 3,536 |
| • Density | 1,184.59/sq mi (457.35/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP code |
37931
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| Area code(s) | 865 |
| FIPS code | 47-38800 |
| GNIS feature ID | 2804639 |
Karns is a community and census-designated place in northwest Knox County, Tennessee. It is located about 11 miles (18 km) northwest of the center of Knoxville. In 2020, the population of Karns was 3,536 people.
Contents
History of Karns
The community of Karns was once known by other names, like Beaver Ridge. But in 1913, a new high school was built here. This school was named in honor of Professor Thomas Conner Karns (1845–1911). He was the first person to serve as the Superintendent of Public Instruction for Knox County. Later, in the 1950s, the people living in the community voted to officially change its name to Karns to honor him.
Geography of the Area
Karns is located in the Beaver Creek Valley. This valley is nestled between two long ridges called Beaver Ridge and Copper Ridge. These types of ridges are common in the Ridge-and-Valley Appalachians region. The community's elevation is about 960 to 1,000 feet (290 to 300 meters) above sea level. A stream called Beaver Creek flows through Karns. This creek is a branch of the Clinch River.
Population Information
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 2020 | 3,536 | — | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
The population of Karns was 3,536 people in 2020. This information comes from the official U.S. Census.
Economy and Jobs
Karns has changed a lot over the years. It used to be mostly a farming area. Now, it has grown into a community with many homes, small businesses, schools, and even some light industries. One example of an industry here is Unitrac Railroad Materials, which makes parts for railroads.
Most people who live in Karns travel to other places for work. The schools in Karns are part of Knox County Schools. These schools teach over 3,700 students from Karns and nearby areas like Ball Camp and Hardin Valley.
Education in Karns
Karns is home to several public schools run by Knox County Schools.
- Elementary Schools:
- Karns Elementary School
- Ball Camp Elementary School
- Amherst Elementary School
- Hardin Valley Elementary School
- Middle Schools:
- Karns Middle School
- Hardin Valley Middle School
- Northwest Middle School (these schools teach grades 6, 7, and 8)
- High Schools:
- Karns High School has been the community's high school for a long time.
- Hardin Valley Academy is a newer high school that opened in 2008. It was built to help with the growing number of students in western Knox County.
There is also a private school in Karns called Grace Christian Academy. It teaches students from kindergarten all the way through 12th grade.
Public Services and Community Life
Karns has several important public services for its residents:
- A branch of the Knox County public library.
- A local post office branch.
- The Karns Community Club building.
The Karns Fire Department protects a large area of western Knox County. They have four fire stations in Karns, Ball Camp, Hardin Valley, and Solway. They help with fires, medical emergencies, and rescues. Ambulance services are mainly provided by American Medical Response (AMR). The Knox County Sheriff's Department is in charge of law enforcement in the area.
The mayor of Karns is Troy Louis.
