Central is an unincorporated community and census-designated place in western Carter County, Tennessee, United States. The population was 2,717 at the 2000 census and 2,279 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Johnson City Metropolitan Statistical Area, which is a component of the Johnson City–Kingsport–Bristol, TN-VA Combined Statistical Area – …Central is an unincorporated community and census-designated place in western Carter County, Tennessee, United States. The population was 2,717 at the 2000 census and 2,279 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Johnson City Metropolitan Statistical Area, which is a component of the Johnson City–Kingsport–Bristol, TN-VA Combined Statistical Area – commonly known as the "Tri-Cities" region.