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List of Counties in Tennessee

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Tennessee has 95 counties. The most populous counties are Shelby County (Memphis), Davidson County (Nashville), Knox County (Knoxville), Hamilton County (Chattanooga), Rutherford County, Williamson County, Montgomery County, Sumner County, Sullivan County, and Wilson County. Shelby County, home to Memphis, is the largest by population, while Davidson County, which is a consolidated city-county with Nashville, is the second-largest. These counties are key parts of Tennessee’s economy, while other large counties like Rutherford and Williamson are part of the rapidly growing Nashville metropolitan area.

Counties in Tennessee

List of All Counties in Tennessee

  1. Anderson County, Tennessee
  2. Bedford County, Tennessee
  3. Benton County, Tennessee
  4. Bledsoe County, Tennessee
  5. Blount County, Tennessee
  6. Bradley County, Tennessee
  7. Campbell County, Tennessee
  8. Cannon County, Tennessee
  9. Carroll County, Tennessee
  10. Carter County, Tennessee
  11. Cheatham County, Tennessee
  12. Chester County, Tennessee
  13. Claiborne County, Tennessee
  14. Clay County, Tennessee
  15. Cocke County, Tennessee
  16. Coffee County, Tennessee
  17. Crockett County, Tennessee
  18. Cumberland County, Tennessee
  19. Davidson County, Tennessee
  20. Decatur County, Tennessee
  21. DeKalb County, Tennessee
  22. Dickson County, Tennessee
  23. Dyer County, Tennessee
  24. Fayette County, Tennessee
  25. Fentress County, Tennessee
  26. Franklin County, Tennessee
  27. Gibson County, Tennessee
  28. Giles County, Tennessee
  29. Grainger County, Tennessee
  30. Greene County, Tennessee
  31. Grundy County, Tennessee
  32. Hamblen County, Tennessee
  33. Hamilton County, Tennessee
  34. Hancock County, Tennessee
  35. Hardeman County, Tennessee
  36. Hardin County, Tennessee
  37. Hawkins County, Tennessee
  38. Haywood County, Tennessee
  39. Henderson County, Tennessee
  40. Henry County, Tennessee
  41. Hickman County, Tennessee
  42. Houston County, Tennessee
  43. Humphreys County, Tennessee
  44. Jackson County, Tennessee
  45. Jefferson County, Tennessee
  46. Johnson County, Tennessee
  47. Knox County, Tennessee
  48. Lake County, Tennessee
  49. Lauderdale County, Tennessee
  50. Lawrence County, Tennessee
  51. Lewis County, Tennessee
  52. Lincoln County, Tennessee
  53. Loudon County, Tennessee
  54. Macon County, Tennessee
  55. Madison County, Tennessee
  56. Marion County, Tennessee
  57. Marshall County, Tennessee
  58. Maury County, Tennessee
  59. McMinn County, Tennessee
  60. McNairy County, Tennessee
  61. Meigs County, Tennessee
  62. Monroe County, Tennessee
  63. Montgomery County, Tennessee
  64. Moore County, Tennessee
  65. Morgan County, Tennessee
  66. Obion County, Tennessee
  67. Overton County, Tennessee
  68. Perry County, Tennessee
  69. Pickett County, Tennessee
  70. Polk County, Tennessee
  71. Putnam County, Tennessee
  72. Rhea County, Tennessee
  73. Roane County, Tennessee
  74. Robertson County, Tennessee
  75. Rutherford County, Tennessee
  76. Scott County, Tennessee
  77. Sequatchie County, Tennessee
  78. Sevier County, Tennessee
  79. Shelby County, Tennessee
  80. Smith County, Tennessee
  81. Stewart County, Tennessee
  82. Sullivan County, Tennessee
  83. Sumner County, Tennessee
  84. Tipton County, Tennessee
  85. Trousdale County, Tennessee
  86. Unicoi County, Tennessee
  87. Union County, Tennessee
  88. Van Buren County, Tennessee
  89. Warren County, Tennessee
  90. Washington County, Tennessee
  91. Wayne County, Tennessee
  92. Weakley County, Tennessee
  93. White County, Tennessee
  94. Williamson County, Tennessee
  95. Wilson County, Tennessee

Largest Counties in Tennessee

1. Shelby County

Overview

Shelby County is Tennessee’s largest county by population and covers 785 square miles. Located in the southwestern corner of the state, it is bordered by the Mississippi River to the west, creating a natural boundary with Arkansas and Mississippi. Established in 1819, Shelby County was named after Isaac Shelby, a Revolutionary War hero and the first governor of Kentucky. The county seat, Memphis, is a cultural and economic hub, famous for its contributions to music, particularly blues, rock ‘n’ roll, and soul. The county’s economy is diverse, with major sectors including shipping (due to the Mississippi River and FedEx), healthcare, and manufacturing.

County Facts

  • Population: Approximately 929,000
  • County Seat: Memphis
  • Major Airports: Memphis International Airport
  • Major Highways: Interstate 40, Interstate 55, Interstate 240, U.S. Highway 51, U.S. Highway 78

2. Davidson County

Overview

Davidson County, located in central Tennessee, spans 526 square miles and is home to the state’s capital, Nashville. It is bordered by Robertson County to the north, Rutherford County to the southeast, and Williamson County to the south. Davidson County was established in 1783 and named after William Lee Davidson, a North Carolina general during the Revolutionary War. The county merged with the city of Nashville in 1963 to form a consolidated city-county government, known as Metro Nashville. Davidson County is a major center for the music, healthcare, and education industries, with tourism and entertainment also playing significant roles in the economy.

County Facts

  • Population: Approximately 715,000
  • County Seat: Nashville
  • Major Airports: Nashville International Airport
  • Major Highways: Interstate 40, Interstate 24, Interstate 65, U.S. Highway 70, U.S. Highway 31

3. Knox County

Overview

Knox County is located in eastern Tennessee and covers 526 square miles. It is bordered by Anderson County to the northwest, Loudon County to the southwest, and Sevier County to the southeast. Established in 1792, the county is named after Henry Knox, the first Secretary of War under President George Washington. The county seat, Knoxville, was the first capital of Tennessee and remains an important city in the region. The county is known for its rich history and its proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Knox County’s economy is driven by the University of Tennessee, government services, and a growing technology sector.

County Facts

  • Population: Approximately 482,000
  • County Seat: Knoxville
  • Major Airports: McGhee Tyson Airport (located nearby in Blount County)
  • Major Highways: Interstate 40, Interstate 75, U.S. Highway 129, U.S. Highway 441

4. Hamilton County

Overview

Hamilton County is located in southeastern Tennessee and spans 542 square miles. It is bordered by Marion County to the west, Bradley County to the east, and Georgia to the south. Established in 1819, the county was named after Alexander Hamilton, the first Secretary of the Treasury. Chattanooga, the county seat, has transformed from an industrial city into a vibrant hub for technology, manufacturing, and outdoor tourism. The county is strategically located along the Tennessee River and is known for attractions like Lookout Mountain and the Tennessee Aquarium. Hamilton County’s economy is diverse, including sectors such as logistics, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing.

County Facts

  • Population: Approximately 367,000
  • County Seat: Chattanooga
  • Major Airports: Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport
  • Major Highways: Interstate 24, Interstate 75, U.S. Highway 27, U.S. Highway 41

5. Rutherford County

Overview

Rutherford County, located in middle Tennessee, covers 624 square miles. It is bordered by Davidson County to the northwest, Williamson County to the west, and Cannon County to the east. Established in 1803, the county was named after Griffith Rutherford, a Revolutionary War general. The county seat, Murfreesboro, served as the state capital for a brief period in the 19th century and is now home to Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU), the largest undergraduate university in the state. Rutherford County has experienced rapid growth in recent decades, driven by its proximity to Nashville and its burgeoning automotive, healthcare, and education sectors.

County Facts

  • Population: Approximately 355,000
  • County Seat: Murfreesboro
  • Major Airports: None (Nashville International Airport nearby)
  • Major Highways: Interstate 24, U.S. Highway 41, U.S. Highway 231, U.S. Highway 70

6. Montgomery County

Overview

Montgomery County is located in north-central Tennessee, covering 544 square miles. It is bordered by Kentucky to the north, Stewart County to the west, and Robertson County to the east. Established in 1796, Montgomery County was named after John Montgomery, a settler and soldier in the Revolutionary War. The county seat, Clarksville, is a rapidly growing city and home to Austin Peay State University as well as the nearby Fort Campbell military base. Montgomery County’s economy is fueled by the military presence, manufacturing, and education, and the county’s location along the Cumberland River adds to its transportation and logistics advantages.

County Facts

  • Population: Approximately 226,000
  • County Seat: Clarksville
  • Major Airports: Clarksville Regional Airport
  • Major Highways: Interstate 24, U.S. Highway 79, U.S. Highway 41

7. Sumner County

Overview

Sumner County is located in northern Tennessee, covering 543 square miles. It is bordered by Kentucky to the north, Davidson County to the southwest, and Wilson County to the southeast. Established in 1786, the county was named after Jethro Sumner, a Revolutionary War general. The county seat, Gallatin, and the city of Hendersonville are the county’s primary urban centers, with the latter being a popular residential area for people commuting to Nashville. Sumner County is known for its historic homes and proximity to Old Hickory Lake, a popular destination for boating and fishing. The county’s economy is supported by manufacturing, healthcare, and retail, with increasing residential growth due to its proximity to Nashville.

County Facts

  • Population: Approximately 203,000
  • County Seat: Gallatin
  • Major Airports: None (Nashville International Airport nearby)
  • Major Highways: Interstate 65, U.S. Highway 31E, U.S. Highway 231

8. Williamson County

Overview

Williamson County, located in middle Tennessee, covers 583 square miles. It is bordered by Davidson County to the north, Rutherford County to the east, and Maury County to the south. Established in 1799, the county was named after Hugh Williamson, a signer of the U.S. Constitution. The county seat, Franklin, is known for its historical significance, including its role in the Civil War, and for its well-preserved antebellum architecture. Williamson County has become one of the wealthiest and fastest-growing counties in the state, with a booming real estate market, top-rated schools, and a thriving economy driven by healthcare, technology, and corporate headquarters.

County Facts

  • Population: Approximately 250,000
  • County Seat: Franklin
  • Major Airports: None (Nashville International Airport nearby)
  • Major Highways: Interstate 65, U.S. Highway 31, U.S. Highway 431

9. Blount County

Overview

Blount County is located in eastern Tennessee, covering 567 square miles. It is bordered by Knox County to the north, Sevier County to the east, and Monroe County to the west. Established in 1795, the county was named after William Blount, the first governor of the Southwest Territory. The county seat, Maryville, is a growing city with a strong connection to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which lies partly within the county. Blount County’s economy is supported by tourism, manufacturing, and healthcare, and its proximity to Knoxville has made it an attractive area for residential growth.

County Facts

  • Population: Approximately 135,000
  • County Seat: Maryville
  • Major Airports: McGhee Tyson Airport
  • Major Highways: U.S. Highway 129, U.S. Highway 321, Tennessee State Route 33

10. Madison County

Overview

Madison County is located in western Tennessee, covering 559 square miles. It is bordered by Gibson County to the north, Henderson County to the east, and Haywood County to the west. Established in 1821, Madison County was named after James Madison, the fourth President of the United States. The county seat, Jackson, is an important regional center for commerce, healthcare, and education, home to several colleges and universities. Madison County’s economy has historically been based on agriculture and manufacturing, with recent growth in healthcare and logistics. The city of Jackson is known for its rich musical heritage, particularly in rockabilly and blues.

County Facts

  • Population: Approximately 100,000
  • County Seat: Jackson
  • Major Airports: McKellar-Sipes Regional Airport
  • Major Highways: Interstate 40, U.S. Highway 45, U.S. Highway 70

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