Obion County is a county located in the northwest corner of the U.S. state of Tennessee. As of the 2020 census, the population was 30,787. The county seat is Union City. The county was formed in 1823 and organized in 1824. It was named after the Obion River. Obion County is part of the Union City, TN–KY Micropolitan Statistical Area, which is also included in the Martin–Union City, TN Combined Statistical Area.

History

In the year, 1811 there was a large seismic activity located on the New Madrid Fault Line. The series of earthquakes, while devastating, formed Reelfoot Lake. Obion was later established in 1823 and organized the following year. It was named for the Obion River, which flows through the county and is a tributary of the nearby Mississippi River. The word "Obion" is believed to be derived from a Native American word meaning "many forks", or from an Irish trapper named O'Brien. The founding of Obion County originally came from the expansion of railroads. The county has since moved towards many agricultural and manufacturing productions. In 2013, Discovery Park of America opened in Union City. Discovery Park is a 50-acre encyclopedic museum and heritage park with exhibits pertaining to local and national history, military history, art, science, and technology.

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 556 sqmi, of which 545 sqmi is land and 11 sqmi (1.9%) is water. It is located in the "rolling hills of northwest Tennessee".

Adjacent counties

National protected area

State protected areas

Major highways

Demographics

2020 census

As of the 2020 United States census, there were 30,787 people, 12,717 households, and 8,389 families residing in the county.

2000 census

As of the census of 2000, there were 32,450 people, 13,182 households, and 9,398 families residing in the county. The population density was 60 PD/sqmi. There were 14,489 housing units at an average density of 27 /mi2. The racial makeup of the county was 88.16% White, 9.85% Black or African American, 0.19% Asian, 0.14% Native American, 0.05% Pacific Islander, 0.91% from other races, and 0.71% from two or more races. 1.90% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. There were 13,182 households, out of which 31.00% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.40% were married couples living together, 11.10% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.70% were non-families. 25.70% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.10% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.42 and the average family size was 2.89. In the county, the population was spread out, with 23.40% under the age of 18, 8.40% from 18 to 24, 27.70% from 25 to 44, 25.40% from 45 to 64, and 15.20% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females, there were 93.40 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 89.90 males. The median income for a household in the county was $32,764, and the median income for a family was $40,533. Males had a median income of $32,963 versus $20,032 for females. The per capita income for the county was $17,409. About 10.10% of families and 13.30% of the population were below the poverty line, including 18.60% of those under age 18 and 15.10% of those age 65 or over.

Politics

The county is part of District 77 of the Tennessee House of Representatives, currently represented by Republican Rusty Grills, and District 76, currently represented by Republican Tandy Darby. The county is part of District 24 of the Tennessee Senate, currently represented by Republican John Stevens. At the federal level, it is part of the state's 8th congressional district, currently represented by Republican David Kustoff.

Education

There are two school districts: Obion County Schools and Union City Schools.

Obion County Schools

Union City Schools

Attractions

Obion County is home to many attractions and activities.

Media

Other services

Obion County has a public library, with a 30000 sqft building and a catalog of over 70,000 books, video and audio materials. Residents of the county's unincorporated communities have the option of paying $75 per year if they want firefighting services from the city of South Fulton.

Communities

Cities

Towns

Unincorporated communities