Houston County, Tennessee

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Houston County, Tennessee

General Information
Name	Houston County, Tennessee
Native Name
Other Names
Settlement Type	County
Transliteration
Language 1
Type 1
Info 1
Location
Coordinates	36.32°-87.76 {{{3}}}°{{{4}}}
Map
Population
Total	8,426
Density	per km²
Area
Total	km²
Land	km²
Water	km²
Government
Type
Leader
Time Zone
Standard	UTC-6
DST	UTC-5

Houston County is a county located in the western part of the U.S. state of Tennessee. As of the 2020 census, the population was 8,426. Its county seat is Erin. The county was founded in 1871 and named after Sam Houston, a prominent figure in the history of Texas and Tennessee.

History

Houston County was established in 1871 from parts of Humphreys, Montgomery, and Stewart counties. The county was named in honor of Sam Houston, who was a governor of Tennessee and later became a key leader in the Texas Revolution.

The county's early economy was primarily based on agriculture, with tobacco being a major cash crop. Over time, the economy diversified to include manufacturing and services.

Geography

Houston County is situated in the northwestern part of Tennessee. According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 207 square miles, of which 200 square miles is land and 7 square miles is water. The county is part of the Nashville metropolitan area.

The Tennessee River forms part of the county's western boundary, providing opportunities for recreation and tourism. The terrain is characterized by rolling hills and fertile valleys.

Demographics

As of the 2020 census, Houston County had a population of 8,426. The population density was approximately 42 people per square mile. The racial makeup of the county was predominantly White, with small percentages of African American, Native American, Asian, and Hispanic or Latino residents.

Economy

The economy of Houston County is diverse, with agriculture, manufacturing, and services playing significant roles. Agriculture remains important, with tobacco, corn, and soybeans being major crops. The county also has a number of small manufacturing businesses and service industries.

Tourism is a growing sector, with attractions such as the annual Irish Day Festival in Erin, which celebrates the county's Irish heritage.

Education

Houston County is served by the Houston County School District, which operates several schools, including Houston County High School. The district provides education from kindergarten through 12th grade.

Government

Houston County is governed by a county mayor and a county commission. The county government is responsible for local services such as law enforcement, road maintenance, and public health.

Also see

• Erin, Tennessee
• Tennessee River
• Sam Houston
• Nashville metropolitan area