Polk County, Tennessee

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Polk County, Tennessee

Polk County is a county located in the southeastern part of the U.S. state of Tennessee. As of the 2020 census, the population was 17,544. The county seat is Benton. Polk County is included in the Cleveland, TN Metropolitan Statistical Area.

History

Polk County was established on November 28, 1839, from parts of Bradley and McMinn counties. It was named after James K. Polk, the 11th President of the United States, who was serving as Governor of Tennessee at the time of the county's formation.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 442 square miles (1,140 km²), of which 435 square miles (1,130 km²) is land and 7.0 square miles (18 km²) (1.6%) is water. The county is located in the Appalachian Mountains and is home to part of the Cherokee National Forest.

Adjacent counties

• Monroe County (north)
• Cherokee County, North Carolina (east)
• Fannin County, Georgia (south)
• Murray County, Georgia (southwest)
• Bradley County (west)
• McMinn County (northwest)

National protected areas

• Cherokee National Forest (part)

Demographics

As of the 2020 census, there were 17,544 people, 7,123 households, and 4,937 families residing in the county. The population density was 40 people per square mile (15/km²). There were 8,123 housing units at an average density of 19 per square mile (7.3/km²).

Communities

Cities

• Benton (county seat)
• Copperhill
• Ducktown

Unincorporated communities

• Conasauga
• Delano
• Turtletown

Education

Polk County is served by the Polk County Schools district, which includes several elementary, middle, and high schools.

Economy

The economy of Polk County is diverse, with significant contributions from agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism. The presence of the Cherokee National Forest and the Ocoee River attracts numerous visitors for outdoor recreational activities such as whitewater rafting, hiking, and fishing.

Notable people

• James K. Polk, 11th President of the United States, after whom the county is named.

See also

• National Register of Historic Places listings in Polk County, Tennessee
• List of counties in Tennessee

External links

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