Shelby County, Tennessee
Shelby County, Tennessee | |
|---|---|
County | |
 Location within the U.S. state of Tennessee | |
| Coordinates: 35°11′N 89°53′W / 35.19°N 89.89°W Fatal error: The format of the coordinate could not be determined. Parsing failed. | |
| Country | United States |
| State | Tennessee |
| Founded | November 24, 1819 |
| Named for | Isaac Shelby |
| County seat | Memphis |
| Area | |
| • Total | 785 sq mi (2,030 km2) |
| • Land | 763 sq mi (1,980 km2) |
| • Water | 22 sq mi (60 km2) |
| Population (2020) | |
| • Total | 929,744 |
| • Density | 1,200/sq mi (460/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (Central) |
| Website | Shelby County Government |
Shelby County is a county located in the southwestern part of the U.S. state of Tennessee. As of the 2020 census, the population was 929,744, making it the most populous county in Tennessee. The county seat is Memphis, which is the largest city in the county and the state.
History[edit | edit source]
Shelby County was established on November 24, 1819, and was named after Isaac Shelby, a Revolutionary War hero and former governor of Kentucky. The county has a rich history, including its role in the American Civil War and the Civil Rights Movement.
Geography[edit | edit source]
According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 785 square miles (2,030 km²), of which 763 square miles (1,980 km²) is land and 22 square miles (57 km²) (2.8%) is water. The county is part of the Mississippi Delta region and is bordered by the Mississippi River to the west.
Adjacent counties[edit | edit source]
- Tipton County (north)
- Fayette County (east)
- DeSoto County, Mississippi (south)
- Crittenden County, Arkansas (west)
Demographics[edit | edit source]
As of the 2020 census, there were 929,744 people, 343,733 households, and 222,000 families residing in the county. The population density was 1,218 people per square mile (470/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 52.1% African American, 40.6% White, 2.3% Asian American, and 5.0% from other races.
Government[edit | edit source]
Shelby County is governed by a mayor and a 13-member county commission. The county also has various elected officials, including a sheriff, district attorney, and county clerk. The county is part of the 30th Judicial District of Tennessee.
Economy[edit | edit source]
The economy of Shelby County is diverse, with major industries including transportation, manufacturing, and healthcare. The county is home to several Fortune 500 companies, including FedEx and International Paper.
Education[edit | edit source]
Shelby County is served by the Shelby County Schools district, which is one of the largest school districts in the state. The county is also home to several higher education institutions, including the University of Memphis and Rhodes College.
Transportation[edit | edit source]
Shelby County is a major transportation hub, with several major highways, including Interstate 40 and Interstate 55, passing through the county. The county is also served by the Memphis International Airport, which is a major cargo airport and a hub for FedEx.
Notable people[edit | edit source]
- Elvis Presley, singer and actor
- Aretha Franklin, singer
- Justin Timberlake, singer and actor
See also[edit | edit source]
- List of counties in Tennessee
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Shelby County, Tennessee
- Memphis, Tennessee
References[edit | edit source]
External links[edit | edit source]
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