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Coordinates: 36°22′N 89°09′W / 36.36°N 89.15°W / 36.36; -89.15
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{{short description|County in Tennessee, United States}}
{{short description|County in Tennessee, United States}}
{{use mdy dates|date=December 2021}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2024}}
{{Infobox U.S. county
{{Infobox U.S. county
| county = Obion County
| county = Obion County
| state = Tennessee
| state = Tennessee
| flag = Flag of Obion County, Tennessee.svg
| seal =
| seal =
| founded = 1824<ref name=tehc>{{cite encyclopedia|url=http://tennesseeencyclopedia.net/entry.php?rec=1012 |title=Obion County|encyclopedia=Tennessee Encyclopedia of History and Culture |author=R.C. Forrester|access-date=2010-10-10}}</ref>
| founded = 1824<ref name=tehc>{{cite encyclopedia|url=http://tennesseeencyclopedia.net/entry.php?rec=1012 |title=Obion County|encyclopedia=Tennessee Encyclopedia of History and Culture |author=R.C. Forrester|access-date=October 10, 2010}}</ref>
|website={{url|https://www.obioncountytn.gov/}}
|website={{URL|https://www.obioncountytn.gov/}}
| seat wl = Union City
| seat wl = Union City
| named for = [[Obion River]]<ref name=tehc />
| named for = [[Obion River]]<ref name=tehc />
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| district = 8th
| district = 8th
| leader_title = Mayor
| leader_title = Mayor
| leader_name = Steve Carr <ref> {{cite web|title= Steve Carr Wins Obion County Mayors Race|url=https://www.thunderboltradio.com/steve-carr-wins-obion-county-mayors-race/|publisher= Thunderbolt Radio| access-date= August 7, 2022}}</ref>
| leader_name = Steve Carr <ref>{{cite web|title= Steve Carr Wins Obion County Mayors Race|date=August 5, 2022 |url=https://www.thunderboltradio.com/steve-carr-wins-obion-county-mayors-race/|publisher= Thunderbolt Radio| access-date= August 7, 2022}}</ref>
}}
}}
[[File:Reelfoot Lake State Park Cypress Boardwalk Obion County TN 2013-04-06 033.jpg|right|175px|thumb|Reelfoot Lake]]
[[File:Reelfoot Lake State Park Cypress Boardwalk Obion County TN 2013-04-06 033.jpg|right|175px|thumb|Reelfoot Lake]]


'''Obion County''' is a [[County (United States)|county]] located in the northwest corner of the [[U.S. state]] of [[Tennessee]]. As of the [[2010 United States Census|2010 census]], the population was 31,807.<ref name="QF">{{cite web|title=State & County QuickFacts|url=http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/47/47131.html|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=December 6, 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110607144154/http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/47/47131.html|archive-date=June 7, 2011}}</ref> The [[county seat]] is [[Union City, Tennessee|Union City]].<ref name="GR6">{{cite web|url=http://www.naco.org/Counties/Pages/FindACounty.aspx |access-date=2011-06-07 |title=Find a County |publisher=National Association of Counties |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110531210815/http://www.naco.org/Counties/Pages/FindACounty.aspx |archive-date=May 31, 2011 }}</ref> The county was formed in 1823 and organized in 1824.<ref name=tehc /> It was named after the [[Obion River]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.state.tn.us/sos/bluebook/05-06/44-counties.pdf|title=Origins Of Tennessee County Names|publisher=Tennessee Blue Book|page=512|date=2005–2006|access-date=April 18, 2015}}</ref>
'''Obion County''' is a [[County (United States)|county]] located in the northwest corner of the [[U.S. state]] of [[Tennessee]]. As of the [[2020 United States Census|2020 census]], the population was 30,787.<ref>{{cite web|title=Census - Geography Profile: Obion County, Tennessee|url=https://data.census.gov/profile/Obion_County,_Tennessee?g=0500000US47131|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=January 7, 2023}}</ref> The [[county seat]] is [[Union City, Tennessee|Union City]].<ref name="GR6">{{cite web|url=http://www.naco.org/Counties/Pages/FindACounty.aspx |access-date=June 7, 2011 |title=Find a County |publisher=National Association of Counties |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110531210815/http://www.naco.org/Counties/Pages/FindACounty.aspx |archive-date=May 31, 2011 }}</ref> The county was formed in 1823 and organized in 1824.<ref name=tehc /> It was named after the [[Obion River]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.state.tn.us/sos/bluebook/05-06/44-counties.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/http://www.state.tn.us/sos/bluebook/05-06/44-counties.pdf |archive-date=October 9, 2022 |url-status=live|title=Origins Of Tennessee County Names|publisher=Tennessee Blue Book|page=512|date=2005–2006|access-date=April 18, 2015}}</ref>


Obion County is part of the Union City, TN–[[Kentucky|KY]] [[Union City micropolitan area|Micropolitan Statistical Area]], which is also included in the [[Martin, Tennessee|Martin]]–Union City, TN [[Combined Statistical Area]].
Obion County is part of the Union City, TN–[[Kentucky|KY]] [[Union City micropolitan area|Micropolitan Statistical Area]], which is also included in the [[Martin, Tennessee|Martin]]–Union City, TN [[Combined Statistical Area]].
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In the year, 1811 there was a large [[Reelfoot Lake|seismic activity]] located on the [[New Madrid Seismic Zone|New Madrid Fault Line]]. The series of earthquakes, while devastating, formed Reelfoot Lake.
In the year, 1811 there was a large [[Reelfoot Lake|seismic activity]] located on the [[New Madrid Seismic Zone|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.<ref name="tehc" /><ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=sR1dCwAAQBAJ&q=obion+%22forks%22+Irish+name&pg=PA115|title=Western Tennessee Fishing Map Guide|first=Sportsman's|last=Connection|date=July 16, 2016|publisher=Sportsman's Connection|isbn=9781885010704 |via=Google Books}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=zOzPQYkkbaAC&q=obion+%22many+forks%22&pg=PA154|title=Tennessee Place-names|first=Larry L.|last=Miller|date=April 27, 2001|publisher=Indiana University Press|isbn=0253214785 |via=Google Books}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ereferencedesk.com/resources/counties/tennessee/obion.html|title=Obion County, Tennessee: History and Information|website=www.ereferencedesk.com}}</ref>
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.<ref name="tehc" /><ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=sR1dCwAAQBAJ&q=obion+%22forks%22+Irish+name&pg=PA115|title=Western Tennessee Fishing Map Guide|first=Sportsman's|last=Connection|date=July 16, 2016|publisher=Sportsman's Connection|isbn=9781885010704 |via=Google Books}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=zOzPQYkkbaAC&q=obion+%22many+forks%22&pg=PA154|title=Tennessee Place-names|first=Larry L.|last=Miller|date=April 27, 2001|publisher=Indiana University Press|isbn=0253214785 |via=Google Books}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ereferencedesk.com/resources/counties/tennessee/obion.html|title=Obion County, Tennessee: History and Information|website=www.ereferencedesk.com}}</ref>


The founding of Obion County originally came from the expansion of railroads. The county has since moved towards many agricultural and manufacturing productions.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://tennesseeencyclopedia.net/entries/obion-county/|title=Obion County {{!}} Tennessee Encyclopedia|work=Tennessee Encyclopedia|access-date=2018-08-16|language=en-US}}</ref>
The founding of Obion County originally came from the expansion of railroads. The county has since moved towards many agricultural and manufacturing productions.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://tennesseeencyclopedia.net/entries/obion-county/|title=Obion County {{!}} Tennessee Encyclopedia|work=Tennessee Encyclopedia|access-date=August 16, 2018|language=en-US}}</ref>


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.
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==
==Geography==
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|2000= 32450
|2000= 32450
|2010= 31807
|2010= 31807
|2020= 30787
|estyear=2018
|estref=
|estimate=30267
|estref=<ref name="USCensusEst2018">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/popest/data/tables.2018.html|title=Population and Housing Unit Estimates|access-date=July 20, 2019}}</ref>
|align-fn=center
|align-fn=center
|footnote=U.S. Decennial Census<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html|title=U.S. Decennial Census|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=April 9, 2015}}</ref><br />1790-1960<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mapserver.lib.virginia.edu|title=Historical Census Browser|publisher=University of Virginia Library|access-date=April 9, 2015}}</ref> 1900-1990<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/population/cencounts/tn190090.txt|title=Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990|publisher=United States Census Bureau|editor-last=Forstall|editor-first=Richard L.|date=March 27, 1995|access-date=April 9, 2015}}</ref><br />1990-2000<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/population/www/cen2000/briefs/phc-t4/tables/tab02.pdf|title=Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000|publisher=United States Census Bureau|date=April 2, 2001|access-date=April 9, 2015}}</ref> 2010-2014<ref name="QF"/>
|footnote=U.S. Decennial Census<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html|title=U.S. Decennial Census|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=April 9, 2015}}</ref><br />1790-1960<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mapserver.lib.virginia.edu|title=Historical Census Browser|publisher=University of Virginia Library|access-date=April 9, 2015}}</ref> 1900-1990<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/population/cencounts/tn190090.txt|title=Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990|publisher=United States Census Bureau|editor-last=Forstall|editor-first=Richard L.|date=March 27, 1995|access-date=April 9, 2015}}</ref><br />1990-2000<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/population/www/cen2000/briefs/phc-t4/tables/tab02.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/https://www.census.gov/population/www/cen2000/briefs/phc-t4/tables/tab02.pdf |archive-date=October 9, 2022 |url-status=live|title=Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000|publisher=United States Census Bureau|date=April 2, 2001|access-date=April 9, 2015}}</ref> 2010-2014<ref name="QF">{{cite web|title=State & County QuickFacts|url=http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/47/47131.html|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=December 6, 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110607144154/http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/47/47131.html|archive-date=June 7, 2011}}</ref>
}}
}}
{{Stack|[[File:USA Obion County, Tennessee.csv age pyramid.svg|thumb|left|150px|Age pyramid for Obion County<ref>Based on [[2000 United States Census|2000 census]] data.</ref>]]}}
{{Stack|[[File:USA Obion County, Tennessee.csv age pyramid.svg|thumb|left|150px|Age pyramid for Obion County<ref>Based on [[2000 United States Census|2000 census]] data.</ref>]]}}
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===2020 census===
===2020 census===
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|+Obion County racial composition<ref>{{Cite web|title=Explore Census Data|url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?g=0500000US47131&tid=DECENNIALPL2020.P2|access-date=2021-12-08|website=data.census.gov}}</ref>
|+Obion County racial composition<ref>{{Cite web|title=Explore Census Data|url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?g=0500000US47131&tid=DECENNIALPL2020.P2|access-date=December 8, 2021|website=data.census.gov}}</ref>
!Race
!Race
!Num.
!Num.
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===2000 census===
===2000 census===
As of the [[census]]<ref name="GR8">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]] |access-date=2011-05-14 |title=U.S. Census website }}</ref> of 2000, there were 32,450 people, 13,182 households, and 9,398 families residing in the county. The [[population density]] was 60 people per square mile (23/km<sup>2</sup>). There were 14,489 housing units at an average density of 27 per square&nbsp;mile (10/km<sup>2</sup>). The racial makeup of the county was 88.16% [[Race (United States Census)|White]], 9.85% [[Race (United States Census)|Black]] or [[Race (United States Census)|African American]], 0.19% [[Race (United States Census)|Asian]], 0.14% [[Race (United States Census)|Native American]], 0.05% [[Race (United States Census)|Pacific Islander]], 0.91% from [[Race (United States Census)|other races]], and 0.71% from two or more races. 1.90% of the population were [[Race (United States Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Race (United States Census)|Latino]] of any race.
As of the [[census]]<ref name="GR8">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]] |access-date=May 14, 2011 |title=U.S. Census website }}</ref> of 2000, there were 32,450 people, 13,182 households, and 9,398 families residing in the county. The population density was {{convert|60|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. There were 14,489 housing units at an average density of {{convert|27|/mi2|/km2|adj=pre|units&nbsp;}}. The racial makeup of the county was 88.16% [[Race (United States Census)|White]], 9.85% [[Race (United States Census)|Black]] or [[Race (United States Census)|African American]], 0.19% [[Race (United States Census)|Asian]], 0.14% [[Race (United States Census)|Native American]], 0.05% [[Race (United States Census)|Pacific Islander]], 0.91% from [[Race (United States Census)|other races]], and 0.71% from two or more races. 1.90% of the population were [[Race (United States Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Race (United States Census)|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 [[Marriage|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.
There were 13,182 households, out of which 31.00% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.40% were [[Marriage|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.
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.
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==
==Politics==
{{PresHead|place=Obion County, Tennessee|whig=no|source1=<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://uselectionatlas.org/RESULTS|title=Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections|last=Leip|first=David|website=uselectionatlas.org|access-date=2018-03-12}}</ref>}}
{{PresHead|place=Obion County, Tennessee|whig=no|source1=<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://uselectionatlas.org/RESULTS|title=Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections|last=Leip|first=David|website=uselectionatlas.org|access-date=March 12, 2018}}</ref>}}
<!-- PresRow should be {{PresRow|Year|Winning party|GOP/Whig vote #|Dem vote #|3rd party vote #|State}} -->
<!-- PresRow should be {{PresRow|Year|Winning party|GOP/Whig vote #|Dem vote #|3rd party vote #|State}} -->
{{PresRow|2020|Republican|10,790|2,589|142|Tennessee}}
{{PresRow|2020|Republican|10,790|2,589|142|Tennessee}}
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|[https://www.obioncountyschools.com/sfe]
|[https://www.obioncountyschools.com/sfe]
|-
|-
|[[South Fulton Middle and High School|South Fulton Middle/High School]]
|South Fulton Middle and High School
|Red Devils
|Red Devils
|Red/White
|Red/White
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Obion County is home to many attractions and activities.
Obion County is home to many attractions and activities.


* [[Discovery Park of America]] offers a world-class educational experience that focuses on nature, science, technology, history, and art. Discovery Park is the main source of tourism to Obion County.
* [[Discovery Park of America]] focuses on nature, science, technology, history, and art. Discovery Park is the main source of tourism to Obion County.
* [[Reelfoot Lake]] is a protected area in Obion County. It is an oasis for hiking, boating, and experiencing nature.
* [[Reelfoot Lake]] is a protected area in Obion County. It is a venue for hiking, boating, and nature.
* Masquerade Theatre is a local theater groups and presents many high-quality productions. What started as the historical Capitol Theater has now been renovated to meet the community's needs.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://obioncounty.org/|title=Obion County, Tennessee - Home|website=obioncounty.org|language=en-gb|access-date=2018-08-16}}</ref>
* Masquerade Theatre is a local theater groups. What started as the historical Capitol Theater has now been renovated to meet the community's needs.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://obioncounty.org/|title=Obion County, Tennessee - Home|website=obioncounty.org|language=en-gb|access-date=August 16, 2018}}</ref>
* The Obion County Fair is one of the biggest events held in the county. Fair Rides, Agricultural displays, pageants, and much more are held in late August every year.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.obioncountyfair.net/|title=Obion County Fair – A Volunteer Tradition|website=www.obioncountyfair.net|language=en-US|access-date=2018-08-16}}</ref>
* The Obion County Fair is one of the biggest events held in the county. Fair Rides, Agricultural displays, pageants, and much more are held in late August every year.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.obioncountyfair.net/|title=Obion County Fair – A Volunteer Tradition|website=www.obioncountyfair.net|language=en-US|access-date=August 16, 2018}}</ref>


==Media==
==Media==
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==Other services==
==Other services==
Obion County has a [[public library]], with a {{convert|30000|sqft|adj=on}} building and a catalog of over 70,000 books, video and audio materials.<ref>{{cite web | title= About | url= http://oclibrary.org/about/ | publisher= Obion County Public Library | access-date= 2010-10-10 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131026001339/http://oclibrary.org/about/ | archive-date= 2013-10-26 | url-status= dead }}</ref>
Obion County has a [[public library]], with a {{convert|30000|sqft|adj=on}} building and a catalog of over 70,000 books, video and audio materials.<ref>{{cite web | title= About | url= http://oclibrary.org/about/ | publisher= Obion County Public Library | access-date= October 10, 2010 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131026001339/http://oclibrary.org/about/ | archive-date= October 26, 2013 | url-status= dead }}</ref>


Residents of the county's [[unincorporated area|unincorporated communities]] have the option of paying $75 per year if they want [[Firefighting in the United States|firefighting services]] from the city of [[South Fulton, Tennessee|South Fulton]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Firefighters watch as home burns to the ground|url=http://www.wpsdlocal6.com/internal?st=print&id=104052668&path=/news/local|date=September 30, 2010|publisher=[[WPSD-TV]]|access-date=2010-10-10|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101003221549/http://www.wpsdlocal6.com/internal?st=print&id=104052668&path=%2Fnews%2Flocal|archive-date=October 3, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wpsdlocal6.com/news/local/Home-burns-while-firefighters-watch-again-135069773.html|title=Home burns while firefighters watch, again|author=Jason Hibbs|date=December 5, 2011|publisher=[[WPSD-TV]]|access-date=2011-12-06|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111208024729/http://www.wpsdlocal6.com/news/local/Home-burns-while-firefighters-watch-again-135069773.html|archive-date=December 8, 2011}}</ref>
Residents of the county's [[unincorporated area|unincorporated communities]] have the option of paying $75 per year if they want [[Firefighting in the United States|firefighting services]] from the city of [[South Fulton, Tennessee|South Fulton]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Firefighters watch as home burns to the ground|url=http://www.wpsdlocal6.com/internal?st=print&id=104052668&path=/news/local|date=September 30, 2010|publisher=[[WPSD-TV]]|access-date=October 10, 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101003221549/http://www.wpsdlocal6.com/internal?st=print&id=104052668&path=%2Fnews%2Flocal|archive-date=October 3, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wpsdlocal6.com/news/local/Home-burns-while-firefighters-watch-again-135069773.html|title=Home burns while firefighters watch, again|author=Jason Hibbs|date=December 5, 2011|publisher=[[WPSD-TV]]|access-date=December 6, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111208024729/http://www.wpsdlocal6.com/news/local/Home-burns-while-firefighters-watch-again-135069773.html|archive-date=December 8, 2011}}</ref>


==Communities==
==Communities==

Latest revision as of 06:20, 1 May 2024

Obion County
Obion County Courthouse
Obion County Courthouse
Flag of Obion County
Map of Tennessee highlighting Obion County
Location within the U.S. state of Tennessee
Map of the United States highlighting Tennessee
Tennessee's location within the U.S.
Coordinates: 36°22′N 89°09′W / 36.36°N 89.15°W / 36.36; -89.15
Country United States
State Tennessee
Founded1824[1]
Named forObion River[1]
SeatUnion City
Largest cityUnion City
Government
 • MayorSteve Carr [2]
Area
 • Total556 sq mi (1,440 km2)
 • Land545 sq mi (1,410 km2)
 • Water11 sq mi (30 km2)  1.9%
Population
 (2020)
 • Total30,787 Decrease
 • Density58/sq mi (22/km2)
Time zoneUTC−6 (Central)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−5 (CDT)
Congressional district8th
Websitewww.obioncountytn.gov
Reelfoot Lake

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.[3] The county seat is Union City.[4] The county was formed in 1823 and organized in 1824.[1] It was named after the Obion River.[5]

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

[edit]

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.[1][6][7][8]

The founding of Obion County originally came from the expansion of railroads. The county has since moved towards many agricultural and manufacturing productions.[9]

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

[edit]

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 556 square miles (1,440 km2), of which 545 square miles (1,410 km2) is land and 11 square miles (28 km2) (1.9%) is water.[10] It is located in the "rolling hills of northwest Tennessee".[1]

Adjacent counties

[edit]

National protected area

[edit]

State protected areas

[edit]
  • Glover Wetland Wildlife Management Area
  • Gooch Wildlife Management Area
  • Hop-In Refuge
  • Obion River Wildlife Management Area (part)
  • Reelfoot Lake State Natural Area (part)
  • Reelfoot Lake State Park (part)
  • Three Rivers Wildlife Management Area

Major highways

[edit]

Demographics

[edit]
Historical population
CensusPop.Note
18302,099
18404,814129.3%
18507,63358.6%
186012,81767.9%
187015,58421.6%
188022,91247.0%
189027,27319.0%
190028,2863.7%
191029,9465.9%
192028,393−5.2%
193029,0862.4%
194030,9786.5%
195029,056−6.2%
196026,957−7.2%
197029,93611.1%
198032,7819.5%
199031,717−3.2%
200032,4502.3%
201031,807−2.0%
202030,787−3.2%
U.S. Decennial Census[11]
1790-1960[12] 1900-1990[13]
1990-2000[14] 2010-2014[15]
Age pyramid for Obion County[16]

2020 census

[edit]
Obion County racial composition[17]
Race Num. Perc.
White (non-Hispanic) 24,736 80.35%
Black or African American (non-Hispanic) 3,137 10.19%
Native American 50 0.16%
Asian 103 0.33%
Other/Mixed 1,187 3.86%
Hispanic or Latino 1,574 5.11%

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

[edit]

As of the census[18] of 2000, there were 32,450 people, 13,182 households, and 9,398 families residing in the county. The population density was 60 inhabitants per square mile (23/km2). There were 14,489 housing units at an average density of 27 units per square mile (10/km2). 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

[edit]
United States presidential election results for Obion County, Tennessee[19]
Year Republican Democratic Third party(ies)
No.  % No.  % No.  %
2020 10,790 79.80% 2,589 19.15% 142 1.05%
2016 9,526 77.77% 2,426 19.81% 297 2.42%
2012 8,814 71.68% 3,321 27.01% 162 1.32%
2008 8,873 66.26% 4,308 32.17% 211 1.58%
2004 7,859 58.06% 5,549 41.00% 127 0.94%
2000 6,168 49.58% 6,056 48.68% 216 1.74%
1996 4,310 37.36% 6,226 53.97% 1,000 8.67%
1992 4,812 37.41% 6,497 50.51% 1,555 12.09%
1988 6,037 55.60% 4,785 44.07% 36 0.33%
1984 6,384 56.74% 4,769 42.38% 99 0.88%
1980 5,397 47.49% 5,766 50.73% 202 1.78%
1976 2,986 28.93% 7,204 69.81% 130 1.26%
1972 5,800 70.36% 2,243 27.21% 200 2.43%
1968 2,420 25.92% 2,235 23.94% 4,680 50.13%
1964 2,802 33.07% 5,672 66.93% 0 0.00%
1960 3,800 46.36% 4,244 51.78% 152 1.85%
1956 2,349 30.76% 5,185 67.89% 103 1.35%
1952 2,682 36.51% 4,623 62.94% 40 0.54%
1948 642 13.91% 3,490 75.59% 485 10.50%
1944 615 14.31% 3,670 85.39% 13 0.30%
1940 536 10.91% 4,360 88.73% 18 0.37%
1936 417 10.06% 3,728 89.94% 0 0.00%
1932 334 9.36% 3,183 89.18% 52 1.46%
1928 789 24.05% 2,492 75.95% 0 0.00%
1924 485 12.87% 3,223 85.51% 61 1.62%
1920 1,307 22.25% 4,547 77.41% 20 0.34%
1916 591 15.59% 3,170 83.64% 29 0.77%
1912 455 15.89% 2,152 75.17% 256 8.94%

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.[20] At the federal level, it is part of the state's 8th congressional district, currently represented by Republican David Kustoff.

Education

[edit]

Obion County Schools

[edit]
School Name Team Mascot School Colors School Website
Lake Road Elementary School Generals Blue/Orange [1]
Hillcrest Elementary School Cougars Red/Navy Blue [2]
Ridgemont Elementary School Mustangs Red/Yellow [3]
Black Oak Elementary School Eagles Yellow/Blue [4]
South Fulton Elementary School Red Devils Red/White [5]
South Fulton Middle and High School Red Devils Red/White [6]
Obion County Central High School Rebels Red/White/Blue [7]

Union City Schools

[edit]
School Name Team Mascot School Colors School Website
Union City Elementary School Tornadoes Purple/Gold 1
Union City Middle School Tornadoes Purple/Gold 1
Union City High School Tornadoes Purple/Gold 1

Attractions

[edit]
Discovery Park of America in Union City.

Obion County is home to many attractions and activities.

  • Discovery Park of America focuses on nature, science, technology, history, and art. Discovery Park is the main source of tourism to Obion County.
  • Reelfoot Lake is a protected area in Obion County. It is a venue for hiking, boating, and nature.
  • Masquerade Theatre is a local theater groups. What started as the historical Capitol Theater has now been renovated to meet the community's needs.[21]
  • The Obion County Fair is one of the biggest events held in the county. Fair Rides, Agricultural displays, pageants, and much more are held in late August every year.[22]

Media

[edit]

Other services

[edit]

Obion County has a public library, with a 30,000-square-foot (2,800 m2) building and a catalog of over 70,000 books, video and audio materials.[23]

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.[24][25]

Communities

[edit]
The Tower at Discovery Park of America

Cities

[edit]

Towns

[edit]

Unincorporated communities

[edit]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d e R.C. Forrester. "Obion County". Tennessee Encyclopedia of History and Culture. Retrieved October 10, 2010.
  2. ^ "Steve Carr Wins Obion County Mayors Race". Thunderbolt Radio. August 5, 2022. Retrieved August 7, 2022.
  3. ^ "Census - Geography Profile: Obion County, Tennessee". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 7, 2023.
  4. ^ "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Archived from the original on May 31, 2011. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
  5. ^ "Origins Of Tennessee County Names" (PDF). Tennessee Blue Book. 2005–2006. p. 512. Archived (PDF) from the original on October 9, 2022. Retrieved April 18, 2015.
  6. ^ Connection, Sportsman's (July 16, 2016). Western Tennessee Fishing Map Guide. Sportsman's Connection. ISBN 9781885010704 – via Google Books.
  7. ^ Miller, Larry L. (April 27, 2001). Tennessee Place-names. Indiana University Press. ISBN 0253214785 – via Google Books.
  8. ^ "Obion County, Tennessee: History and Information". www.ereferencedesk.com.
  9. ^ "Obion County | Tennessee Encyclopedia". Tennessee Encyclopedia. Retrieved August 16, 2018.
  10. ^ "2010 Census Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. August 22, 2012. Retrieved April 9, 2015.
  11. ^ "U.S. Decennial Census". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved April 9, 2015.
  12. ^ "Historical Census Browser". University of Virginia Library. Retrieved April 9, 2015.
  13. ^ Forstall, Richard L., ed. (March 27, 1995). "Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved April 9, 2015.
  14. ^ "Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. April 2, 2001. Archived (PDF) from the original on October 9, 2022. Retrieved April 9, 2015.
  15. ^ "State & County QuickFacts". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on June 7, 2011. Retrieved December 6, 2013.
  16. ^ Based on 2000 census data.
  17. ^ "Explore Census Data". data.census.gov. Retrieved December 8, 2021.
  18. ^ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved May 14, 2011.
  19. ^ Leip, David. "Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections". uselectionatlas.org. Retrieved March 12, 2018.
  20. ^ Senate District 24 from the website of the Tennessee General Assembly
  21. ^ "Obion County, Tennessee - Home". obioncounty.org. Retrieved August 16, 2018.
  22. ^ "Obion County Fair – A Volunteer Tradition". www.obioncountyfair.net. Retrieved August 16, 2018.
  23. ^ "About". Obion County Public Library. Archived from the original on October 26, 2013. Retrieved October 10, 2010.
  24. ^ "Firefighters watch as home burns to the ground". WPSD-TV. September 30, 2010. Archived from the original on October 3, 2010. Retrieved October 10, 2010.
  25. ^ Jason Hibbs (December 5, 2011). "Home burns while firefighters watch, again". WPSD-TV. Archived from the original on December 8, 2011. Retrieved December 6, 2011.
[edit]

36°22′N 89°09′W / 36.36°N 89.15°W / 36.36; -89.15