Brownsville
cityBrownsville, Tennessee, is the county seat of Haywood County, located in West Tennessee. As of 2024, the city has an estimated population of 9,358. Brownsville has a rich history tied to cotton plantations and is known for its well-preserved antebellum homes. Brownsville's economy is diverse, with manufacturing, healthcare, and retail trade as key employment sectors. The city is also home to the Brownsville Energy Authority, which provides essential utilities to residents and businesses. Furthermore, Haywood County is set to become the home of Ford's Blue Oval City, which is expected to be the largest Ford Motor Company facility globally by 2025. Brownsville offers a blend of historical charm and cultural attractions. The city is known for its musical heritage, particularly its connection to Tina Turner and blues musician Sleepy John Estes. Visitors can explore the West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center, Temple Adas Israel (the oldest synagogue in Tennessee), and Webb Banks Passive Park. The Hatchie River, with its scenic beauty and diverse wildlife, also provides outdoor recreational opportunities.
Brownsville, Tennessee
- Classification
- City
- Country
- United States
- County
- Haywood County
- Region
- West Tennessee Delta
- Elevation
- 384 ft
- Total Area
- 10.2 sq mi
- Land Area
- 10.2 sq mi
- Water Area
- 0 sq mi
- Latitude
- 35.59397
- Longitude
- -89.26229
- Climate
- Hot, humid summers and mild to cool winters. Average temperatures range from 32°F to 90°F.
- Notable Features
- Hatchie River · Sugar Creek
- Neighboring Areas
- Humboldt · Jackson · Memphis
- Population (2020)
- 9,788
- Est. Population (2024)
- 9,358
- Median Age
- 40.4
- Median Income
- $43,494
- Poverty Rate
- 25.7%
- Family Households
- 57.1%
- Owner-Occupied
- 47.6%
- Racial & Ethnic Composition
- The racial makeup of Brownsville is 67% Black or African American, 24% White, and 4.7% Hispanic.
- Government Type
- Mayor-Aldermen
- Governing Body
- Board of Aldermen
- Body Size
- 5 members
- School District
- Haywood County School District
- Municipal Services
- Police · Fire · Parks & Recreation · Water · Wastewater · Electricity · Propane · Natural Gas
- Unemployment Rate
- 6.7%
- Economic Profile
- Agricultural · Manufacturing · Commercial
- Employment Sectors
- Manufacturing · Health Care & Social Assistance · Retail Trade
- Major Employers
- Ford (future Blue Oval City in Haywood County)
- Schools
- 6
- Students
- 2,574
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 13:1
- School Districts
- Haywood County School District
- Colleges & Universities
- Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) in Brownsville
- Transportation
- U.S. Routes 70 and 79 · Interstate 40 (nearby) · Rail service (historically)
- Utilities
- Brownsville Energy Authority (water, wastewater, electricity, propane, natural gas) · Southwest Tennessee Electric Membership Corporation (electricity)
- Major Facilities
- Haywood County Memorial Hospital (provided by Methodist Hospital Systems)
- Outdoor Access
- Yes
- Major Recreation Areas
- Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge · Webb Banks Passive Park · Rockin' Roll Hatchie Trails
- Parks & Trails
- Webb Banks Passive Park · Rockin' Roll Hatchie Trails · East Side Complex · Haywood Softball Complex · LZ Hurley Memorial Stadium
- Founded
- 1824
- Incorporated
- 1826
- Named After
- General Jacob Jennings Brown
- Historical Significance
- Served as a key agricultural and transportation hub in West Tennessee, particularly for cotton production.
- Key Events
- Designated county seat of Haywood County in 1824 · Incorporated in 1826 · Developed as a trading center for cotton plantations · Yellow fever epidemic in 1878