Carroll County
countyCarroll County is located in West Tennessee, approximately equidistant between Memphis and Nashville. As of 2020, the population was 28,440. The county offers a blend of small-town charm and access to larger urban amenities. It is known for its friendly faces, natural beauty, and productive economy, making it a desirable place to live, work, and raise a family. Carroll County's economy has shifted from primarily agricultural to a mix of agriculture, manufacturing, and commercial enterprises. Key industries include manufacturing, healthcare, and retail. Major institutions include Bethel University and the Tennessee College of Applied Technology-McKenzie, which contribute to the local workforce development. Carroll County is distinctive for its rich history and strong support for the arts. The Dixie Carter Performing Arts Center and the Carroll County Thousand Acre Recreational Lake are key attractions. The county also boasts a high quality of life with numerous outdoor activities and a strong sense of community.
Carroll County, Tennessee
- Classification
- County
- FIPS Code
- 47017
- Country
- United States
- County
- Carroll County
- Region
- West Tennessee
- Total Area
- 600 sq mi
- Land Area
- 599 sq mi
- Water Area
- 0.8 sq mi
- Latitude
- 35.98
- Longitude
- -88.45
- Climate
- Mild climate suitable for outdoor recreation
- Notable Features
- Carroll County Thousand Acre Recreational Lake
- Neighboring Areas
- Henry County · Benton County · Decatur County · Gibson County · Henderson County · Madison County · Weakley County
- Population (2020)
- 28,440
- Est. Population (2026)
- 29,421
- Median Age
- 41.6
- Median Income
- $50,391
- Poverty Rate
- 16.96%
- Family Households
- 66.2%
- Owner-Occupied
- 74.8%
- Racial & Ethnic Composition
- 84% White (Non-Hispanic), 8.84% Black or African American (Non-Hispanic), 3.56% Two Races Excluding Other, & Three or More Races (Non-Hispanic), 1.73% White (Hispanic)
- Unemployment Rate
- 4.1%
- Economic Profile
- Varied industrial base · Skilled workforce
- Employment Sectors
- Manufacturing · Health Care & Social Assistance · Retail Trade
- Major Employers
- Granges Americas
- Graduation Rate
- >96%
- School Districts
- Huntingdon Special School District · McKenzie Special School District · West Carroll Special School District
- Colleges & Universities
- Bethel University · Tennessee College of Applied Technology-McKenzie
- Outdoor Access
- Yes
- Major Recreation Areas
- Carroll County Thousand Acre Recreational Lake · Carroll County Shooting Sports Park · Natchez Trace State Park
- Parks & Trails
- City Parks · Thomas Park · Kelley Sports Complex
- Founded
- 1821
- Named After
- Governor William Carroll
- Historical Significance
- Played a role in West Tennessee's development and has produced two Tennessee governors
- Key Events
- Established from land ceded by the Chickasaw in the Jackson Purchase of 1818 · Settlers moved into the area in 1820, establishing communities like McKenzie and Huntingdon · Served as the northernmost county in the Unionist Republican bloc during the American Civil War