List of counties in Tennessee

Tennessee is a state in the United States that has 95 counties. A county is a smaller part of a state that helps organize places and people. As of 2025, Shelby County had the most people living in it, while Pickett County had the fewest people. Trousdale County is the smallest county, and Shelby County is the largest.

The capital of Tennessee is Nashville, and it is located in Davidson County. The oldest county in Tennessee is Washington County, and the most recently formed county is Chester County.

Some of Tennessee’s counties were formed from lands that were once home to American Indians. Over time, these lands were settled by people from Europe, and the American Indian populations were moved to what is now the state of Oklahoma. Each county also has a special number called a FIPS code.

Alphabetical list

Tennessee is a state in the United States with 95 counties. As of 2025, Shelby County had the most people, and it was also the largest county. Pickett County had the fewest people, and Trousdale County was the smallest county.

Defunct counties

Tennessee once had two counties that no longer exist today.

James County, Tennessee existed from 1870 to 1919 and is now part of Hamilton County. Its main town was Ooltewah.

Tennessee County, Tennessee was created in 1788 and lasted until 1796. When Tennessee became a state, this county—which was originally in North Carolina—was split into Montgomery and Robertson Counties.

Consolidated counties

Three counties in Tennessee have combined their city and county governments. This means the city and the county work together as one area. The combined areas are:

• City of Nashville and Davidson County
• City of Lynchburg and Moore County
• City of Hartsville and Trousdale County