Williamson County is a county located in the U.S. state of Tennessee. As of 2000, the population was 126,638, and the U.S. Census Bureau estimates its population as of 2005 to be 153,595. Its county seat is Franklin, and it is part of the Nashville-Davidson–Mufreesboro–Franklin Metropolitan Statistical Area. The county is named after Hugh Williamson, a North Carolina politician who signed the U.S. Constitution.

Geography

According to the census bureau, the county has a total area of 584 square miles (1,513 km²), of which 583 square miles (1,510 km²) is land and 1 square mile (2.6 km²) is water.

History

During the Civil War, Williamson County saw three battles: the Battle of Brentwood, the Battle of Thompson's Station, and one of the bloodiest battles in the war, the Battle of Franklin.

Williamson County has more properties on the National Register of Historic Places than any county outside of Virginia. Places on this list include Historic Downtown Franklin and the Factory at Franklin, as well as the Carter House and the Carnton Plantation.

Demographics

As of the census of 2000, there were 126,638 people, 44,725 households, and 35,780 families residing in the county. The population density was 217 per square mile (84 /km²). There were 47,005 housing units at an average density of 81 per square mile (31 /km²). The racial makeup of the county was 91.55% White, 5.18% Black or African American, 0.20% Native American, 1.25% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 0.97% from other races, and 0.82% from two or more races. 2.52% of the population were Hispanics or Latinos of any race.

By 2005 the racial composition of the county was 88.8% non-Hispanic white, 5.0% African-American, 3.4% Latino and 2.7% Asian-American.

There were 44,725 households in 2000 out of which 43.00% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 69.80% were married couples living together, 7.80% had a female householder with no husband present, and 20.00% were non-families. 16.60% of all households were made up of individuals and 4.50% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.81 and the average family size was 3.18.

The age distribution was 29.50% under the age of 18, 6.20% from 18 to 24, 31.60% from 25 to 44, 24.90% from 45 to 64, and 7.70% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females there were 97.00 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.70 males.

In 2007, the median income for a household in the county was $84,205, and the median income for a family was $97,688. In 2005, the per capita income for the county was $39,150. About 3.50% of families and 4.70% of the population were below the poverty line, including 5.40% of those under age 18 and 8.90% of those age 65 or over.

Williamson County is ranked among the wealthiest counties in the country. In 2002 a ranking of counties based on their median household income placed it thirteenth on the list of wealthiest counties. In 2006 it was the eleventh wealthiest county in the country, but the Council for Community and Economic Research ranked Williamson County as America's wealthiest county (1st) when the local cost of living was factored into the equation with median household income.

By 2006 Williamson County had a population of 160,781 representing 27.0% population growth since 2000. The census bureau lists Williamson as one of the 100 fastest growing counties in the United States for the period 2000-2005.

In the 2004 presidential election, Williamson County voted 72 percent in favor of George W. Bush, 27 percent in favor of Senator John Kerry, and 1 percent in favor of Ralph Nader.

Government

Williamson County Government

The chief executive officer of Williamson County's government is the County Mayor, who is popularly elected for a four-year term, and is responsible for the County's fiscal management and its day-to-day business. Rogers C. Anderson has served in this capacity since 2002.

The County Mayor is assisted by directors of the Agricultural Exposition Park, Animal Control, Budget & Purchasing, Community Development, County Archives, Emergency Communications, Economic Development, Emergency Management, Employee Benefits, Human Resources, Information Technology, Property Management, Risk Management, and Solid Waste Management.

The Mayor works closely with the 24 member Board of County Commissioners, two representing each of the 12 voting districts, and whom are popularly elected by each district for a four-year term. In addition for approval and oversight of the fiscal budget, the Board of Commissioners appoints the members of the Planning Commission, Highway Commission, Beer Board, Board of Zoning Appeals, Building Board of Adjustments, County Records Committee, Library Board and others.

The County's Assessor of Property, County Clerk, Circuit Court Clerk, Juvenile Court Clerk, Register of Deeds, Sheriff, Trustee and two judges of the General Sessions Court are popularly elected for four-year terms. Other officials including the Chancery County Clerk, Election Administrator, and Highway Superintendent are appointed for four year terms. The latter two are appointed respectively by the Election Commission and Highway Commission, and the Chancery Court Clerk is appointed by the elected judges of Tennessee's 21st Judicial District.

Public School System

Cities & Towns

• Brentwood
• Fairview
• Franklin
• Nolensville
• Spring Hill
• Thompson's Station

Unincorporated Communities

• Arrington
• Berry's Chapel
• Bethesda
• Bethlehem
• Boston
• Burwood
• College Grove
• Clovercroft
• Cool Springs
• Fernvale
• Grassland
• Leiper's Fork
• Peytonsville
• Rudderville
• Southall
• Triune