Tennessee Cities by Population 2026

Tennessee’s local government structure features 95 counties and more than 340 incorporated municipalities, including cities and towns. Counties serve as the primary government for rural areas and provide services such as law enforcement, public health, and education, while municipalities oversee local governance and services.

Nashville, Tennessee’s capital and largest city, operates a consolidated city-county government with Davidson County. This unique arrangement allows for unified governance of municipal and county services, streamlining administration and reducing duplication. Nashville’s mayor serves as the chief executive, while the Metro Council handles legislative functions, including budgeting and policymaking.

Memphis, by contrast, operates under a mayor-council government, where the mayor holds executive power and oversees city departments such as police, fire, and public works. The Memphis City Council serves as the legislative body, enacting laws and shaping policy for the city’s diverse population.

Smaller cities like Knoxville and Chattanooga use either mayor-council or council-manager structures, depending on local needs. The council-manager system emphasizes professional management of daily operations, while elected councils provide oversight and policy direction.

Counties such as Shelby County and Knox County handle services for unincorporated areas, with county commissions serving as the primary legislative bodies. These commissions oversee services including public health, infrastructure maintenance, and law enforcement through county sheriff departments.

Tennessee’s unincorporated communities often rely on county services, with residents participating in local advisory boards to address specific needs. Municipalities have flexibility under the state’s home rule provisions, allowing them to adopt governance models that best suit their populations.

Regional planning commissions and development districts promote cooperation among counties and municipalities, addressing issues such as economic development, transportation, and environmental sustainability.