Cities and Towns in Anderson County, Tennessee
Founded in 1801, Anderson County is one of 95 counties in the state of Tennessee. Historically, Anderson County was formed from Knox and Grainger Counties. The city of Clinton is the county seat. With FIPS code of 1, Anderson County has a population of 77,576 and area of 338 square miles (875 km²).
List of all cities in Anderson County, TN alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Andersonville, TN | 37705 | 865 |
| Briceville, TN | 37710 | 865 |
| Clinton, TN | 37716 | 865 |
| 37717 | 865 | |
| Devonia, TN | 37710 | 865 |
| Lake City, TN | 37769 | 865 |
| Norris, TN | 37828 | 865 |
| Oak Ridge, TN | 37830 | 865 |
| 37831 | 865 |
Major Cities and Towns in Anderson County, Tennessee
Clinton
Area, Population, and Zip Codes
- Area: Approximately 12.1 square miles
- Population: Around 10,000 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Codes: 37716, 37717
- Latitude: 36.1034° N
- Longitude: 84.1319° W
Location and History
Clinton, the county seat of Anderson County, is situated along the Clinch River in eastern Tennessee. Established in 1801 and originally called Burrville, the town was renamed Clinton in honor of George Clinton, a former U.S. vice president. Clinton became a thriving hub for trade and transportation due to its proximity to the river and later the railroad. The town played a significant role in the desegregation of schools during the Civil Rights Movement, with the Clinton 12 becoming the first African American students to integrate a public high school in the South in 1956.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Clinton City Schools provide elementary education, and Anderson County High School serves the broader area. Notable landmarks include the Green McAdoo Cultural Center, which commemorates the Clinton 12, and the Museum of Appalachia, showcasing the region’s cultural heritage. The Clinch River offers opportunities for fishing, boating, and recreation, making Clinton a blend of historical significance and natural beauty.
Oak Ridge
Area, Population, and Zip Codes
- Area: Approximately 89.9 square miles
- Population: Around 31,000 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Codes: 37830, 37831
- Latitude: 36.0104° N
- Longitude: 84.2696° W
Location and History
Oak Ridge, located in southwestern Anderson County, is known as the “Secret City” due to its role in the Manhattan Project during World War II. Established in 1942, the city was a key site for uranium enrichment and played a critical role in the development of the atomic bomb. Oak Ridge remained a government-controlled city until 1959, when it was incorporated. Today, it is a center for science and technology, housing the Oak Ridge National Laboratory and Y-12 National Security Complex.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Oak Ridge Schools serve the city, including Oak Ridge High School, known for its strong academic programs. Landmarks include the American Museum of Science and Energy, which explores the city’s history in nuclear science, and the Oak Ridge Playhouse, one of the state’s oldest community theaters. Outdoor attractions such as Melton Hill Lake and Haw Ridge Park offer recreational opportunities, while the International Friendship Bell symbolizes peace and cultural unity.
Norris
Area, Population, and Zip Codes
- Area: Approximately 7.1 square miles
- Population: Around 1,600 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Code: 37828
- Latitude: 36.1981° N
- Longitude: 84.0737° W
Location and History
Norris, located in northern Anderson County, was established in the 1930s as a model community by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) during the construction of Norris Dam, the first TVA project. Named after Senator George Norris, who championed the TVA Act, the town was designed as a planned community with modern infrastructure. Norris remains a quiet, picturesque town known for its historical significance and connection to the TVA.
Major Schools and Landmarks
The Norris School District serves the community, offering elementary and middle school education, with high school students attending nearby Anderson County High School. Landmarks include Norris Dam State Park, which features hiking trails, fishing, and historical exhibits about the TVA. The Museum of Appalachia, located just outside Norris, showcases regional history and culture through authentic buildings, artifacts, and live demonstrations. The town’s tree-lined streets and preserved architecture reflect its heritage as a planned community.
