A small county next door to Coffee County
Lynchburg, TN: Homes and Moore County Guide
Lynchburg is best known around the world for the Jack Daniel Distillery, but it is also a small, quiet county seat just southwest of Tullahoma. Buyers searching around Manchester and Tullahoma sometimes widen their search to include it. Here is what to know.
One government for the whole county
Lynchburg and Moore County share a single consolidated government, the Metropolitan Government of Lynchburg, Moore County, approved by voters in 1988. Its boundaries match Moore County. The U.S. Census Bureau counted 6,461 people in Lynchburg, Moore County at the 2020 Census. Moore County is among the smallest counties in Tennessee by both land area and population.
Moore County is part of the Tullahoma, Manchester micropolitan area, which ties it closely to Coffee County for jobs and shopping.
A little history
Moore County was created in 1871. Whiskey distilleries were operating in the area beginning in the 1820s, and by 1875 there were fifteen in the county. By the end of the twentieth century, the Jack Daniel Distillery was a major employer and the county's main source of revenue, and in 1988 voters approved the consolidated government to reduce costs and duplicate roles.
The distillery and the dry county
The Jack Daniel Distillery is in Lynchburg and draws visitors from all over. Even so, Moore County is a dry county. If that matters to you, it is worth knowing before you move.
Education
Motlow State Community College lists its Moore County campus at 6015 Ledford Mill Road in Tullahoma, with a Lynchburg mailing address. For K through 12 schools, confirm the assignment for a specific address with the Moore County school system.
Tims Ford Lake
Tims Ford Lake extends into Moore County, so some Lynchburg area homes are near the water. TVA manages the shoreline, and docks generally need a TVA Section 26a permit. See my Tims Ford Lake guide.
Utilities
Duck River Electric Membership Corporation lists Moore County in its service area and has an area office in Lynchburg. Many rural homes use wells or septic systems, so ask about both.
Daily life and commuting
The Census Bureau's American Community Survey for 2020 to 2024 puts the mean travel time to work for Lynchburg, Moore County residents at 25.1 minutes. Many residents drive to jobs outside the county, including Tullahoma and Arnold Air Force Base. If you plan to commute, test the drive at your real work hours before you buy.
What to check before you buy
- Taxes and services. Property taxes and permits come from the metro government, not Coffee County.
- Septic and water. Request septic permit records for rural homes.
- Commute. Map your drive to Tullahoma, Arnold Air Force Base or Manchester at the times you would actually travel.
- Acreage. For land, see my land buying guide. The same Tennessee rules on septic permits and greenbelt apply in Moore County.
Lynchburg or Coffee County?
Lynchburg offers a very small county with a famous name. Coffee County offers more housing choices, two cities and Interstate 24. I can help you compare. Read my Coffee County guide or start with the buyer guide.
Common questions
Is Lynchburg TN a city or a county?
Both. Lynchburg and Moore County share a consolidated metro government created in 1988, with boundaries that match the county.
What is the population of Lynchburg TN?
The Census Bureau counted 6,461 people in Lynchburg, Moore County in 2020.
Is Moore County TN a dry county?
Yes. Moore County is a dry county even though the Jack Daniel Distillery is in Lynchburg.
Matt Sargent is a Tennessee licensed affiliate broker with Keller Williams who helps buyers and sellers in Manchester and Coffee County. Call (615) 497 1658 or send a message.