Jack Daniel's Country — Tennessee's Smallest County, Biggest Character
Moore County is Tennessee's smallest county by population, but it punches far above its weight thanks to Lynchburg—home of the Jack Daniel's Distillery. Despite its fame, the county remains deeply rural with affordable acreage, minimal zoning, and a tight-knit community that makes it one of the state's top barndominium destinations.
| Zone | Min Lot | Barndo OK? |
|---|---|---|
| Agricultural | 1 acre | ✅ Yes |
| Residential | 0.5 acre | ⚠️ Conditional |
Moore County has very minimal zoning, with most rural land freely permitting barndominiums. The county's small size means permitting is handled personally and efficiently.
Tennessee allows owner-builders to act as their own general contractor for personal residences. Licensed subs needed for electrical, plumbing, and HVAC.
Moore County Building Department 11 Court Square Lynchburg, TN 37352 (931) 759-7368
Moore County has very low flood risk at about 6%, limited to narrow corridors along Mulberry Creek. The rolling uplands that comprise most of the county are flood-free.
Source: FEMA National Flood Hazard Layer, USDA Web Soil Survey
Moore County offers strong value with moderate land prices, low property taxes, and construction costs that benefit from its rural setting and proximity to larger towns in neighboring counties.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024, Moore County Assessor
Moore County delivers a one-of-a-kind lifestyle where world-famous whiskey heritage meets genuine small-town Tennessee living in one of the state's most charming communities.
The world's most iconic whiskey is made right here in Lynchburg, drawing visitors from around the globe to this tiny Tennessee town.
The Lynchburg square is one of Tennessee's most photographed, with Miss Mary Bobo's Boarding House, the courthouse, and artisan shops.
With just 6,500 residents, Moore County offers the kind of privacy and community connection that's increasingly rare in modern America.
Moore County is served by Duck River EMC and local water systems, with basic utility coverage throughout. Some rural properties will need well and septic systems.
Moore County is fully USDA-eligible, providing zero-down financing for qualifying barndominium projects in Tennessee's smallest and most characterful county.
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