Greenbrier, Tennessee

Greenbrier, Tennessee
—  Town  —
Location of Greenbrier, Tennessee
Coordinates: 36°25′41″N 86°48′3″W
Country	United States
State	Tennessee
County	Robertson
Area
• Total	6.6 sq mi (17.2 km2)
• Land	6.6 sq mi (17.1 km2)
• Water	0.0 sq mi (0.1 km2)
Elevation	853 ft (260 m)
Population (2011)Estimate
• Total	6,000
• Density	748.3/sq mi (288.9/km2)
Time zone	Central (CST) (UTC-6)
• Summer (DST)	CDT (UTC-5)
ZIP code	37073
Area code(s)	615
FIPS code	47-30960
GNIS feature ID	1286141

Greenbrier is a town in Robertson County, Tennessee. The population was 4,940 at the 2000 census.

Geography

Greenbrier is located at 36°25′41″N 86°48′3″W (36.427990, -86.800905).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 6.6 square miles (17.2 km²), of which 6.6 square miles is land and 0.04 square mile (0.45%) is water.

Demographics

As of the census of 2000, there were 4,940 people, 1,837 households, and 1,418 families residing in the town. The population density was 748.3 people per square mile (289.0/km²). There were 1,920 housing units at an average density of 290.9 per square mile (112.3/km²). The racial makeup of the town was 97.43% White, 0.67% African American, 0.22% Native American, 0.38% Asian, 0.49% from other races, and 0.81% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.28% of the population.

There were 1,837 households out of which 41.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.7% were married couples living together, 13.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 22.8% were non-families. 18.9% of all households were made up of individuals and 6.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.69 and the average family size was 3.06.

In the town the population was spread out with 28.6% under the age of 18, 9.6% from 18 to 24, 33.8% from 25 to 44, 18.7% from 45 to 64, and 9.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 32 years. For every 100 females there were 94.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 89.0 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $42,358, and the median income for a family was $48,262. Males had a median income of $34,353 versus $23,523 for females. The per capita income for the town was $17,902. About 2.8% of families and 5.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 5.4% of those under age 18 and 5.3% of those age 65 or over.

Schools

Greenbrier High School, Greenbrier Middle School, Greenbrier Elementary School, and Watauga Elementary School are the public schools offered for residents of Greenbrier and surrounding areas (Watauga is in nearby Ridgetop). Greenbrier High, Middle, and Elementary Schools' mascot is the Bobcat, and their colors are green and white. Watauga Elementary School's mascot is the Warrior, depicted as a Native American male, and the school colors are red and gray. The total population of children attending these public schools is roughly 2,500.

Parks & Public Services

Louise Martin Memorial Park has an approximately 6/10th of a mile walking/running loop that is paved and another approximately half mile of walking/running trail. Additionally, the park has three baseball fields, and a small play area for children. There are several picnic areas and a large open field available for various activities.

Annual events

Greenbrier is well known for its annual Turning of the Pig celebration on July 3, which is a large barbecue that is usually sponsored by the high school band boosters. The events vary from year to year, but it is usually a large social event with displays by the various groups within the city. There is usually a live band and an auction as well.

The 'pigs' are pork shoulders that are cooked over a pit that is heated by charcoals from wooden planks that are burned on site. The shoulders are turn at a ceremony at approximately 7:00pm local time (although this varies by year). The shoulders will be completely cooked by the morning of the 4th of July and the meat will be sold after the annual 4th of July parade.

The complete history and origins of the turning of the pig are unknown, however – as of 2012 – the event is believed to be near or past its 100th anniversary.