The city was incorporated in 1801,[8] and was named after the biblical cedars of Lebanon (Cedrus libani).[9] Local residents have called Lebanon "Cedar City", mostly a reference to the abundance of "cedar" (Juniperus virginiana) trees in the area. The city is home to Cumberland University, a small, private four-year liberal arts institution.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 38.63 square miles (100.1 km2), of which 38.5 square miles (100 km2) is land and 0.03% is water. Lebanon is located at Latitude: 36° 12' 17.40" N Longitude: −86° 19' 21.00" W
Climate
Lebanon has a humid subtropical (KöppenCfa) climate with mild winters and hot summers. Under the Trewartha climate classification, it is a temperate oceanic (Do) climate due to only 7 months having a mean 50 °F (10 °C) or higher.
Climate data for Lebanon, Tennessee (1991–2020 normals, extremes 1902–2021)
This section needs to be updated. The reason given is: Demographics from 2010 and 2020 census reports are missing. Please help update this article to reflect recent events or newly available information. (August 2021)
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 38,431 people, 11,925 households, and 8,349 families residing in the city. The population estimate from the United States census has the population at 44,166 as of July 1, 2022. The population density was 692.0 inhabitants per square mile (267.2/km2). There were 8,693 housing units at an average density of 297.3 per square mile (114.8/km2). There were 11,925 households, out of which 30.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.7% were married couples living together, 15.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.4% were non-families. 28.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.41 and the average family size was 2.94.
In the city, the population was spread out, with 23.9% under the age of 18, 11.2% from 18 to 24, 29.0% from 25 to 44, 21.7% from 45 to 64, and 14.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females, there were 90.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.1 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $35,118, and the median income for a family was $45,094. Males had a median income of $31,207 versus $24,420 for females. The per capita income for the city was $20,366. About 9.3% of families and 13.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 16.0% of those under age 18 and 16.4% of those age 65 or over.
Lochinvar Corporation, a water products manufacturer, is based in Lebanon.[16]
The city threatened to sue Dell Inc. for eliminating 700 of the 1,000 jobs the company proffered as part of a tax deal on which the company later reneged.[17]
In 2015, Chinese tile company Wonderful Group invested $150 million to build their company's first manufacturing location in North America.[18]
The fraternity Sigma Pi was headquartered in Lebanon from 2013 until 2019, when it sold the historic Mitchell House to the city of Lebanon.[19]
In 2022, Tritium DCFC Limited opened a EV fast charger manufacturing plant.[20]
The Lebanon Special School District, which includes most of Lebanon,[21] encompasses four elementary schools and two middle schools. Wilson County Schools operates several additional primary and secondary schools in and around Lebanon, including Wilson Central High School and the newly reconstructed Lebanon High School.[22] Small portions of Lebanon are in the Wilson County Schools for all years K–12.[21] Schools serving those portions for K–8 include Carroll-Oakland School and Southside Elementary School.[23] All of Lebanon is zoned to Wilson County Schools for grades 9–12.[21]
Lebanon is also home to Cumberland University, which was founded in 1842. The university has a rich heritage and has produced over eighty representatives and senators, such as Albert Gore Sr. and Thomas Gore. The institution has also produced a Nobel Peace Prize recipient, Cordell Hull, who served as Secretary of State from March 1933 to November 1944.[24]
Commuter rail service to Nashville began service in 2006 via the Music City Star (now known as the WeGo Star).[28] Lebanon is the eastern terminus of the WeGo Star commuter rail service which runs via scheduled service Mon-Fri. There are two times when trains operate outside the normal service. July 4 fireworks at Riverfront Park calls for a special event train.[29] In addition, when the Tennessee Titans play at home, a special service called Game-Day Express operates.[30][31]
Rail service began in 1871 with the now defunct Tennessee & Pacific Railroad, which ran to Nashville. The last original passenger train departed Lebanon in 1935.
Lebanon has a municipal airport referenced by FAA Identifier M54. Operating two runways, M54's main runway is asphalt. Runway 1/19 is 5,000 by 100 feet (1,524 by 30 m). Runway 4/22 is turf 1,801 by 150 feet (549 by 46 m).[32]
^"Station: Lebanon, TN". U.S. Climate Normals 2020: U.S. Monthly Climate Normals (1991-2020). National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved September 25, 2021.
