No, Tennessee is not considered part of the Midwest.
Tennessee is situated in the southeastern United States and is typically categorized within the Southern region, or more specifically, the Southeast. While regional classifications can vary depending on the context—be it geographical, cultural, or administrative—Tennessee consistently falls outside the boundaries of the Midwest.
Understanding US Regional Classifications
The definition of U.S. regions can differ across various organizations and purposes. However, key geographical and cultural factors usually determine a state's regional grouping.
Where Does Tennessee Belong?
According to one common classification of U.S. regions, Tennessee is part of a "Mideast" grouping. This classification defines the Midwest as a separate set of states.
- Midwest States (as per this classification): Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, and Wisconsin.
- Mideast States (as per this classification): Delaware, Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.
This particular categorization clearly places Tennessee within the "Mideast" and not the "Midwest."
Another widely recognized framework is the U.S. Census Bureau's regional division, which divides the country into four main regions and nine sub-regions. Under this system, Tennessee is part of the South, specifically within the East South Central division.
Below is a table illustrating how Tennessee is classified in comparison to the Midwest:
| Region Type | Description | States Included (Examples) |
|---|---|---|
| Midwest (Common View) | Characterized by flat terrain, agricultural economies, and a distinct cultural identity. | Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin. |
| Mideast (Specific Classification) | A grouping used in some contexts, often bridging the Mid-Atlantic and Upper South. | Delaware, Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia. |
| South (U.S. Census Bureau) | The largest region, encompassing states in the southeastern and south-central U.S. | Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia. |
As evidenced, Tennessee is distinctly separate from the Midwest in both specific classifications and broader, commonly accepted regional definitions. Its cultural heritage, climate, and geography align it firmly with the Southern United States.
For more detailed information on U.S. regional classifications, you can refer to the official U.S. Census Bureau regions.
