# Selmer, Tennessee

Selmer is a city in and the county seat of McNairy County, Tennessee, in the southwestern part of the state. The population was 4,446 as of the 2020 census. It is named after Selma, Alabama.

## Governance

Selmer, Tennessee, operates under a municipal governance system consisting of a Mayor and a Board of Aldermen, all of whom are elected officials. Unlike some municipalities where Aldermen represent specific districts or wards, Selmer's Aldermen serve the city at large. The Mayor, along with the Aldermen, oversees various aspects of local governance, including public services, infrastructure development, and community initiatives.

## Demographics
### 2020 census

Selmer, Tennessee – Racial and ethnic composition Note: the US Census treats Hispanic/Latino as an ethnic category. This table excludes Latinos from the racial categories and assigns them to a separate category. Hispanics/Latinos may be of any race. :
| Race / Ethnicity (NH = Non-Hispanic) | Pop 2000 | Pop 2010 | Pop 2020 | % 2000 | % 2010 | % 2020 |
| White alone (NH) | 3,657 | 3,545 | 3,425 | 80.53% | 80.64% | 77.04% |
| Black or African American alone (NH) | 722 | 636 | 658 | 15.90% | 14.47% | 14.80% |
| Native American or Alaska Native alone (NH) | 8 | 14 | 14 | 0.18% | 0.32% | 0.31% |
| Asian alone (NH) | 12 | 22 | 25 | 0.26% | 0.50% | 0.56% |
| Pacific Islander alone (NH) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| Some Other Race alone (NH) | 0 | 1 | 11 | 0.00% | 0.02% | 0.25% |
| Mixed Race or Multi-Racial (NH) | 72 | 87 | 203 | 1.59% | 1.98% | 4.57% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 70 | 91 | 110 | 1.54% | 2.07% | 2.47% |
| Total | 4,541 | 4,396 | 4,446 | 100.00% | 100.00% | 100.00% |
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 4,446 people, 1,669 households, and 1,104 families residing in the city.
As of the census of 2020, there were 4,446 people, 1,783 households, and 1,069 families residing in the city. The racial makeup of the city was 77.81% White, 14.82% African American, 0.31% Native American, 0.56% Asian, 1,21% from other races, and 5.27% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.47% of the population.
There were 1,783 households, out of which 20.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 39.4% were married couples living together, 27.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 20.3% were non-families. 14.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.37 and the average family size was 3.21.
In the city, the population was spread out, with 18.9% under the age of 18, 7.4% from 18 to 24, 31.1% from 25 to 44, 25% from 45 to 64, and 17.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38.6 years. For every 100 females, there were 114.8 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $46,696, and the median income for a family was $68,503. Males living alone had a median income of $45,412 versus $19,075 for females. The per capita income for the city was $21,350. About 14.3% of families and 18.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 9.2% of those under age 18 and 23.6% of those age 65 or over.

## Geography

Selmer is located at 35°10′20″N 88°35′35″W﻿ / ﻿35.17222°N 88.59306°W﻿ / 35.17222; -88.59306 (35.172333, -88.592964).
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 9.8 square miles (25 km$^2$), all land.

### Major highways

The major highways U.S. Route 64 (east-west), and U.S. Route 45 (north-south) intersect in the city, making it an important crossroads. In 2009 the Tennessee Legislature designated Highway 45 South, between Interstate 40 and the Mississippi state line, Rockabilly Highway in recognition of the region's contributions to the development of rockabilly music.

### Railroad

The railroad that runs through the city is owned by Class 1 railroad, Norfolk Southern, and is operated by West Tennessee Railroad.

### Robert Sibley Airport

The Robert Sibley Airport (IATA airport code SZY (ICAO: KSZY)) is located in the area, with no ATC, a 5,002-foot (1,525 m) runway, and at 610 feet (190 m) above sea level. The UN/LOCODE for the city is USSQE.

### Neighborhoods

Downtown is a neighborhood in the heart of Selmer, Tennessee, often referred to as "the main drag of Selmer", this historic neighborhood is also the site of McNairy County Historical Museum, Selmer City Police Department, Selmer Civic Center, First Baptist Church, The Latta Theatre, and many more historic buildings, the Civic Center and the Latta Theatre and the police department are all operated by the city. The racial makeup of this neighborhood is 80% White, 12% Black or African American, 6% Hispanic, 2% Two or more races.
Eastside is a neighborhood in East Selmer, Tennessee, this neighborhood is the site of Eastside Church Of Christ and McNairy Central High School. the church is operated by the city, but the school is operated by McNairy County School Board. The racial makeup of this neighborhood is 93% White, 5% Black or African American, 2% Two or more races.
Eaglewood is a neighborhood in Northeast Selmer, Tennessee, it is the site of Chip-A-Roos and Eaglewood III Estates, the recreational facility and the apartment complex are operated by the city. The racial makeup of this neighborhood is 60% White, 29% Black or African American, 8% Hispanic, 3% Two or more races.
Falcon is a neighborhood in South Selmer, Tennessee, this neighborhood is the site of the Falcon Church, Falcon Cemetery, City of Selmer Fire Department, Owl Creek Lumber, Phillips 66, and McNairy County Sheriff's Office, the church, the cemetery, the fire department, Owl Creek Lumber, Phillips 66, and the sheriff's office are all operated by the city. The racial makeup of this neighborhood is 87% White, 7% Hispanic, 5% Black or African American, 1% Two or more races.
Lakeview is a neighborhood in West Selmer, Tennessee, this neighborhood is the site of Lakeview Church, First United Methodist Church, and Selmer Golf & Country Club, both churches and the country club are operated by the city. The racial makeup of this neighborhood is 71% White, 21% Black or African American, 5% Hispanic, 3% Two or more races.
Oak Hill is a neighborhood in North Selmer, Tennessee, the majority African American neighborhood is the site of Oak Hill Cemetery, North Selmer Fire Station, Selmer Second Baptist Church, and Monogram Refrigeration LLC, Monogram and Oak Hill Cemetery and the fire department are all operated by the city. On January 6, 2024, a shooting occurred at a gas station in Oak Hill, killing a homeless man, the shooting was carried out by 18-year-old Jakobe Hill. Hill was arrested by a McNairy County Sheriff later that day and was booked into McNairy County Sheriff's Office for murder in the 1st degree. The racial makeup of this neighborhood is 91% Black or African American, 5% White, 3% Two or more races, 1% Hispanic.
Rosewood is a neighborhood in Southwest Selmer, Tennessee, this neighborhood is the site of what used to be Sweats Trailer Park Mobile Home Park, it is also the location of Purdy Place Apartments, and Rosewood Place Apartments, both high income apartment complexes operated in the city. The racial makeup of this neighborhood is 94% White, 5% Black or African American, 1% Two or more races.

## Climate

Climate data for Selmer, Tennessee (1991–2020 normals, extremes 1958–present) :
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Record high °F (°C) | 78 (26) | 84 (29) | 89 (32) | 92 (33) | 96 (36) | 107 (42) | 106 (41) | 107 (42) | 101 (38) | 97 (36) | 87 (31) | 77 (25) | 107 (42) |
| Mean daily maximum °F (°C) | 49.1 (9.5) | 53.7 (12.1) | 62.8 (17.1) | 72.7 (22.6) | 80.3 (26.8) | 87.4 (30.8) | 90.3 (32.4) | 89.7 (32.1) | 84.3 (29.1) | 73.8 (23.2) | 61.8 (16.6) | 51.9 (11.1) | 71.5 (21.9) |
| Daily mean °F (°C) | 39.3 (4.1) | 43.1 (6.2) | 51.4 (10.8) | 60.4 (15.8) | 68.9 (20.5) | 76.5 (24.7) | 79.8 (26.6) | 78.8 (26.0) | 72.6 (22.6) | 61.1 (16.2) | 50.1 (10.1) | 42.2 (5.7) | 60.4 (15.8) |
| Mean daily minimum °F (°C) | 29.5 (−1.4) | 32.5 (0.3) | 39.9 (4.4) | 48.2 (9.0) | 57.6 (14.2) | 65.7 (18.7) | 69.3 (20.7) | 67.8 (19.9) | 60.8 (16.0) | 48.5 (9.2) | 38.4 (3.6) | 32.5 (0.3) | 49.2 (9.6) |
| Record low °F (°C) | −21 (−29) | −11 (−24) | 7 (−14) | 22 (−6) | 29 (−2) | 39 (4) | 47 (8) | 45 (7) | 30 (−1) | 22 (−6) | 5 (−15) | −14 (−26) | −21 (−29) |
| Average precipitation inches (mm) | 4.69 (119) | 5.30 (135) | 5.75 (146) | 5.64 (143) | 5.36 (136) | 4.79 (122) | 5.17 (131) | 3.84 (98) | 4.35 (110) | 4.14 (105) | 4.37 (111) | 5.66 (144) | 59.06 (1,500) |
| Average snowfall inches (cm) | 0.3 (0.76) | 0.4 (1.0) | 0.2 (0.51) | 0.1 (0.25) | 0.0 (0.0) | 0.0 (0.0) | 0.0 (0.0) | 0.0 (0.0) | 0.0 (0.0) | 0.0 (0.0) | 0.0 (0.0) | 0.0 (0.0) | 1.0 (2.5) |
| Average precipitation days (≥ 0.01 in) | 11.5 | 11.2 | 11.8 | 10.5 | 11.1 | 9.6 | 9.7 | 8.6 | 6.8 | 7.3 | 9.5 | 11.5 | 119.1 |
| Average snowy days (≥ 0.1 in) | 0.3 | 0.3 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.8 |
| Source: NOAA ||||||||||||||

## Rockabilly

The Rockabilly Highway Revival is an annual event held in downtown Selmer to commemorate its rich musical heritage.

## Buford Pusser

Sheriff Buford Pusser served as the sheriff of McNairy County from 1964 to 1970. Selmer, as the county seat, is the location of the courthouse and old jail, which was his base of operations. His story has been made famous in the Walking Tall movies starring Joe Don Baker and Bo Svenson. The movies were filmed in nearby Henderson.

## Newspapers

The oldest existing business in McNairy County is newspaper publisher, Independent Appeal, which was founded in 1902. The Independent Appeal discontinued the print edition of its newspapers on December 28, 2022, and transitioned to a strictly online presence.
The McNairy County News began publication in 2009. The paper has an online presence at mcnairycountynews.com and a Facebook page, as well as a weekly printed publication each Thursday.

## National media attention
### Matthew Winkler homicide, 2006

The city of Selmer became a focus of national news media in late March 2006. A local minister, Matthew Brian Winkler, was shot to death by his wife Mary Carol Winkler at their Selmer home. After Mary was said to have fled Selmer with the couple's three daughters, she was apprehended in Orange Beach, Alabama, and was returned to Selmer for trial. She has confessed to the authorities concerning the shooting of her husband with a shotgun. In trial she stated that her husband both physically and emotionally abused her. This murder/trial can be seen on the television show 'Snapped' Season 6 Episode 1, aired in 2007.

### Drag racing catastrophe, 2007

On June 16, 2007, a high-power Pro Modified drag racing car driven by Troy Warren Critchley lost control and killed six young people while performing a burnout routine during a car show charity parade on Mulberry Avenue in Downtown Selmer. Critchley's car left the road and struck part of the crowd attending a charity parade for "America Can! Cars For Kids" (not affiliated with Kars4Kids). Six young people were killed. Two died at the scene of the accident, and four died later at hospitals in Selmer, Jackson and Memphis. A total of 20 others were injured and were transported to various hospitals throughout western and middle Tennessee. Lawsuits filed against the city and event organizers asked for more than $US 85 million in damages.</ref> The City of Selmer approved a $500,000 settlement in September 2011.
On March 4, 2008, the McNairy County grand jury returned an indictment against Critchley on six counts of vehicular homicide due to recklessness, a Class C felony, and 22 counts of reckless aggravated assault, a Class D felony. Neither Cars for Kids™️ nor the City of Selmer were named in the indictment.
On March 20, 2008, Troy Critchley surrendered to authorities and was booked on the charges, with bond set at $35,000. The trial was set for November 3, 2008.
Troy Critchley pleaded guilty to 28 charges of reckless assault and was sentenced to 18 months' probation.
High school terrorist threat, 2021
On June 3, 2021, a video surfaced the web of a 15-year-old threatening to shoot up and bomb McNairy Central High School, the teen said he made a terrorist threat video because he was depressed, and added he was tired of being bullied and wanted everyone to leave him alone. The teen said that he planned to kill 400 people, he said he wanted to kill 300 people with bombs and the remaining 100 people with a Heckler & Koch G36, and a fully automatic AR-15 rifle. At 7:30 PM, a McNairy County sheriff received a call from a concerned person about a teenage male threatening to shoot up and bomb a high school in Selmer, the sheriff subsequently responded to the threat at the teenager's home in the city of Selmer, the teen was subsequently taken into police custody then transported to a mental health treatment facility in Memphis.
Oak Hill gas station shooting, 2024
On January 6th, 2024, a shooting involving a 73 year old homeless man took place at a gas station in Oak Hill, a neighborhood located on Northside Selmer, the perpetrator is an 18-year-old black male known as Jakobe Hill, Hill snatched the victim's hat from the victim, then subsequently shot the victim point-blank, killing the victim, Hill was subsequently arrested and charged with 1st degree murder.
As of October 2024, this case is still under investigation

## Radio broadcasting
### FM stations

* WXKV 90.5 Contemporary Christian
* WWGM 93.9 Mix

### AM station

* WDTM 1150 Southern Gospel

## Education
### Primary Schools

* Selmer Elementary School
* Selmer Middle School
* McNairy Central High School (Home of the Bobcats)

### Secondary Schools

* Selmer/McNairy County University of Tennessee at Martin Satellite Campus

## Notable people

* Ray Bodiford, Tennessee politician
* Chad Harville, Baseball Pitcher