countyscore
40.7
County Score
Water Quality 86Property Tax 68.2Weather & Climate 65.6

County Report Card

About Hardeman County, Tennessee

Below the National Median Score

Hardeman County scores 40.7 on the composite index, trailing the national median of 50.0. The score suggests that while basic needs are met, broader livability metrics remain suppressed.

Struggling Against State Averages

At over 10 points below the Tennessee average of 51.3, the county faces challenges in keeping pace with regional development. It ranks in the lower tier of counties across the state for overall satisfaction.

Low Taxes and Quality Water

The county maintains a strong water score of 86.0 and a respectable tax score of 68.2. Housing is relatively accessible, with a median home value of $116,800 keeping cost of living manageable.

Economic and Health Gaps

Low scores in income (8.5) and health (20.5) reflect deep-seated systemic challenges in the local economy. A median household income of $46,173 limits the financial flexibility of the average resident.

Suited for Deeply Rooted Locals

This county is best for long-term residents who value community ties and low taxes over rapid economic growth. It offers a slow pace of life with manageable housing costs for those with established local ties.

Score breakdown

Tax68.2Cost60.2Safety21.9Health20.5Schools29.9Income8.5Risk37Water86Weather65.6
🏛68.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠60.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼8.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡21.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤20.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓29.9
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡37
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤65.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨32.3
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱38.1
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

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54.6
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Fayette County
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Deep Dives

Hardeman County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Hardeman County

via TaxByCounty

Hardeman taxes above national average

Hardeman County's effective tax rate of 0.652% exceeds the national median of 0.51% by nearly 28%, placing it among higher-taxing counties nationally. The median property tax of $762 on homes worth $116,800 remains just 28% of the national median, reflecting lower home values that partially offset the high rate.

Third-highest tax rate in Tennessee

At 0.652%, Hardeman County ranks among the top tier of Tennessee's most heavily taxed counties, exceeding the state average of 0.511% by roughly 28%. Its median annual tax of $762 is 75% higher than the state median of $1,016, despite lower-than-average home values.

Hardeman taxes surpass most regional peers

Hardeman County's 0.652% rate trails only Haywood County (0.714%) and Hamilton County (0.669%) in this eight-county group, but far exceeds Hardin County (0.432%), Henderson County (0.469%), and Hancock County (0.452%). This makes Hardeman one of the region's most tax-pressured counties.

Median home costs $762 annually

A typical Hardeman County home valued at $116,800 generates approximately $762 in annual property taxes at the 0.652% rate. Homeowners with mortgages pay slightly more ($828), while those owning outright pay less ($693).

Appeal high assessments to lower burden

Hardeman County residents paying above-market assessments have the right to file a no-cost appeal with the county assessor. Many homeowners successfully reduce their tax bills by proving their homes are overvalued relative to comparable sales—it's worth investigating if your assessment seems inflated.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Hardeman County

via CostByCounty

Rent burden above national average

Hardeman County renters spend 21.3% of income on rent, outpacing the national average of roughly 18%. Median household income of $46,173 lags the national median of $74,755 by a third, making housing costs proportionally harder to bear.

Third-worst affordability in state

Hardeman County's 21.3% rent-to-income ratio ranks among Tennessee's most unaffordable counties, exceeding the state average of 17.6%. The $818 median monthly rent is nearly equal to the state average of $860, yet residents earn significantly less.

Mid-range rents, lower incomes

Hardeman's $818 rent sits between Hancock County ($592) and Hamilton County ($1,163), but household income ($46,173) falls well below Hamilton ($72,568) and Hawkins ($55,278). This combination creates the affordability squeeze.

Tight margins for renters and owners

Renters spend $818 monthly while homeowners pay $748—a narrow $70 gap on a median income of $3,848. Both leave households with barely $3,000 for all other expenses after housing.

Location matters more than rent cost

Hardeman's moderate rents mask weak income growth, making relocation here risky without confirmed employment. Compare job markets and wages in Hardeman against higher-cost neighbors like Hamilton before deciding housing affordability alone is worth the trade-off.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Hardeman County

via IncomeByCounty

Hardeman County income trails national average

Hardeman County's median household income of $46,173 falls 38% short of the national median of $74,755, reflecting economic pressures common in rural Tennessee. The income gap signals limited access to higher-wage job sectors compared to national trends.

Below-average income for Tennessee

Hardeman County earns 22% less than Tennessee's state median of $58,994, positioning it among the state's lower-income counties. Per capita income of $22,580 also lags the state average of $31,458, indicating broader household-level economic constraints.

Middle ground among rural counties

Hardeman County's $46,173 income sits between lower-income rural neighbors like Hancock ($31,995) and Haywood ($43,513), but trails Hawkins County ($55,278) by approximately $9,000. The county's position reflects its transition status between agricultural and small-industrial economies.

Housing takes significant income share

A rent-to-income ratio of 21.3% consumes more than one-fifth of median household income, approaching the affordability threshold. With a median home value of $116,800, homeownership remains achievable but requires careful financial planning and minimal household debt.

Strategic savings unlock opportunity

Hardeman County residents can build wealth by prioritizing employer retirement benefits if available, then directing even $50–$100 monthly into a dedicated savings account for unexpected expenses. Exploring workforce training programs in logistics or advanced manufacturing—sectors expanding in surrounding regions—could open pathways to higher wages.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Hardeman County

via CrimeByCounty

Hardeman County Maintains Strong Safety Score

Hardeman County earns a safety score of 96.8, supported by a total crime rate of 2,010.2 per 100K. This figure remains lower than the national average of 2,385.5 per 100K.

Crime Rates Exceed State Average

While safe compared to the nation, Hardeman's crime rate is higher than the Tennessee average of 1,785.6 per 100K. Six reporting agencies coordinate to manage and track these local incidents.

Comparing Rates with Nearby Counties

Hardeman's activity level (2,010.2) sits below neighboring Hardin County (2,717.7) but is higher than Henderson (1,612.5). These regional differences highlight varying public safety dynamics across West Tennessee.

High Violent Crime vs Low Property Crime

Violent crime is a concern at 850.3 per 100K, which is more than double the national average of 369.8. However, property crime is notably low at 1,159.9, nearly half the national rate of 2,015.7.

Vigilance and Home Security

Focusing on community awareness and well-lit entryways can help mitigate risks associated with local violent crime trends. Utilizing security cameras provides an extra layer of protection and peace of mind for residents.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Hardeman County

via HealthByCounty

Hardeman County's health lags nationally

At 70.3 years, Hardeman County's life expectancy falls 6.1 years short of the U.S. average of 76.4 years, placing residents at substantial disadvantage. With 25.5% of the population reporting poor or fair health—compared to 21% nationally—chronic disease and health risks are widespread.

Lowest life expectancy in Tennessee

Hardeman County ranks last among Tennessee counties with a life expectancy of 70.3 years, nearly 2.1 years below the state average of 72.4 years. This stark gap reflects deep structural health inequities in the county.

Most vulnerable in its region

Hardeman County's 70.3-year life expectancy is the lowest among nearby counties, with Hancock and Hardin both edging ahead at 70.8 years. Its 25.5% poor/fair health rate ranks second-worst among neighbors, exceeded only by Hancock's 30.4%.

Severe shortage of primary care access

Hardeman County has just 16 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—the lowest of all eight counties profiled—severely limiting residents' access to routine checkups and disease prevention. With a 10.5% uninsured rate and mental health support at 153 per 100,000, coverage and behavioral health services remain constrained.

Getting covered opens doors to care

10.5% of Hardeman County residents lack insurance, a critical gap in a county already facing severe provider shortages. Enroll at healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 to secure coverage and access the limited provider resources available to insured patients.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Hardeman County

via SchoolsByCounty

Educational Foundation in Hardeman County

Hardeman County Schools oversees 9 public schools catering to 3,332 students. The infrastructure includes 6 elementary schools, 1 middle school, and 2 high schools. This layout provides a solid foundation for families across the county's various rural and town centers.

Graduating Students Ready for Success

The county maintains an 88% graduation rate, which exceeds the national average of 87%. While the per-pupil expenditure of $6,280 is slightly above the state average, the composite school score of 50.9 aligns closely with the national median. These metrics indicate a school system that effectively manages its resources to meet core benchmarks.

Hardeman County Schools Leads the Way

A single school district manages all 3,332 students without any charter school alternatives. Bolivar Elementary is the largest school in the system, serving 756 students. The district centralizes its middle and high school options to maintain a diverse curriculum for older students.

Small Schools in Rural Settings

Education here is characterized by a mix of rural and town settings, with 7 of the 9 schools located in rural areas. The average school size is 370 students, fostering a community-centric feel in the classroom. While Bolivar Elementary is the largest, many students attend smaller facilities like Bolivar Middle School, which has 317 students.

Homes Near Growing School Districts

Hardeman County offers an affordable lifestyle paired with a reliable school system that beats the national graduation average. Proximity to schools like Central High is often a deciding factor for families moving to the area. Explore local listings to find a home that fits your educational and lifestyle needs.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Hardeman County

via RiskByCounty

Hardeman faces above-average tornado risk

Hardeman County scores 63.01 on the composite risk index, earning a "Relatively Low" rating but sitting above Tennessee's average of 52.45. Tornadoes dominate the risk profile at 83.75, making severe spring storms the county's defining natural disaster threat. Earthquake exposure (93.35) also ranks high, though it trails tornado risk as a practical everyday concern.

Mid-range risk in Tennessee rankings

Hardeman County ranks in the middle tier of Tennessee counties for overall disaster risk, with a score nearly 10 points above the state average. Its tornado risk of 83.75 places it in the upper half statewide, while its earthquake score of 93.35 reflects seismic vulnerability shared with many other Tennessee counties. Flood and hurricane risks remain moderate relative to peers.

Riskier than some, safer than others

Hardeman County's 63.01 score sits between safer Hawkins County (55.76) to the north and riskier Hardin County (70.71) to the south, placing it squarely in the regional middle. Its 83.75 tornado risk nearly matches Hardin's 76.02, suggesting a shared corridor of severe spring storm activity. Relative to the state, Hardeman faces moderate-to-above-average hazards but avoids the extreme exposure of counties like Hamilton.

Tornadoes and earthquakes pose real threats

Tornadoes are your primary concern, with a risk score of 83.75 indicating frequent severe spring storms capable of significant damage—especially in March through May. Earthquakes score 93.35, reflecting proximity to seismic zones; while major events remain uncommon, moderate tremors are possible and can damage older structures. Together, these two hazards account for the majority of Hardeman's disaster exposure.

Invest in tornado and earthquake protection

Your homeowners policy should include comprehensive windstorm/hail coverage specifically rated for tornado damage, and add a separate earthquake rider given your county's 93.35 exposure score. Flood insurance is advisable if you're near low-lying areas, though it's not your primary concern. Review your coverage annually before spring storm season to ensure adequate limits and modern deductibles.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Hardeman County

via WeatherByCounty

Warmer than the national median

Hardeman County maintains an annual average temperature of 59.6°F, which sits notably higher than the U.S. national median. The humid subtropical climate produces significantly more precipitation than many western states, totaling 56.1 inches annually.

Above average warmth for Tennessee

The county's average temperature of 59.6°F exceeds the Tennessee state average of 58.1°F. This makes Hardeman one of the warmer regions in the state, driven by its position in the southwestern corner.

A hot spot among neighbors

Hardeman is slightly warmer than Henderson County to the northeast, which averages 59.2°F. However, it stays cooler than neighboring Haywood County, where the average temperature reaches 60.9°F.

Sultry summers and mild winters

July averages reach a sweltering 79.3°F with 49 days of extreme heat exceeding 90°F annually. Winters remain mild with a January average of 38.5°F and only 1.7 inches of annual snowfall.

Prepare for humidity and heat

Residents should prioritize high-efficiency HVAC systems to manage the nearly 50 days of extreme summer heat. Heavy-duty rain gear is also essential given that annual rainfall exceeds the state average by several inches.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Hardeman County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Soils with High Silt Content

Hardeman County records an average pH of 5.27, which is just slightly below the state average of 5.35. This acidic environment is characteristic of West Tennessee's weathered soil profiles.

Silty Soils Dominate the Texture

Silt makes up a significant 57.6% of the soil, paired with 18.9% clay and 23.5% sand. This high silt ratio can lead to a smooth, floury feel but may become easily compacted under heavy machinery.

High Water Capacity Despite Low Organic Matter

The organic matter is low at 1.27%, yet the available water capacity is impressive at 0.188 in/in. This exceeds the state average of 0.171, meaning the soil holds moisture well even if it lacks high natural nutrients.

Undefined Drainage Class Needs Observation

Specific drainage and hydrologic group data are not currently available for the county's dominant soil types. Landowners should monitor runoff patterns after heavy rains to determine the best locations for drainage-sensitive projects.

Thriving in the 7b Hardiness Zone

Hardeman County's 7b climate is perfect for cotton, corn, and traditional Southern vegetable gardens. Despite a soil score of 32.3, the high moisture retention offers a strong start for any new gardener.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Hardeman County

via LawnByCounty

Navigating Hardeman County’s High Heat

Hardeman County carries a lawn difficulty score of 38.1, indicating a more taxing environment than the Tennessee average. As a Zone 7b region, the challenge lies in balancing high heat with frequent summer dry spells. Maintenance here requires more attention than the national median of 50.0 to keep turf resilient.

Coping with Fifty Days of Heat

This county endures 49 extreme heat days annually, significantly higher than the state average of 36 days. The 56.1 inches of annual precipitation provides plenty of water, but much of it can be lost to evaporation during the hot July peak of 79.3°F. There are 4,758 growing degree days, offering a robust window for grass development between April 3 and October 30.

Amending Acidic and Clay-Heavy Soil

The soil pH in Hardeman is 5.27, which is acidic enough to limit nutrient uptake for many standard grass types. With a clay content of 18.9%, the soil retains moisture well but may suffer from compaction during the long summer. Adding lime is a priority for local gardeners looking to reach the ideal 6.0-7.0 pH range.

Managing Water During Dry Spells

The county spent 19 weeks in drought over the past year, and the entire area is currently classified as abnormally dry. While severe drought is not currently a threat, the high number of extreme heat days makes water management critical. Utilizing mulch and mowing at higher heights can help protect the soil surface from drying out.

Choosing the Right Grass for Zone 7b

Bermuda and Centipede grass are strong contenders for Hardeman County due to their superior heat tolerance in Zone 7b. Plan to seed after the last spring frost on April 3 to ensure the soil is warm enough for germination. Early fall also provides a secondary window for lawn repairs before the first frost arrives on October 30.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hardeman County's county score?
Hardeman County, Tennessee has a composite county score of 40.7 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Hardeman County rank among counties in Tennessee?
Hardeman County ranks #89 among all counties in Tennessee on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Hardeman County, Tennessee?
The median annual property tax in Hardeman County is $762, with an effective tax rate of 0.65%. This earns Hardeman County a tax score of 68.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Hardeman County?
The median household income in Hardeman County, Tennessee is $46,173 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Hardeman County earns an income score of 8.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Hardeman County, Tennessee a good place to live?
Hardeman County scores 40.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #89 in Tennessee. The best way to evaluate Hardeman County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Hardeman County with other counties side by side.

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🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.