CountyScore

Hardeman County

Tennessee · TN

#78 in Tennessee
67
County Score

County Report Card

About Hardeman County, Tennessee

Hardeman scores well above national median

Hardeman County's composite score of 74.3 places it nearly 25 points above the national median of 50.0, demonstrating strong overall livability relative to U.S. peers. This solid performance reflects balanced strengths across cost and tax dimensions.

Just below Tennessee's average performance

With a score of 74.3, Hardeman falls slightly short of Tennessee's state average of 76.3, positioning it in the middle-to-upper tier of the state's counties. It ranks among the stronger performers but isn't in the state's elite livability group.

Affordable housing and low taxes shine

Hardeman boasts a cost score of 82.3 with median home values of $116,800 and rents averaging $818—excellent for budget-conscious households. The tax score of 83.9 with an effective rate of 0.652% further enhances affordability.

Low incomes limit economic opportunity

The income score of 13.5 reflects median household income of just $46,173, well below state and national averages and limiting career prospects. Data on safety, health, schools, and water remain unavailable.

Best for affordability-first households

Hardeman County appeals to families or individuals prioritizing low housing costs and minimal tax burden over higher earning potential. It's well-suited for retirees, those on fixed incomes, or budget-conscious workers commuting to higher-wage areas.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax83.9Cost82.3SafetyComing SoonHealth57.6SchoolsComing SoonIncome13.5Risk37WaterComing Soon
🏛83.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠82.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼13.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤57.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡37
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Hardeman County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

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Schuyler County
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Median income: $66,059
Johnson County
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Median income: $87,227
Kearny County
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Median income: $74,135

Deep Dives

Hardeman County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

ByCounty Network

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