countyscore
46.3
County Score
Property Tax 91.8Cost of Living 77.2Water Quality 65.3

County Report Card

About Hardin County, Tennessee

Slightly Under the National Average

Hardin County earns a 46.3 composite score, placing it just below the national median of 50.0. It provides a stable but modest environment compared to national benchmarks.

Nearing the Tennessee State Average

The county is within reach of the Tennessee state average of 51.3, though it still falls slightly short. It performs better than many rural neighbors but lacks the high scores of suburban leaders.

Exceptional Tax and Housing Value

Taxation is a major draw with a high score of 91.8 and an effective rate of only 0.432%. Housing is also highly affordable, reflected in a cost score of 77.2 and a median home value of $154,000.

Safety and Income Limitations

The safety score of 10.7 indicates a need for improved security and crime prevention. Additionally, the income score of 12.8 reflects a median household income that remains below $50,000.

A Value-Forward Choice for Retirees

Hardin County is an excellent fit for retirees or families who prioritize keeping more of their paycheck. The low tax burden and affordable housing make it a financially sustainable choice for many.

Score breakdown

Tax91.8Cost77.2Safety10.7Health25.6Schools37.2Income12.8Risk29.3Water65.3Weather57.1
🏛91.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠77.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼12.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡10.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤25.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓37.2
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡29.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧65.3
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤57.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨27.4
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱26.1
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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Deep Dives

Hardin County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Hardin County

via TaxByCounty

Hardin keeps taxes below national median

Hardin County's effective tax rate of 0.432% sits well below the national median of 0.51%, offering tax relief compared to most U.S. counties. The median property tax of $666 on homes valued at $154,000 remains just 25% of the national median of $2,690, benefiting from both lower rates and more modest home values.

Lowest tax rate in Tennessee

Hardin County boasts Tennessee's lowest effective tax rate at just 0.432%, comfortably below the state average of 0.511%. Its median annual property tax of $666 is roughly 65% below the state median of $1,016, making it the most tax-friendly county in the state.

Hardin undercuts all regional counties

At 0.432%, Hardin County's rate is the lowest among all eight counties in this comparison, edging out Hancock County (0.452%) and Henderson County (0.469%). This positions Hardin as the most affordable county for property tax purposes in the entire region.

Median home costs $666 annually

A typical Hardin County home valued at $154,000 carries an annual tax bill of approximately $666. Homeowners with mortgages pay virtually the same ($670), while those owning outright pay slightly less ($660).

Verify assessment to protect low taxes

Even in Tennessee's most tax-friendly county, homeowners should confirm their assessments are accurate to keep taxes minimal. A simple review of your property's assessed value against recent comparable sales could prevent overpayment and preserve Hardin's affordability advantage.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Hardin County

via CostByCounty

Hardin rents align with nation

Hardin County's 18.8% rent-to-income ratio sits just slightly above the national average of roughly 18%, making housing costs fairly typical for America. With a median household income of $49,149—below the national median of $74,755—the county offers better affordability than higher-wage regions.

Close to Tennessee average

Hardin County's 18.8% rent-to-income ratio aligns closely with Tennessee's state average of 17.6%, positioning it near the middle of county affordability rankings. The $770 median rent sits slightly below the state average of $860.

Sweet spot between rural and urban

Hardin's $770 rent is cheaper than Hamilton County ($1,163) and Henry County ($741), while household income ($49,149) exceeds rural neighbors like Hancock ($31,995) and Haywood ($43,513). The county strikes a balance between affordability and economic opportunity.

Modest housing costs, modest incomes

Renters spend $770 monthly while homeowners pay $597—a $173 gap favoring ownership on a median income of $4,096. Both leave roughly $3,300 for other expenses, a reasonable cushion by rural Tennessee standards.

Rural balance for budget-conscious movers

Hardin County offers rare middle ground: housing costs below state average with incomes above neighboring rural counties. If you're relocating from higher-cost metros, the 18.8% rent burden here feels manageable, especially compared to Hamilton County's 19.2%.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Hardin County

via IncomeByCounty

Hardin County income moderately below national

Hardin County's median household income of $49,149 is approximately 34% below the national median of $74,755, positioning it in the lower-middle tier of American counties. The gap reflects the county's rural character and limited concentration of higher-wage employment.

Slightly below Tennessee average

Hardin County earns 17% less than Tennessee's state median of $58,994, ranking it among the state's lower-income counties. Per capita income of $27,876 also trails the state average of $31,458, indicating modest individual earning power across the population.

Moderate position in rural region

Hardin County's $49,149 median income places it above Hancock ($31,995) and Haywood ($43,513), but below Hawkins County ($55,278) and Henry County ($48,540). The county represents a typical lower-income rural Tennessee pattern with some stability in manufacturing and agriculture.

Housing costs are manageable

A rent-to-income ratio of 18.8% keeps housing affordable, staying comfortably below the 30% affordability threshold. With a median home value of $154,000 and moderate household incomes, residents have realistic opportunities to build home equity over time.

Build stability through smart planning

Hardin County residents can strengthen their financial foundation by automating savings of 5–10% of gross income, even if the amount seems small. Investigate local small business development resources or vocational training programs that align with regional employment growth areas to gradually increase earning potential.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Hardin County

via CrimeByCounty

Hardin County Crime Above National Average

Hardin County reports a total crime rate of 2,717.7 per 100K, exceeding the national average of 2,385.5. This contributes to a safety score of 95.7 out of 100.

Tracking Below State Safety Benchmarks

The county's safety score of 95.7 is lower than the Tennessee average of 97.2. Its crime rate also sits nearly 1,000 points higher than the state average of 1,785.6 per 100K.

Higher Activity Than Neighboring Counties

Hardin County sees more reported crime than nearby Henderson (1,612.5) or Hardeman (2,010.2). Data from four reporting agencies provides a comprehensive look at these local safety trends.

Property Crime Leads Local Statistics

Property crime is the most frequent issue at 2,274.1 per 100K, higher than the national average of 2,015.7. Violent crime is also elevated at 443.6 per 100K compared to the U.S. average of 369.8.

Defending Your Hardin County Property

With property crime as a primary driver, securing outbuildings and locking vehicles is highly recommended. High-visibility security signage and alarm systems act as effective deterrents against local theft.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Hardin County

via HealthByCounty

Hardin County trails national health benchmarks

At 70.8 years, Hardin County's life expectancy lags the U.S. average of 76.4 years by 5.6 years, reflecting persistent health disadvantages. One in five residents (20.5%) report poor or fair health, approaching the national average of 21%.

Below-average health ranking statewide

Hardin County's 70.8-year life expectancy falls 1.6 years short of Tennessee's 72.4-year state average, placing it among the lower-performing counties. Its 20.5% poor/fair health rate mirrors the state experience but masks higher underlying health risks.

Similar outcomes across rural counties

Hardin County's 70.8-year life expectancy matches Hancock County's exactly and exceeds only Hardeman's 70.3 years. Its 20.5% poor/fair health rate sits between healthier counties like Henry (23.6%) and Henderson (23.8%), placing it in the lower tier of the regional health profile.

Moderate provider access, uninsured challenge

Hardin County has 56 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and 114 mental health providers per 100,000—moderate resources compared to other counties. However, its 12.7% uninsured rate is the highest among the eight counties, leaving residents more vulnerable to delaying care.

Coverage unlocks preventive care access

Hardin County's 12.7% uninsured rate is a significant barrier in a county with moderate healthcare infrastructure. Visit healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 to explore coverage options and ensure you can access the providers available in your community.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Hardin County

via SchoolsByCounty

Hardin County’s Academic Framework

Hardin County features 7 public schools serving a total enrollment of 3,370 students. The district is organized into 5 elementary schools, 1 middle school, and 1 high school. This structure funnels students from several primary schools into a centralized secondary system.

High Performance on a Lean Budget

The county achieves a strong 92% graduation rate, outperforming the national average of 87%. Despite a per-pupil expenditure of $5,656—which is lower than the state average—the county maintains a school score of 51.7. This suggests a high level of efficiency in how the district translates funding into student success.

Consolidated Learning in Hardin County

Hardin County Schools operates as the sole district for the area, managing 100% of the public student population. There are no charter schools, ensuring all 3,370 students benefit from a unified curriculum. The system relies on a centralized high school to provide a broad range of extracurricular and academic tracks.

Community-Focused Rural Schools

Schools in Hardin County are split between rural and town locales, with an average enrollment of 481 students per school. Hardin County High School is the largest facility with 996 students, serving as a major community hub. Primary schools like Parris South Elementary offer smaller, more intimate settings with just 362 students.

Investing in Your Family's Future

Relocating to Hardin County offers families access to a school system that prioritizes graduation outcomes. Homes in the Savannah area provide easy access to the central middle and high school campuses. Consider the local academic performance as you evaluate the long-term value of a home in this region.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Hardin County

via RiskByCounty

Hardin County above national average risk

Hardin County scores 70.71 on the composite risk index, placing it in the "Relatively Low" category but well above Tennessee's average of 52.45 and the typical U.S. county. Tornadoes (76.02) and earthquakes (90.33) drive this elevated profile, with tornado exposure particularly acute during spring months. While not in Hamilton County's extreme tier, Hardin faces meaningfully higher disaster risk than most American communities.

Upper-third disaster risk in Tennessee

Hardin County ranks in the upper third of Tennessee counties for natural disaster risk, with its 70.71 score notably above the state average. Its 76.02 tornado risk places it among the state's most tornado-prone counties, while its earthquake score of 90.33 reflects significant seismic vulnerability. Flood, wildfire, and hurricane risks remain secondary concerns relative to these two dominant hazards.

Riskier than Hardeman, safer than Henry

Hardin County's 70.71 score sits between nearby Hardeman County (63.01) to the east and Henry County (84.73) to the north, positioning it as regionally high-risk but not the worst. Its 76.02 tornado score closely matches Hardeman's 83.75, suggesting both counties sit in a shared severe-weather corridor. Only Henry County surpasses Hardin's overall exposure in this immediate region.

Tornadoes and earthquakes are paramount

Tornadoes score 76.02 and strike frequently during spring months—March through May typically bring the season's most dangerous activity to Hardin County. Earthquakes rate 90.33, indicating substantial seismic risk from nearby fault systems; while major quakes are rare, moderate tremors occur and can damage structures. Flooding concerns remain secondary, affecting primarily riverside properties rather than the broader county.

Add windstorm and earthquake riders now

Ensure your homeowners policy includes windstorm/hail coverage rated for tornado damage, and add a dedicated earthquake rider—your 90.33 earthquake score demands this protection. Flood insurance is optional unless you're in a mapped flood zone or near the Tennessee River. Review your policy limits before each spring tornado season to keep coverage current with your home's replacement value.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Hardin County

via WeatherByCounty

Significant warmth in the Tennessee Valley

Hardin County features a robust average temperature of 61.5°F, placing it well above the national median for temperature. Its annual precipitation of 59.2 inches is nearly 30% higher than the national average.

One of Tennessee's warmest counties

With an average temperature of 61.5°F, Hardin County is substantially warmer than the state average of 58.1°F. It also receives about 3.3 inches more annual rainfall than the typical Tennessee county.

Warmer than its western neighbors

Hardin County outpaces Hardeman County's 59.6°F average, making it a local leader in heat. This difference is felt most in the summer, where Hardin's July average hits 80.7°F.

Dominant heat and wet winters

The county faces 66 days of extreme heat above 90°F, significantly higher than many of its neighbors. Winters are wet and mild with a January average of 40.7°F, though specific snowfall data for this area is limited.

Invest in summer cooling

The 66 days of extreme heat require robust air conditioning and sun protection for outdoor workers. Residents should also plan for frequent heavy rain events, as the county receives nearly 60 inches of precipitation per year.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Hardin County

via SoilByCounty

Silt Loams and Acidic Ultisols

Hardin County features Ultisols with a pH of 5.23, which is more acidic than the 6.5 national median. The dominant texture is a silt loam, reflecting the county's river-influenced geology.

A Classic Silt Loam Balance

The composition consists of 46.8% silt and 30.9% sand, with clay making up 21.7%. This mixture provides excellent workability and enough clay to help retain essential minerals for plant growth.

Strong Water Retention Potential

The available water capacity of 0.174 in/in is higher than the Tennessee state average of 0.171. However, organic matter is relatively low at 1.33%, indicating a need for regular mulching and composting.

Well Drained with Moderate Infiltration

The soil is classified as well-drained but falls into hydrologic group C. This combination means that while the soil profile clears water well, surface runoff can occur during intense rainfall.

Productive Seasons in Zone 7b

In hardiness zone 7b, the silt loam soil supports robust yields for tomatoes, peppers, and various fruit trees. With a soil score of 27.4, your garden will thrive with some simple pH adjustments.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Hardin County

via LawnByCounty

Hardin County's High-Difficulty Environment

With a lawn difficulty score of 26.1, Hardin County is one of the most challenging places in the state for lawn care. This score is nearly half the national median, reflecting a harsh combination of extreme heat and acidic silt loam soils. Homeowners in this Zone 7b area must be proactive to maintain healthy turf.

Record Heat and Heavy Rainfall

Hardin County faces 66 extreme heat days per year, nearly double the Tennessee average of 36 days. While the 59.2 inches of annual precipitation is high, the intense heat can quickly stress grass and lead to irrigation demands. The growing season is powered by 5,231 growing degree days, starting after the last frost on March 31.

Working with Acidic Silt Loam

The local soil pH of 5.23 requires significant lime adjustments to support healthy grass growth. The texture is categorized as silt loam, which offers good drainage but contains 21.7% clay that can become heavy when wet. Improving the pH foundation is the most critical step for lawn success in this well-drained soil.

Defending Against Persistent Drought

Hardin County endured 27 weeks of drought in the past year, the highest frequency among its neighbors. Current conditions show 100% of the county is abnormally dry, which is particularly stressful given the county's high average temperature of 61.5°F. Consistent moisture monitoring is required to prevent grass from entering premature dormancy.

Strategic Planting in a Warm Climate

Heat-loving grasses like Bermuda or Zoysia are the best bets for surviving Hardin’s 66 days of 90°F+ weather. Seeding should occur shortly after the March 31 frost date to give roots time to establish before the summer peak. The growing season typically extends until the first fall frost on November 1.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hardin County's county score?
Hardin County, Tennessee has a composite county score of 46.3 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 Hardin County rank among counties in Tennessee?
Hardin County ranks #71 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 Hardin County, Tennessee?
The median annual property tax in Hardin County is $666, with an effective tax rate of 0.43%. This earns Hardin County a tax score of 91.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Hardin County?
The median household income in Hardin County, Tennessee is $49,149 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Hardin County earns an income score of 12.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Hardin County, Tennessee a good place to live?
Hardin County scores 46.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #71 in Tennessee. The best way to evaluate Hardin 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 Hardin County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛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.