CountyScore

Hardin County

Tennessee · TN

#54 in Tennessee
69.9
County Score

County Report Card

About Hardin County, Tennessee

Hardin scores decisively above national average

Hardin County's composite score of 78.5 surpasses the national median of 50.0 by 28 points, placing it firmly in the top half of U.S. counties. Strong tax and housing affordability drive this competitive performance.

Above-average livability within Tennessee

Hardin's 78.5 score exceeds Tennessee's state average of 76.3, ranking it among the better-performing counties across the state. It consistently outperforms most of its Tennessee peers.

Outstanding tax and housing affordability

Hardin excels with a tax score of 90.1 and the state's lowest effective tax rate at 0.432%, paired with a cost score of 85.5 and median home value of $154,000. Rents average just $770 monthly, making it one of Tennessee's most affordable counties.

Income opportunities remain limited

The income score of 15.5 reflects median household income of $49,149, indicating constrained earning potential relative to higher-scoring counties. Safety, health, school, and water data are not yet available.

Perfect for value-seeking rural families

Hardin County suits families or individuals who prioritize minimal taxes and low housing costs and either work remotely or commute to higher-wage areas. It's less appealing to those seeking significant local job growth or above-average incomes.

Score breakdown

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

Tax90.1Cost85.5SafetyComing SoonHealth60.4SchoolsComing SoonIncome15.5Risk29.3WaterComing Soon
🏛90.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠85.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼15.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤60.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡29.3
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 Hardin County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Cullman County
Alabama
69.9
Median income: $60,916
Union County
Arkansas
69.9
Median income: $50,221
Fannin County
Georgia
69.9
Median income: $58,073
Cheyenne County
Kansas
69.9
Median income: $55,765
Jackson County
Kansas
69.9
Median income: $72,703

Deep Dives

Hardin County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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