countyscore
43.1
County Score
Water Quality 86Cost of Living 75.5Property Tax 69

County Report Card

About Haywood County, Tennessee

Lagging the National Median Score

Haywood County’s composite score of 41.9 is well below the national median of 50.0. The data highlights a gap between local resources and national standards for livability.

Trailing Tennessee's Growth Metrics

Scoring nearly 10 points below the state average of 51.3, Haywood County faces a steeper climb toward regional prosperity. It remains a low-cost alternative but lacks the high scores of state frontrunners.

Reliable Water and Affordable Housing

Infrastructure is a bright spot with a water score of 86.0. Housing remains accessible to many, as a cost score of 76.3 is supported by a median home value of $119,600.

Economic and Health Deficits

The county faces significant hurdles with an income score of 5.6 and a health score of 15.1. With a median household income of $43,513, residents have less disposable income for wellness and services.

Suited for Industrial Workers

Haywood County is a fit for those working in local industry who need extremely low-cost housing. It offers a foundational level of infrastructure for those focused on affordability above all else.

204060801006975.510.715.145.512.635.38661.6Tax69Cost75.5Safety10.7Health15.1Schools45.5Income12.6Risk35.3Water86Weather61.643.1/100
This county
National avg
3 above average4 below average

Haywood County DNA

Foverall

How Haywood County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Haywood County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Water Quality (86/100) but notably weak in Safety (10.7/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
69+17
Cost
75.5+27.5
Safety
10.7-44.3
Health
15.1-34.9
Schools
45.5-8.5
Income
12.6-38.4
Risk
35.3-11.700000000000003
Water
86+28
Weather
61.6
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Many homeowners in Haywood County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$152,400

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$762/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$152,400/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$30,480/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.0x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $50,472/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Nearby counties

Crockett County
Tennessee
49.8
Fayette County
Tennessee
55.1
Lauderdale County
Tennessee
45.9
Tipton County
Tennessee
47.2
Madison County
Tennessee
34.9
Hardeman County
Tennessee
41.2
Dyer County
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44
Gibson County
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45

Deep Dives

Haywood County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Haywood County

via TaxByCounty

Haywood ranks among highest U.S. taxes

Haywood County's effective tax rate of 0.714% significantly exceeds the national median of 0.51%, placing it in the top tier of American tax burdens. The median property tax of $854 on homes valued at $119,600 remains just 32% of the national median of $2,690, due to lower home values despite the steep tax rate.

Highest tax rate in Tennessee

At 0.714%, Haywood County carries Tennessee's highest effective tax rate, nearly 40% above the state average of 0.511%. Its median annual tax of $854 is 84% above the state median of $1,016, making it the most heavily taxed county in the state.

Haywood leads regional tax burden

Haywood County's 0.714% rate is the highest among all eight counties in this comparison, surpassing even Hamilton County (0.669%) and Hardeman County (0.652%). This positions Haywood as the most tax-pressured county in the entire region.

Median home costs $854 yearly

A typical Haywood County home valued at $119,600 carries an annual tax bill of approximately $854 at the 0.714% rate. Homeowners with mortgages pay more ($1,030), while those owning outright pay less ($729).

Appeal assessments to ease heavy burden

Given Haywood County's highest-in-state tax rate, homeowners should carefully examine their property assessments for overvaluation. Filing a no-cost appeal with the county assessor could reduce your significant tax burden—especially valuable when facing such steep rates.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Haywood County

via IncomeByCounty

Haywood County faces significant income gap

Haywood County's median household income of $43,513 is 42% below the national median of $74,755, placing it among America's lower-income counties. The gap reflects limited job diversity and the county's dependence on agriculture and small-scale manufacturing.

Below-average income statewide

Haywood County earns 26% less than Tennessee's state median of $58,994, ranking it among the state's economically challenged counties. Per capita income of $25,554 also trails the state average of $31,458, indicating constrained earning power across households.

Lower end of rural county spectrum

Haywood County's $43,513 median income ranks among the lowest in the region, exceeding only Hancock County ($31,995) but trailing Hardeman ($46,173) and Henderson ($53,471) by $3,000–$10,000. The county's economic position reflects structural challenges in rural West Tennessee.

Housing costs pressure household budgets

A rent-to-income ratio of 20.0% means one-fifth of median household income goes to rent, approaching affordability strain. With a median home value of $119,600 and limited incomes, residents require disciplined saving and stable employment to achieve homeownership.

Strategic steps for Haywood residents

Start by building a modest emergency fund of $300–$500 through automatic transfers, then explore whether employer benefits like pensions or matching contributions exist. Research community development programs or vocational training that align with growing sectors in neighboring counties—even a small income increase significantly improves long-term financial outcomes.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Haywood County

via CrimeByCounty

Haywood County Above National Crime Norms

Haywood County's total crime rate of 2,718.2 per 100K sits above the national average of 2,385.5. This activity translates to a safety score of 95.7 out of 100.

Safety Metrics Trail State Performance

The county's crime rate is about 50% higher than the Tennessee average of 1,785.6 per 100K. Its safety score also falls below the statewide average of 97.2.

Crime Rates Higher Than Henderson County

Haywood reports more crime activity than neighboring Henderson (1,612.5) but remains much safer than Hawkins (6,025.5). Two reporting agencies manage the public safety data for this region.

Violent Crime Trends Notably High

The violent crime rate of 769.4 per 100K is more than double the national average of 369.8. Property crime is more moderate at 1,948.8, sitting just below the national average of 2,015.7.

Vigilance Against Violent and Property Crime

Strengthening home entry points and maintaining good communication with neighbors is vital for safety. In an area with higher violent crime rates, staying alert to your surroundings is a necessary precaution.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Haywood County

via WeatherByCounty

Strong southern heat patterns

Haywood County's 60.9°F average temperature sits well above the national median, reflecting its deep-south geography. It experiences a wet climate with 56.1 inches of annual precipitation.

Consistently warmer than average

Haywood outwarms the state average of 58.1°F by nearly three degrees. Its July average of 81.0°F makes it one of the hotter agricultural hubs in Tennessee.

Hotter than eastern neighbors

The county is noticeably warmer than Henderson County, which averages 59.2°F. This heat is most apparent in the summer, where Haywood sees 57 extreme heat days compared to Henderson's 52.

Persistent summer heat waves

Residents endure 57 days over 90°F every year, mostly concentrated in a summer that averages 79.6°F. Snow is rare, with only 2.2 inches falling annually during the mild 41.5°F winters.

Prioritize heat safety

The frequent extreme heat days require reliable cooling systems and hydration plans for outdoor activities. Winter gear needs are minimal, as the average winter temperature rarely stays below freezing.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Haywood County

via SoilByCounty

Higher pH Soil in West Tennessee

Haywood County boasts a pH of 5.43, which is actually higher than the Tennessee state average of 5.35. This makes it slightly less acidic than its neighbors, providing a more hospitable environment for many crops.

Extremely Silty and Smooth Soils

An incredible 72.9% of the soil is silt, the highest in this group, with very little sand at 10.6%. This composition creates a silky texture that is highly fertile but prone to erosion if left uncovered.

Elite Water Capacity for Farming

The available water capacity is 0.203 in/in, significantly higher than the state average of 0.171. While organic matter is low at 1.43%, the high soil score of 44.5 reflects its superior growing potential.

Infiltration Class Needs Local Review

Detailed drainage and hydrologic group data are not provided for the dominant soil types. Given the high silt content, these soils likely hold water well but may drain slowly during heavy winter rains.

Ideal Conditions for Zone 7b Crops

The high soil score of 44.5 makes Haywood a premier location for diverse agriculture and robust home gardens. This silty ground is a powerhouse for growing regional staples like soybeans and corn.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Haywood County

via LawnByCounty

The Challenge of Haywood County's Heat

Haywood County has a lawn difficulty score of 35.5, reflecting a demanding environment for standard turf. This Zone 7b county sits below both the state and national averages for ease of maintenance. The primary obstacles are the prolonged summer heat and the naturally acidic soil conditions.

Navigating High Heat and Rainfall

The county endures 57 extreme heat days annually, which is significantly more than the state average of 36. While 56.1 inches of rain provides ample moisture, the high July average of 81.0°F creates a stressful environment for cool-season grasses. The growing season is long, with 5,179 growing degree days starting in late March.

Low Sand Content and Acidic pH

Haywood's soil pH of 5.43 is below the ideal 6.0-7.0 range, requiring lime to unlock essential nutrients for the grass. The soil composition is relatively low in sand at 10.6%, which can sometimes lead to slower drainage in heavy rains. Local lawns benefit most from soil aeration and pH balancing to combat these physical and chemical traits.

Water Conservation During Dry Spells

With 21 weeks spent in drought over the last year, Haywood County lawns are no strangers to water stress. Although severe drought hasn't taken hold recently, 100% of the county is currently abnormally dry. Homeowners should focus on deep watering techniques during the 57 days of extreme heat to maintain root depth.

Planting for Success in Zone 7b

Warm-season grasses like Bermuda are highly recommended to handle the 5,179 growing degree days and intense heat. Establish your lawn after the last frost on March 29 for a full season of growth. With the first fall frost not arriving until November 5, there is a generous window for establishment.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Haywood County's county score?
Haywood County, Tennessee has a composite county score of 43.1 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 Haywood County rank among counties in Tennessee?
Haywood County ranks #86 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 Haywood County, Tennessee?
The median annual property tax in Haywood County is $952, with an effective tax rate of 0.62%. This earns Haywood County a tax score of 69/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Haywood County?
The median household income in Haywood County, Tennessee is $50,472 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Haywood County earns an income score of 12.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Haywood County, Tennessee a good place to live?
Haywood County scores 43.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #86 in Tennessee. The best way to evaluate Haywood 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 Haywood County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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