countyscore
41.8
County Score
Water Quality 86Cost of Living 76.3Property Tax 61.6

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.

Score breakdown

Tax61.6Cost76.3Safety10.7Health15.1Schools45.5Income5.6Risk35.3Water86Weather61.6
🏛61.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠76.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼5.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡10.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤15.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓45.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡35.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤61.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨44.5
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱35.5
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

Crockett County
Tennessee
48.9
Fayette County
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Lauderdale County
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Tipton County
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Madison County
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Deep Dives

Haywood County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Cost of Living in Haywood County

via CostByCounty

Haywood rents slightly above national

Haywood County renters spend 20% of income on housing, slightly above the national average near 18%. With median household income of $43,513—nearly 42% below the national median of $74,755—even modest rents create a meaningful burden.

Middle-of-pack affordability struggle

Haywood County's 20% rent-to-income ratio sits well above Tennessee's state average of 17.6%, placing it among the less affordable counties statewide. The $725 median rent is nearly 16% below the state average of $860, yet income constraints make housing still feel expensive.

Lowest rent, not lowest burden

Haywood's $725 median rent ties or beats most neighbors—cheaper than Hardeman ($818), Henry ($741), and Henderson ($812). Yet the county's weak median income of $43,513 converts that rent advantage into a 20% burden, the third-worst in this regional cluster.

Low rent masked by low wages

Renters spend $725 monthly while homeowners pay $687—nearly the same cost on a median income of just $3,626. After housing, households have roughly $2,900 for all other expenses, tight by any standard.

Cheap housing doesn't guarantee comfort

Haywood offers the region's lowest rents, but without strong wage growth, housing affordability becomes a false economy. Research job prospects carefully before moving here—the lowest housing costs mean nothing if income can't support basic living expenses.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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

Health in Haywood County

via HealthByCounty

Haywood County faces severe health burdens

At 70.5 years, Haywood County's life expectancy trails the U.S. average of 76.4 years by nearly 6 years, among the lowest nationally. Nearly 29% of residents report poor or fair health—well above the national 21%—indicating high chronic disease prevalence and preventable mortality.

Second-worst health ranking in Tennessee

Haywood County's 70.5-year life expectancy ranks near the bottom statewide, falling 1.9 years below Tennessee's 72.4-year average. Its 28.6% poor/fair health rate is second-worst among peers, exceeded only by Hancock's 30.4%.

Among the region's most vulnerable counties

Haywood County's 70.5-year life expectancy exceeds only Hardeman's 70.3, while its 28.6% poor/fair health rate trails only Hancock's 30.4%. This pairing marks Haywood as a county facing acute, multifaceted health challenges.

Critically low mental health provider capacity

Haywood County has just 23 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and a severe shortage of mental health support at only 6 per 100,000—the lowest among all eight counties. With an 11.9% uninsured rate matching the state average, coverage alone cannot overcome the acute provider gap.

Start with coverage to access limited care

Haywood County's crisis-level mental health provider shortage (6 per 100,000) is compounded by 11.9% of residents lacking insurance. Apply for coverage at healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596—securing insurance is a critical first step toward connecting with available providers and telehealth resources.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Haywood County

via SchoolsByCounty

Haywood County’s School Infrastructure

Haywood County operates 7 public schools serving 2,721 students within a single district. The system includes 4 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, and 1 high school. This concentrated infrastructure is designed to serve the county's population through every stage of development.

Solid Performance and Spending

The county maintains a 92% graduation rate, which is 5 points higher than the national average. Per-pupil expenditure is $6,407, surpassing the Tennessee state average of $6,215. A school score of 53.3 shows the county is performing well relative to both state and national benchmarks.

Centralized District Operations

Haywood County Schools is the sole provider of public education for the area's 2,721 students. There are no charter schools, which simplifies the educational landscape for families. The largest campus is Haywood High School, which enrolls 820 students and serves as the county's secondary education hub.

Town-Centered School Culture

Most students in Haywood County attend schools in town settings, though two schools remain in rural locales. The average school size is 389 students, creating a mid-sized environment that balances resources with personal attention. Schools like East Side Elementary and Haywood Middle maintain consistent enrollments between 360 and 390 students.

Building a Future in Haywood

Haywood County offers a school system that performs above national averages in both graduation rates and overall scores. For families looking for a stable, town-based educational experience, this county provides several inviting options. Look for homes near the central school corridor to enjoy the best of the local district.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Haywood County

via RiskByCounty

Haywood faces moderate earthquake risk

Haywood County scores 64.69 on the composite risk index, earning a "Relatively Low" rating and sitting above Tennessee's average of 52.45. Earthquakes dominate at 94.94—one of the state's highest scores—while tornadoes (66.86) present a secondary spring threat. Remarkably, flood risk is minimal at just 24.87, and wildfire exposure (10.43) is among the state's lowest, making Haywood's profile earthquake-centric.

Top earthquake risk in Tennessee

Haywood County ranks mid-tier statewide but stands out for its exceptionally high earthquake score of 94.94—among Tennessee's worst for seismic hazard. Its tornado risk of 66.86 sits near the state average, while flood and wildfire risks remain well below 52.45, the state benchmark. This seismic concentration makes Haywood geographically distinct from counties with balanced multi-hazard exposure.

Highest earthquake risk in the region

Haywood County's earthquake score of 94.94 far exceeds nearby Henderson County (92.62) and exceeds most regional peers, placing it at the epicenter of Tennessee's seismic vulnerability. Its overall 64.69 score sits between Hardeman County (63.01) and Henderson County (63.10), yet its earthquake exposure is distinctly worse. This makes Haywood especially vulnerable to tremor damage despite moderate composite scores.

Earthquakes dominate your exposure

Earthquakes present your paramount threat, with a 94.94 risk score reflecting proximity to active seismic fault systems—moderate tremors occur regularly and can cause significant structural damage. Tornadoes follow at 66.86, creating a secondary spring threat but far less frequent than seismic events. Floods and wildfires are minimal concerns; your insurance strategy should center on earthquake protection.

Earthquake coverage is non-negotiable

Add comprehensive earthquake insurance to your homeowners policy immediately—Haywood's 94.94 score makes this essential, not optional. Ensure your policy covers both structural damage and contents, and consider retrofitting older homes with seismic bracing to reduce vulnerability. While tornado wind coverage remains prudent for spring season, earthquake protection is your top insurance priority.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

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 41.8 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 $854, with an effective tax rate of 0.71%. This earns Haywood County a tax score of 61.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Haywood County?
The median household income in Haywood County, Tennessee is $43,513 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Haywood County earns an income score of 5.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Haywood County, Tennessee a good place to live?
Haywood County scores 41.8/100 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.

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