countyscore
45.5
County Score
Water Quality 86Property Tax 78.4Weather & Climate 73.6

County Report Card

About Hickman County, Tennessee

Falling Short of the National Median

Hickman County earns a composite score of 45.5, placing it below the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a county that struggles to keep pace with national averages across several key quality-of-life metrics.

Trailing Tennessee's State Average

With a 45.5 overall score, Hickman County sits significantly below the Tennessee state average of 51.3. It ranks in the lower tier of counties across the state for overall livability.

High Water Quality and Low Taxes

The county excels in water quality with a high score of 86.0. Residents also benefit from a low tax burden, evidenced by a 78.4 tax score and an effective tax rate of just 0.567%.

Health and Safety Concerns

The county faces significant hurdles in healthcare and safety, with scores of 19.3 and 20.8 respectively. These low figures indicate limited local medical access and higher-than-average safety risks compared to neighboring areas.

A Haven for Budget-Conscious Renters

With median rent at $877, this county suits individuals prioritizing low housing costs and minimal taxes. However, it requires a trade-off in terms of public health infrastructure and safety.

2040608010078.451.520.819.353.130.952.88673.6Tax78.4Cost51.5Safety20.8Health19.3Schools53.1Income30.9Risk52.8Water86Weather73.645.5/100
This county
National avg
3 above average3 below average

Hickman County DNA

Foverall

How Hickman County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Hickman County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Water Quality (86/100) but notably weak in Safety (20.8/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
78.4+26.400000000000006
Cost
51.5
Safety
20.8-34.2
Health
19.3-30.7
Schools
53.1
Income
30.9-20.1
Risk
52.8
Water
86+28
Weather
73.6+17.599999999999994
Sponsored

Compare mortgage rates in Hickman County

Whether buying or refinancing in Hickman County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

See Today's Rates

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$192,000

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$877/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$192,000/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$35,080/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.4x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $57,223/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
Compare Hickman County with Broomfield County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Broomfield County
Colorado
Median income: $121,025
45.5
Flagler County
Florida
Median income: $72,923
45.5
Seminole County
Georgia
Median income: $49,559
45.5
Clay County
Missouri
Median income: $86,150
45.5
Ulster County
New York
Median income: $81,804
45.5
Caldwell County
North Carolina
Median income: $55,401
45.5
Beaufort County
South Carolina
Median income: $84,819
45.5
Gillespie County
Texas
Median income: $67,799
45.5

Nearby counties

Lewis County
Tennessee
52.7
Humphreys County
Tennessee
52.2
Maury County
Tennessee
40.7
Perry County
Tennessee
68.2
Dickson County
Tennessee
48.2
Williamson County
Tennessee
60.7
Lawrence County
Tennessee
53.8
Houston County
Tennessee
59.5

Deep Dives

Hickman County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Hickman County

via TaxByCounty

Hickman's taxes rank low nationally

At 0.567%, Hickman County's effective tax rate sits well below the national median of 0.71%, placing it in the bottom 30% of counties nationwide. Homeowners here pay $1,089 annually on a median home valued at $192,000—less than half the national median tax bill of $2,690.

Above average for Tennessee

Hickman County's 0.567% effective rate exceeds Tennessee's state average of 0.511%, ranking it in the upper-middle tier among the state's 95 counties. The median tax of $1,089 runs $73 higher than the state average of $1,016.

Higher taxes than most neighbors

Compared to surrounding counties, Hickman's rate sits higher than Humphreys County (0.479%) and Jackson County (0.496%), but lower than Lake County's outlier rate of 0.708%. Among this rural cluster, only Lake County residents face steeper effective tax burdens.

What your $192,000 home costs

A homeowner with the median-valued property in Hickman County pays approximately $1,089 annually in property taxes. If financed with a mortgage, insurance and other costs push the effective tax bill to around $1,135 per year.

You might be overassessed

Across Tennessee, many property owners discover their homes are reassessed too high. If you believe your property value or tax calculation is incorrect, filing an appeal with your county assessor costs nothing and could reduce your annual bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Hickman County

via CostByCounty

Hickman rents track above national typical

Hickman County residents spend 18.4% of household income on rent, outpacing the national median of around 17%. At a median household income of $57,223—well below the national average of $74,755—the county's rent burden reflects both lower wages and mid-range housing costs that strain local wallets.

Slightly above Tennessee's affordability average

Hickman's 18.4% rent-to-income ratio sits marginally above Tennessee's state average of 17.6%, placing it in the middle tier of county affordability statewide. The median rent of $877 is $17 higher than the state average, despite income levels notably below state norms.

Less affordable than adjacent rural counties

Hickman faces higher housing costs relative to neighbors like Houston County (15.1% rent-to-income ratio) and Johnson County (14.7%), though rents are more modest than in nearby Jefferson County ($880/month vs. Hickman's $877). Renters in Hickman pay a steeper share of income for housing than most surrounding rural areas.

Rent and homeownership split the burden

Renters in Hickman dedicate 18.4% of the $57,223 median income to monthly rent ($877), while homeowners invest 16.3% toward mortgage and owner costs ($778/month). The median home value of $192,000 remains accessible but still represents 40% of annual household income.

Hickman offers moderate rural housing costs

If you're relocating from higher-cost urban areas, Hickman's $877 median rent and $192,000 median home value present a moderate savings opportunity. Compare these figures against peers like Houston County or Johnson County to find your best fit within Tennessee's affordable rural tier.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Hickman County

via IncomeByCounty

Hickman trails national income average

Hickman County's median household income of $57,223 sits 23.5% below the U.S. median of $74,755. This income gap reflects broader rural-urban disparities in wage growth and employment opportunities across the nation.

Below Tennessee's median by $1,771

Hickman ranks slightly below Tennessee's state average of $58,994, placing it in the lower-middle tier among the state's 95 counties. Per capita income of $29,512 also trails the state average of $31,458.

Mid-range income in rural cohort

Among comparable rural counties, Hickman's $57,223 exceeds Houston County ($54,475) and Jackson County ($41,475), but falls short of neighbor Humphreys County ($59,333). The variation suggests different economic drivers across this region.

Housing remains affordable here

At 18.4%, Hickman's rent-to-income ratio indicates housing costs consume less than one-fifth of household earnings—well below the 30% affordability threshold. The median home value of $192,000 remains accessible relative to local incomes.

Build financial resilience now

With modest but stable incomes, Hickman households benefit from maximizing tax-advantaged savings like 401(k)s and IRAs early. Local credit unions and financial advisors can help residents create wealth-building plans suited to rural income patterns.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Hickman County

via CrimeByCounty

Hickman County Safety vs National Trends

Hickman County maintains a safety score of 96.8 out of 100. Its total crime rate of 2,048.4 per 100,000 residents remains lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Local Rank Within Tennessee

The county's safety score falls slightly below the Tennessee state average of 97.2. This indicates there is room for improvement compared to many of its peers across the state.

Comparing Rates to Nearby Counties

With a crime rate over 2,000 per 100,000, Hickman faces more activity than neighboring Houston County. It sits in a middle-tier position compared to more urban Tennessee hubs.

Violent vs Property Crime Split

Property crimes account for 1,636.3 incidents per 100,000, while the violent crime rate reaches 412.1. These figures suggest that while property loss is more common, violent crime exceeds the national baseline.

Simple Steps for Home Security

Residents can take proactive steps by installing motion-activated lighting around their properties. Keeping vehicles locked and out of sight helps deter opportunistic property crimes.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Hickman County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Small-Town Learning Environment

Hickman County operates a focused educational network of 9 public schools serving 3,175 total students. The infrastructure includes four elementary schools, two middle schools, and two high schools, all managed by a single unified district. This rural setting provides a streamlined educational path for families in the region.

Graduation Rates Surpass National Benchmarks

The county boasts an impressive 94.0% graduation rate, which exceeds both the Tennessee state average of 93.3% and the national mark of 87.0%. While per-pupil expenditure is modest at $6,431, the county achieves a school score of 54.4, placing it slightly above the state median performance. Local investment remains competitive with state levels but follows the national trend of leaner rural spending.

Hickman County District at a Glance

The Hickman County School District manages all 3,175 students across its 9 campus locations. There are currently no charter schools operating within the county, ensuring a traditional public school experience for all enrolled families. This centralized administration allows for consistent curriculum and resource allocation across the entire county.

Consistently Rural and Close-Knit

Every school in the county is classified as rural, creating a unified community feel with an average school size of 353 students. East Hickman High School is the largest campus with 468 students, while Centerville Elementary serves 388 children. These smaller enrollment numbers often allow for more personalized attention between teachers and students.

Find Your Home Near Hickman Schools

Families looking for high graduation rates in a quiet, rural setting often prioritize homes near East Hickman High or Centerville Elementary. School quality remains a significant factor in local property values as the county continues to outperform state academic averages. Explore the housing market to find a residence that fits your family's educational needs.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Hickman County

via RiskByCounty

Hickman's disaster risk below US average

Hickman County scores 47.17 on the national composite risk scale, placing it below Tennessee's state average of 52.45 and well below high-risk counties. This relatively low rating reflects moderate hazard exposure across most natural disaster types, with the county better positioned than many peers nationally.

Middle-of-the-pack risk in Tennessee

Among Tennessee's 95 counties, Hickman ranks in the moderate-risk range with its composite score of 47.17. The county sits comfortably below the state average, suggesting fewer compounding natural hazards compared to higher-risk neighbors like Knox County.

Safer than nearby Jefferson County

Hickman's risk profile (47.17) compares favorably to Jefferson County (44.88), a neighboring area with higher flood and wildfire concerns. Both counties face similar earthquake risks above 80, but Hickman's tornado exposure at 82.19 is slightly elevated compared to regional peers.

Earthquakes and tornadoes lead threats

Hickman County faces outsized earthquake risk (82.22) and tornado risk (82.19)—both significantly higher than the state average—making these the primary natural hazards to prepare for. Flood risk remains moderate at 46.79, while wildfire exposure stays low at just 11.96.

Prioritize tornado and earthquake prep

Given Hickman's high tornado and earthquake exposure, homeowners should ensure adequate liability and structural coverage in their policies and develop a family emergency plan. Standard homeowners insurance typically excludes earthquake damage, so a separate policy should be considered for added protection in this county.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Hickman County

via WaterByCounty

Hickman Earns Perfect Grade for Drinking Water

Hickman County maintains an 'A' grade with zero health-based violations over the last five years. Its violation rate of 0.0 per 100,000 residents stands far below the Tennessee state average of 34.6. This reflects consistent adherence to Safe Drinking Water Act standards.

Local Watersheds Outperform State Averages

Only 13.7% of assessed water bodies in the county are considered impaired, which is less than half of the statewide average of 30.2%. The 2022 reporting cycle identifies stream-side vegetation loss and E. coli as the primary challenges for the 14 impaired sites. Most of the 102 assessed water bodies currently meet federal Clean Water Act standards.

Active Monitoring Tracks Diverse Water Quality Indicators

The county features 38 monitoring sites that have recorded 3,126 measurements over the past five years. Experts focus heavily on physical characteristics, nutrients, and biological counts to ensure ecosystem health. This robust data footprint provides a clear picture of shifting environmental conditions.

Duck River Flow Drops Below Typical Levels

The USGS gauge on the Duck River at Centerville currently records a discharge of 815 cfs. This represents just 24% of the long-term mean, indicating significantly drier than normal conditions for this 2,048 square mile drainage area. Low flows can impact aquatic habitats and concentrate existing pollutants.

Monitor Low Flows and Stream Habitats

While drinking water compliance is excellent, residents should be aware that 13.7% of local streams face impairments from E. coli and siltation. Current low streamflow levels at 24% of normal mean that source waters are under stress. Maintaining stream-side vegetation is a critical step for local property owners to protect watershed health.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Hickman County

via WeatherByCounty

Mild temperatures and high rain

Hickman County averages 58.4°F annually, sitting comfortably above the national median. While the temperature is moderate, the 53.3 inches of annual rain is high compared to most of the country.

A typical Tennessee profile

Hickman County stays close to the state average temperature of 58.1°F. Its precipitation is slightly lower than the state's 55.9-inch average but still characterizes a very wet region.

Similar to Middle Tennessee peers

Hickman's temperature of 58.4°F is nearly identical to Houston County to the north. It experiences a July average of 77.3°F, which is milder than the 80°F+ seen in far West Tennessee.

Moderate heat and mild winters

The county experiences 26 days of extreme heat per year, avoiding the worst of the southern summer. While snowfall data is limited, the winter average of 40.2°F suggests generally mild conditions.

Manage moisture and mild heat

With over 53 inches of rain, gutter maintenance and drainage are top priorities for homeowners. The 26 days of extreme heat are manageable but still require functional cooling systems.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Hickman County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic forest heritage in Hickman

Hickman County’s soil features a pH of 5.48, which is slightly more alkaline than the Tennessee average of 5.35 but still well below the national median of 6.5. While taxonomic classification records are limited for this area, the acidic profile reflects typical Southeastern forest soil characteristics.

A silt-dominant soil profile

The soil mix consists of 57.4% silt, 20.6% clay, and 20.5% sand. This high silt content provides a smooth texture that holds moisture well, though it can become compacted if worked when wet.

Moderate water capacity, lower organic matter

Organic matter sits at 1.79%, trailing both the state average of 2.44% and the national average of 2.0%. However, the available water capacity of 0.173 in/in slightly exceeds the state average, helping plants survive short dry spells.

Managing local water flow

Official drainage and hydrologic group classifications are currently unavailable for this county's primary soil units. Given the high silt percentage, farmers should monitor for surface crusting which can slow water infiltration during heavy Tennessee rains.

Growing in Hardiness Zone 7b

The 7b climate and silty soil support diverse crops like corn, soybeans, and hardy perennials. Adding lime will help raise the pH to better support a vibrant home vegetable garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Hickman County

via LawnByCounty

Favorable Lawn Conditions in Hickman

Hickman’s lawn difficulty score of 51.2 suggests slightly easier conditions than the national average of 50.0. This Zone 7b county also outperforms the Tennessee state average of 48.0, making it a relatively friendly spot for turfgrass.

High Rainfall and Moderate Heat

With 53.3 inches of annual rain, lawns here receive slightly more water than the ideal 50-inch threshold. Homeowners manage 26 extreme heat days per year, which is significantly lower than the state average of 36 days.

Managing Acidic Soil Challenges

The local soil pH of 5.48 is notably acidic compared to the ideal 6.0-7.0 range for most grass types. A balanced mix of 20.6% clay and 20.5% sand requires careful nutrient management to support deep, healthy root systems.

Navigating Abnormally Dry Spells

Hickman spent 17 weeks in drought over the past year, and the entire county currently faces abnormally dry conditions. Residents should prioritize deep, infrequent watering to encourage resilience against these recurrent dry periods.

Spring Seeding in Zone 7b

Warm-season grasses like Bermuda or Zoysia thrive here after the last spring frost on April 11. Plan seeding or sodding efforts for late spring to ensure the lawn is fully established before the first fall frost arrives on October 27.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hickman County's county score?
Hickman County, Tennessee has a composite county score of 45.5 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 Hickman County rank among counties in Tennessee?
Hickman County ranks #72 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 Hickman County, Tennessee?
The median annual property tax in Hickman County is $1,089, with an effective tax rate of 0.57%. This earns Hickman County a tax score of 78.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Hickman County?
The median household income in Hickman County, Tennessee is $57,223 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Hickman County earns an income score of 30.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Hickman County, Tennessee a good place to live?
Hickman County scores 45.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #72 in Tennessee. The best way to evaluate Hickman 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 Hickman County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & 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.