Hickman County scores 75.3 on the CountyScore composite index, significantly above the national median of 50.0, putting it in the top half of U.S. counties. This 50-point spread reflects a county with materially stronger fundamentals than most American communities across measured dimensions.
2 / 5
Just below Tennessee's county average
Among Tennessee counties, Hickman ranks slightly below the state average composite score of 76.3. The modest gap suggests this county is fairly typical for the state, performing consistently across most measured dimensions.
3 / 5
Tax-friendly with affordable housing
Hickman County excels with a tax score of 86.3 and an effective tax rate of just 0.567%, coupled with a cost score of 80.8 reflecting median home values of $192,000 and rent averaging $877/month. These affordability metrics make the county competitive for budget-conscious households.
4 / 5
Income levels remain well below average
The income score of 20.7 reflects a median household income of $57,223, which trails the state and national norms significantly. Data on safety, health, schools, and environmental risks remains limited, leaving important livability factors unmeasured.
5 / 5
Solid choice for budget-first movers
Hickman County suits families and retirees prioritizing low taxes and affordable housing over higher incomes and urban amenities. Its composite strength lies in fiscal responsibility and cost of living rather than wage growth or income potential.
Hickman County scores 75.3 on the CountyScore composite index, significantly above the national median of 50.0, putting it in the top half of U.S. counties. This 50-point spread reflects a county with materially stronger fundamentals than most American communities across measured dimensions.
Just below Tennessee's county average
Among Tennessee counties, Hickman ranks slightly below the state average composite score of 76.3. The modest gap suggests this county is fairly typical for the state, performing consistently across most measured dimensions.
Tax-friendly with affordable housing
Hickman County excels with a tax score of 86.3 and an effective tax rate of just 0.567%, coupled with a cost score of 80.8 reflecting median home values of $192,000 and rent averaging $877/month. These affordability metrics make the county competitive for budget-conscious households.
Income levels remain well below average
The income score of 20.7 reflects a median household income of $57,223, which trails the state and national norms significantly. Data on safety, health, schools, and environmental risks remains limited, leaving important livability factors unmeasured.
Solid choice for budget-first movers
Hickman County suits families and retirees prioritizing low taxes and affordable housing over higher incomes and urban amenities. Its composite strength lies in fiscal responsibility and cost of living rather than wage growth or income potential.
Score breakdown
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🏛86.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
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.
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.
At 69.9 years, Hickman County residents live roughly 5 years less than the U.S. average of 74.5 years. One in five residents (22.2%) report poor or fair health, higher than the national rate of 17.8%. These gaps suggest persistent health challenges that demand attention.
Ranking 78th among Tennessee's 95 counties
Hickman's 69.9-year life expectancy falls 2.5 years below Tennessee's state average of 72.4 years. The county's 22.2% poor/fair health rate exceeds the state average by 4.2 percentage points. This positions Hickman in the lower tier of health outcomes statewide.
Struggling compared to nearby counties
Hickman's 69.9-year life expectancy is notably lower than neighboring Houston County (70.9 years) and Humphreys County (71.5 years). Its uninsured rate of 13.3% exceeds Jefferson County's 12.0%, and its primary care access of 20 providers per 100K trails Johnson County's 33 per 100K. These disparities highlight local healthcare challenges.
Healthcare access remains a daily barrier
One in eight Hickman County residents (13.3%) lack health insurance, making routine care unaffordable for thousands. With only 20 primary care providers per 100K residents, many face long waits or travel to neighboring counties for basic care. Mental health support is also limited at 66 providers per 100K.
Check your health insurance options today
If you're uninsured or underinsured, affordable coverage may be closer than you think. Visit healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 to explore Marketplace plans, Medicaid eligibility, and local enrollment assistance. Preventive care and early treatment can transform health outcomes—start by getting covered.
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.