Dekalb County Public RecordsTennessee

DeKalb County, TN has 7 public schools serving around 2,700 students, including DeKalb County High School. About 80% of high school students graduate, and approximately 13% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Average test scores are below the state average, with a 16:1 student-teacher ratio. The district offers vocational, Advanced Placement, and dual enrollment programs. School safety initiatives include resource officers in buildings. Adult education opportunities are available via local partnerships.

As of 2023, DeKalb County, TN, had an employment rate of approximately 56%. Key industries include manufacturing (16%), healthcare (14%), and retail trade (12%). Major occupational groups are production (18%), office/administrative (15%), and sales (13%). Around 73% of employed residents commute outside the county, primarily to neighboring counties like Smith and Wilson, with an average commute time of 30 minutes. Local employment centers are concentrated in Smithville, the county seat, which hosts various manufacturing, retail, and healthcare employers.

DeKalb County, TN has a homeownership rate of approximately 74%, with a median home value of $203,000 as of early 2024, up about 9% year-over-year. The median rent is around $850 monthly. Housing mainly comprises single-family homes, with some mobile homes and limited multi-family units. Popular neighborhoods include Smithville and Dowelltown. Property tax rates average $1.68 per $100 of assessed value, making local taxes comparatively moderate. The market remains competitive but affordable, attracting both families and retirees.

As of 2022, DeKalb County, TN, has a population of about 20,000. The median age is 43 years, with 49% male and 51% female residents. The racial composition is predominantly White (93%), followed by Black or African American (2%), Hispanic or Latino (3%), and other races (2%). The county maintains a largely rural character with modest ethnic diversity.

DeKalb County, TN, reported a crime rate of 22.16 per 1,000 residents in 2023, lower than the national average. Violent crimes, including assault and robbery, accounted for about 1.9 per 1,000, while property crimes like burglary and theft were around 20.2 per 1,000. The DeKalb County Sheriff's Office actively encourages residents to report suspicious activities, resulting in timely intervention. Overall, crime rates have remained relatively stable over the past three years, with ongoing community patrols and crime prevention programs contributing to safety improvements.

DeKalb County, TN, with approximately 12,000 registered voters, holds elections for local, state, and federal offices, including primaries (Republican and Democratic) and general elections. In the 2020 presidential election, 78% voter turnout was recorded, with 73% voting Republican and 26% Democratic. Key issues include education funding and rural infrastructure. There are 12 polling locations overseen by the DeKalb County Election Commission. The county is administered by a five-member Election Commission, reflecting a strong Republican majority, but both major parties maintain active local organizations.