Education, Employment and Housing

Dyer County, TN, has 13 public schools, including three high schools, serving around 3,800 students. Approximately 85% of adults hold a high school diploma, while about 16% have a bachelor’s degree or higher. The county’s schools score an average of 5/10 on GreatSchools ratings. School safety initiatives include resource officers and anti-bullying programs. Educational offerings feature career and technical education alongside traditional academics. Adult education opportunities are provided by Dyersburg State Community College and local GED programs, supporting continued learning in the community.

As of 2022, Dyer County, TN, had an employment rate of approximately 54.6%. Key industries include manufacturing (22.1%), health care and social assistance (17.4%), and retail trade (11.7%). Major occupation types are production (14.8%), office/administrative support (12.5%), and sales (10.3%). The median commute time is 20.4 minutes, with 82.6% of workers driving alone. Most employment is located within Dyersburg, though many residents commute to nearby counties such as Lauderdale and Obion for work.

Dyer County, TN has a homeownership rate of about 66%, with renter-occupied housing comprising 34%. The median home value is around $130,000, while median rent is approximately $800/month. The county features diverse housing types, including single-family homes and some apartments, especially in Dyersburg neighborhoods like Finley and Newbern. Property values have risen modestly over the past 5 years, reflecting a stable but gradually growing market. The average property tax rate is approximately 0.67%, making taxes relatively affordable compared to state and national averages.

County Crime & Safety

Dyer County, TN, has a crime rate higher than the national average, with a violent crime rate of approximately 5.2 per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate around 27.4 per 1,000 residents (latest FBI data). The county reports roughly 350 property crimes and 66 violent crimes annually. Local law enforcement actively encourages community involvement and crime reporting, contributing to recent decreases in certain offenses. Despite these efforts, residents should exercise caution, especially regarding property-related incidents, and make use of neighborhood watch programs for enhanced safety.

Demographics

As of 2022, Dyer County, TN has a population of approximately 36,500. The median age is 39.9 years. Gender is split nearly evenly, with 51% female and 49% male. Racially, the county is 76% White, 19% Black or African American, 2% Hispanic or Latino, and 1% Two or More Races, with other groups making up the remainder. This demographic composition reflects a predominantly White population, with significant African American representation.

Elections

Dyer County, TN, with around 22,000 registered voters as of 2023, conducts elections for local, state, and federal offices, including primaries and general elections. Major polling locations include the Dyer County Election Commission office and community centers in Dyersburg. In the 2020 presidential election, about 72% voted Republican, 26% Democrat. Key issues are education funding and economic development. The Dyer County Election Commission oversees administration, ensuring compliance with Tennessee laws. Republican and Democratic parties are most active, with occasional independent candidates. Voter turnout in recent elections averaged 58%.