Demographics
As of 2022, Hardeman County, Tennessee has a population of approximately 24,000. About 48% are male and 52% are female. The median age is around 41. Racially, the county is 56% White, 40% Black or African American, 2% Hispanic or Latino, and 2% other races. Around 21% of residents are under 18, and 18% are 65 or older.
Elections
Hardeman County, TN had approximately 17,000 registered voters as of 2022. Voters participate in primary, general, and municipal elections. In the 2020 presidential race, 6,739 ballots were cast, with 60% voting Republican and 38% Democrat. Polling locations include the Hardeman County Election Commission and several community sites. Key issues include economic development and education. The county's election administration is overseen by a five-member bipartisan commission. Both Democratic and Republican parties are active, though Republicans have held most recent local offices. Voter turnout in major elections typically ranges from 40-50%.
County Crime & Safety
Hardeman County, TN, experiences a crime rate higher than the state average, with a violent crime rate of approximately 4.5 per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate around 19.6 per 1,000 residents (FBI UCR, 2022). Reporting shows theft and burglary as the most common offenses. The sheriff’s office implements community policing to address these issues. While crime has slightly decreased since 2020, the area’s crime index remains below the national median, with about 1 in 51 residents affected by property crime in 2022. Residents are encouraged to report suspicious activity to maintain safety.
Education, Employment and Housing
Hardeman County, TN, is served by Hardeman County Schools, comprising 10 public schools including two high schools. Around 77% of adults aged 25+ hold at least a high school diploma, while about 11% possess a bachelor’s degree or higher. The average public school rating is approximately 4/10 (GreatSchools). The county offers career and technical education programs. School safety measures meet state standards, with resource officers in key locations. Adult education programs, such as GED classes, are available through local centers, supporting ongoing education and workforce development throughout the community.
Hardeman County, TN, has a labor force participation rate of about 47.5% and an unemployment rate of 5.2% as of 2023. Major employment sectors include health care & social assistance (22%), manufacturing (14%), and retail trade (13%). Most workers are employed in office/administrative support (13%) and production occupations (12%). Around 84% of residents commute by car, with an average commute time of 30 minutes; roughly 30% work outside the county, primarily commuting to Madison and Shelby counties for employment.
Hardeman County, TN, has a homeownership rate of about 71%, with a median home value around $113,000 as of 2023. The rental vacancy rate is near 14%, and median gross rent is approximately $730 per month. Housing stock consists mainly of single-family homes, with some older homes and new builds in neighborhoods like Bolivar and Whiteville. Property values have risen about 5% year-over-year. Property tax rates are roughly $1.86 per $100 assessed value. The area offers affordable options compared to state averages, appealing to both first-time buyers and renters.
Popular names
- James Smith
- David Jones
- Holly Taylor
- James Williams
- Melissa Stewart
- Richard Smith
- Robert Jones
- William Jones
- Ebony Brown
- Holly Davis
- Holly Edwards
- James Hill
- Michael Perry
- William Harris
- William Howell
- Angela Jones
- April Tackett
- Ashley Woods
- Barbara Smith
- Carisa Young
- Charles Hill
- Charles Walsh
- Danny Howell
- Dennis King
- Doris Williams
- Fontell Woods
- Heather Polk
- James Allen
- James Cheairs
- James Jackson
- James Lake
- James Morrow
- James Pugh
- Jason Howell
- Jason Townsend
- Jessie Gibson
- Jimmy Howell
- John Smith
- Kristy Howell
- Linda Jones
- Martha Howell
- Mary Cox
- Mary Hodge
- Mary White
- Melissa Taylor
- Michael Jackson
- Michael Malone
- Michael Sisco
- Perry Howell
- Robernisha Jones
- Robert Polk
- Sandra Brown
- Sarah Taylor
- Timothy Smith
- Tommie Walker
- William Davis
- Alisha Perry
- Amanda Davis
- Amanda Wilson
- Amber Brown
Other Counties in Tennessee
- Anderson
- Bedford
- Benton
- Bledsoe
- Blount
- Bradley
- Campbell
- Cannon
- Carroll
- Carter
- Cheatham
- Chester
- Claiborne
- Clay
- Cocke
- Coffee
- Crockett
- Cumberland
- Davidson
- Decatur
- Dekalb
- Dickson
- Dyer
- Fayette
- Fentress
- Franklin
- Gibson
- Giles
- Grainger
- Greene
- Grundy
- Hamblen
- Hamilton
- Hancock
- Hardin
- Hawkins
- Haywood
- Henderson
- Henry
- Hickman
- Houston
- Humphreys
- Jackson
- Jefferson
- Johnson
- Knox
- Lake
- Lauderdale
- Lawrence
- Lewis