Houston County Public RecordsTennessee

Houston County, TN, has around 5,200 registered voters out of roughly 8,100 residents. Elections include local, state, and federal races, with recent participation rates near 60%. The Houston County Election Commission administers voting, primarily at the Erin Community Center and Stewart Community Center. In the 2022 gubernatorial race, Republican candidates received about 74% of the vote; Democrats, 24%. Top issues include economic development and infrastructure. The county leans Republican, but both parties are active in local politics. Voters may register online, by mail, or in person at the Election Commission office.

Houston County, TN, reports lower violent crime rates compared to state and national averages, with a violent crime rate of approximately 2.4 per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate around 13.2 per 1,000. Recent statistics indicate a decline in overall crime for 2023. Houston County Sheriff’s Office encourages regular crime reporting and community involvement. Despite the small population (about 8,200), law enforcement remains active in crime prevention, contributing to Houston County’s reputation for relative safety within Tennessee.

As of the 2020 Census, Houston County, TN, had a population of 8,283. The median age is 44 years. About 51% of residents are male and 49% are female. The racial composition is 92.3% White, 3.1% Black or African American, 1.2% Native American, 0.2% Asian, and 2.2% two or more races; Hispanic or Latino individuals make up 1.9%. The county’s population reflects primarily older, non-Hispanic White residents in a small, rural community.

Houston County, TN, has 3 public schools: 1 high school, 1 middle, and 1 elementary, serving about 1,350 students. Approximately 86% of adults have a high school diploma, while around 14% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Average proficiency scores are 17% in math and 26% in reading, below the state average. The district offers Career and Technical Education, dual-enrollment, and vocational programs. School safety measures include resource officers and security monitoring. Graduation rate is about 95%.

As of 2023, Houston County, TN, had an employment rate of approximately 54%, with major industries including manufacturing (18%), healthcare and social assistance (16%), retail trade (13%), and construction (10%). The leading occupation types are production (22%), office and administrative support (15%), and management (12%). About 81% of residents commute to work by car, with a mean travel time of 33 minutes, often to neighboring counties such as Montgomery and Dickson for employment. Local employment is concentrated in Erin, the county seat, supporting public sector and service jobs.

Houston County, TN has a homeownership rate of about 77%, with median home values around $170,000 in 2024, up 8% from last year. Median rent is approximately $900 monthly. The county features mainly single-family homes, with some mobile homes and few apartments. Key neighborhoods include Erin, Tennessee Ridge, and Danville. Property tax rates are approximately $1.84 per $100 assessed value—below state average—making ownership appealing. The housing market remains affordable and stable, attracting families and retirees seeking rural charm and lower living costs.