County Crime & Safety
Meigs County, TN reports lower crime rates compared to national averages, with a violent crime rate of approximately 2.4 per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of around 8.1 per 1,000 residents, based on recent statistics. Law enforcement responds quickly, and most offenses are minor. The sheriff’s office encourages community reporting, contributing to consistent, transparent crime data. Overall, Meigs County is considered a relatively safe area, with total annual crimes often below 100 incidents.
Demographics
As of the 2020 Census, Meigs County, Tennessee, had a population of 12,758. The median age was about 43 years, with 50.3% female and 49.7% male. The racial makeup was predominantly White (93.1%), with 1.3% Black or African American, 1.2% Native American, 0.3% Asian, and 3.2% Hispanic or Latino. Small percentages identified as two or more races.
Elections
Meigs County, TN, had approximately 7,400 registered voters as of 2024. The county holds general, primary, and municipal elections, with major parties being Republican and Democratic (2020 presidential results: Trump 82%, Biden 17%). Main polling locations include the Meigs County Election Commission and Decatur Civic Center. Key local issues involve school funding and infrastructure. The county is managed by the Meigs County Election Commission. As of recent elections, Republican turnout and support dominate, with voter turnout surpassing 60%. Voters can register online, by mail, or in person.
Education, Employment and Housing
Meigs County, TN, has 4 public schools, including Meigs County High School, serving about 2,000 students. Approximately 81% of adults hold a high school diploma, while 10% have a bachelor’s degree or higher. The average school safety score is 7/10, and schools offer programs in vocational training and dual enrollment. Graduation rates average 92%, with test scores slightly below the state average. Adult education programs are available through local centers, supporting GED completion and workforce skills.
As of 2023, Meigs County, TN, has an employment rate of approximately 53%. Major industries include manufacturing (15%), health care and social assistance (14%), and retail trade (12%). The most common occupation types are production (18%), office/administrative support (14%), and sales (10%). Around 75% of employed residents commute outside the county for work, with an average commute time of 33 minutes. Key employment destinations include neighboring Hamilton and McMinn counties, reflecting strong regional job integration.
Meigs County, TN, has a homeownership rate of about 77%, with a median home value around $170,000 in 2024, reflecting a 5% annual increase. Median rent is approximately $875/month. Housing is predominantly single-family homes, with few apartment complexes. Popular neighborhoods include Decatur and Ten Mile, known for their rural charm. Property taxes are low, with a county rate near $1.80 per $100 assessed value, making the area attractive for buyers. The market is stable, with steady demand and moderate price growth.
Popular names
- Deborah Smith
- Donna Ferguson
- James Brown
- James Miller
- Jason Roberts
- Amber Meadows
- Amy Caldwell
- Angela Ferguson
- Anna Roberts
- April Johnson
- Charlotte Armour
- Christopher Walden
- James Allen
- James Carden
- Jason Chen
- Kevin Moore
- Mary Barker
- Michael Smith
- Michael Williams
- Noah Miller
- Rachel Davis
- Richard Lawson
- Robert Clark
- Robert Davis
- Robert Miller
- Steven Scott
- William Adams
- William Baker
- Adam Lowe
- Albert Snyder
- Amanda Benton
- Amanda Roberts
- Angela Caldwell
- Anthony Smith
- Barbara Thomas
- Benjamin Keener
- Betheny Harris
- Betty Brown
- Betty Davis
- Billy Ogle
- Brandon Robinson
- Brenda Walden
- Byron Ziegler
- Caleb Gossett
- Carey Thompson
- Carolyn Walden
- Casey Moore
- Charles Armour
- Charles Murphy
- Charles Phillips
- Charles Ratledge
- Charlotte Akins
- Chloe Davis
- Christopher Clark
- Christopher King
- Christy Hughes
- Clifford Dillard
- Clyde Pressley
- Connie White
- Courtney Godsey
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
- Hardeman
- Hardin
- Hawkins
- Haywood
- Henderson
- Henry
- Hickman
- Houston
- Humphreys
- Jackson
- Jefferson
- Johnson
- Knox
- Lake
- Lauderdale
- Lawrence
- Lewis