Demographics

As of 2022, Overton County, Tennessee, has a population of approximately 22,160. The median age is around 43.5 years, with 50.1% female and 49.9% male residents. The racial composition is predominantly White (95.2%), with 1.4% Black or African American, 0.5% Asian, and 2% identifying as Hispanic or Latino. Residents under 18 make up about 20.1% of the population, while those aged 65 and over constitute 20.3%.

Elections

Overton County, TN has approximately 15,000 registered voters as of 2024. The county holds primary, general, and special elections for local, state, and federal offices. In the 2020 presidential election, about 75% of votes favored the Republican candidate. There are five main polling locations, including the Overton County Courthouse. Key voting issues include education funding and rural healthcare. Elections are overseen by the Overton County Election Commission, chaired by representatives of both major parties (Republican and Democratic). Voter turnout typically ranges from 55% to 65% in general elections.

County Crime & Safety

Overton County, TN, reports a crime rate of approximately 23.2 incidents per 1,000 residents, lower than the national average. Property crime, including theft and burglary, accounts for over 80% of cases, with around 350 reported annually, while violent crime remains rare at about 40 incidents per year (2022 data). The sheriff’s office emphasizes community policing and encourages prompt crime reporting, contributing to an overall sense of safety. Clearance rates for violent crimes stand at about 45%, indicating active law enforcement efforts.

Education, Employment and Housing

Overton County, TN, features eight public schools—one high school (Livingston Academy), two middle, and five elementary schools—serving about 3,000 students. Roughly 78% graduate high school, while approximately 12% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. District schools average a GreatSchools rating of 5/10. Adult education is offered via TCAT Livingston with vocational programs. School safety initiatives include resource officers and safety drills. Educational programs encompass advanced placement and career & technical education, striving to boost college and workforce readiness.

As of 2023, Overton County, TN, has a labor force participation rate of approximately 53.6%, with an unemployment rate near 3.5%. Major employment sectors include health care and social assistance (21%), manufacturing (16%), retail trade (13%), and education services (10%). The most common occupations are production (14%), office/administrative support (13%), and sales (9%). About 82% of workers commute by car, with an average commute time of 27 minutes; roughly 31% work outside the county, primarily commuting to Cookeville and surrounding areas.

Overton County, TN, has a homeownership rate of about 74%, with median home values around $170,000 (2024). The average monthly rent for a two-bedroom unit is approximately $800. The housing market has seen a moderate 6% year-over-year price increase. Housing types include single-family homes, mobile homes, and some apartments, with popular neighborhoods like Livingston and Rickman. Property taxes are relatively low, averaging $430 per $100,000 of assessed value, making homeownership affordable for many residents.