County Crime & Safety
Weakley County, TN, reports a lower-than-national-average crime rate, with a total crime rate of approximately 19.8 per 1,000 residents. Violent crime rates are about 1.8 per 1,000, while property crime stands at 18 per 1,000 people. The county’s law enforcement maintains active reporting through the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. Recent years show a slight decline in both property and violent crimes, reflecting ongoing community efforts and police initiatives to improve safety.
Elections
Weakley County, TN, had approximately 19,200 registered voters as of 2023. The county holds primary, general, and special elections, with recent turnout around 48% in the 2022 general election. Polling locations include Dresden, Martin, and Gleason. Republican candidates have dominated recent elections: Donald Trump received 75.7% of the 2020 presidential vote, while Democrats gathered 22.5%. Key issues for voters include education funding and agricultural policy. Elections are administered by the Weakley County Election Commission, and voters may cast ballots in advance or on Election Day. Major parties: Republican and Democratic.
Demographics
As of 2022, Weakley County, TN, has a population of approximately 32,532. The median age is 39.9 years. Gender distribution is nearly even, with about 51% female and 49% male. Racially, the county is 86.7% White, 8.4% Black or African American, 1.9% Hispanic or Latino, 1.1% Asian, and 2% identifying as two or more races. The community remains predominantly non-Hispanic White, with modest ethnic diversity.
Education, Employment and Housing
Weakley County, TN, has approximately 10 public schools serving around 4,000 students, including four high schools. About 85% of residents hold a high school diploma, while 18% possess a bachelor’s degree or higher. Average standardized test scores in the district generally match state averages. The school system emphasizes safety with security measures and school resource officers. Adult education is available via the Weakley County Adult Education Center. Educational programs include STEM, career technical education, and dual enrollment opportunities with regional colleges.
As of early 2024, Weakley County, TN, has an employment rate of approximately 56.4%. The largest industries are educational services, health care, and manufacturing, employing 22%, 15%, and 13% of the workforce, respectively. Major occupations include office/administrative support (14%) and production roles (12%). About 77% of workers commute to work by car, with an average travel time of 18 minutes. While most are employed within the county, around 28% commute to neighboring counties for employment, notably to Obion and Gibson counties.
Weakley County, TN, has a homeownership rate of approximately 65%, with median home values around $135,000 and median monthly rents near $750. The housing market has shown modest growth, with property values increasing about 5% annually. Housing types include single-family homes, townhomes, and some apartments, especially near Martin and UT Martin. Popular neighborhoods include Martin, Dresden, and Greenfield. Property taxes average $1,010 annually for a median-valued home, making it relatively affordable compared to statewide averages.
Popular names
- Robert Thompson
- James Jones
- Charles Wilson
- Christopher Williams
- Larry Taylor
- Robert Miller
- David Carrington
- David Smith
- James Davis
- James Johnson
- James Morris
- James Smith
- Jennifer Davis
- Jennifer Johnson
- Linda Morris
- Patricia Reed
- Robert Lee
- Robert Smith
- Sheila Baker
- William Stout
- Amanda Jones
- Amanda Smith
- Amanda Williams
- Ashley Coley
- Brenda Ellis
- Brenda Jones
- Chasidy King
- Christopher Taylor
- Crystal Wilbanks
- David Harrison
- David Jones
- Donald Williams
- Emily Essary
- Eric Lewis
- James Garner
- James Moore
- James Phillips
- James Reynolds
- Jason Roberts
- Jason Stout
- Jessica Rinehart
- Joshua Williams
- Kayla Morris
- Kevin Cates
- Linda Davis
- Mary Davis
- Michael Brown
- Michael Long
- Pamela Evans
- Patricia King
- Paul Coleman
- Paul Wilson
- Richard Davis
- Richard Thompson
- Robert Adams
- Ryan Smith
- Shannon Roberts
- Thomas Turner
- Tresa Jones
- Tyler Martin
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