Is Dyersburg Safe, Pros and cons of living in Dyersburg

Dyersburg, Tennessee, offers a unique blend of Southern charm and practicality, making it a noteworthy consideration for those exploring new places to call home. This city in Dyer County provides a community atmosphere with access to essential amenities and a cost of living that can be attractive to many.

Understanding the various facets of life in Dyersburg, from safety and economic opportunities to daily living expenses and climate, is crucial for anyone contemplating a move. This overview aims to provide a comprehensive look at what Dyersburg has to offer.

Is it Safe to Live in Dyersburg?

Dyersburg presents a complex picture regarding safety, with crime rates that are significantly higher than national averages. The city experiences a total crime rate that is 183.7% above the national average per 100,000 residents (as reported by AreaVibes). This includes a violent crime rate that is 249.9% higher than the national average and a property crime rate that is 170.2% higher than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes).

Specifically, your chance of becoming a victim of a property crime in Dyersburg is one in 21, with a rate of 48 per one thousand population (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). The city also faces challenges with motor vehicle theft, having one of the highest rates in the nation (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Violent offenses, including rape, murder, robbery, and aggravated assault, also contribute to the elevated crime statistics, with your chance of becoming a victim being one in 80 (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

Housing and Cost of Living

The housing market in Dyersburg offers more affordable options compared to the national average, which can be a significant draw for potential residents. As of March 31, 2026, the average home value in Dyersburg was $165,487, showing a decrease of 2.9% over the past year (as reported by Zillow). The median sale price of a house in Dyersburg was $145,450 (as reported by Zillow).

Rental costs in Dyersburg are also notably lower than the national figures. The average rent in Dyersburg was $750 as of May 5, 2026 (as reported by Zillow). This is considerably less than the national average rent of $1,910 as of the same date (as reported by Zillow). The cost of living in Dyersburg, overall, is 10.8% lower than the national average, with housing being particularly more affordable (as reported by Apartments.com).

Job Market and Economy

Dyersburg’s economy is supported by several major employers across various sectors. Key employers include ERMCO, a manufacturer of distribution transformers, with approximately 820 employees, and Hillshire Brands, a meat processing company, employing around 700 individuals (as reported by the Dyersburg Chamber of Commerce). NSK, which produces automotive components, employs about 650 people, and Nordyne, an HVAC manufacturer, has about 326 employees (as reported by the Dyersburg Chamber of Commerce).

The unemployment rate in Dyersburg was 3.60% as of the latest reports, which is lower than the long-term average of 6.65% (as reported by YCharts). This indicates a relatively stable job market within the region, with opportunities in manufacturing, food processing, and automotive industries.

Climate and Weather

Dyersburg experiences a climate with distinct seasons, characterized by hot, humid summers and cold, windy winters. The temperature typically ranges from 31°F to 90°F throughout the year, rarely falling below 17°F or exceeding 96°F (as reported by Weather Spark). The hot season lasts from late May to late September, with July being the hottest month, averaging a high of 90°F and a low of 71°F.

Rainfall is distributed throughout the year, with April typically being the wettest month, receiving an average of 4.6 inches of rain. August is usually the driest month, with about 2.3 inches of precipitation (as reported by Weather Spark). The city experiences significant seasonal variation in perceived humidity, with muggy conditions common from late May through late September.

Education and Demographics

Dyersburg’s educational landscape includes several public schools, with Dyersburg High School receiving a rating of 3.81 out of 5 and Dyer County High School rated at 3.99 out of 5 (as reported by Niche). Dyersburg Intermediate School holds an overall Niche grade of B (as reported by Niche). The Dyer County School District has an overall Niche grade of B+ (as reported by Niche).

The population of Dyersburg is approximately 15,979, showing a slight decrease from the 2020 Census (as reported by Census Dots). The racial composition is predominantly White at 65.2%, followed by Black at 27.8%, with smaller percentages for Multiracial, Hispanic, Asian, and Native American populations (as reported by Census Dots). The median age in Dyersburg is 41.5 years (as reported by Census Dots).