Is Halls Safe, Pros and cons of living in Halls

Halls, Tennessee, offers a glimpse into small-town American life, blending a quiet atmosphere with the conveniences of a modest community. Situated in Lauderdale County, this town presents a unique character shaped by its history and the people who call it home. It’s a place where community bonds are often strong, and the pace of life is generally more relaxed than in larger urban centers.

For those considering a move to Halls, understanding the local landscape is key. This includes delving into aspects like safety, the cost of living, economic opportunities, and the quality of local amenities. By examining these factors, prospective residents can gain a clearer picture of what daily life might entail in this Tennessee town.

Is it Safe to Live in Halls?

The safety of a community is a paramount concern for any potential resident. In Halls, Tennessee, crime rates present a mixed picture that requires careful consideration. The overall crime rate in Halls is reported to be significantly higher than the national average, with a D- grade indicating much higher crime rates than the average U.S. city. Halls ranks in the 10th percentile for safety, meaning it is safer than only 10% of cities in the U.S..

Breaking down the crime statistics further, the property crime rate in Halls is 27.10 per 1,000 residents in a typical year. Violent crime rates in Halls are generally lower than Tennessee’s state average. However, your chance of being a victim of crime in Halls can vary by neighborhood, with some areas experiencing more incidents than others. Residents often consider the south part of the city to be the safest.

Violent Crime Statistics

When examining violent crime, Halls has a rate that is lower than the national average by 32%. Specifically, there were 5 violent crimes reported in Halls, which equates to 245 per 100,000 individuals, a figure lower than the national average by 31.7%. Despite this, the town has seen a notable statistic regarding murder rates in comparison to other reporting cities.

Property Crime Statistics

Property crimes in Halls are also a point of data for safety assessments. The property crime rate in Halls is 27.10 per 1,000 residents annually. Property crimes are lower than the national average by 27.5%, with 26 property crimes recorded, amounting to 1,276 per 100,000 residents. The east parts of Halls tend to see the most property crime incidents annually, while the northeast part of the city has the fewest.

Cost of Living in Halls

The cost of living in Halls, Tennessee, is generally considered to be more affordable than the national average, making it an attractive option for those seeking to manage expenses. Living costs in Halls are approximately 11% lower than the U.S. national average. This lower cost extends to various aspects of daily life, including housing, food, transportation, and healthcare.

When compared to the state average, Halls’ cost of living is slightly higher, by about 9%. This difference highlights the varying economic landscape within Tennessee itself. The overall affordability of Halls can be a significant draw for individuals and families looking to stretch their budgets further.

Housing Costs

Housing is often the largest component of a person’s budget, and in Halls, it is notably more affordable. The median housing cost per month is around $1,076. For renters, the median gross rent is approximately $1,242 per month. These figures are considerably lower than national averages, contributing significantly to the town’s overall cost of living advantage.

The median listing price for homes in Halls is $375,000, reflecting a stable price baseline for buyers. However, other sources indicate a more modest median home value of $144,242, with a 6.2% increase over the past year. The median rent in Halls is also reported at $2.1K per month, though other data suggests a median rent of $1,178. These variations in housing cost data suggest it’s important to consult multiple sources for the most current and precise figures.

Utilities and Daily Expenses

Beyond housing, other daily expenses in Halls also tend to be lower than the national average. Food costs are about 26.2% below average. Transportation and healthcare costs are also more affordable, with energy, transportation, and healthcare costs being 17.9% lower than the U.S. average. Household bills in Halls are 37% lower than the U.S. median, with a median monthly bill of $1,328.

Job Market and Economy

The economic landscape of Halls, Tennessee, is characterized by a mix of industries and employment opportunities. The local economy employs a certain number of people, with manufacturing and retail trade being significant sectors. Understanding the major employers and salary expectations is crucial for anyone considering employment in the area.

The economy of Halls employs approximately 832 individuals. Key industries include manufacturing, which employs the largest number of people, followed by retail trade and health care & social assistance. The highest-paying industries in Halls are reported to be other services except public administration, transportation & warehousing, and retail trade.

Major Employers

Several companies are notable employers in Halls, contributing to the local job market. These include large retail chains and service providers that form the backbone of the town’s employment. Major employers in Halls, TN, include Walmart, McDonald’s, Dollar General, AutoZone, Sonic Drive-In, Wendy’s, Goodwill Industries, and State Farm.

Manufacturing plays a substantial role, with companies in this sector providing a significant number of jobs within the community. The presence of these businesses offers a range of employment options for residents, from entry-level positions to more specialized roles.

Salaries and Unemployment

Salaries in Halls offer a perspective on earning potential within the local economy. The median wage in Halls is around $42.5K per year, with the 75th percentile reaching approximately $52.8K. The average annual household income in Halls was reported as $108,202 in 2024, with a median income of $76,944. However, other data indicates a median household income of $43,750 in 2024.

The unemployment rate in Tennessee has been generally low. As of December, ninety-one counties reported unemployment rates below 5%, with Lauderdale County (where Halls is located) having a rate of 4.6%. The statewide unemployment rate in Tennessee in December was 3.6%.

Climate in Halls

Halls, Tennessee, experiences a climate typical of the southeastern United States, with distinct seasons that influence daily life throughout the year. The weather patterns are characterized by warm summers and cold winters, with moderate rainfall spread across the months.

Summers in Halls are generally long, hot, and humid, lasting from May through September with high temperatures often exceeding 81°F. The hottest month is typically July, with average highs around 90°F and lows of 72°F. Winters are considerably colder, with the cold season extending from late November to late February. During these months, average daily high temperatures remain below 55°F, and January sees average lows near 32°F and highs of 47°F.

Temperature and Precipitation

The temperature in Halls typically fluctuates between 31°F and 90°F throughout the year, with rare instances of temperatures falling below 17°F or rising above 97°F. The town experiences rain throughout the year, with April typically receiving the most rainfall, averaging around 4.7 inches. Annual precipitation totals are around 55 inches, with minimal snowfall of about 3 inches.

The amount of sunshine and cloud cover also varies seasonally. The clearest part of the year usually occurs from mid-June to early November, with August being the clearest month. Conversely, the cloudier period spans from early November to mid-June, with January being the cloudiest month.

Education in Halls

For families with children, the quality of local schools is a significant factor in choosing a place to live. Halls is served by the Lauderdale County School District, and the educational institutions aim to provide a solid foundation for students.

Halls High School is a public institution serving grades 9-12. It has received an overall Niche grade of C+ and a rating of 3.76 out of 5. According to state test scores, 27% of students are proficient in math and 33% in reading. Halls High School is also noted for being among the more diverse public high schools in Tennessee.

Elementary and Secondary Education

Halls Elementary School, serving grades Pre-K to 6, is part of the Lauderdale County School District. It holds a C grade on Niche and a 5/10 GreatSchools Rating. Halls Elementary School has a student-teacher ratio of 14:1, with 29% math proficiency and 28% reading proficiency among its students.

Niche also ranks Halls High School among the best public high schools for teachers in Tennessee. While the schools serve the local community, their rankings suggest opportunities for improvement in academic performance compared to state and national averages.

Demographics of Halls

The demographic makeup of Halls, Tennessee, provides insight into the community’s composition. The population is predominantly White, with smaller percentages of Black or African American and other racial groups. The median age in Halls is higher than the national average, suggesting a significant proportion of older residents.

As of 2024, Halls has a population of approximately 2,033 people. The racial composition is largely White, making up around 90% of the population, with Black or African American residents constituting about 1%. Hispanic or Latino individuals make up about 4% of the population. The median age in Halls is 34.7 years as of 2024, though other sources cite a median age of 51.6 years.

Population Trends

Halls has experienced population changes over the years. Projections indicate a slight decrease in population in the coming years, with a 2026 projected population of 1,979. This projection is based on an annual rate of change of -1.4%, reflecting a trend observed from 2019 to 2024.

The town’s population has seen fluctuations, with some estimates showing a decline over the past decade. Understanding these trends is important for assessing the long-term growth and stability of the community.

Household Income and Poverty

Income levels and poverty rates offer another lens through which to view the community’s economic well-being. The median household income in Halls has varied across different reports, with figures ranging from $43,750 in 2024 to $76,944 in 2024. Other sources suggest an average per capita income of $56,943 and a median household income of $90,933.

The poverty rate in Halls is reported to be 8.02%. However, another source indicates that 12.9% of Halls town families live in poverty. A significant portion of the population lives below the poverty line, with specific demographic groups, such as females aged 65-74, being most affected.