Is Huntingdon Safe, Pros and cons of living in Huntingdon
Huntingdon, Tennessee, offers a blend of small-town charm and practical amenities, making it a notable place to consider for relocation. This guide delves into the various aspects of living in Huntingdon, from safety and cost of living to employment and education, providing a comprehensive overview for those contemplating a move.
The town is situated in Carroll County, serving as its county seat. Huntingdon is positioned midway between the major metropolitan areas of Nashville and Memphis, offering a balance between a peaceful rural environment and access to larger city conveniences. This strategic location, coupled with its community-focused atmosphere, contributes to its appeal as a place to live.
Is it Safe to Live in Huntingdon?
Huntingdon presents a generally safe environment for its residents, with crime rates reported as lower than both the national and state averages. The overall crime rate in Huntingdon is 56.2% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). Violent crimes are particularly low, with rates 63.1% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes).
Your chance of becoming a victim of crime in Huntingdon is approximately 1 in 108, with a 1 in 755 chance of falling victim to a violent crime (as reported by AreaVibes). The town receives a “B” grade for safety, indicating it is safer than 69% of major U.S. cities (as reported by DoorProfit). Residents often consider the southern part of the city to be the safest area (as reported by AreaVibes).
Housing Costs and Availability
The housing market in Huntingdon is characterized by affordability, with median home values significantly below the national average. The median home value in Huntingdon is $122,300, which is considerably lower than the national average of $281,900 (as reported by Kurby AI). Another report indicates the median property value in Huntingdon was $160,500 in 2024 (as reported by Data USA).
The median listing home price in Huntingdon is $183,900 (as reported by Realtor.com). Rental options are also available, though specific median rent figures can vary. The cost of living in Huntingdon is generally lower than the U.S. national average, with housing costs being a significant contributing factor to this affordability (as reported by Salary.com).
Median Home Price
The median home price in Huntingdon hovers around $220,000, according to recent data (as reported by Homes.com). However, other sources place the median listing price closer to $279.9K, with 221 homes for sale in the market (as reported by Huntingdon, TN Housing Market & Rental trends). These figures suggest a dynamic market with a range of options for potential buyers.
The homeownership rate in Huntingdon is 60.5%, which is slightly lower than the national average of 65.2% (as reported by Data USA). This indicates a healthy rental market alongside opportunities for homeownership.
Rental Market
While specific median rent figures are not consistently available across all sources, the rental market in Huntingdon offers alternatives to homeownership. The cost of living analysis shows that median gross rent can be around $927 per month (as reported by Point2Homes). This figure provides a benchmark for those considering renting in the area.
The median home value of $122,300 is notably lower than the national average, contributing to the overall affordability of the housing sector in Huntingdon (as reported by Kurby AI). This affordability extends to rental costs as well, making it an attractive option for various budgets.
Cost of Living
Huntingdon’s cost of living is notably lower than both the U.S. national average and the state average for Tennessee. In 2026, the estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is $2,288, and for a family of four, it is $5,039 (as reported by Salary.com). These figures represent an 8% decrease compared to the U.S. national average and a 25% decrease compared to Tennessee’s state average.
Housing costs are a primary driver of this affordability, being 32.1% lower than the national average (as reported by Salary.com). Other essential expenses such as food, energy, transportation, and healthcare are also below the national averages, further enhancing Huntingdon’s appeal as an affordable place to live.
Monthly Expenses
For a single individual, total monthly expenses in Huntingdon are estimated at $1,838, while a family of four can expect to spend around $4,060 per month (as reported by Salary.com). These estimates include housing, food, utilities, transportation, and healthcare costs.
The town’s cost of living is also significantly lower when compared to major cities like San Francisco, Washington D.C., and New York City (as reported by Salary.com). This economic advantage allows residents’ money to stretch further, contributing to a higher quality of life.
Job Market and Economy
The economy of Huntingdon employs approximately 1,720 people, with the largest industries being Health Care & Social Assistance, Educational Services, and Retail Trade (as reported by Data USA). The average commute time for residents is around 22.7 minutes, with most people driving alone to work.
While the employment in Huntingdon has seen a slight decline from 2023 to 2024, the town’s economic landscape is supported by various sectors. The highest-paying industries include Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services, Public Administration, and Health Care & Social Assistance (as reported by Data USA).
Major Employers
Key employers in Huntingdon include major retail chains like Walmart, McDonald’s, Dollar General, and Tractor Supply (as reported by Indeed.com). Additionally, the healthcare and education sectors are significant contributors to local employment, with Associated Rubber Company and Carroll Hardwood also noted as industries in the area (as reported by Huntingdon, TN official website).
These companies provide a range of job opportunities within the community, supporting the local economy. The presence of these established businesses indicates a stable, albeit modest, job market within the town.
Average Salary and Unemployment
The median household income in Huntingdon is reported to be $51,969 (as reported by Data USA and ZipRecruiter). The average salary for a Production Worker, a common role, is approximately $17.80 per hour (as reported by Indeed.com). Other salary data indicates a median wage of $40.7K per year, with the 75th percentile reaching $54.4K (as reported by ZipRecruiter).
Unemployment data for Huntingdon specifically is not consistently available, but Tennessee’s unemployment rate was 3.6% in February 2026 (as reported by TN.gov). The poverty rate in Huntingdon is noted at 20.05% (as reported by Huntingdon, TN Population 2026).
Climate and Weather
Huntingdon experiences a temperate climate with distinct seasons. The overall average temperature is around 64 degrees Fahrenheit, with an average annual precipitation of 49.73 inches (as reported by Huntingdon, TN official website). The frost-free period typically spans from March 20 to November 12.
Summers in Huntingdon are hot and muggy, with average high temperatures in July reaching around 90°F and lows of 70°F. Winters are generally mild, characterized by cold, wet conditions and little to no snowfall. The coldest month is January, with average lows around 31°F and highs of 47°F (as reported by Huntingdon, TN – Wikipedia).
Temperature and Precipitation
Throughout the year, temperatures typically range from 30°F to 90°F, rarely dropping below 16°F or exceeding 97°F (as reported by Huntingdon, TN – Wikipedia). The hottest period is from late May to mid-September, while the coldest season lasts from late November to late February.
Annual precipitation averages around 56 inches, with May being the wettest month, receiving about 6 inches of rain (as reported by myPerfectWeather). While summers can be humid, the climate is generally considered pleasant for outdoor activities during spring and fall (as reported by Huntingdon, TN – Wikipedia).
Education and Schools
Huntingdon is served by the Huntingdon Special School District, which operates public schools for the community. The district includes Huntingdon Primary, Huntingdon Middle School, and Huntingdon High School. These schools collectively serve over 1,300 students.
Public schools in Huntingdon show mixed performance. Huntingdon Primary and Huntingdon Middle School generally receive 3-star ratings and tend to outperform district and state averages in math and English language arts assessments (as reported by SchoolDigger.com). Huntingdon High School, however, has shown more varied results on state tests and faces challenges with chronic absenteeism (as reported by SchoolDigger.com).
School Performance
Huntingdon public schools have an average math proficiency score of 39% and a reading proficiency score of 38%, which are slightly above the Tennessee public school averages (as reported by Huntingdon, TN – Niche). The schools collectively hold an average ranking of 7 out of 10, placing them in the top 50% of Tennessee public schools (as reported by Huntingdon, TN – Niche).
Huntingdon Middle School is rated an A-minus by Niche, praised for its teachers and overall performance (as reported by Huntingdon Middle School – Niche). Huntingdon High School is rated a B-plus, ranking among the top public high schools in Tennessee (as reported by Huntingdon High School – Niche).
Student Demographics
The student body in Huntingdon’s public schools has a minority enrollment of 25%, which is less than the Tennessee public school average of 43% (as reported by Huntingdon, TN – Niche). The majority of students in the district identify as Black or African American.
The Huntingdon Special School District has a student-teacher ratio of approximately 13 to 1 (as reported by Huntingdon Special School District – Niche). This ratio is favorable and suggests that students may receive more individualized attention.
Demographics
Huntingdon has a population of approximately 4,441 residents, with a slight increase noted since the 2020 Census (as reported by Data USA and Huntingdon, TN Demographics: Population, Income, and More). The population is predominantly White, making up about 78.2% of residents, followed by Black or African American residents at 11.9% (as reported by Huntingdon, TN Demographics: Population, Income, and More).
The town is home to a population where 99.5% are U.S. citizens, a rate higher than the national average (as reported by Data USA). The median age in Huntingdon is around 35 years, indicating a mix of age groups within the community (as reported by Huntingdon, TN Demographics: Population, Income, and More).
Racial and Ethnic Makeup
The racial composition of Huntingdon is primarily White (78.2%), with a significant Black or African American population (11.9%) (as reported by Huntingdon, TN Demographics: Population, Income, and More). Residents identifying with two or more races constitute about 7.7% of the population, and Hispanic or Latino residents make up approximately 2.1% (as reported by Huntingdon, TN Demographics: Population, Income, and More).
Compared to the state of Tennessee, Huntingdon has a higher share of White residents and a slightly lower share of Black residents (as reported by Huntingdon, TN Demographics: Population, Income, and More). The town is considered less racially diverse than Tennessee overall.
Age and Gender Distribution
The median age in Huntingdon is approximately 34.9 years (as reported by Huntingdon, TN Population 2026). The population is distributed with about 23% under the age of 15, and 17.5% are 65 or older (as reported by Huntingdon, TN Demographics: Population, Income, and More). This demographic suggests a community with both younger families and a notable retiree population.
Gender-wise, Huntingdon has slightly more females than males, with 52.2% identifying as female and 47.8% as male (as reported by Huntingdon, TN Demographics: Population, Income, and More). For every 100 females, there are approximately 91.4 males (as reported by Huntingdon, TN Population 2026).
Pros and Cons of Living in Huntingdon
Huntingdon offers a compelling mix of advantages for those seeking a more affordable and tranquil lifestyle. The town’s low cost of living, particularly in housing, makes it an attractive option for first-time homebuyers, families, and retirees (as reported by Salary.com and Kurby AI). The community atmosphere, coupled with generally low crime rates, contributes to a sense of security and belonging.
However, potential residents should also consider the town’s economic landscape. While major employers are present, the job market may be more limited compared to larger urban centers, and the median income is lower than the national average (as reported by Data USA and Kurby AI). The public school system shows areas of strength but also room for improvement, particularly at the high school level (as reported by SchoolDigger.com).
Advantages
The primary advantages of living in Huntingdon include its affordability, with a cost of living and housing market significantly below national averages (as reported by Salary.com and AreaVibes). The town’s generally safe environment and lower-than-average crime rates offer peace of mind (as reported by AreaVibes and DoorProfit).
Additionally, Huntingdon provides a rural feel with a close-knit community, which appeals to those looking to escape the fast pace of city life. Its location also offers a balance, being within a few hours’ drive of major cities like Nashville and Memphis.
Disadvantages
One of the potential disadvantages of Huntingdon is its job market, which may offer fewer opportunities and lower average salaries compared to larger metropolitan areas (as reported by Data USA and ZipRecruiter). The median household income is notably lower than the national average (as reported by Kurby AI).
Furthermore, while the public schools have some strengths, the overall performance and specific challenges at the high school level might be a consideration for families with school-aged children (as reported by SchoolDigger.com and Huntingdon, TN – Niche). The town’s rural nature also means fewer amenities and entertainment options readily available within the immediate vicinity.