Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Selmer, TN
Selmer, TN, is a small town of 4,370 residents offering affordable living with median home prices around $115,000 and average rents near $735. With a short average commute of 20.5 minutes, a mild Southern climate, and friendly local schools, Selmer is ideal for those seeking a slower pace and community feel. Crime rates are moderate for the region, and basic amenities—schools, healthcare, and shopping—are close at hand. If you value affordability and relaxed living, Selmer could be a great fit.
Demographics - Selmer, TN
Demographics - Selmer, TN
Selmer is home to about 4,370 residents, with a median age of 43.2, reflecting a mature and stable community. The town is predominantly White (72.6%) with a significant Black population (18.7%), and around 3.8% of residents speak a language other than English at home. Its moderate population density offers a small-town atmosphere with a balanced gender ratio.
Population:
4,370
Density:
510 per sq mi
Median Age:
43.2
Gender Ratio:
90 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3.8%

Ethnic Composition
White:
72.6%
Black:
18.7%
Asian:
0.5%
Others:
8.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Selmer, TN?
Selmer offers an affordable cost of living, with median home values around $115,000 and average rent at $735, making housing particularly budget-friendly. Utility and grocery costs are also lower than national averages, and the overall cost of living index is a low 77.2. State taxes remain modest, providing further savings for residents.
Median House Value:
$115,000
Gross Rent:
$735
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$132
Auto Insurance:
$1,180
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,080
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$385
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
5.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
77.2
Grocery:
94.5
Housing:
54.0
Utilities:
95.7
Transportation:
83.3
Health Care:
88.4
Miscellaneous:
90.1
Crime
Is Selmer, TN a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Selmer are moderate for the region, with a violent crime rate of 455 per 100,000 and a property crime rate of 2,400 per 100,000. Residents face a 1 in 220 chance of experiencing violent crime and a 1 in 42 chance of property crime. Community awareness and local law enforcement contribute to a secure environment for families.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
455
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,400
Crime Index:
2,855
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 220
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 42
Weather
What is the weather like in Selmer, TN year-round?
Selmer features a mild Southern climate with winter lows around 30°F and summer highs reaching 90°F. The town receives about 57 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys 60% sunny days, making outdoor activities pleasant for much of the year. Seasonal changes are moderate, offering comfortable living throughout all four seasons.

Winter
Min:
30°F
Max:
52°F

Spring
Min:
48°F
Max:
73°F

Summer
Min:
67°F
Max:
90°F

Fall
Min:
47°F
Max:
74°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
56.9 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
60%
Neighbors
Selmer's residents have a median household income of $40,100, with a poverty rate of 18.5%. Most adults (81.2%) have completed high school, and the unemployment rate is a manageable 4.8%. The community is close-knit, with short average commutes and minimal public transportation use, reflecting its small-town lifestyle.
Median Income:
$24,550
Household Income:
$40,100
Family Income:
$48,200
Per Capita Income:
$21,800
Income Male:
$34,100
Income Female:
$26,000
Poverty Rate:
18.5%
Non English Speakers:
3.8%
Rent:
$735
Unemployment Rate:
4.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.2%
Commute Time:
20.5 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
81.2%
Bachelors or More:
13.4%
Education
How are the schools in Selmer, TN?
Selmer offers a range of educational options, including public schools like Selmer Elementary and McNairy Central High School, both with student-teacher ratios around 16:1. Private schooling is also available, and Freed-Hardeman University is just 26 miles away for higher education. The community values education, with over 81% of adults holding a high school diploma.

Public Schools
Name:
Selmer Elementary School
Street:
533 Mulberry Ave
Phone:
731-645-8006
Students:
650
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.9
Name:
McNairy Central High School
Street:
701 High School Rd
Phone:
731-645-3241
Students:
810
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.4

Private Schools
Name:
Bethel Springs Christian Academy
Street:
104 N Parkway
Phone:
731-934-7283
Students:
85

Colleges
Name:
Freed-Hardeman University
City:
Henderson
State:
TN
Distance:
26 miles
Students:
2,100
Healthcare
Selmer provides access to healthcare through facilities like McNairy Regional Hospital and nearby regional centers, with 1.7 physicians per 1,000 residents. About 87% of the population has health insurance coverage, contributing to reliable healthcare access. Emergency services and general care are readily available for residents.

Major Hospitals
Name:
McNairy Regional Hospital
Address:
705 E. Poplar Ave, Selmer, TN 38375
Phone:
(731) 645-3267
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Jackson-Madison County General Hospital
Address:
620 Skyline Dr, Jackson, TN 38301
Phone:
(731) 541-5000
Type:
Regional Medical Center
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
87.2%
Health Care Index:
68.3
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Selmer, TN?
The local housing market is affordable, with a median home price of $115,000 and an average two-bedroom rent of $735. Owner-occupied homes make up over 62% of the market, and the area has experienced a 5.4% home appreciation rate in the past year. Rental vacancies are moderate, offering choices for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$115,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$735
Owner Occupied Rate:
62.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
5.4%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.8%
DMV Information
Selmer residents are served by the Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security, with the nearest full-service DMV office located in Memphis. Services include driver's licenses, vehicle registration, and more, accessible both in person and online. For assistance, residents can call 1-866-849-3548 or visit the department’s website.
State:
Tennessee
Department:
Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security
Address:
1701B S. Third Street, Memphis, TN 38109
Phone:
1-866-849-3548
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.