Median Income
$32,129
57% lower than US avg
Home Value
$107,400
62% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
851/100K
124% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
6.6%
80% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$731
37% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
43.8%
36% higher than US avg
Unemployment
10.0%
178% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
18.9%
52% higher than US avg
How Parsons Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,578
Median Age44.3 yrs
Density637/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 85%
Veterans3.9%
Economy
D
Median Income$32,129
Per Capita$24,105
Unemployment10.0%
Poverty18.9%
County GDP$457M
Commute23 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$107,400
Rent$731
Ownership55.5%
Zillow$174,705
Housing Units1,255
Rent Burden25.1%
Crime
F
Violent851/100K
Property1,465/100K
Health
Obesity43.8%
Uninsured15.4%
Smoking25.9%
Depression33.3%
Heart Disease7.6%
Climate
Avg Temp60°F (16°C)
Rain57.1 in/yr
Elevation513 ft (156 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+6.6%
High School+80.0%
Graduate+2.2%
School Score5.25
Community
2024 VoteR 84% / D 15%
Commute23 min
Broadband72.5%
EV Stations1
Libraries2
Is Parsons a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Parsons receives an overall livability score of 2.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate. Parsons has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Parsons is $32,129, 57% below the national average of $75,149. At 10.0%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 18.9% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Parsons is $107,400, 62% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $731 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.3x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
With 851 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern / this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,465 per 100,000, 25% below the national average.
Education
6.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 80.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.3/10.
Climate & Weather
Parsons enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 60°F. Winters average 39°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 57.1 inches.
Parsons has a population of 2,578 with a density of 637 people per square mile, spread across 4.1 square miles. The median age is 44.3 years, 14% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48% female and 52% male. The city is predominantly White (85%), with 1.3% Hispanic, 9.4% Black, 3.9% Asian. English is the primary language spoken at home by 95.5% of residents. 3.9% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 18.2% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 84.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
2,578
Total Population
2023 Census
44.3yrs
Median Age
14% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
95.5%
22% above US avg
Spanish
1.9%
86% below US avg
The median household income in Parsons is $32,129, which is 57% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $24,105 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $896, 37% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 10.0% (above the 3.6% US average). 18.9% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 299 business establishments, including 18 restaurants. The cost of living index is 91.9, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 10.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $32,129 |
| 57% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $24,105 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $896 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $54,302 |
| Gini Index | 0.486 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 10.0% |
| 178% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 18.9% |
| 52% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 299 |
| County GDP | $457M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 18 |
| Healthcare | 26 |
| Retail | 44 |
| Manufacturing | 17 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $1,988 |
| 43% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 91.90 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.85% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 23.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 75.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 10.0% |
The median home value in Parsons is $107,400, 62% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $174,705, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $731 (37% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $924 for a one-bedroom to $1,118 for a two-bedroom apartment. 55.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,255 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1978. The average annual property tax is $1,988 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 25.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.3x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $107,400 |
| 62% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $174,705 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $731 |
| 37% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 25.1% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $882 |
| 1 Bedroom | $924 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,118 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,445 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,644 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 55.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 55.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 44.5% |
| Housing Units | 1,255 |
| Median Year Built | 1978 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $1,988 |
| 43% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.85% |
In Parsons, 43.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 14.2% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.6% of residents, above the national average. 39.3% have high blood pressure. 25.9% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 14.5% report binge drinking. 33.5% are physically inactive, above the national average. 33.3% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 24.1% experience frequent mental distress. 15.4% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,797. The dentist ratio is 1:1,927. 44.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Parsons vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 43.8% |
| 36% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 14.2% |
| Heart Disease | 7.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 39.3% |
| Asthma | 12.1% |
| COPD | 11.9% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 4.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 25.9% |
| 85% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 14.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 33.5% |
| Depression | 33.3% |
| Mental Distress | 24.1% |
| Physical Distress | 18.7% |
| Short Sleep | 43.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 84.6% |
| Uninsured | 15.4% |
| 79% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,797 |
| Dentists | 1:1,927 |
| Mental Health | 1:777 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.4% |
| Dental Visits | 49.7% |
| Premature Death | 14,620/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 44.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 26 |
Parsons has a violent crime rate of 851 per 100,000 residents, 124% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,465 per 100,000, 25% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Parsons receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Parsons vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 850.7/100K |
| 124% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,465.0/100K |
| 25% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Traffic Accidents | 3 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.7 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Parsons enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 60°F (16°C). Winters average 39°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 57.1 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 1.6 inches of snow annually. The city sits at an elevation of 513 feet.
Temperature
39°F Jan (4°C)
80°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 60.2°F |
| 11% above US avg |
| January Average | 39°F (4°C) |
| July Average | 80°F (27°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 513 ft (156 m) |
| Area | 4.1 sq mi (10.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 637/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 35.6512°N, 88.1231°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Decatur County County |
| Nearest Airport | Mc Kellar-Sipes Regional (MKL)
45 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
57.1"
50% above US avg
Wettest Month (Mar)
5.59"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 38.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 84.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 41.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
114 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.0. Most recent: M2.7 on Apr 4, 2025.
| Jun 2, 2005 |
12 km S of Ridgely, Tennessee |
M4.0 |
134 km |
| May 16, 2024 |
6 km S of Ridgely, Tennessee |
M3.8 |
137 km |
| Apr 24, 2019 |
12 km NNW of Dyersburg, Tennessee |
M3.7 |
130 km |
| Aug 25, 2015 |
9 km W of Henning, Tennessee |
M3.5 |
141 km |
| Aug 29, 1990 |
9 km WSW of Central, Tennessee |
M3.4 |
138 km |
| Apr 28, 1993 |
8 km SSE of Ridgely, Tennessee |
M3.4 |
133 km |
| Nov 6, 2009 |
6 km NNW of Dyersburg, Tennessee |
M3.4 |
125 km |
| Aug 12, 2013 |
7 km S of Hornbeak, Tennessee |
M3.3 |
126 km |
| May 31, 2022 |
12 km SE of Ridgely, Tennessee |
M3.2 |
128 km |
| Apr 7, 2014 |
8 km SE of Ridgely, Tennessee |
M3.1 |
132 km |
| Jun 6, 1995 |
5 km SSE of Ridgely, Tennessee |
M3.1 |
137 km |
| Aug 23, 1999 |
1 km WSW of Ridgely, Tennessee |
M3.1 |
141 km |
| Nov 6, 1994 |
11 km WSW of Trenton, Tennessee |
M3.1 |
91 km |
| Nov 29, 1996 |
3 km ESE of Ridgely, Tennessee |
M3.1 |
137 km |
| Jul 31, 2017 |
4 km N of Ridgely, Tennessee |
M3.1 |
143 km |
| Jan 21, 1993 |
6 km NE of Caruthersville, Missouri |
M3.0 |
147 km |
| May 27, 1995 |
11 km SSE of Ridgely, Tennessee |
M3.0 |
131 km |
| Jul 7, 2001 |
7 km E of Ridgely, Tennessee |
M3.0 |
134 km |
| May 1, 2015 |
southeastern Missouri |
M2.9 |
132 km |
| Jun 25, 2014 |
8 km NNW of Dyersburg, Tennessee |
M2.9 |
126 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
407 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 113 fatalities, 1,194 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 16, 1998 |
EF5 |
49 km |
3 |
| Feb 5, 2008 |
EF4 |
67 km |
0 |
| Feb 5, 2008 |
EF4 |
45 km |
3 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF4 |
83 km |
11 |
| May 5, 1999 |
EF4 |
21 km |
3 |
| Jan 17, 1999 |
EF4 |
69 km |
6 |
| May 18, 1995 |
EF4 |
93 km |
3 |
| May 7, 1971 |
EF4 |
75 km |
3 |
| Apr 3, 1956 |
EF4 |
32 km |
3 |
| Mar 21, 1952 |
EF4 |
88 km |
38 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
84 km |
9 |
| Dec 23, 2015 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 2008 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 2008 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2006 |
EF3 |
94 km |
6 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Nov 26, 2001 |
EF3 |
68 km |
2 |
| May 27, 2000 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jan 22, 1999 |
EF3 |
45 km |
1 |
| Jan 17, 1999 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
7 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: DEVILS BACKBONE RX (3,215 ac, 2010).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2010 |
DEVILS BACKBONE RX |
3,215 |
95 km |
| 2007 |
ROCKHOUSE ROAD |
791 |
37 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
762 |
51 km |
| 2011 |
YELLOW CREEK |
572 |
100 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
564 |
50 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
523 |
76 km |
| 2014 |
MERIWETHER LEWIS |
513 |
62 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
39°F (4°C) |
4.4 in |
Coldest |
| February |
43°F (6°C) |
5.0 in |
|
| March |
51°F (11°C) |
5.6 in |
Wettest |
| April |
60°F (16°C) |
5.3 in |
|
| May |
69°F (20°C) |
5.5 in |
|
| June |
76°F (25°C) |
4.0 in |
Driest |
| July |
80°F (27°C) |
5.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
79°F (26°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| September |
72°F (22°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| October |
61°F (16°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| November |
50°F (10°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| December |
42°F (6°C) |
5.5 in |
|
Parsons has a seasonal temperature swing of 41°F / from 39°F in January to 80°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 57.1 inches, with March being the wettest month (5.6") and June the driest (4.0").
Average costs for common services in Parsons. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$230 ($138-$368) |
| Specialist Visit |
$322 ($184-$505) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$184 ($92-$322) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,022 ($735-$4,595) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$119 ($69-$184) |
| Dental Filling |
$230 ($138-$368) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23-$69) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$69 ($46-$110) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$276 ($138-$460) |
| Tire Rotation |
$37 ($18-$69) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$551 ($368-$919) |
| Battery Replacement |
$184 ($92-$322) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$92 ($55-$138) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$83 ($46-$129) |
| HVAC Repair |
$368 ($138-$735) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,433 ($3,676-$11,028) |
| Roof Repair |
$919 ($368-$1,838) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,271 ($5,055-$13,785) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,379 ($460-$3,217) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,785 ($4,595-$27,570) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,595 ($1,838-$9,190) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,379 ($735-$2,757) |
| Will Preparation |
$460 ($184-$919) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,298 ($919-$4,595) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14-$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$51 ($28-$92) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$138 ($69-$230) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14-$41) |
| Pedicure |
$37 ($23-$60) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$74 ($46-$119) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.77 ($2.76-$5.05) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.22 ($2.30-$4.60) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.49 ($2.30-$5.05) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.14 ($2.76-$5.97) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.05 ($3.68-$6.89) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.92 ($0.55-$1.65) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$129 ($74-$230) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$64 ($28-$138) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$64 ($37-$110) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$64 ($37-$92) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$60 ($28-$92) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$78 ($46-$138) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$184 ($69-$460) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,838 ($1,103-$3,217) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$64 ($28-$119) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.35-$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$92 ($28-$230) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14-$69) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,103 ($551-$2,298) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$919 ($460-$1,838) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$368 ($184-$643) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$46 ($23-$92) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$919 ($368-$2,298) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,488 ($4,595-$27,570) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$55 ($28-$92) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$92 ($46-$184) |
| Dog Grooming |
$55 ($28-$92) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$37 ($18-$69) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$276 ($138-$460) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$184 ($92-$368) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $484 |
| Toddler | $422 |
| Preschool | $422 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $349 |
| Toddler | $386 |
| Preschool | $386 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Parsons
What is the population of Parsons?
Parsons has a population of 2,578 residents and is located in Tennessee. The population density is 637 people per square mile, spread across 4.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 44.3 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48% female and 52% male.
Is Parsons expensive to live in?
Parsons is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 91.9 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $32,129, 57% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $107,400 (62% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $731 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Parsons safe?
Public safety is a concern in Parsons, with a violent crime rate of 851 per 100,000 / significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,465 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Parsons receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Parsons?
Parsons enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 60°F (16°C). Winter temperatures average 39°F in January, while summers reach an average of 80°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 57.1 inches, with 1.6 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Parsons?
The job market in Parsons faces challenges, with unemployment at 10.0% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $896. There are 299 business establishments in the area, including 18 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 23 minutes, and 10.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Parsons?
The median home value in Parsons is $107,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $174,705. For renters, the median monthly rent is $731. Fair market rent is $924 for a 1-bedroom and $1,118 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 55.5%. The average annual property tax is $1,988.
How are the schools in Parsons?
Schools in Parsons score 5.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 6.6% of adults in Parsons hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 80.0% have completed high school. 2.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Parsons?
The obesity rate in Parsons is 43.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 25.9% of adults are smokers. 33.5% are physically inactive. 33.3% of residents report depression. 15.4% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 44.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,797.
What is transportation like in Parsons?
The average commute in Parsons is 23 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 75.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 10.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Parsons?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Parsons is 85% White, 9.4% Black or African American, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino, 3.9% Asian. 95.5% of residents speak only English at home. 3.9% of the population are military veterans. 18.2% of residents have a disability. 84.6% have health insurance coverage.