AcreScore β€” What's this?
70/ 100

Haywood County, TN

West Tennessee Delta Country with Deep Agricultural Roots

πŸ“Š70/100AcreScore
πŸ’°$5KLand $/acre
🏠$120KHome Value
πŸ‘₯17,370Population
πŸ“ˆ+-4.2%Growth (10yr)
🌊9%Flood RiskLow
🌑️Warm HumidClimateZone 3A

πŸ—οΈ Can You Build Here?

Haywood County sits in the heart of West Tennessee's agricultural belt, offering flat, fertile land at very affordable prices. Brownsville provides basic services and a rich cultural heritage, making this a solid choice for budget-conscious barndominium builders.

ZoneMin LotBarndo OK?
Agricultural1 acreβœ… Yes
Residential (Brownsville)10,000 sq ft⚠️ Conditional
Rural UnzonedNo minimumβœ… Yes

Haywood County has limited zoning enforcement outside Brownsville. Rural areas are largely unzoned, making barndominium construction straightforward with just a building permit.

πŸ“‹ What Permits Do You Need?

Tennessee allows owner-builders to act as their own general contractor for personal residences. Licensed subs needed for electrical, plumbing, and HVAC.

Required Permits

  • β€’ Building permit application
  • β€’ Septic permit from Health Department
  • β€’ Electrical permit
  • β€’ Site plan with setbacks

Permit Office

Haywood County Building Department 1 N Washington Ave Brownsville, TN 38012 (731) 772-1432

🌊 What's the Flood & Soil Risk?

The Hatchie River and Forked Deer River systems create significant flood zones in the lowlands. About 9% of parcels carry flood designations, and buyers should carefully check FEMA maps before purchasing bottomland parcels.

9%
In Flood Zone
Good
Soil Drainage
Good
Septic Viability

Source: FEMA National Flood Hazard Layer, USDA Web Soil Survey

πŸ’° What Does It Cost?

Haywood County offers some of the most affordable building opportunities in West Tennessee. Low land costs and competitive labor rates make a complete barndominium build very budget-friendly.

$5K
Median $/acre
$120K
Median Home Value
$105–180
Build Cost $/sqft
0.72%
Property Tax Rate

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024, Haywood County Assessor

πŸ”οΈ Why People Love Living Here

Haywood County is steeped in music history and agricultural tradition. Brownsville is the birthplace of blues legend Sleepy John Estes, and the county's flat delta landscape is quintessential West Tennessee.

🎡

Blues Heritage

Brownsville's West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center celebrates the region's deep blues music roots.

🌾

Delta Agriculture

Rich bottomland soil supports cotton, soybeans, and cornβ€”perfect for hobby farming alongside your barndo.

πŸ¦…

Hatchie Refuge

Lower Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge offers birding, hiking, and pristine wetland ecosystems.

At a Glance

Population~17,400
10-Year Growth-4.2%
County SeatBrownsville
State Income TaxNone
Climate3A – Warm Humid

How Close Is Everything?

Memphis55 mi
Jackson25 mi
Nashville140 mi
Dyersburg40 mi
Bolivar35 mi

πŸ’§ Utilities & Infrastructure

Haywood County has basic utility infrastructure centered around Brownsville. Rural areas rely on electric cooperatives and septic systems, with improving internet access through fixed wireless and satellite options.

ElectricBrownsville Energy Authority / Southwest TN EMC
WaterBrownsville Utility Dept / Haywood Utility District
InternetAT&T, local wireless ISPs, Starlink
SewerMunicipal in Brownsville; septic in rural areas
GasPropane (no natural gas in rural areas)
TrashCounty convenience centers; limited curbside

🏦 Financing & Incentives

Haywood County is fully USDA eligible with zero-down financing available for qualifying builds. The low property values mean very affordable monthly payments on barndominium construction loans.

βœ… USDA Eligible
All of Haywood County qualifies for USDA Rural Development loans, offering zero down payment barndominium financing for eligible borrowers.
FHA / VA
Available county-wide
0.72%
Property tax rate

Check USDA eligibility for your address β†’

πŸ“ Nearby Counties

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Can I build a barndominium in Haywood County?
Yes. Haywood County has minimal zoning restrictions, making it one of the easiest places in West Tennessee for barndominium construction.
Is the land flat in Haywood County?
Yes, most of Haywood County is flat delta farmland typical of West Tennessee. This makes site preparation easier but watch for flood zones in low-lying areas.
How far is Memphis?
Brownsville is about 55 miles northeast of Memphis, roughly a one-hour drive via I-40.
Is Haywood County eligible for USDA loans?
Yes, the entire county qualifies for USDA Rural Development financing with zero down payment for eligible borrowers.