Byrdstown, TN, United States

Capital City

With a population of just 798, Byrdstown is a sleepy town where the median household income is only $19,375 - well below the national average. The local bureaucracy is a persistent headache, as evidenced by the fact that the town wasn't officially incorporated until 1917, nearly four decades after it was established. And at 43 years old, the median resident is significantly older than the national figure. While Byrdstown offers a glimpse into Tennessee's rural past, including the historic Cordell Hull birthplace, the lack of economic opportunity and aging population make it a tough sell for all but the most determined small-town enthusiasts.