countyscore
45.1
County Score
Water Quality 86Property Tax 72.3Weather & Climate 67.7

County Report Card

About Anderson County, Tennessee

Anderson County Trails the National Median

Anderson County holds a composite score of 45.1, placing it below the national median of 50.0. This score indicates that the county faces some livability hurdles compared to typical American counties.

Falling Short of the Tennessee Average

With a score of 45.1, Anderson County lags behind the Tennessee state average of 51.3. It struggles to compete with higher-performing counties in the region despite its proximity to major hubs.

Excellent Water and Manageable Tax Burdens

The county shines in infrastructure with a water score of 86.0 and a strong tax score of 72.3. Homeowners benefit from a low effective tax rate of 0.618%, keeping more money in their pockets.

Safety and Environmental Risk Concerns

Safety is a primary concern with a low score of 19.8, alongside a risk score of 26.8. Improving these areas is essential for enhancing the overall quality of life for current residents.

A Value Play with Local Infrastructure Benefits

This county suits residents who prioritize low property taxes and high water quality. While safety scores are lower than average, the median home value of $215,800 offers an entry point into the East Tennessee market.

Score breakdown

Tax72.3Cost38.3Safety19.8Health39.5Schools57.5Income48.8Risk26.8Water86Weather67.7
🏛72.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠38.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼48.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡19.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤39.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓57.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡26.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤67.7
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨44.2
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱45.2
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

Campbell County
Tennessee
50.9
Knox County
Tennessee
40.8
Union County
Tennessee
54.6
Morgan County
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Scott County
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Roane County
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Loudon County
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Blount County
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Deep Dives

Anderson County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Anderson County

via TaxByCounty

Anderson's taxes beat the national average

Anderson County's effective tax rate of 0.618% sits well below the national median effective rate of around 0.85%, putting homeowners ahead of most U.S. counties. At a median property tax of $1,333 annually, Anderson residents pay roughly half what the national median of $2,690 would suggest for comparable homes.

Above average for Tennessee

Anderson County's 0.618% effective rate ranks it above Tennessee's state average of 0.511%, placing it in the middle-upper tier of the state's 95 counties. The median tax bill of $1,333 exceeds the state average of $1,016 by about 31%.

Higher than similar East Tennessee counties

Anderson County taxes outpace nearby Blount County (0.503%) and Bradley County (0.509%) by roughly 2 percentage points. While more expensive than rural Benton County (0.581%), Anderson reflects a more developed regional tax base.

Median home costs about $1,333 yearly

A typical Anderson County home valued at $215,800 generates an annual property tax of approximately $1,333. Homeowners with mortgages pay slightly more at $1,356, while those without mortgages pay about $1,294.

You may be overassessed

Many Anderson County homeowners discover their properties are assessed above fair market value, creating opportunities for tax appeals. If your home has declined in value or you believe your assessment is inflated, filing an appeal could lower your annual tax burden.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Anderson County

via CostByCounty

Anderson rents slightly above US average

Anderson County residents spend 18.2% of their income on rent, edging out the national median of roughly 17%. At a median household income of $63,171—about 15% below the national average of $74,755—renters here face steeper affordability pressure than typical American households.

Middle of the pack statewide

Anderson's rent-to-income ratio of 18.2% ranks slightly above Tennessee's state average of 17.6%, placing it in the moderate affordability zone among the state's counties. The $960 median rent here also exceeds the state average of $860 by about 12%.

Pricier than Campbell, easier than Blount

Anderson's median rent of $960 sits between nearby Campbell County ($715) and Blount County ($1,042), reflecting its position as a mid-tier housing market in East Tennessee. Homebuyers face similar pressure: Anderson's median home value of $215,800 falls below Blount County's $275,700 but exceeds Campbell's $169,500.

Rent claims more than homeownership

At $960 monthly, rent consumes 18.2% of Anderson income, while mortgage costs average $878—a pattern reflecting cheaper homeownership. For renters earning the county median, housing accounts for nearly one in five dollars.

Consider your tenure before deciding

If you're a renter, explore Campbell County's lower $715 median rent before committing to Anderson's $960. Prospective homebuyers may find better value in Campbell ($169,500 median home) while still staying close to comparable income levels across the region.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Anderson County

via IncomeByCounty

Anderson slightly below the national mark

Anderson County's median household income of $63,171 trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by about 15%. This places Anderson in the lower-middle range nationally, earning roughly $11,600 less than the typical American household.

Above average for Tennessee

Anderson County ranks solidly above Tennessee's state median of $58,994, earning 7% more than the typical Volunteer State household. The county's per capita income of $35,460 also exceeds the state average of $31,458 by 13%.

Middle ground in East Tennessee

Anderson sits between its neighbors: Bradley County ($63,789) edges it out slightly, while Campbell County ($50,260) and Benton County ($50,435) lag substantially behind. Anderson's $63,171 reflects steady industrial and service-sector employment typical of the Oak Ridge region.

Housing costs align with income

Anderson's rent-to-income ratio of 18.2% is healthy and within the 30% affordability threshold, meaning renters spend less than one-fifth of income on housing. With a median home value of $215,800, homeownership remains accessible for households earning the county median.

Build security with steady planning

Anderson households earning $63,171 have room to invest after covering basic expenses and housing costs. Consider automating savings into retirement accounts and exploring employer benefits—small, consistent contributions compound into meaningful wealth over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Anderson County

via CrimeByCounty

Anderson County Beats National Crime Averages

Anderson County reports a total crime rate of 2,088.3 per 100K, which is safer than the national average of 2,385.5. This performance earns the county a high safety score of 96.7.

Local Safety Trends Above State Average

While safe nationally, the county's crime rate sits slightly higher than the Tennessee state average of 1,785.6 per 100K. Seven local reporting agencies actively track and manage safety data across the region.

Comparing Safety with Regional Neighbors

Anderson reports more frequent incidents than neighboring Campbell County, where the rate is only 1,459.5 per 100K. The county manages a more active law enforcement environment than many of its rural neighbors.

Property Crime Outpaces Violent Incidents

Property crime drives the local statistics at 1,670.6 per 100K, while the violent crime rate stands at 417.7. Residents experience property-related risks more often than the national average of 2,015.7 per 100K.

Proactive Steps for Home Security

Focusing on property protection is key for Anderson County homeowners. Installing smart cameras and motion-sensor lighting helps deter the area's most common types of crime.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Anderson County

via HealthByCounty

Anderson's life expectancy edges ahead

At 72.6 years, Anderson County residents live slightly longer than the U.S. average of 71.4 years—a modest but meaningful advantage. The county's 18.3% poor/fair health rate is also better than the national average of 21%, suggesting residents report better day-to-day health compared to most Americans.

Anderson leads Tennessee on longevity

Anderson's 72.6-year life expectancy ranks above Tennessee's state average of 72.4 years, placing it in the healthier half of the state's 95 counties. With an uninsured rate of 10.8%, the county also beats the state average of 11.9%, meaning more residents have health coverage than most Tennesseans.

Anderson outpaces regional peers

Among its neighbors, Anderson's life expectancy of 72.6 years exceeds both Campbell County (68.6 years) and Cannon County (71.3 years), reflecting stronger overall health outcomes in the region. The county also offers better provider access, with 50 primary care doctors per 100,000 residents compared to Campbell's 35.

Good access, though gaps remain

Anderson has one of the stronger provider networks in its region, with 50 primary care providers and 118 mental health providers per 100,000 residents. However, 1 in 10 residents still lack health insurance, meaning thousands of Anderson County residents skip preventive care due to cost concerns.

Check your coverage options today

Even with Anderson's relatively low uninsured rate, 10.8% of residents remain without coverage. If you're one of them, visit healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 to explore Marketplace plans, Medicaid, or employer options available in your county.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Anderson County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Triple-District Educational Foundation

Anderson County manages an extensive infrastructure of 30 public schools serving 12,246 students across three separate districts. This network includes 16 elementary schools, six middle schools, and four high schools that anchor the local community.

High Graduation Rates Outpace National Average

The county achieves a 93.8% graduation rate, exceeding both the Tennessee state average of 93.3% and the national benchmark of 87%. While per-pupil expenditure sits at $6,864—above the state average of $6,215—it remains significantly lower than the national average of $13,000.

Spotlight on Anderson County and Oak Ridge Districts

The Anderson County district leads with 19 schools and 6,317 students, while the Oak Ridge district follows with 4,961 students. There are currently no charter schools operating within these three districts.

Suburban Learning with Large Campus Options

With 17 schools in suburban settings, the county offers a mix of residential and town-based education. Oak Ridge High School is the largest campus with 1,587 students, while the average school size across the county remains manageable at 437 students.

Invest in a Home Near Top-Performing Schools

Strong graduation rates and a diverse mix of suburban and town schools make Anderson County a prime choice for families. Explore homes near Oak Ridge or Clinton to find the right educational fit for your children.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Anderson County

via RiskByCounty

Anderson County's Risk in National Context

Anderson County scores 73.19 on composite natural disaster risk, earning a Relatively Low rating—below the national average of 75. While this places the county in safer territory nationally, residents still face meaningful exposure to several hazard types that warrant preparation.

How Anderson Ranks Among Tennessee Counties

Anderson County's 73.19 score sits well above Tennessee's state average of 52.45, making it one of the state's higher-risk counties. The county ranks above the median for tornado and earthquake exposure across Tennessee.

Comparing Risk to Neighbors

Anderson County faces similar risk profiles to Blount County (74.17) and Bradley County (73.41), all three sharing elevated earthquake and tornado exposure. Unlike nearby Campbell County (58.02), which has lower overall risk, Anderson's eastern location brings higher seismic and flood hazards.

Your Biggest Natural Disaster Risks

Earthquakes (87.79) and tornadoes (79.99) represent Anderson County's primary hazards, with flood risk also notable at 77.70. The county's proximity to fault lines and position in Tennessee's tornado corridor create overlapping spring and year-round vulnerability.

Protect Your Home in Anderson County

Anderson County residents should prioritize earthquake and tornado insurance, with particular attention to securing permanent structures and reinforcing foundations. Standard homeowners policies typically exclude earthquake damage, making separate coverage essential for this high-risk county.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Anderson County

via WeatherByCounty

Warmer and Wetter Than the National Median

Anderson County's 58.0°F average annual temperature sits 3 degrees above the national median. This humid subtropical climate receives 57.6 inches of rain, far exceeding the typical U.S. county.

A Mirror of the Tennessee State Average

The county's 58.0°F average temperature almost perfectly matches the Tennessee state average of 58.1°F. However, it is slightly wetter than its peers, receiving nearly 2 inches more rain than the state average.

Cooler Highlands Compared to Southern Neighbors

Anderson remains cooler than nearby Bradley County by 1.6 degrees. It serves as a middle ground between the warmer Tennessee Valley and the cooler ridge lines of Campbell County to the north.

Steamy Summers and Mild Mountain Winters

July averages 76.9°F with 34 days of extreme heat reaching 90°F or higher. Winters are relatively gentle, averaging 39.6°F with a light 3.8 inches of annual snowfall.

Manage Humidity and Occasional Heat Waves

Residents should prioritize dehumidification and HVAC maintenance to handle over a month of 90-degree days. The 57.6 inches of rain also necessitates robust gutter systems and drainage planning.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Anderson County

via SoilByCounty

Anderson County’s Acidic Ultisols Profile

Anderson County sits on Ultisols, primarily characterized by a channery silty clay loam texture. The soil averages a pH of 5.23, which is more acidic than the state average of 5.35 and significantly lower than the national median of 6.5.

Balanced Texture with Silty Roots

The soil mix consists of 28.5% sand, 45.6% silt, and 21.2% clay. This specific ratio provides a workable foundation that balances drainage from the sand with the nutrient-holding capacity of the clay.

Rich Organic Matter for Garden Growth

Organic matter is a highlight here at 4.84%, nearly doubling the state average of 2.44%. While fertility is high, the available water capacity of 0.159 in/in sits slightly below the state benchmark of 0.171 in/in.

Well Drained for Diverse Land Use

These soils are classified as well drained, facilitating easy management for both farming and construction. They fall into Hydrologic Group C, indicating a moderate rate of water transmission during heavy rain.

A Productive Zone 7b Landscape

Located in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b, the county's high organic content supports robust vegetable gardens and berry patches. Local gardeners can maximize this fertile soil by monitoring pH levels to accommodate acid-loving plants.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Anderson County

via LawnByCounty

Overcoming Anderson County's Lawn Hurdles

Anderson County earns a 45.2 lawn difficulty score, making it more challenging to maintain than the national average of 50.0. While it sits just below the state average of 48.0, homeowners in this Zone 7b region must work harder to achieve a lush green space.

Managing High Moisture and Summer Growth

Annual precipitation of 57.6 inches exceeds the ideal range, while 34 extreme heat days stress sensitive grass varieties. With 4,275 growing degree days, the climate supports rapid growth that requires a frequent and consistent mowing schedule.

Neutralizing Acidic Channery Clay Loam

The soil is significantly acidic with a pH of 5.23, falling well below the ideal 6.0-7.0 range for turfgrass. This well-drained channery silty clay loam requires regular lime applications to help your lawn absorb essential nutrients effectively.

Building Deep Roots for Dry Spells

The county has experienced 16 weeks in drought over the past year and currently remains 100% abnormally dry. Practicing deep, infrequent watering early in the morning helps build the root resilience needed to survive these frequent dry periods.

Start Growing Between the Frosts

Tall fescue and Bermuda grass are excellent choices for this climate once the last frost passes around April 5th. Aim to seed or sod in early spring or fall to ensure your lawn is established before the first frost on November 1st.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Anderson County's county score?
Anderson County, Tennessee has a composite county score of 45.1 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Anderson County rank among counties in Tennessee?
Anderson County ranks #76 among all counties in Tennessee on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Anderson County, Tennessee?
The median annual property tax in Anderson County is $1,333, with an effective tax rate of 0.62%. This earns Anderson County a tax score of 72.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Anderson County?
The median household income in Anderson County, Tennessee is $63,171 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Anderson County earns an income score of 48.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Anderson County, Tennessee a good place to live?
Anderson County scores 45.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #76 in Tennessee. The best way to evaluate Anderson County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Anderson County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.