countyscore
54.1
County Score
Water Quality 86Cost of Living 76.8Property Tax 76.5

County Report Card

About Benton County, Tennessee

Benton County Beats the National Median

With a composite score of 54.1, Benton County performs better than the national median of 50.0. It offers a solid baseline of livability for those looking outside major metropolitan areas.

Outperforming the Tennessee State Average

Benton County surpasses the Tennessee state average score of 51.3. This performance marks it as a competitive choice for residents within the Volunteer State.

High Affordability and Reliable Infrastructure

The county boasts an impressive cost score of 76.8 and a water score of 86.0. Affordable housing is a major draw, with median home values sitting at just $123,400.

Low Income and Health Access

Economic opportunity is the biggest hurdle, evidenced by a very low income score of 15.5. Health scores are also lagging at 20.0, suggesting limited access to specialized medical care.

Perfect for Retirees and Remote Workers

Benton County is a top pick for those with outside income who want ultra-affordable living. The combination of low costs and high environmental quality makes it a hidden gem for budget-conscious movers.

Score breakdown

Tax76.5Cost76.8Safety31.3Health20Schools68.4Income15.5Risk61Water86Weather65.3
🏛76.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠76.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼15.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡31.3
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤20
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓68.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡61
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤65.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨34.9
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱43.1
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

Humphreys County
Tennessee
52.2
Henry County
Tennessee
53.6
Carroll County
Tennessee
53.8
Houston County
Tennessee
59.5
Stewart County
Tennessee
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Perry County
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68.2
Decatur County
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Calloway County
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55

Deep Dives

Benton County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Benton County

via TaxByCounty

Benton keeps taxes well below national median

Benton County's 0.581% effective rate remains significantly lower than the national average of around 0.85%, and the median tax of just $717 is less than 27% of the national median of $2,690. This rural county offers some of Tennessee's most affordable property tax burdens.

Above state average despite rural character

Benton County's 0.581% effective rate exceeds Tennessee's state average of 0.511% by about 14%, yet the low median home value of $123,400 keeps actual taxes modest at $717. It ranks among the state's more rural counties with lower absolute tax payments.

Higher rate, lower taxes than nearby counties

Benton County's 0.581% rate tops nearby Bledsoe County (0.406%) and Campbell County (0.384%), but the median tax of $717 stays lowest due to lower home values. It bridges the gap between Tennessee's more developed and most rural counties.

Median home costs just $717 yearly

A typical Benton County home valued at $123,400 generates an annual tax of approximately $717, among the lowest in the state. Homeowners with mortgages pay slightly more at $782, while those without pay around $606.

Appeal if your assessment seems high

Even in low-tax rural counties, individual homes can be overassessed relative to market conditions. If your Benton County property has lost value or you believe your assessment exceeds comparable sales, filing an appeal is a straightforward way to reduce your tax burden.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Benton County

via CostByCounty

Rural county stretches low incomes tight

Benton County's 18.8% rent-to-income ratio exceeds the national median, with residents earning a median of just $50,435—32% below the US average of $74,755. This gap means renters in Benton face greater affordability strain despite modest absolute rent levels.

Above-average rent burden statewide

Benton's rent-to-income ratio of 18.8% ranks among the higher burden counties in Tennessee, exceeding the state average of 17.6% by 1.2 percentage points. Though the $788 median rent is below the state average, the lower incomes in this rural county make every dollar count more.

Cheapest rents in the region

Benton's $788 median rent is the most affordable in its peer group, beating Campbell County ($715 lower rate but different income base) and significantly undershooting Anderson ($960). However, Benton's median home value of $123,400 is the lowest across comparable counties, reflecting a genuinely rural market.

Low incomes make modest rents stretch far

Benton renters spend 18.8% of their $50,435 income on $788 rent—nearly one in five dollars. Mortgage costs average $569, suggesting homeownership remains the most attainable path for stability in this low-income county.

Seek this county only with rural income plans

Benton's ultra-low housing costs ($788 rent, $123,400 homes) appeal to remote workers or retirees with income independent of local jobs. Urban professionals considering relocation should verify telework viability, as the county's median income of $50,435 signals limited local wage growth.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Benton County

via IncomeByCounty

Benton faces a significant income gap

Benton County's median household income of $50,435 lags the U.S. median of $74,755 by 32.5%, a gap of $24,320. This reflects the economic challenges of rural West Tennessee and limited high-wage employment opportunities.

Well below Tennessee average

Benton County ranks near the lower end statewide, earning 14.5% less than Tennessee's median of $58,994. Per capita income of $28,169 is also 10% below the state average, indicating limited wealth accumulation across the population.

Among the county's lower earners

Benton's $50,435 matches nearby Campbell County ($50,260) closely, with both trailing Cannon County ($58,092) and Bledsoe County ($49,655). The consistency suggests shared economic drivers—likely rural employment and limited industrial anchors.

Housing affordable but income stretched

Benton's rent-to-income ratio of 18.8% remains manageable, though median home values of $123,400 may overstate affordability relative to actual earning power. Households here must budget carefully to avoid financial stress despite technically favorable rent ratios.

Start small, build consistency

Benton households earning $50,435 should prioritize building even modest emergency savings—$50–100 monthly adds up over time. Exploring job training programs, remote work opportunities, and small-business resources can unlock pathways to higher earnings in the county.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Benton County

via CrimeByCounty

Benton County Ranks High for Safety

With a safety score of 97.4, Benton County is far safer than the typical American community. Its total crime rate of 1,619.3 per 100K is well below the national average of 2,385.5.

Outperforming the Tennessee State Average

Benton County stays below the Tennessee average crime rate of 1,785.6 per 100K. Three reporting agencies collaborate to maintain this favorable safety profile for residents.

A Regional Leader in Public Safety

The county reports significantly lower crime than Anderson County, which experiences over 2,000 incidents per 100K. Benton remains a top choice for those seeking a quieter, more secure area.

Low Violent Crime Defines the Area

Benton’s violent crime rate of 320.1 per 100K is lower than both the state and national averages. Property crime stands at 1,299.2, representing a manageable risk for the community.

Maintaining a Secure Property

Consistent habits like locking all doors and using outdoor lighting keep property crime low in Benton. Simple home security investments offer high returns in this safe environment.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Benton County

via HealthByCounty

Benton struggles below national averages

At 70.5 years, Benton County's life expectancy falls 0.9 years short of the U.S. average of 71.4 years, signaling health challenges for residents. The county's 22.5% poor/fair health rate also exceeds the national average of 21%, indicating residents experience above-average health difficulties.

Benton among Tennessee's healthier counties

Benton's 70.5-year life expectancy ranks below Tennessee's 72.4-year average, placing it in the lower half of the state's 95 counties. With a 13.1% uninsured rate, Benton also exceeds the state average of 11.9%, meaning a larger share of residents lack coverage than most Tennesseans.

Benton faces steeper health disparities

Benton's 70.5-year life expectancy ranks lowest among nearby counties like Anderson (72.6) and Bedford (72.8), a troubling pattern requiring attention. The county also has just 25 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—fewer than any measured neighbor—limiting preventive care access.

Limited doctors, limited coverage

Benton County has one of the region's tightest healthcare networks: just 25 primary care providers and 44 mental health providers per 100,000 residents. With 13.1% uninsured, residents face a double barrier—lack of insurance and lack of nearby doctors to visit.

Get connected to healthcare options

More than 1 in 8 Benton County residents lack health insurance, making routine care difficult to afford. Call 1-800-318-2596 or visit healthcare.gov to find Medicaid, Marketplace coverage, or uninsured care programs that can help you access needed treatment.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Benton County

via SchoolsByCounty

Exceptional Graduation Performance in Benton

Benton County supports a small but efficient network of eight public schools serving 2,163 students. The district includes two elementary schools, one middle school, and three high schools that serve the local population.

Stellar Graduation Rates Peak at 97%

The county boasts an impressive 97.0% graduation rate, significantly higher than both the state average of 93.3% and the national average of 87%. This performance is backed by a per-pupil investment of $7,058, which surpasses the state average of $6,215.

Camden Central Leads the Single District

Benton County operates one single district that manages all eight schools with no charter options available. Camden Central High School is the district's largest campus, providing education to 521 students.

Intimate Learning in a Town Setting

Most students attend one of the six schools located in town settings, where the average school size is just 361 students. This smaller enrollment creates an intimate learning environment compared to larger urban districts.

Find Your Home in a Top-Graduating County

Benton County's 97% graduation rate is a major draw for families seeking academic excellence for their children. Look for homes in Camden or Big Sandy to join this high-performing educational community.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Benton County

via RiskByCounty

Benton County's Low Risk Nationally

Benton County scores 39.06 on composite natural disaster risk, earning a Very Low rating that places it well below the national average. This favorable standing reflects minimal flood and wildfire exposure, though seismic and tornado hazards merit resident awareness.

Benton County's Safest Position in Tennessee

Benton County's 39.06 score sits significantly below Tennessee's state average of 52.45, making it one of the state's lowest-risk counties. Only neighboring Cannon County (22.90) and Bledsoe County (24.14) present lower overall risk profiles in Tennessee.

Comparing Risk to Neighbors

Benton County's low risk mirrors Cannon County (22.90) and contrasts sharply with higher-risk neighbors like Blount County (74.17) and Bradley County (73.41) to the east. The county's western position shields it from significant flood and wildfire exposure relative to eastern Tennessee counties.

Your Biggest Natural Disaster Risks

Earthquakes (88.42) represent Benton County's primary hazard, while tornado risk (55.92) provides secondary concern; flood (20.20) and wildfire (15.84) risks remain minimal. Seismic preparedness forms the county's most important disaster planning foundation.

Protect Your Home in Benton County

Benton County residents should focus earthquake insurance and secure-attachment strategies for furniture and appliances, given the county's low conventional hazard exposure. Standard homeowners insurance typically covers tornado damage, reducing the need for supplemental policies compared to higher-risk Tennessee counties.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Benton County

via WeatherByCounty

Classic Southern Warmth and Humidity

Benton County averages 59.6°F, placing it nearly 5 degrees above the national median. It receives 51.7 inches of rain annually, characterizing its humid subtropical climate.

Warmer but Drier Than State Averages

Benton is 1.5 degrees warmer than the Tennessee state average. Interestingly, it receives about 4 inches less rain than the state average of 55.9 inches, making it a slightly drier pocket of the region.

Frequent Heat Compared to Regional Peers

Benton experiences 51 days of extreme heat, significantly more than Anderson or Bledsoe. While it shares a mean temperature with Bedford, it is much drier, receiving nearly 10 inches less rain per year.

Hot July Peaks and Brief Winters

July is the hottest month at 79.3°F, part of a summer that sees temperatures hit 90°F for over seven weeks. Winters average 40.8°F and produce a modest 3.4 inches of snow.

Prioritize Sun Protection and Irrigation

The high frequency of 90-degree days suggests a need for robust cooling and outdoor shade structures. Gardeners should plan for supplemental watering during the hot summers, as it is drier than neighboring counties.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Benton County

via SoilByCounty

Benton’s Silty Ultisols Foundation

Benton County is dominated by Ultisols with a silt loam texture and a pH of 5.49. This pH level is slightly higher than the Tennessee average of 5.35 but remains more acidic than the national 6.5 baseline.

Smooth Texture for Easy Management

The soil composition features 58.9% silt and 21.3% sand, creating a smooth, workable texture. The 19.8% clay content is relatively low, which prevents the heavy, sticky feel common in other parts of the state.

High Water Capacity vs Low Matter

Organic matter is low at 1.34%, falling well behind the state average of 2.44%. However, the soil excels at water storage with an available capacity of 0.178 in/in, providing a safety net for plants during drought.

Slow Drainage Challenges Infiltration

Classified as moderately well drained, the land typically sheds water slowly. It belongs to Hydrologic Group D, which signals very slow infiltration rates that can lead to high runoff during intense Tennessee storms.

Starting Strong in Zone 7b

Benton County's 7b hardiness zone is perfect for heat-tolerant southern favorites like okra and tomatoes. To offset the low organic matter, residents should focus on composting to boost the soil's natural productivity.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Benton County

via LawnByCounty

Navigating Benton's High-Heat Difficulty

Benton County scores a 43.1 on the lawn difficulty index, trailing the national average of 50.0. In this Zone 7b climate, maintaining a green lawn takes more effort than in the average Tennessee backyard.

Mowing Through the Summer Heat

The area sees 51 days of extreme heat over 90°F, which is much higher than the state average of 36 days. These conditions, paired with 51.7 inches of annual rain, create a demanding environment for non-native grass species.

Amending the Silt Loam Base

The moderately well-drained silt loam has a low pH of 5.49, requiring soil amendments to better support grass health. The balance of 19.8% clay and 21.3% sand provides a decent foundation once the acidity is corrected with lime.

Staying Green Through 20 Weeks of Drought

Benton logged 20 weeks in drought over the last year, making water conservation a top priority for homeowners. Keeping mower blades at least 3 inches high shades the soil and protects delicate roots during these extended dry stretches.

Seeding for Success in Zone 7b

Transition-zone grasses like Tall Fescue should be seeded before the 4,781 growing degree days peak in mid-summer. Use the window between the April 8th spring frost and the November 1st fall frost to ensure strong establishment.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Benton County's county score?
Benton County, Tennessee has a composite county score of 54.1 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 Benton County rank among counties in Tennessee?
Benton County ranks #32 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 Benton County, Tennessee?
The median annual property tax in Benton County is $717, with an effective tax rate of 0.58%. This earns Benton County a tax score of 76.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Benton County?
The median household income in Benton County, Tennessee is $50,435 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Benton County earns an income score of 15.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Benton County, Tennessee a good place to live?
Benton County scores 54.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #32 in Tennessee. The best way to evaluate Benton 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 Benton 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.