countyscore
56.8
County Score
Property Tax 86Water Quality 86Cost of Living 83.5

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.

204060801008683.531.32068.414.8618665.3Tax86Cost83.5Safety31.3Health20Schools68.4Income14.8Risk61Water86Weather65.356.8/100
This county
National avg
5 above average3 below average

Benton County DNA

Foverall

How Benton County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Benton County scores above average across most dimensions. It's a well-balanced county with particular strength in Cost of Living (83.5/100).

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
86+34
Cost
83.5+35.5
Safety
31.3-23.7
Health
20-30
Schools
68.4+14.400000000000006
Income
14.8-36.2
Risk
61+14
Water
86+28
Weather
65.3+9.299999999999997
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Compare mortgage rates in Benton County

Whether buying or refinancing in Benton County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$153,600

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$768/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$153,600/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$30,720/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.0x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $51,746/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

6.3

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Counties with similar scores

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Hall County
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Oldham County
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Giles County
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Nearby counties

Humphreys County
Tennessee
52.3
Henry County
Tennessee
54.5
Carroll County
Tennessee
55.6
Houston County
Tennessee
58.4
Stewart County
Tennessee
58.9
Perry County
Tennessee
68
Decatur County
Tennessee
56.5
Calloway County
Kentucky
55

Deep Dives

Benton County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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

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

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 56.8 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 #22 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 $738, with an effective tax rate of 0.48%. This earns Benton County a tax score of 86/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Benton County?
The median household income in Benton County, Tennessee is $51,746 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Benton County earns an income score of 14.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Benton County, Tennessee a good place to live?
Benton County scores 56.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #22 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.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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