countyscore
60.4
County Score
Property Tax 93.6Cost of Living 82.6Disaster Risk 75.9

County Report Card

About Bledsoe County, Tennessee

Bledsoe County Achieves Strong National Standing

Bledsoe County secures a high composite score of 60.4, far exceeding the national median of 50.0. This puts the county in a high percentile for overall quality of life and value.

A Top Contender in Tennessee

At 60.4, Bledsoe's score is nearly 10 points higher than the Tennessee average of 51.3. It stands out as one of the state's more desirable locations for balanced living.

Incredible Tax Rates and Affordability

The county earns an elite tax score of 93.6 and a cost score of 82.6. With an effective tax rate of just 0.406%, it is one of the most financially friendly counties for property owners.

Economic and Healthcare Limitations

The income score remains low at 13.7, reflecting a sparse local job market. Additionally, a health score of 27.3 suggests that residents may travel elsewhere for comprehensive healthcare services.

A Sanctuary for Rural Peace

Bledsoe County is a dream for those looking to maximize their wealth through low taxes and cheap housing. It is best suited for individuals who do not rely on a local high-paying job market.

Score breakdown

Tax93.6Cost82.6Safety56.5Health27.3Schools48.6Income13.7Risk75.9Water42.5Weather72.2
🏛93.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠82.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼13.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡56.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤27.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓48.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡75.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧42.5
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤72.2
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨27.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱42.1
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

Sequatchie County
Tennessee
52
Van Buren County
Tennessee
69
Rhea County
Tennessee
50.1
Meigs County
Tennessee
55.6
White County
Tennessee
57.9
Cumberland County
Tennessee
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Hamilton County
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Warren County
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Deep Dives

Bledsoe County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Bledsoe County

via TaxByCounty

Bledsoe taxes rank among Tennessee's lowest

Bledsoe County's 0.406% effective rate sits well below both the national average of around 0.85% and Tennessee's state average of 0.511%, offering some of the nation's most affordable property taxation. At $671 median annual tax versus the national median of $2,690, residents pay just a quarter of typical American rates.

Lowest rate in this county set

Bledsoe County's 0.406% effective rate ranks among the lowest in Tennessee, well beneath the state average of 0.511%. The median tax of $671 reflects both the low rate and modest home values of $165,400.

Most tax-friendly rural county in region

Bledsoe County's 0.406% rate beats Campbell County (0.384%) in the broader region, though Campbell's lower home values produce similar tax bills. Bledsoe stands out as having the region's most generous property tax structure.

Median home costs just $671 yearly

A typical Bledsoe County home valued at $165,400 generates an annual tax of approximately $671. Households with mortgages pay about $850 annually, while those without pay closer to $604.

Even small savings matter in rural counties

Assessment appeals in rural counties can yield meaningful percentage reductions despite lower absolute dollar amounts. If you believe your Bledsoe County home is overassessed, an appeal could provide noticeable relief on your modest tax bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Bledsoe County

via CostByCounty

Rock-bottom rents, rock-bottom incomes

Bledsoe County's 18.8% rent-to-income ratio matches the national affordability crunch despite the lowest absolute rents in this dataset at $779 monthly. With a median household income of just $49,655—34% below the US average—even cheap housing consumes a high share of household earnings.

Among Tennessee's most burdened renters

Bledsoe's 18.8% rent-to-income ratio ties for the highest burden in this survey and exceeds Tennessee's 17.6% average. The $779 rent undercuts the state average significantly, yet income poverty keeps affordability ratios elevated.

Lowest rents, but income poverty persists

Bledsoe's $779 median rent is the cheapest in the region, undercutting Benton County ($788) and far below Anderson ($960). Yet its median home value of $165,400 sits midway between rural counties, reflecting an area with genuine housing scarcity rather than affordability.

Rent burden heaviest on lowest incomes

Bledsoe renters earning the county median of $49,655 spend 18.8% on $779 rent—a higher burden than many counties despite the lowest absolute cost. Homeownership costs average $463 monthly, making ownership the dramatically more affordable path for households able to qualify.

Only consider if income is portable

Bledsoe offers the region's cheapest housing and strongest homeownership affordability for those already inside the market. Relocators should enter cautiously: the county's $49,655 median income signals limited employment opportunities, making remote income or relocation subsidy essential.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Bledsoe County

via IncomeByCounty

Bledsoe significantly below national income

Bledsoe County's median household income of $49,655 sits 33.6% below the national median of $74,755, a shortfall of $25,100. The county faces economic headwinds typical of rural Appalachian Tennessee with limited diversified employment.

Among the state's lowest earners

Bledsoe ranks near the bottom statewide at $49,655 versus Tennessee's $58,994 median—a 15.9% gap. Per capita income of $23,547 is the lowest among these eight counties, highlighting limited individual earning power and wealth.

Competing with similarly challenged counties

Bledsoe ($49,655) closely trails Benton ($50,435) and Campbell ($50,260), forming a cluster of lower-income counties in the region. Shared rural character and limited wage growth suggest common structural economic challenges across these communities.

Tight housing budgets despite low costs

Bledsoe's rent-to-income ratio of 18.8% is reasonable on paper, but at $49,655 median income, households have little margin for unexpected costs. Median home values of $165,400 are manageable, yet stretched incomes leave limited flexibility for savings or emergencies.

Focus on skills and local networks

Bledsoe households should prioritize skills development and workforce training to boost earning potential beyond the current $49,655 median. Even modest income gains through career advancement or credential-earning can meaningfully improve financial stability and wealth-building capacity.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Bledsoe County

via CrimeByCounty

Exceptional Safety in Bledsoe County

Bledsoe County boasts an impressive safety score of 98.4. Its total crime rate of 998.9 per 100K is less than half the national average of 2,385.5.

A Safety Leader Within Tennessee

The county's crime rate is nearly 800 points lower than the Tennessee average of 1,785.6 per 100K. Two reporting agencies maintain a vigilant presence in this highly secure region.

Surpassing Neighbors in Security

Bledsoe is significantly safer than Bradley County, which reports a crime rate over 2.5 times higher. It stands as one of the most peaceful counties in its part of the state.

Violent Crime is Remarkably Rare

The violent crime rate is just 114.7 per 100K, far below the national average of 369.8. Property crime is also very low at 884.2, meaning residents face minimal daily risk.

Preserving Your Peace of Mind

Even in a very safe county, basic deterrents like smart doorbells are effective for monitoring your home. Maintaining the community's safety starts with individual property awareness.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Bledsoe County

via HealthByCounty

Bledsoe's paradox: longer life, higher illness

Bledsoe County residents have a life expectancy of 76.3 years—significantly higher than the U.S. average of 71.4 years, an advantage of 4.9 years. Yet 26.7% report poor or fair health, well above the national average of 21%, revealing a puzzling gap between longevity and perceived wellbeing.

Bledsoe leads Tennessee on longevity

At 76.3 years, Bledsoe's life expectancy is among the highest in Tennessee, exceeding the state average of 72.4 years by nearly 4 years. However, its 16.1% uninsured rate significantly exceeds Tennessee's 11.9% average, meaning nearly 1 in 6 residents lack health coverage.

Bledsoe's provider gap contradicts longevity

Despite boasting the region's longest life expectancy at 76.3 years, Bledsoe has just 13 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—by far the lowest in the county group. This stark provider shortage suggests longevity may mask serious access barriers for those seeking preventive care.

Severe provider shortage despite long lives

Bledsoe County's healthcare infrastructure is severely strained: just 13 primary care doctors and 33 mental health providers per 100,000 residents leave residents traveling long distances for care. With 16.1% uninsured—the highest rate among measured counties—many residents cannot afford to see the few doctors available.

Insurance matters in Bledsoe County

Nearly 1 in 6 Bledsoe County residents lack health insurance, the highest uninsured rate in this region and well above Tennessee's average. Visit TNCover.org or call 1-800-318-2596 to explore Medicaid, Marketplace plans, and emergency care resources available to you.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Bledsoe County

via SchoolsByCounty

Rural Education Infrastructure in Bledsoe

Bledsoe County manages five public schools serving a total student body of 1,654. The landscape consists of three elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school, all managed by a single district.

Steady Performance with Targeted Investment

Bledsoe County achieves a 92.0% graduation rate, comfortably beating the national average of 87%. The county invests $6,694 per pupil, which is higher than the state average of $6,215 but about half the national average of $13,000.

Unified Local School Leadership

The Bledsoe County school district oversees all 1,654 students without the presence of charter schools. Bledsoe County High School stands as the largest campus in the county with 483 students.

The Classic Rural School Experience

All five schools in the county are classified as rural, offering a consistent community feel throughout the district. With an average school size of only 331 students, learners receive significant individual attention.

Relocate to a Close-Knit Educational Hub

Bledsoe County is perfect for those seeking a small-town, rural education with graduation rates that top the national average. Explore properties in Pikeville to settle near the county's core elementary and high schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Bledsoe County

via RiskByCounty

Bledsoe County's Nationally Low Risk Profile

Bledsoe County scores 24.14 on composite natural disaster risk, earning a Very Low rating far below the national average. This exceptional standing reflects minimal flood, wildfire, and hurricane exposure, though residents should remain aware of tornado and earthquake activity.

Bledsoe County Among Tennessee's Safest

Bledsoe County's 24.14 score is the second-lowest in Tennessee, bested only by Cannon County (22.90), and well below the state average of 52.45. The county's unique geographic position and landscape provide natural protection from multiple major hazard types.

Comparing Risk to Neighbors

Bledsoe County rivals neighboring Cannon County (22.90) as Tennessee's safest county, while maintaining substantially lower risk than more developed neighbors like Campbell County (58.02). The county's elevated wildfire risk (57.00) reflects its unique hazard profile compared to even safer western counties.

Your Biggest Natural Disaster Risks

Wildfire (57.00) and earthquake (60.24) represent Bledsoe County's primary natural hazards, while tornado (55.03) poses moderate seasonal risk. Flood (27.86) and hurricane (35.29) exposure remain minimal, making Bledsoe among Tennessee's least vulnerable counties.

Protect Your Home in Bledsoe County

Bledsoe County residents should maintain defensible space around homes through vegetation management and prepare for wildfire risk, the county's most significant hazard. Earthquake insurance remains prudent, while standard homeowners policies provide adequate coverage for the county's lower tornado and flood risks.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Bledsoe County

via WeatherByCounty

Subtropical Warmth on the Plateau

Bledsoe County’s 59.3°F average temperature is significantly higher than the 55°F national median. The county receives a healthy 56.2 inches of rain annually, typical for the American Southeast.

Consistency with Tennessee Weather Patterns

Bledsoe is 1.2 degrees warmer than the Tennessee average of 58.1°F. Its annual precipitation of 56.2 inches almost perfectly aligns with the state's 55.9-inch average.

A Snowy Outlier in the Region

Bledsoe experiences 4.3 inches of snow, more than Bradley or Bedford counties. It maintains a warmer annual average than neighboring Blount or Anderson despite these higher snowfall totals.

Moderate Summer Heat and Crisper Winters

Summers are relatively mild with only 34 days reaching 90°F and a 77.6°F July average. Winters average 41.8°F and bring more snow than many of its lowland neighbors.

Balance Winter Prep with Summer Cooling

Residents should keep basic winter emergency kits for the 4.3 inches of snow. While summer heat is less frequent than in the west, reliable HVAC is still necessary for the humid 77.6°F July peaks.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Bledsoe County

via SoilByCounty

The Acidic Character of Bledsoe

Bledsoe County features a notably acidic soil profile with a pH of 5.08. This is significantly more acidic than the national 6.5 median and also falls below the state average of 5.35.

A Sandy Lean with Silt Balance

This soil contains 36.0% sand, which is higher than many neighbors, paired with 45.1% silt. The 18.9% clay content is relatively low, which can lead to faster drying times compared to heavier clay soils.

Below Average Moisture Retention

Bledsoe’s available water capacity of 0.156 in/in is lower than the state benchmark of 0.171 in/in. With organic matter at 1.93%, the soil requires careful nutrient management to reach its full growing potential.

Managing the Mountain Terrain

Detailed drainage and hydrologic data for the dominant soil units are currently limited. Farmers on the Cumberland Plateau typically adapt to these conditions using raised beds or specialized irrigation.

Zone 7b: Native Plants Prevail

Acid-loving plants like azaleas and blueberries thrive in Bledsoe’s 7b hardiness zone. While the soil score is 27.6, targeted amendments can transform these acidic plots into thriving garden spaces.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Bledsoe County

via LawnByCounty

Bledsoe's Unique Soil and Climate Challenges

Bledsoe County's 42.1 difficulty score indicates a challenging environment compared to the Tennessee average of 48.0. Maintaining turf in this Zone 7b region requires specific attention to soil health and drainage.

Balancing Rainfall and Growing Days

The county receives 56.2 inches of annual precipitation, which can lead to nutrient leaching in sandy soils. However, the 34 days of extreme heat are manageable compared to the state average, providing a slightly cooler summer for cool-season grasses.

Managing Sandy, High-Acid Soils

The soil is notably acidic with a pH of 5.08, falling significantly below the 6.0-7.0 sweet spot. With a high sand content of 36.0%, nutrients move quickly through the ground, making regular fertilization and lime applications essential.

Efficient Watering for Occasional Drought

The county recorded 16 weeks in drought over the past year, though severe conditions currently affect only 1.1% of the area. Focus on water conservation by using rain sensors to avoid over-watering during the naturally wet periods.

Establishment Timing for Bledsoe Lawns

Hardy, acid-tolerant cultivars of Fescue are recommended for this region between the April 11th last frost and the October 25th first frost. Starting your lawn during these shoulder seasons avoids the most stressful weather windows.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Bledsoe County's county score?
Bledsoe County, Tennessee has a composite county score of 60.4 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 Bledsoe County rank among counties in Tennessee?
Bledsoe County ranks #14 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 Bledsoe County, Tennessee?
The median annual property tax in Bledsoe County is $671, with an effective tax rate of 0.41%. This earns Bledsoe County a tax score of 93.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Bledsoe County?
The median household income in Bledsoe County, Tennessee is $49,655 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Bledsoe County earns an income score of 13.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Bledsoe County, Tennessee a good place to live?
Bledsoe County scores 60.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #14 in Tennessee. The best way to evaluate Bledsoe 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 Bledsoe 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.