Bledsoe County's composite score of 79.8 stands nearly 60% above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the nation's top tier. This exceptional performance delivers measurable advantages across cost and tax dimensions.
2 / 5
Tennessee's standout performer
Bledsoe's score of 79.8 significantly outpaces Tennessee's state average of 76.3, ranking among the best counties in the state. This leadership position reflects Bledsoe's particular strength in affordability metrics.
3 / 5
Unmatched affordability and lowest taxes
Bledsoe County leads these eight counties with a cost score of 87.4 and a tax score of 90.9, featuring the lowest effective tax rate at 0.406%. Median rent of $779/month and home values around $165,400 make Bledsoe exceptionally accessible.
4 / 5
Lowest median income, limited full data
Bledsoe's income score of 15.8 reflects a median household income of $49,655, the lowest in this group, signaling limited wage opportunities. Safety, health, school, and water data remain unavailable, requiring residents to seek additional information before relocating.
5 / 5
Ultimate rural value for frugal movers
Bledsoe County is built for people who can live on modest incomes and want the lowest possible housing and tax costs in Tennessee. It's the top choice for retirees, remote workers, and families optimizing for maximum financial efficiency.
Bledsoe County's composite score of 79.8 stands nearly 60% above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the nation's top tier. This exceptional performance delivers measurable advantages across cost and tax dimensions.
Tennessee's standout performer
Bledsoe's score of 79.8 significantly outpaces Tennessee's state average of 76.3, ranking among the best counties in the state. This leadership position reflects Bledsoe's particular strength in affordability metrics.
Unmatched affordability and lowest taxes
Bledsoe County leads these eight counties with a cost score of 87.4 and a tax score of 90.9, featuring the lowest effective tax rate at 0.406%. Median rent of $779/month and home values around $165,400 make Bledsoe exceptionally accessible.
Lowest median income, limited full data
Bledsoe's income score of 15.8 reflects a median household income of $49,655, the lowest in this group, signaling limited wage opportunities. Safety, health, school, and water data remain unavailable, requiring residents to seek additional information before relocating.
Ultimate rural value for frugal movers
Bledsoe County is built for people who can live on modest incomes and want the lowest possible housing and tax costs in Tennessee. It's the top choice for retirees, remote workers, and families optimizing for maximum financial efficiency.
Score breakdown
5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.
🏛90.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.