countyscore
53.4
County Score
Property Tax 85.5Income & Jobs 76.7Weather & Climate 73.2

County Report Card

About Blount County, Tennessee

Blount County Exceeds National Expectations

Blount County earns a composite score of 53.4, placing it above the national median of 50.0. It offers a higher standard of living than many counties across the United States.

Maintaining a Competitive Tennessee Profile

The county's 53.4 score sits comfortably above the Tennessee state average of 51.3. It remains a popular choice for those seeking a balance between natural beauty and economic health.

Strong Incomes and Low Taxes

Blount County features a high income score of 76.7 and a tax score of 85.5. A median household income of $74,607 paired with low taxes creates significant purchasing power for residents.

Rising Costs and Environmental Risks

Affordability is a growing concern, as seen in the low cost score of 29.3. Furthermore, a risk score of 25.8 suggests vulnerabilities to natural hazards that require local attention.

The Choice for Professionals and Families

Blount County is perfect for established professionals who value higher incomes and quality schools. While housing is more expensive at a median of $275,700, the economic returns make it a worthwhile investment.

2040608010085.529.34646.362.576.725.870.873.2Tax85.5Cost29.3Safety46Health46.3Schools62.5Income76.7Risk25.8Water70.8Weather73.253.4/100
This county
National avg
4 above average2 below average

Blount County DNA

Foverall

How Blount County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Blount County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Property Tax (85.5/100) but notably weak in Disaster Risk (25.8/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
85.5+33.5
Cost
29.3-18.7
Safety
46-9
Health
46.3
Schools
62.5+8.5
Income
76.7+25.700000000000003
Risk
25.8-21.2
Water
70.8+12.799999999999997
Weather
73.2+17.200000000000003
Sponsored

Compare mortgage rates in Blount County

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

See Today's Rates

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$275,700

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,042/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$275,700/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$41,680/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.7x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $74,607/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

21.1

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
Compare Blount County with Liberty County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Liberty County
Florida
Median income: $53,824
53.4
Oglethorpe County
Georgia
Median income: $69,784
53.4
Jersey County
Illinois
Median income: $79,104
53.4
Montgomery County
Missouri
Median income: $61,042
53.4
Henry County
Ohio
Median income: $79,267
53.4
Highland County
Ohio
Median income: $62,008
53.4
Adams County
Pennsylvania
Median income: $81,071
53.4
Hemphill County
Texas
Median income: $72,052
53.4

Nearby counties

Graham County
North Carolina
55.9
Knox County
Tennessee
40.8
Loudon County
Tennessee
54.4
Monroe County
Tennessee
51.9
Sevier County
Tennessee
46.8
Swain County
North Carolina
52.6
Cherokee County
North Carolina
46.9
Roane County
Tennessee
53

Deep Dives

Blount County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Blount County

via TaxByCounty

Blount's taxes remain well below national average

Blount County's 0.503% effective rate sits nearly 40% below the national average of around 0.85%, delivering substantial savings for homeowners. At a median tax of $1,387, residents pay roughly half the national median of $2,690 despite having comparable home values.

Slightly below Tennessee's state average

Blount County's 0.503% effective rate sits just under Tennessee's state average of 0.511%, placing it among the state's more moderate tax counties. The median tax of $1,387 runs 36% higher than the state median of $1,016 due to a higher median home value of $275,700.

Competitive with East Tennessee peers

Blount County's 0.503% rate places it near Bradley County (0.509%) and just below Anderson County (0.618%), making it middle-ground for East Tennessee. Higher home values mean Blount residents pay more in absolute dollars despite similar effective rates.

Median home costs about $1,387 yearly

A typical Blount County home valued at $275,700 generates an annual tax of approximately $1,387. Homeowners with mortgages pay slightly more at $1,435, while those without mortgages pay around $1,306.

Assessment challenges pay off in Blount

With higher home values, even small percentage reductions from successful appeals translate to meaningful savings in Blount County. If your property is assessed above current market conditions or comparable sales, filing an appeal could reduce your annual burden considerably.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Blount County

via CostByCounty

Blount matches America's income, beats affordability

Blount County's median household income of $74,607 essentially matches the national median of $74,755, yet its rent-to-income ratio of 16.8% beats the national average by roughly 0.6 percentage points. This makes Blount one of Tennessee's most balanced housing markets relative to earnings.

Easiest affordability in Tennessee

Blount's rent-to-income ratio of 16.8% ranks among the lowest in the state, beating Tennessee's average of 17.6% by nearly 1 percentage point. Combined with near-national-average incomes, Blount offers genuine housing relief compared to most other counties surveyed.

Premium prices, premium incomes justify them

Blount's $1,042 median rent and $275,700 median home value are the highest in the region, reflecting a stronger economy and higher-wage jobs. Yet residents actually spend less on rent as a share of income than lower-income counties, thanks to substantially higher earnings.

Wealth creates breathing room

Blount renters spend just 16.8% of their $74,607 income on $1,042 rent, the lowest burden in this survey. Homeownership costs average $969 monthly, reinforcing that higher incomes here allow residents to afford premium housing without strain.

Gateway to East Tennessee prosperity

If job prospects align, Blount County delivers the region's best combination of income and affordable housing, despite higher absolute prices. Professionals relocating from lower-wage areas will find that Blount's wage premium more than compensates for its housing cost premium.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Blount County

via IncomeByCounty

Blount virtually matches the nation

Blount County's median household income of $74,607 sits just $148 below the national median of $74,755—essentially at parity. This rare alignment makes Blount a representative American county and a rare Tennessee success story in income terms.

Tennessee's top income performer

Blount County's $74,607 median towers 26.6% above Tennessee's state average of $58,994, the highest among these eight counties. Per capita income of $38,705 also leads, running 23% above the state average and reflecting robust economic activity.

Clear economic leader in the region

Blount's $74,607 substantially outpaces Anderson ($63,171) and Bradley ($63,789), the next-highest earners in this group. The gap reflects Blount's role as an economic hub with tourism, manufacturing, and professional services anchoring higher wages.

Strong income supports housing costs

Blount's rent-to-income ratio of 16.8% is the lowest in this group, reflecting excellent housing affordability. With a median home value of $275,700 and robust median income, homeownership and rental housing remain accessible for typical households.

Leverage above-average earnings aggressively

Blount households earning $74,607 are positioned to maximize retirement savings, investment accounts, and wealth-building vehicles. With favorable rent ratios and national-level income, prioritizing 10–15% of gross income toward long-term investments can compound into substantial generational wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Blount County

via CrimeByCounty

Blount County Safety Outshines the Nation

Blount County earns a high 98.1 safety score, reflecting a total crime rate of only 1,207.7 per 100K. This is nearly 50% lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Leading the Way in Tennessee Safety

Local crime numbers beat the Tennessee average by nearly 600 points per 100,000 residents. Six reporting agencies provide comprehensive coverage and protection for the county.

A Secure Alternative to Neighbors

Blount is notably safer than Anderson County, which reports a crime rate of 2,088.3 per 100K. It offers residents a significantly more secure environment within the East Tennessee area.

Consistently Low Violent and Property Crime

Violent crime remains low at 288.3 per 100K, while property crime is just 919.4. Both categories perform better than national benchmarks, indicating a strong culture of safety.

Enhancing Your Residential Security

Smart home integration can help maintain Blount County's excellent safety record. Simple additions like motion-sensor lights effectively discourage property-related offenses.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Blount County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Large and Diverse School Network

Blount County features a robust education system of 34 schools across three districts, serving 18,116 students. The system includes 19 elementary schools and seven middle schools, making it one of the larger networks in the region.

Academic Excellence and Competitive Funding

The county's graduation rate of 95.0% significantly outpaces the national average of 87% and the state average of 93.3%. Education is supported by $6,976 in per-pupil spending, which is $761 higher than the Tennessee state average.

Three Districts Serve a Growing Population

Blount County is the largest district with 10,234 students, followed by Maryville (5,671) and Alcoa (2,211). There are no charter schools in the county, with all students attending traditional public institutions.

Suburban Living with High-Capacity Schools

Twenty schools are located in suburban areas, while 14 remain rural, providing diverse living environments for families. William Blount High School is the largest school with 1,545 students, contributing to an average school size of 549.

Secure Your Future in a Top-Tier District

With a 95% graduation rate and multiple acclaimed districts, Blount County is a premier destination for families. Search for homes in Maryville or Alcoa to access some of the highest-rated schools in the state.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Blount County

via RiskByCounty

Blount County's Risk Above National Average

Blount County scores 74.17 on composite natural disaster risk, earning a Relatively Low rating that slightly exceeds the national average. The county's mountainous terrain drives elevated earthquake exposure (93.10), the highest in Tennessee, alongside significant flood and wildfire vulnerability.

How Blount Ranks Among Tennessee Counties

Blount County's 74.17 score significantly exceeds Tennessee's state average of 52.45, placing it among the state's higher-risk counties. The county's earthquake risk (93.10) stands as the highest in Tennessee, reflecting its proximity to major fault systems in the Great Smoky Mountains region.

Comparing Risk to Neighbors

Blount County faces comparable risk to Anderson County (73.19) and Bradley County (73.41), forming a cluster of high-risk eastern Tennessee counties. The county's mountainous position distinguishes it from lower-risk neighbors like Benton County (39.06) and Cannon County (22.90).

Your Biggest Natural Disaster Risks

Earthquakes (93.10) dominate Blount County's hazard profile—the state's highest exposure—followed by significant flood (74.01) and wildfire (69.43) risks. The county's Great Smoky Mountains location creates overlapping seismic, water, and fire vulnerabilities that require multi-layered preparedness.

Protect Your Home in Blount County

Blount County residents must prioritize earthquake insurance and structural reinforcement—a necessity given the state's highest seismic risk. Flood and wildfire insurance are equally essential; properties in mountain valleys and wildland-urban interface zones face compounded exposure requiring comprehensive coverage.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Blount County

via WaterByCounty

Blount County Maintains Near-Perfect Compliance

Blount County earns an A grade with only one health violation recorded in the last five years. Its violation rate of 0.6 per 100,000 residents is exemplary compared to the Tennessee average of 34.6. This demonstrates strong management of the county's public water systems.

High Impairment Levels in Local Streams

The 2022 assessment shows that 38.1% of Blount’s 126 water bodies are impaired, exceeding the state average of 30.2%. E. coli and sedimentation are the primary drivers of this degradation. These results reflect significant pressure on the county's 126 assessed aquatic habitats.

Extensive Monitoring Coverage Across 91 Sites

Blount County boasts a massive monitoring footprint with 22,423 measurements recorded over the past five years. This data, collected from 91 different sites, offers a highly detailed view of physical and chemical water quality. The high volume of metals and nutrient testing provides an early warning system for the watershed.

Little River Flowing Well Below Average

The Little River near Alcoa is currently flowing at 157 cubic feet per second, which is only 27% of its long-term mean. This significantly low flow can stress aquatic life and concentrate pollutants like the E. coli found in recent assessments. The gauge monitors a drainage area of 300 square miles.

Conserve Water During Low Flow Periods

With the Little River at just 27% of its typical flow, residents should be mindful of water usage and runoff. Low flows increase the impact of E. coli and sediment, which already impair nearly 40% of local water bodies. While drinking water remains excellent, protecting the river during dry spells is essential for the ecosystem.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Blount County

via WeatherByCounty

Near the National Temperature Median

Blount County’s 57.4°F average temperature is just 2.4 degrees above the national median. It receives 56.1 inches of rain, reflecting a lush, humid climate.

Cooler and Snowier Than the Average

Blount is slightly cooler than the 58.1°F Tennessee average. It stands out for its snowfall, receiving 7.0 inches annually while most of the state sees far less.

The Snow Capital of the Local Group

Blount receives double the snowfall of Anderson County and nearly seven times that of Bradley. It is significantly cooler and less prone to extreme heat than its western neighbors.

Mild Summers and True Winter Weather

July averages a pleasant 75.3°F with only 21 days topping 90°F. Winter brings a 39.9°F average and the region's most significant snow accumulation at 7.0 inches.

Prepare for Snow and Lower Cooling Costs

Invest in quality winter tires or a shovel, as 7 inches of snow is substantial for this region. Homeowners likely face lower summer electricity bills due to the limited number of extreme heat days.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Blount County

via SoilByCounty

The Varied Terrain of the Smokies

Standardized soil taxonomic and pH data for Blount County are currently limited in national databases. However, the region is known for the complex geological transitions found at the edge of the Great Smoky Mountains.

Diverse Textures in Blount County

While specific countywide percentages for sand, silt, and clay are unavailable, the area typically features diverse mountain soils. Gardeners often encounter a mix of rocky outcrops and deep forest loams.

Gauging Growth in East Tennessee

Specific organic matter and water capacity benchmarks are not currently listed for this county. Local growers should conduct individual site tests to compare their land against the state organic matter average of 2.44%.

Managing Runoff in High Elevations

Regional drainage classifications vary wildly across Blount’s mountain and valley topography. Residents should observe local water flow patterns, as standardized hydrologic groups are not currently documented.

Gardening Success in Zone 7b

Blount County residents enjoy a 7b hardiness zone, perfect for a wide array of Appalachian perennials and fruit trees. Embrace the local microclimates to build a garden that reflects the natural beauty of the region.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Blount County

via LawnByCounty

Blount County's Favorable Growing Conditions

Blount County stands out with an easier-than-average difficulty score of 55.7. This Zone 7b area is significantly more hospitable for lawns than the Tennessee state average of 48.0.

A Cooler Climate for Lush Turf

Only 21 days of extreme heat occur annually, which is much lower than the state average of 36. This cooler profile, paired with 56.1 inches of rain, creates a near-perfect environment for cool-season grasses like Kentucky Bluegrass.

Testing for Regional Soil Needs

While specific local soil data is limited, the regional trend suggests monitoring for moderate acidity before the spring surge. Testing your soil is the best first step to ensure you have the right nutrient balance for your specific lot.

Navigating Severe Summer Drought

Despite the favorable score, 16.1% of the county is currently in severe drought after 21 weeks of dry conditions this past year. Prioritize watering the root zone deeply in the early morning to protect your lawn's health during these peaks.

Seeding Windows in Blount County

The mild summer conditions favor Tall Fescue if seeded around the April 20th last frost. This timing allows the grass to mature before the first autumn freeze arrives on November 2nd.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Blount County's county score?
Blount County, Tennessee has a composite county score of 53.4 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 Blount County rank among counties in Tennessee?
Blount County ranks #37 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 Blount County, Tennessee?
The median annual property tax in Blount County is $1,387, with an effective tax rate of 0.50%. This earns Blount County a tax score of 85.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Blount County?
The median household income in Blount County, Tennessee is $74,607 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Blount County earns an income score of 76.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Blount County, Tennessee a good place to live?
Blount County scores 53.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #37 in Tennessee. The best way to evaluate Blount 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 Blount County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & 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.