countyscore
43.5
County Score
Water Quality 86Property Tax 84.9Weather & Climate 71.7

County Report Card

About Bradley County, Tennessee

Bradley County Scores Below National Median

Bradley County carries a composite score of 43.6, which falls short of the national median of 50.0. This suggests that the county has room to grow in several key livability categories.

Trailing the Tennessee State Average

The county's score of 43.6 is lower than the Tennessee average of 51.3. It faces pressure to improve public services to keep pace with higher-ranked counties in the state.

Strong Utilities and Favorable Taxes

Bradley County earns a water score of 86.0 and a tax score of 84.9. Property owners benefit from a low 0.509% effective tax rate, keeping the cost of ownership manageable.

Safety and Risk Management Gaps

Safety is a significant challenge with a score of 12.8, among the lowest in the region. The risk score of 26.6 also indicates a need for better community resilience planning.

An Affordable Entry for Commuters

Bradley County suits those working in nearby hubs like Chattanooga who want lower taxes and decent water infrastructure. It remains a budget-friendly option with a median home value of $230,800.

2040608010084.934.312.838.448.850.326.68671.7Tax84.9Cost34.3Safety12.8Health38.4Schools48.8Income50.3Risk26.6Water86Weather71.743.5/100
This county
National avg
3 above average4 below average

Bradley County DNA

Foverall

How Bradley County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Bradley County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Property Tax (84.9/100) but notably weak in Safety (12.8/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
84.9+32.900000000000006
Cost
34.3-13.700000000000003
Safety
12.8-42.2
Health
38.4-11.600000000000001
Schools
48.8
Income
50.3
Risk
26.6-20.4
Water
86+28
Weather
71.7+15.700000000000003
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$230,800

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$959/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$230,800/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$38,360/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.6x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $63,789/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

8.2

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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Okmulgee County
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Butte County
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Nearby counties

Polk County
Tennessee
55.2
Hamilton County
Tennessee
35.7
McMinn County
Tennessee
45.2
Meigs County
Tennessee
55.6
Catoosa County
Georgia
47.3
Murray County
Georgia
61.1
Whitfield County
Georgia
40.2
Rhea County
Tennessee
50.1

Deep Dives

Bradley County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Bradley County

via TaxByCounty

Bradley's taxes beat national expectations

Bradley County's 0.509% effective rate falls well short of the national average of around 0.85%, and the median tax of $1,174 represents less than 44% of the national median of $2,690. This Cleveland-area county delivers below-average tax burdens despite its more developed character.

Near Tennessee's statewide average

Bradley County's 0.509% effective rate sits virtually at Tennessee's state average of 0.511%, making it representative of the typical Tennessee county. The median tax of $1,174 runs 15% above the state median of $1,016, reflecting a slightly higher median home value of $230,800.

Middle ground for Southeast Tennessee

Bradley County's 0.509% rate sits between Blount County (0.503%) to the north and Cannon County (0.479%) to the west. It represents a balanced, moderate tax approach for its region.

Median home costs about $1,174 yearly

A typical Bradley County home valued at $230,800 generates an annual tax of approximately $1,174. Homeowners with mortgages pay slightly more at $1,263, while those without mortgages pay about $1,020.

Appeals work for Bradley County homeowners

Many Bradley County residents discover their assessments outpace recent market conditions, particularly in neighborhoods experiencing property value shifts. Filing an assessment appeal takes minimal effort and could yield meaningful annual savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Bradley County

via CostByCounty

Bradley slightly underperforms on affordability

Bradley County's rent-to-income ratio of 18.0% edges above the national median, with a median household income of $63,789 trailing the US average of $74,755 by 15%. Renters here face moderately elevated affordability pressure compared to typical American households.

Slightly above Tennessee average burden

Bradley's 18.0% rent-to-income ratio ranks slightly above Tennessee's 17.6% state average, placing it in the mid-range of county affordability. The $959 median rent also exceeds the state average of $860, signaling a tighter market than many rural peers.

Similar to Anderson, cheaper than Blount

Bradley's $959 median rent is nearly identical to Anderson County ($960) and substantially lower than Blount County ($1,042), while the $230,800 median home value falls between these two counties. This positions Bradley as a stable mid-market alternative in the region.

Rent and mortgage costs nearly equal

Bradley renters spend 18.0% of their $63,789 income on $959 rent, while homeowners average $953—showing nearly parity between tenure costs. This suggests a market where both renting and buying carry comparable affordability challenges.

Steady mid-market option for region explorers

Bradley offers stable, middle-ground housing costs without the premium prices of Blount or the rural constraints of Benton. Those seeking a reliable East Tennessee community with moderate affordability should seriously evaluate Bradley alongside neighboring Anderson County.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Bradley County

via IncomeByCounty

Bradley trails national income modestly

Bradley County's median household income of $63,789 falls 14.7% below the national median of $74,755, a gap of $10,966. The county reflects mid-range American economic performance, neither dramatically above nor below the national norm.

Among Tennessee's stronger performers

Bradley County ranks second-highest in this group with $63,789, exceeding the state median of $58,994 by 8.1%. Per capita income of $32,249 also surpasses the state average of $31,458, indicating healthy income distribution across the population.

Strong showing in the region

Bradley's $63,789 ranks just below Anderson ($63,171) and substantially ahead of Campbell ($50,260) and Benton ($50,435). The county's economic diversity, including healthcare and manufacturing sectors, supports higher median earnings than many rural peers.

Comfortable housing affordability

Bradley's rent-to-income ratio of 18.0% is well within healthy ranges, and median home values of $230,800 align logically with the county's income level. Households here can afford both renting and homeownership without financial strain.

Build wealth through disciplined investing

Bradley households earning $63,789 should allocate 15–20% of income toward retirement and investment accounts to solidify long-term security. With reasonable housing costs, the county's earners have meaningful opportunity to build generational wealth through consistent savings.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Bradley County

via CrimeByCounty

Higher Activity Levels in Bradley County

Bradley County reports a total crime rate of 2,547.4 per 100K, which is higher than the national average of 2,385.5. This results in a local safety score of 96.0.

Navigating Safety Above State Averages

The county's crime rate exceeds the Tennessee average of 1,785.6 per 100K. Five reporting agencies work to address the higher volume of incidents in this active region.

Comparing Bradley to Regional Peers

Bradley experiences more crime than neighboring Blount County, which stays closer to 1,200 incidents per 100K. This makes local crime prevention a higher priority for residents.

Property and Violent Crime Breakdown

Property crime is significant at 2,065.1 per 100K, while violent crime stands at 482.3. Both metrics are higher than the respective national averages of 2,015.7 and 369.8.

Essential Safeguards for Your Home

Comprehensive home security systems are highly recommended to combat elevated property crime rates. Investing in high-quality locks and alarm monitoring provides critical protection.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Bradley County

via SchoolsByCounty

Urban and Suburban Educational Access

Bradley County hosts 27 public schools serving 16,037 students across two districts. The infrastructure is built around 18 elementary schools and four high schools to support a growing student population.

Solid Graduation Rates and Local Investment

Bradley County's 92.5% graduation rate remains well above the national average of 87%. The county spends $6,470 per pupil, maintaining a level of investment that is slightly higher than the Tennessee state average of $6,215.

Cleveland and Bradley County District Roles

Bradley County Schools serves 10,269 students, while the Cleveland district serves 5,768 students. Both districts operate without charter schools, focusing entirely on traditional public education for the community.

Large Schools in a City Environment

With 15 schools in city locales and seven in suburbs, the county offers a distinctly urban-suburban educational feel. Cleveland High is the county's largest school with 1,842 students, and the overall average school size is 617.

Find Home Near Cleveland's Academic Centers

Bradley County offers diverse school environments ranging from rural outposts to large city high schools. Families should explore homes in Cleveland to stay close to the county's largest and most central educational facilities.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Bradley County

via RiskByCounty

Bradley County's Risk Profile Nationally

Bradley County scores 73.41 on composite natural disaster risk, earning a Relatively Low rating that matches the national average. The county's hazard profile reflects significant earthquake (91.86) and tornado (88.42) exposure, both among Tennessee's highest.

How Bradley Ranks Among Tennessee Counties

Bradley County's 73.41 score substantially exceeds Tennessee's state average of 52.45, placing it in the state's top-risk tier. The county's tornado (88.42) and earthquake (91.86) exposure ranks among Tennessee's highest, creating dual major hazards.

Comparing Risk to Neighbors

Bradley County faces similar risk to Blount County (74.17) and Anderson County (73.19), creating an eastern Tennessee corridor of elevated hazard exposure. The county's tornado risk (88.42) exceeds most neighbors, distinguishing it as particularly vulnerable to spring severe weather.

Your Biggest Natural Disaster Risks

Tornadoes (88.42) and earthquakes (91.86) represent Bradley County's twin catastrophic hazards, with moderate flood (69.05) and wildfire (47.20) exposure. The county's southeastern location creates vulnerability to multiple seasonal and structural hazards requiring year-round preparedness.

Protect Your Home in Bradley County

Bradley County homeowners should invest in safe room construction and earthquake-resistant retrofitting, given the county's dual top-tier hazards. Comprehensive homeowners insurance covering tornado and earthquake damage is essential, with particular attention to securing coverage for properties in known tornado alleys.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Bradley County

via WaterByCounty

Zero Health Violations for Bradley County

Bradley County maintains an A grade for drinking water, with no health violations reported in the last five years. This 0.0 violation rate is a standout performance compared to the Tennessee average of 34.6. Residents can have high confidence in the safety of their public tap water.

Significant Impairment Found in Local Watersheds

A striking 63.2% of Bradley County's 68 assessed water bodies are classified as impaired, more than double the state average of 30.2%. Top causes include E. coli, loss of stream-side vegetation, and sedimentation. These 2022 findings highlight a major disconnect between treated water safety and raw stream health.

Thousands of Readings Track Biological Health

Fifty-three monitoring sites have provided 7,269 measurements over the past five years to track Bradley’s water quality. The data focuses heavily on biological counts and physical characteristics to identify the sources of high E. coli levels. This active monitoring is critical given the high percentage of impaired streams.

Real-Time Flow Data Not Currently Available

Bradley County does not have an active USGS streamgage providing live discharge data for its primary rivers. The county relies on historical monitoring and compliance data to manage its water resources. This lack of live data makes the high impairment levels in local streams even more important to monitor manually.

Take Precautions Near Local Waterways

Because over 60% of local streams are impaired by E. coli, residents should avoid swimming in creeks immediately after heavy rainfall. While tap water is graded A, the high level of watershed impairment suggests a need for better runoff management. Restoring stream-side vegetation is the most effective way to help these local waters recover.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Bradley County

via WeatherByCounty

Warm Temperatures and Heavy Rain

Bradley County’s 59.6°F average is well above the national median of 55°F. It is a wet climate, receiving 57.6 inches of precipitation annually.

Warmer and Wetter Than the State

Bradley is 1.5 degrees warmer than the Tennessee state average. It also receives about 2 inches more rain than the state average, contributing to a lush but humid environment.

Milder Winters Than Northern Neighbors

Bradley is over 2 degrees warmer than Anderson and 3.6 degrees warmer than Campbell. It experiences far less snow than Blount County, making for a much milder winter experience.

Hot Summers and Very Little Snow

Summer features 36 days of extreme heat with a 78.4°F July average. Winters are mild at 41.9°F, and snow is rare, with only 1.1 inches falling per year.

Focus on Rain Management and Cooling

With nearly 58 inches of rain and high humidity, keeping gutters clear and crawlspaces dry is essential. High-efficiency cooling is recommended for the five weeks of 90-degree summer heat.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Bradley County

via SoilByCounty

Bradley’s Strong Acidic Foundation

Bradley County soil shows an average pH of 5.17, which is more acidic than the Tennessee average of 5.35. This level sits well below the national median of 6.5, often requiring lime for traditional vegetable gardening.

A Balanced Mix of Soil Particles

The soil contains 26.8% sand, 47.2% silt, and 22.0% clay, a combination often referred to as variable in texture. This mixture provides a middle-ground for drainage and nutrient storage.

Moderate Fertility and Water Access

Organic matter levels at 1.96% are slightly below the state average of 2.44%. Additionally, the water storage capacity of 0.157 in/in is lower than the Tennessee benchmark of 0.171 in/in, requiring more frequent watering.

Local Hydrology and Drainage Variability

Official drainage classes and hydrologic groups for the dominant soil units remain unclassified in recent surveys. Growers typically find that Bradley’s varied topography creates pockets of both quick-draining and heavy-holding land.

Growing Options in Zone 7b

With a soil score of 30.1, Bradley County is well-suited for Zone 7b staples like peppers and ornamental shrubs. Adding compost can help bridge the gap in organic matter to create a more resilient garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Bradley County

via LawnByCounty

The Uphill Battle for Bradley Lawns

Bradley County presents a tough challenge with a difficulty score of 35.5, the lowest among its neighbors. Achieving a healthy lawn here requires significantly more effort than the national median of 50.0.

Intense Growth and Heat Stress

The county sees 36 extreme heat days and 4,636 growing degree days, leading to a fast-paced growing season. This requires a rigorous mowing schedule to prevent the grass from being stressed during the hot, wet summer months.

Overcoming Highly Acidic Clay

A very acidic pH of 5.17 can lock out essential nutrients, making lime applications a necessity for any Bradley County lawn. The 22% clay content means you must watch for compaction, especially in high-traffic areas of the yard.

Surviving Record-Level Severe Drought

Severe drought currently impacts 100% of the county, following 26 weeks of drought over the past year. During these critical periods, it is best to allow your lawn to go dormant rather than forcing growth with excessive watering.

Resilient Grass for Bradley's Climate

Bermuda and Zoysia are your best bets if established between the April 6th and October 30th frost dates. Focus on heavy soil prep in the fall to set the stage for success during the following spring.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Bradley County's county score?
Bradley County, Tennessee has a composite county score of 43.5 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 Bradley County rank among counties in Tennessee?
Bradley County ranks #83 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 Bradley County, Tennessee?
The median annual property tax in Bradley County is $1,174, with an effective tax rate of 0.51%. This earns Bradley County a tax score of 84.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Bradley County?
The median household income in Bradley County, Tennessee is $63,789 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Bradley County earns an income score of 50.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Bradley County, Tennessee a good place to live?
Bradley County scores 43.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #83 in Tennessee. The best way to evaluate Bradley 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 Bradley 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.