countyscore
50.9
County Score
Property Tax 94.7Water Quality 86Cost of Living 74.5

County Report Card

About Campbell County, Tennessee

Campbell County Meets National Benchmarks

Campbell County achieves a composite score of 50.9, just slightly above the national median of 50.0. This indicates a standard level of livability that matches the average American experience.

Consistent with Tennessee State Standards

The county's score of 50.9 is nearly identical to the Tennessee state average of 51.3. It serves as a reliable middle-of-the-road option for residents in the state.

Low Taxes and Cheap Housing

Campbell County excels with an elite tax score of 94.7 and a cost score of 74.5. Rent is exceptionally affordable here, with a median gross rent of only $715 per month.

Health and Economic Disparities

A health score of 18.3 and an income score of 15.0 are the county's primary weak points. These numbers suggest a need for more diverse local employment and better medical infrastructure.

Ideal for Low-Cost Rural Living

Campbell County is a great fit for people who want to minimize living expenses and enjoy a quiet lifestyle. It offers one of the lowest tax burdens in the state for those on a fixed income.

2040608010094.774.536.918.331.315428666Tax94.7Cost74.5Safety36.9Health18.3Schools31.3Income15Risk42Water86Weather6650.9/100
This county
National avg
4 above average4 below average

Campbell County DNA

Foverall

How Campbell County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Campbell County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Property Tax (94.7/100) but notably weak in Income (15/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
94.7+42.7
Cost
74.5+26.5
Safety
36.9-18.1
Health
18.3-31.7
Schools
31.3-22.7
Income
15-36
Risk
42
Water
86+28
Weather
66+10
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$169,500

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$715/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$169,500/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$28,600/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.4x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $50,260/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

30.3

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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51

Nearby counties

Anderson County
Tennessee
45.1
Union County
Tennessee
54.6
Scott County
Tennessee
57.8
Whitley County
Kentucky
64.4
Claiborne County
Tennessee
64.5
McCreary County
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69.1
Knox County
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40.8
Morgan County
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Deep Dives

Campbell County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Campbell County

via TaxByCounty

Campbell's taxes rank among Tennessee's lowest

Campbell County's 0.384% effective rate stands out as one of the nation's most affordable, far below the national average of around 0.85%. At just $651 median annual tax compared to the national median of $2,690, residents pay roughly 24% of what typical Americans pay in property taxes.

Second-lowest rate in this county set

Campbell County's 0.384% effective rate ranks among Tennessee's most favorable, standing well below the state average of 0.511%. The median tax of $651 reflects both the exceptionally low rate and modest median home value of $169,500.

One of the region's lowest-tax counties

Campbell County's 0.384% rate ranks lowest among this set of eight counties, even beating Bledsoe County (0.406%) for the most affordable taxation. The coal-region county delivers exceptional property tax value.

Median home costs just $651 yearly

A typical Campbell County home valued at $169,500 generates an annual tax of approximately $651, among the state's lowest. Homeowners with mortgages pay about $812 annually, while those without mortgages pay around $520.

Small appeals yield percentage gains

Even in exceptionally low-tax counties, assessment errors can occur and appeals remain worthwhile. A successful appeal in Campbell County could reduce your tax burden by a meaningful percentage despite the modest absolute dollar amounts involved.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Campbell County

via CostByCounty

Campbell balances low rent with affordability

Campbell County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.1% sits just above the national median, achieved despite a median household income of $50,260—33% below the US average of $74,755. The county's notably low $715 median rent is the key to maintaining near-national affordability norms.

Beats state average on affordability ratio

Campbell's 17.1% rent-to-income ratio ranks below Tennessee's 17.6% state average, making it one of the better-performing counties despite lower incomes. The $715 median rent substantially undercuts the state average of $860, reflecting a genuinely affordable market.

Cheapest rents, moderate home values

Campbell's $715 median rent is the lowest in this eight-county survey, beating Bledsoe ($779) and Benton ($788) by a clear margin. The $169,500 median home value is second-lowest, positioning Campbell as the region's rental affordability leader.

Homeownership costs exceed rent here

Campbell renters spend just 17.1% of their $50,260 income on $715 rent, but homeowners face steeper pressure at $725 monthly on the same income base. This reflects a market where renting offers genuine savings compared to buying, unusual in most US housing markets.

Best for renters seeking deep affordability

Campbell County delivers the region's cheapest rents at just $715 monthly and maintains below-average affordability ratios despite low incomes. Renters prioritizing housing cost minimization should seriously consider Campbell, though prospective homebuyers should explore neighboring counties with stronger ownership value.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Campbell County

via IncomeByCounty

Campbell faces steep national income gap

Campbell County's median household income of $50,260 lags the U.S. median of $74,755 by 32.8%, or $24,495. This substantial shortfall reflects the economic challenges of post-industrial Appalachian Tennessee and limited high-wage opportunities.

Among the lowest in Tennessee

Campbell County's $50,260 sits 14.8% below Tennessee's state median of $58,994, placing it near the bottom of this eight-county group. Per capita income of $28,414 trails the state average of $31,458 by 9.7%, indicating limited personal wealth accumulation.

Part of a lower-income cluster

Campbell ($50,260) closely matches Benton ($50,435) and Bledsoe ($49,655), forming the region's most economically challenged group. These three counties share rural character, limited industrial diversification, and similar employment-to-income patterns.

Tight budgets despite favorable ratios

Campbell's rent-to-income ratio of 17.1% appears healthy, but on a $50,260 income, households have minimal flexibility for unexpected expenses. Median home values of $169,500 are low, yet still represent a significant commitment for median earners.

Prioritize income growth and resilience

Campbell households earning $50,260 should focus on workforce development and credential-earning to boost earning power. Building even small emergency savings ($50 monthly) and exploring side income sources can create pathways toward improved financial stability.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Campbell County

via CrimeByCounty

Campbell County Scores Well on Safety

The county maintains a solid 97.7 safety score with a total crime rate of 1,459.5 per 100K. This is considerably lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Safe Living Below Tennessee Averages

Campbell County outperforms the Tennessee state average of 1,785.6 per 100K. Five reporting agencies manage the county's public safety, keeping crime rates in check.

Regional Safety Leader in East Tennessee

The county is safer than neighboring Anderson County, which reports a rate of 2,088.3 per 100K. It remains a secure choice compared to several more active surrounding counties.

Violent Crime Trends Notably Low

Violent crime in Campbell is recorded at 236.1 per 100K, well below the national rate of 369.8. Property crime also stays low at 1,223.4, reflecting a generally secure community.

Strengthening Your Property Defense

Maintaining visible security measures like yard signs and well-lit entryways helps keep crime rates low. These simple steps support the overall safety of the neighborhood.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Campbell County

via SchoolsByCounty

Campbell's Dedicated Public School System

Campbell County operates 16 public schools for 5,294 students through a single county-wide district. This system includes eight elementary schools and six high schools, providing varied options for local families.

Meeting National Graduation Standards

The county's 91.0% graduation rate exceeds the national average of 87%, though it trails the state average of 93.3%. Per-pupil expenditure is $5,449, which is lower than both the state average and the national average.

Centralized Learning for Campbell Students

The Campbell County district manages all 16 schools in the area, including two alternative schools. Campbell County Comprehensive High School is the largest in the district, enrolling 1,242 students.

A Balance of Rural and Town Schools

The school landscape is evenly split between eight rural and eight town schools, with an average school size of 441 students. Jacksboro Elementary is a major primary school anchor with 650 students currently enrolled.

Join a Community Focused on Student Success

Campbell County offers a stable school system with graduation rates that outperform the national average. Look for residential opportunities in Jacksboro or LaFollette to be near the county's largest elementary and high schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Campbell County

via RiskByCounty

Campbell County's Moderate Risk Nationally

Campbell County scores 58.02 on composite natural disaster risk, earning a Relatively Low rating below the national average. The county's wildfire exposure (78.88) stands notably elevated, while earthquake, tornado, and flood risks create a diversified hazard profile.

How Campbell Ranks Among Tennessee Counties

Campbell County's 58.02 score slightly exceeds Tennessee's state average of 52.45, placing it in the middle tier of state risk. The county's wildfire risk (78.88) ranks among Tennessee's highest, reflecting its mountainous and forested terrain.

Comparing Risk to Neighbors

Campbell County maintains lower overall risk than nearby Blount County (74.17), Bradley County (73.41), and Anderson County (73.19), while substantially exceeding Benton County (39.06) and Cannon County (22.90). The county's distinctive wildfire vulnerability separates its risk profile from most neighbors.

Your Biggest Natural Disaster Risks

Wildfire (78.88) and earthquake (77.10) represent Campbell County's primary hazards, with secondary tornado (71.06) and flood (65.71) exposure. The county's mountain position creates dual wildfire-seismic vulnerability distinct among Tennessee's northern counties.

Protect Your Home in Campbell County

Campbell County residents should prioritize wildfire preparedness through defensible space, ember-resistant construction, and specialized wildland-fire homeowners insurance. Earthquake insurance and tornado coverage complete the protection strategy for a county facing overlapping mountain-region hazards.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Campbell County

via WaterByCounty

Top-Tier Safety for Campbell Drinking Water

Campbell County holds a perfect A grade with zero health violations over the last five-year period. Its violation rate of 0.0 per 100,000 residents is significantly better than the Tennessee state average of 34.6. Public utilities here are successfully meeting all federal safety standards.

Watershed Health Surpasses State Averages

Only 19.3% of the 83 assessed water bodies in Campbell County are impaired, far lower than the state's 30.2% average. The 2022 assessment identifies E. coli and sedimentation as the primary stressors. Most local streams remain in good health according to Clean Water Act standards.

Solid Data Foundation from Thirty-Five Sites

Monitoring teams have logged 4,712 measurements across 35 sites in Campbell County over the last five years. The data collection focuses on physical traits, inorganics, and metals. This consistent tracking ensures that any shifts in watershed health are captured by federal databases.

Live River Monitoring Currently Unavailable

There is no representative USGS streamgage in Campbell County providing real-time discharge or flow data. Local water management relies on the county's excellent drinking water compliance and relatively healthy watershed assessments. This absence of live data is offset by the low 19.3% impairment rate across the county.

Maintain High Standards for Stream Protection

Campbell County’s water is in better shape than most of the state, but E. coli remains a minor threat. Residents can protect this high quality by ensuring septic systems are functioning and reducing soil erosion. Safe drinking water is a major asset here that depends on keeping the local watershed clean.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Campbell County

via WeatherByCounty

A Near-Perfect Match for National Norms

Campbell County’s 56.0°F average annual temperature is almost identical to the national median of 55°F. It remains a high-precipitation area with 54.6 inches of rain annually.

One of Tennessee's Coolest Counties

Campbell is 2.1 degrees cooler than the Tennessee average of 58.1°F. It is also slightly drier than the state average, receiving about 1.3 inches less rain.

The Region's Coldest Winter Temperatures

With a January average of 35.6°F, Campbell is colder than all its immediate neighbors. It is 3.6 degrees cooler than Bradley County on an annual basis.

Comfortable Summers and Crisp Winters

July is mild for Tennessee at 75.3°F, and extreme heat occurs only 25 days a year. Winter is the coldest in the area, averaging 37.9°F, though specific snowfall records are limited.

Prioritize Heating Efficiency and Insulation

Because Campbell has the lowest winter temperatures in the group, homeowners should ensure proper insulation. Summer cooling needs are the lowest in the region, with only 25 days of 90-degree weather.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Campbell County

via SoilByCounty

The Acidic Character of Campbell Soil

Campbell County’s soil averages a pH of 5.20, falling below the state average of 5.35 and the national median of 6.5. This acidic lean is common in the mountainous regions of East Tennessee.

A Texture Built on Silt and Sand

The soil is comprised of 29.7% sand, 48.5% silt, and 21.8% clay. This blend provides a relatively stable structure that resists the extreme stickiness of heavy clay soils.

Organic Matter in the Mountains

At 1.83%, the organic matter is lower than the Tennessee average of 2.44%. The available water capacity of 0.165 in/in is also just below the state benchmark, suggesting a need for mulching to retain moisture.

Adapting to Campbell’s Landscape

Dominant drainage and hydrologic classifications are not currently available for this county’s primary soils. Residents usually adapt to the steep slopes of the Cumberland Mountains, which naturally dictate how water moves across the land.

Gardening in the 7a Climate

Campbell is slightly cooler than its southern neighbors, falling into Hardiness Zone 7a. The soil score of 31.2 suggests that with proper pH adjustments, cool-weather crops like kale and peas will thrive.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Campbell County

via LawnByCounty

Campbell's High Score for Lawn Ease

Campbell County is a gardener's friend with a lawn score of 56.0, indicating it is easier to maintain than 56% of the country. Its Zone 7a status and lower heat stress contribute to this very favorable rating.

Gentler Summers for Healthier Grass

With only 25 days of extreme heat and 54.6 inches of rain, the climate is naturally supportive of healthy turf. A shorter growing season of 3,831 degree days means you will spend less time mowing than neighbors to the south.

Managing Soil Acidity and Clay

Soil pH sits at 5.20, which is more acidic than the ideal 6.0 range but manageable with standard lime treatments. The 21.8% clay content is helpful for holding moisture during the warmest parts of the summer.

Consistently Low Drought Pressure

Drought is less of a concern here, with only 9 weeks of dry conditions recorded over the past year. Even though the area is currently 100% abnormally dry, the lack of severe drought history makes lawn recovery much faster.

Ideal Timing for Cool-Season Turf

The cooler Zone 7a climate is perfect for seeding cool-season grasses in the early spring. Aim to have your lawn established between the April 18th last frost and the October 24th first frost for the best results.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Campbell County's county score?
Campbell County, Tennessee has a composite county score of 50.9 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 Campbell County rank among counties in Tennessee?
Campbell County ranks #52 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 Campbell County, Tennessee?
The median annual property tax in Campbell County is $651, with an effective tax rate of 0.38%. This earns Campbell County a tax score of 94.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Campbell County?
The median household income in Campbell County, Tennessee is $50,260 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Campbell County earns an income score of 15/100 on CountyScore.
Is Campbell County, Tennessee a good place to live?
Campbell County scores 50.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #52 in Tennessee. The best way to evaluate Campbell 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 Campbell 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.