countyscore
63.5
County Score
Property Tax 88Safety 86.2Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About Cannon County, Tennessee

Cannon County is a National Standout

Cannon County boasts a high composite score of 63.5, significantly outperforming the national median of 50.0. This score places it among the more desirable counties in the country for overall quality of life.

Top-Tier Performance in Tennessee

With a 63.5 score, Cannon County is well above the Tennessee average of 51.3. It offers a superior lifestyle profile compared to many of its state counterparts.

Exceptional Safety and Low Risk

Cannon County shines with a safety score of 86.2 and a risk score of 77.1. Combined with a tax score of 88.0, it offers a secure and fiscally conservative environment for its residents.

Healthcare Access and Income Growth

The health score is relatively low at 22.9, suggesting that medical services may be limited within county lines. The income score of 33.0 indicates that local wages are still catching up to the state's faster-growing regions.

The Ultimate Choice for Safety-Minded Families

Cannon County is the premier destination for those prioritizing safety and a sense of security. It balances high quality of life with affordable rent of $781, making it a hidden gem for growing families.

204060801008873.786.222.938.33377.18659.5Tax88Cost73.7Safety86.2Health22.9Schools38.3Income33Risk77.1Water86Weather59.563.5/100
This county
National avg
5 above average3 below average

Cannon County DNA

D+overall

How Cannon County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Cannon County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Property Tax (88/100) but notably weak in Health (22.9/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
88+36
Cost
73.7+25.700000000000003
Safety
86.2+31.200000000000003
Health
22.9-27.1
Schools
38.3-15.700000000000003
Income
33-18
Risk
77.1+30.099999999999994
Water
86+28
Weather
59.5
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$227,600

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$781/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$227,600/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$31,240/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.9x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $58,092/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

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

Dade County
Georgia
Median income: $58,936
63.5
Lincoln County
Kentucky
Median income: $50,862
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Ontonagon County
Michigan
Median income: $51,844
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Mora County
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Median income: $50,178
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Fremont County
Idaho
Median income: $72,767
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Whitley County
Indiana
Median income: $75,790
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Humboldt County
Iowa
Median income: $66,994
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Hart County
Kentucky
Median income: $49,653
63.6

Nearby counties

DeKalb County
Tennessee
51.5
Warren County
Tennessee
50.6
Rutherford County
Tennessee
43.4
Coffee County
Tennessee
44
Wilson County
Tennessee
50.8
Smith County
Tennessee
50.5
Bedford County
Tennessee
40.8
White County
Tennessee
57.9

Deep Dives

Cannon County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Cannon County

via TaxByCounty

Cannon keeps taxes well below national rates

Cannon County's 0.479% effective rate sits roughly 44% below the national average of around 0.85%, delivering substantial tax relief. The median tax of $1,091 represents just 41% of the national median of $2,690, reflecting Tennessee's favorable property tax climate.

Below Tennessee's state average

Cannon County's 0.479% effective rate falls below Tennessee's state average of 0.511%, placing it among the state's more affordable counties. The median tax of $1,091 sits 7% above the state median of $1,016 due to a median home value of $227,600.

Among the region's lowest tax counties

Cannon County's 0.479% rate ranks among the lowest in this eight-county set, beating Anderson County (0.618%) and Bradley County (0.509%). It offers a tax-friendly profile for Middle Tennessee.

Median home costs about $1,091 yearly

A typical Cannon County home valued at $227,600 generates an annual tax of approximately $1,091. The rate remains remarkably consistent across mortgage situations, ranging from $1,075 to $1,114.

Assessment appeals strengthen your savings

Cannon County homeowners often discover their assessments haven't kept pace with local market conditions, creating opportunities for appeals. If your property valuation seems out of step with recent comparable sales, challenging it could yield additional tax relief.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Cannon County

via CostByCounty

Cannon leads Tennessee on affordability

Cannon County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.1% is the lowest in this entire survey and beats the national median by roughly 1.4 percentage points. With a median household income of $58,092 and modest $781 rent, Cannon delivers genuine affordability relief relative to the US baseline.

Best rent-to-income ratio statewide

Cannon's 16.1% rent-to-income ratio substantially outperforms Tennessee's 17.6% state average, placing it among the state's most affordable counties. The combination of $781 rent and the county's moderate income creates the survey's strongest affordability position.

Modest rents, premium home values

Cannon's $781 median rent sits between rural county lows and Anderson's $960, while the $227,600 median home value ranks among the highest in this survey. This suggests a market attracting homebuyers seeking suburban stability rather than deep-discount rural housing.

Affordability strength spans both tenures

Cannon renters spend just 16.1% of their $58,092 income on $781 rent, while homeowners spend 12.9% on $627 monthly ownership costs. Both tenure options remain highly affordable relative to income, making Cannon accessible for renters and buyers alike.

Top choice for balanced affordability

Cannon County offers the survey's best rent-to-income balance and exceptional homeownership affordability at just $627 monthly. Anyone seeking reliable, wallet-friendly Tennessee housing with genuine breathing room should prioritize Cannon County alongside Blount for employment prospects.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Cannon County

via IncomeByCounty

Cannon moderately below national mark

Cannon County's median household income of $58,092 trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by 22.3%, a gap of $16,663. The county represents lower-middle-income America, typical of rural Tennessee but below national prosperity levels.

Near Tennessee's state average

Cannon County's $58,092 sits almost exactly at Tennessee's state median of $58,994, making it a representative Volunteer State household. Per capita income of $29,745 slightly trails the state average of $31,458, suggesting some income concentration.

Mid-tier performer in the region

Cannon's $58,092 exceeds Campbell ($50,260), Benton ($50,435), and Bledsoe ($49,655), but lags Anderson ($63,171), Bradley ($63,789), and Blount ($74,607). The county sits in the regional middle, reflecting its mixed rural-agricultural character.

Best housing affordability in the group

Cannon County boasts the lowest rent-to-income ratio at 16.1%, well below the 30% affordability standard and the lowest in this eight-county group. With median home values of $227,600, housing costs consume a smaller share of income here than almost anywhere in the region.

Leverage housing affordability for savings

Cannon households earning $58,092 benefit from the county's exceptional housing affordability—the lowest rent-to-income ratio here. Direct savings from lower housing burden toward retirement accounts and investments to build long-term wealth and security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Cannon County

via CrimeByCounty

Cannon County Among the Nation's Safest

With a safety score of 99.5, Cannon County is exceptionally secure. Its total crime rate of 310.7 per 100K is a tiny fraction of the national average of 2,385.5.

A Safety Leader in Tennessee

Cannon’s crime rate is roughly 80% lower than the Tennessee average of 1,785.6 per 100K. Two reporting agencies handle the very low volume of incidents in the county.

Unmatched Security Compared to Neighbors

The county is significantly safer than Bedford County, which sees over 1,800 crimes per 100K. It stands out as a peaceful haven within the Middle Tennessee region.

Minimal Risk for Violent and Property Crime

Violent crime is nearly non-existent at 20.7 per 100K, while property crime is also very low at 290.0. Residents here face some of the lowest crime risks in the United States.

Maintaining a Quiet, Secure Home

While crime is rare, basic home security habits like using smart locks are still valuable. Keeping your property well-maintained helps preserve the county's high standard of safety.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Cannon County

via SchoolsByCounty

Intimate Educational Network in Cannon

Cannon County maintains a streamlined system of five public schools serving 1,865 students. This compact infrastructure consists of three elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school.

Targeted Education with High Grad Rates

Students in Cannon County achieve a 92.0% graduation rate, outpacing the national average of 87%. The county’s per-pupil spending of $5,765 is lower than the state average but supports a solid academic foundation.

Unified District Management in Cannon

One unified district manages all 1,865 students in the county with zero charter schools in operation. Cannon County High School is the primary secondary institution, serving 544 students.

Town-Centered Schools with Small Classes

Three of the five schools are located in town settings, while two are rural, creating a close-knit learning environment. The average school size is just 373 students, ensuring a personalized educational experience for most learners.

Quiet Living with Strong School Results

Cannon County's smaller school sizes and high graduation rates make it an attractive spot for families seeking a quieter pace. Explore homes near Woodbury to take advantage of the county's centralized town-based schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Cannon County

via RiskByCounty

Cannon County's Nationally Low Risk

Cannon County scores 22.90 on composite natural disaster risk, earning a Very Low rating far below the national average. The county's exceptionally low flood (39.47), wildfire (4.17), and hurricane (27.20) exposure creates one of Tennessee's safest natural hazard profiles.

Cannon County Among Tennessee's Safest

Cannon County's 22.90 score is the lowest in Tennessee, well below the state average of 52.45. Only Bledsoe County (24.14) approaches Cannon's exceptional safety standing, making both western counties standout exceptions in Tennessee's risk landscape.

Comparing Risk to Neighbors

Cannon County's 22.90 score rivals Bledsoe County (24.14) as Tennessee's safest, creating a dramatic contrast with nearby Bedford County (69.24) and Campbell County (58.02). The county's central position shields it from mountain-region seismic and wildfire hazards affecting eastern neighbors.

Your Biggest Natural Disaster Risks

Tornado risk (57.60) and earthquake exposure (53.05) represent Cannon County's primary natural hazards, while flood (39.47), hurricane (27.20), and wildfire (4.17) risks remain minimal. The county's low composite risk reflects geographic protection from multiple hazard types.

Protect Your Home in Cannon County

Cannon County residents should maintain standard tornado coverage through homeowners insurance and consider earthquake insurance as a prudent supplement given moderate seismic exposure. The county's exceptionally low flood and wildfire risks mean supplemental coverage in these areas is rarely necessary.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Cannon County

via WaterByCounty

Cannon County Maintains Perfect Water Compliance

Cannon County earns an A grade for its drinking water, recording zero health violations over the last five years. This 0.0 violation rate compares favorably to the Tennessee average of 34.6 per 100,000 residents. Local water systems are consistently providing safe, compliant water to the community.

Exceptional Watershed Health in Cannon County

Only 8.3% of the 48 assessed water bodies in Cannon County are considered impaired, one of the lowest rates in the state. The 2022 reporting cycle found that nutrients and E. coli are the only significant concerns. This is a remarkably clean result compared to the 30.2% Tennessee average.

Focused Biological Monitoring Across the County

While there are only 16 monitoring sites, they have produced a robust 3,117 measurements in the past five years. Researchers focus heavily on biological counts and nutrient levels to maintain the county's high water quality. This targeted approach provides high-quality data for the 48 assessed water bodies.

Real-Time Discharge Data is Not Available

Cannon County does not currently host a representative USGS streamgage for live flow monitoring. Despite the lack of live data, the county's extremely low impairment rate of 8.3% suggests stable water conditions. Residents can rely on the high historical water quality standards recorded by local agencies.

Preserve One of Tennessee’s Cleanest Watersheds

Cannon County has some of the healthiest water in the state, with over 91% of streams meeting all standards. To keep it this way, residents should continue to limit nutrient runoff from lawns and farms. Maintaining the county's A-grade compliance is easier when the source water remains so clean.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Cannon County

via WeatherByCounty

Warmer and Rainier Than the U.S. Median

Cannon County’s 58.4°F average temperature is over 3 degrees warmer than the national median. It is a high-precipitation county, receiving 57.6 inches of rain annually.

Slightly Above the Tennessee Temperature Average

Cannon is just 0.3 degrees warmer than the Tennessee state average. It receives nearly 2 inches more precipitation than the state norm of 55.9 inches.

The Regional Leader in Extreme Heat

Cannon faces 55 days of extreme heat, more than any other county in this group. While its annual average is similar to Anderson, its summer peaks are much more frequent.

Nearly Two Months of Extreme Heat

July averages 77.6°F, but the real story is the 55 days reaching 90°F or higher. Winters are mild at 40.3°F, though historical snowfall data for the county is limited.

Prepare for Prolonged Summer Heat Waves

Residents must maintain high-performance air conditioning to navigate the 55 days of extreme heat. Given the 57.6 inches of rain, keeping a waterproof emergency kit and clear drainage is also vital.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Cannon County

via SoilByCounty

Cannon’s Inceptisols and pH Profile

Cannon County is home to Inceptisols, specifically a flaggy clay texture that gives the soil a unique structure. The average pH of 5.60 is notably higher than the state average of 5.35, though still below the national 6.5 median.

A Silty and Substantial Mix

The soil contains 56.6% silt and 23.5% clay, making it heavy and capable of holding significant nutrients. Sand makes up only 19.9% of the profile, which can result in slower drainage during heavy rains.

Strong Soil Score for Local Farming

With a soil score of 43.8, Cannon County outperforms the state average of 38.5. Organic matter sits at 2.10%, and the available water capacity of 0.170 in/in is nearly identical to the Tennessee benchmark.

Well Drained with Slow Infiltration

The land is classified as well drained, yet it belongs to Hydrologic Group D. This combination means that while the surface may appear dry, the soil transmits water very slowly, increasing the risk of runoff.

Flourishing in Zone 7b

The high silt content and favorable soil score make Cannon County an excellent place for Zone 7b agriculture. From orchards to vegetable plots, the land is ready to support a diverse and productive garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Cannon County

via LawnByCounty

Cannon County's Balanced Growing Profile

Cannon County hits a score of 50.9, placing it right at the national average for lawn care difficulty. It is slightly easier to manage than the Tennessee state average of 48.0, despite high summer temperatures.

Dealing with Persistent Summer Heat

Homeowners face 55 days of temperatures over 90°F, which is much higher than the state average of 36. This heat creates a demanding environment that strongly favors warm-season grasses over cooler varieties.

Working with Well-Drained Flaggy Clay

The soil is a flaggy clay with a pH of 5.60, providing a sturdy but somewhat acidic foundation. Excellent drainage ensures that the 57.6 inches of annual rain won't drown your roots, even during heavy downpours.

Excellent Resilience Against Drought

The county is exceptionally resilient, having faced only 1 week of drought over the past year. While half the county is currently abnormally dry, the overall water stability is much better than most neighboring areas.

Choosing Heat-Tolerant Grasses

Bermuda or Zoysia are your best bets to survive the 55 extreme heat days each year. Start your lawn after the April 17th frost to take full advantage of the growing season before the October 21st freeze.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cannon County's county score?
Cannon County, Tennessee has a composite county score of 63.5 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 Cannon County rank among counties in Tennessee?
Cannon County ranks #7 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 Cannon County, Tennessee?
The median annual property tax in Cannon County is $1,091, with an effective tax rate of 0.48%. This earns Cannon County a tax score of 88/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Cannon County?
The median household income in Cannon County, Tennessee is $58,092 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Cannon County earns an income score of 33/100 on CountyScore.
Is Cannon County, Tennessee a good place to live?
Cannon County scores 63.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #7 in Tennessee. The best way to evaluate Cannon 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 Cannon 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.