countyscore
61.6
County Score
Property Tax 91.5Safety 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.

2040608010091.56286.222.938.332.277.18659.5Tax91.5Cost62Safety86.2Health22.9Schools38.3Income32.2Risk77.1Water86Weather59.561.6/100
This county
National avg
5 above average3 below average

Cannon County DNA

Doverall

How Cannon County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Cannon County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Property Tax (91.5/100) but notably weak in Health (22.9/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
91.5+39.5
Cost
62+14
Safety
86.2+31.200000000000003
Health
22.9-27.1
Schools
38.3-15.700000000000003
Income
32.2-18.799999999999997
Risk
77.1+30.099999999999994
Water
86+28
Weather
59.5
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Compare mortgage rates in Cannon County

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

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$252,000

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$908/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$252,000/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$36,320/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum4.2x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $59,443/yr
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Economic & Education Snapshot

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Deep Dives

Cannon County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cannon County's county score?
Cannon County, Tennessee has a composite county score of 61.6 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 #9 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 $1,073, with an effective tax rate of 0.43%. This earns Cannon County a tax score of 91.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Cannon County?
The median household income in Cannon County, Tennessee is $59,443 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Cannon County earns an income score of 32.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Cannon County, Tennessee a good place to live?
Cannon County scores 61.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #9 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 Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.