countyscore
53.8
County Score
Water Quality 86Cost of Living 79.5Property Tax 67.1

County Report Card

About Carroll County, Tennessee

Beating the National Median

Carroll County earns a composite score of 53.8, placing it above the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a quality of life that stands out favorably against half of the counties in the United States.

Above the Tennessee Average

With a score of 53.8, Carroll County performs better than the Tennessee state average of 51.3. It maintains a competitive position among its peers by balancing affordability with essential services.

Pristine Water and Low Costs

The county excels in water quality with a high score of 86.0 and affordability with a cost score of 79.5. Residents benefit from a low median home value of $122,100 and a modest effective tax rate of 0.663%.

Improving Income and Healthcare Access

The county faces hurdles in its income score of 15.3 and health score of 24.7. While cost of living is low, the median household income of $50,391 trails behind more urbanized neighbors.

A Haven for Practical Living

Carroll County is best suited for retirees or individuals who prioritize low housing costs and reliable infrastructure. Its high cost-of-living score makes it an ideal spot for those with fixed or remote incomes.

Score breakdown

Tax67.1Cost79.5Safety48.1Health24.7Schools54.2Income15.3Risk27.2Water86Weather65.2
🏛67.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠79.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼15.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡48.1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤24.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓54.2
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡27.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤65.2
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨38.7
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱38.6
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

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Weakley County
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Deep Dives

Carroll County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Carroll County

via TaxByCounty

Carroll's taxes rank low nationally

At 0.663%, Carroll County's effective tax rate runs well below the national median of roughly 0.85%, putting homeowners in a favorable position compared to most U.S. counties. The median property tax here is $809 annually—less than a third of the national median of $2,690—because home values are lower across the region.

Above average for Tennessee

Carroll County's 0.663% effective rate ranks above Tennessee's state average of 0.511%, placing it in the higher-taxed tier within the state. Despite the higher rate, median taxes of $809 remain modest due to the county's lower property values compared to wealthier Tennessee counties.

Higher taxes than nearby counties

Carroll's 0.663% rate exceeds neighboring Cheatham County (0.507%) and Chester County (0.539%), making it one of the pricier options in the region. However, its median home value of $122,100 keeps annual tax bills competitive with smaller, more rural neighbors like Claiborne County.

What your tax bill looks like

On Carroll's median home value of $122,100, the annual property tax runs about $809—or roughly $74 per month. Homeowners with mortgages typically see an escrow payment closer to $889 annually, slightly higher due to mortgage servicer adjustments.

You may be overassessed

Many Carroll County homeowners are unaware that assessed values sometimes exceed fair market value, leading to overpayment. If your property taxes seem too high relative to recent comparable sales, filing an appeal with the county assessor's office can often result in a reduction.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Carroll County

via CostByCounty

Rent takes 18% of Carroll income

Carroll County renters spend 18.0% of household income on rent, slightly above the national median of about 15%. This puts the county in modest territory—residents here dedicate a proportionally larger share to housing than the typical American, but remain below the danger zone of 30% that signals cost-of-living stress.

Slightly tighter than Tennessee average

At 18.0%, Carroll's rent-to-income ratio exceeds Tennessee's state average of 17.6%, marking it as marginally less affordable than peers statewide. The county's median rent of $757 runs nearly $100 below the state average of $860, but incomes here are also lower, explaining the slightly worse affordability picture.

Among the most affordable in region

Carroll County's $757 median rent undercuts nearby Coffee County ($885) and Cocke County ($787), making it one of the most budget-friendly rentals in this part of Tennessee. Owner costs tell a similar story: at $587/month, Carroll's mortgage burden is lower than most neighbors, appealing to would-be homebuyers on modest incomes.

Renters and owners find balance

The typical Carroll County household earns $50,391 annually and pays $757 in monthly rent or $587 for ownership costs. Whether renting or buying, housing consumes roughly 14–18% of gross income—sustainable for most families, though those earning closer to minimum wage will feel the pinch more acutely.

Consider Carroll for value

If you're relocating to Tennessee and prioritize affordability, Carroll County delivers below-state-average rents paired with median home values around $122,100. Compare it against Coffee County (higher rents) and nearby Nashville suburbs to find your sweet spot of cost and opportunity.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Carroll County

via IncomeByCounty

Carroll County earns 33% below the nation

Carroll County's median household income of $50,391 trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by nearly $24,000 annually. This income gap places Carroll among the lower-earning counties nationally, reflecting economic challenges common to rural Tennessee communities.

Below average for Tennessee

At $50,391, Carroll County's median income falls $8,603 short of Tennessee's state average of $58,994. The county ranks in the lower half of Tennessee's 95 counties, indicating limited wage growth compared to state peers.

Struggling alongside rural peers

Carroll County's $50,391 median income sits between similarly rural counties like Cocke County ($48,416) and Chester County ($60,543). Nearby Cheatham County ($82,015) demonstrates what stronger economic diversification can achieve in the region.

Housing remains affordable here

With an 18% rent-to-income ratio, Carroll County residents spend a manageable share of earnings on housing—well below the 30% threshold for affordability stress. A median home value of $122,100 aligns reasonably with local incomes, keeping homeownership within reach for many families.

Build financial security now

Carroll County households earning $50,391 can strengthen their future by prioritizing emergency savings and exploring low-cost investment vehicles like employer 401(k) matches or Roth IRAs. Even modest contributions compound over time, helping bridge the gap between local earnings and rising living costs.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Carroll County

via CrimeByCounty

Carroll County Outperforms National Safety Benchmarks

Carroll County achieves an impressive safety score of 98.2, significantly outpacing the Tennessee average. Its total crime rate of 1,162.7 per 100,000 residents is less than half the national average of 2,385.5.

A Top Performer for Tennessee Safety

The county ranks high for safety in Tennessee, where the average safety score is 97.2. With eight reporting agencies, the local data shows a consistent trend of maintaining lower crime levels than the state average of 1,785.6.

Local Comparison Shows Strong Security

Compared to nearby Chester County at 891.2 per 100K, Carroll reports a slightly higher crime rate but still remains well below the state benchmark. The county serves as a middle ground for safety in the West Tennessee region.

Low Violent Crime Rates Define the Area

Property crime accounts for the bulk of incidents at 937.2 per 100,000, while the violent crime rate remains low at 225.5. Residents are statistically much less likely to encounter violent crime here than in the average American community.

Simple Steps Enhance Local Security

Even in safe areas like Carroll, basic precautions protect against the property crimes that make up most local reports. Simple steps like installing motion-sensor lighting can further discourage opportunistic theft in your neighborhood.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Carroll County

via HealthByCounty

Carroll falls short on life expectancy

At 70.6 years, Carroll County residents live nearly 6 years less than the U.S. average of 76.4 years. The county's 24.5% poor or fair health rate exceeds the national average of 17%, signaling higher rates of chronic disease and preventable health challenges. These gaps suggest systemic barriers to wellness that demand attention.

Below Tennessee's health baseline

Carroll's 70.6-year life expectancy trails Tennessee's state average of 72.4 years by 1.8 years, placing it among the lower-performing counties. However, the county's 9.5% uninsured rate beats the state average of 11.9%, meaning more residents have insurance coverage. This paradox suggests that insurance access alone doesn't guarantee good health outcomes.

Struggling compared to peers

Carroll's 70.6-year life expectancy ranks below neighbors like Chester County (72.8 years) and Carter County (72.7 years). Yet Carroll does have slightly better primary care access with 35 providers per 100,000 residents than some neighbors like Carter (30 per 100K). The county faces more work to align its health outcomes with surrounding communities.

Insurance helps, but gaps remain

Carroll's 9.5% uninsured rate is lower than state average, but the county has only 35 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—enough to meet basic needs but not abundant. With mental health providers at 55 per 100K, residents have moderate access to behavioral health support. These resources matter, but geographic spread and transportation barriers likely complicate care access.

Explore your coverage options today

If you're among Carroll's uninsured residents or exploring better coverage, check healthcare.gov or contact the Tennessee Bureau of TennCare for enrollment assistance. Having insurance is a critical step toward preventive care, regular checkups, and early treatment that can extend and improve life. Your health journey starts with access.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Carroll County

via SchoolsByCounty

Carroll County’s Diverse Multi-District Network

Carroll County maintains a diverse educational infrastructure with 14 public schools, including five elementary and five high schools. Six distinct districts serve the local community, managing a total enrollment of 4,445 students.

High Graduation Rates Exceed National Benchmarks

The county achieves a strong 94.7% graduation rate, significantly outpacing the national average of 87%. While per-pupil spending of $6,404 is less than half the national average, the school score of 54.7 remains slightly above the Tennessee state average.

Huntingdon and McKenzie Lead the County

The Huntingdon Special School District and McKenzie lead the county, educating 1,335 and 1,288 students respectively. There are currently no charter schools operating within the county’s public system, which focuses on traditional district management.

A Small-Scale Rural Learning Environment

Education here has a distinct rural feel, with 12 of the 14 schools located in rural settings and an average school size of 318 students. McKenzie Elementary is the largest campus with 556 students, while the overall environment remains intimate and community-focused.

Find Your Home Near Top Rural Schools

Families prioritizing high graduation rates often look at Carroll County for its personalized school settings. Local real estate offers proximity to top-rated campuses like McKenzie Elementary and Huntingdon High School.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Carroll County

via RiskByCounty

Carroll County faces above-average disaster risk

With a composite risk score of 72.81, Carroll County ranks significantly higher than the national average and substantially above Tennessee's state average of 52.45. This relatively low rating masks concentrated vulnerabilities in specific hazard types that warrant attention from residents and policymakers.

Riskier than most Tennessee counties

Carroll County's score of 72.81 places it in the upper tier of Tennessee's 95 counties by disaster risk. The county's exposure is driven primarily by two hazard types that exceed state norms significantly.

Stands out among West Tennessee peers

Carroll County's 72.81 score substantially exceeds neighboring Chester County (44.50) and Cheatham County (46.28) to the west and south. However, it mirrors similar risk profiles to other rural West Tennessee counties facing comparable multi-hazard exposure.

Earthquakes and tornadoes dominate local hazards

Earthquake risk (94.40) and tornado risk (87.12) represent Carroll County's primary concerns, both well above the state average. Flood risk remains minimal at 27.23, while wildfire exposure is notably low at 20.20, making seismic and severe weather preparedness the county's top priorities.

Prioritize earthquake and storm coverage

Standard homeowners policies exclude earthquake damage, making separate earthquake insurance essential for Carroll County residents facing a 94.40 risk score. Additionally, comprehensive tornado and severe weather coverage—including basement safe rooms or reinforced structures—should be evaluated to protect against the county's 87.12 tornado risk.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Carroll County

via WeatherByCounty

Carroll County is Warmer Than National Averages

The county's average annual temperature of 59.1°F sits well above the national median. This reflects a humid subtropical climate characterized by long, warm summers.

Running Hotter than the Tennessee Average

Carroll County is roughly one degree warmer than the Tennessee state average of 58.1°F. While its temperature is higher, its 55.9 inches of annual precipitation matches the state average exactly.

A Rainy West Tennessee Staple

The county records 47 extreme heat days annually, which is significantly higher than many eastern neighbors. Its 55.9 inches of rain keeps the landscape lush compared to drier regions of the country.

Hot Summers and Very Little Snow

July temperatures average a sweltering 79.3°F, contributing to a summer average of 77.8°F. Winters are mild at 39.8°F, and the county sees only 3.3 inches of annual snowfall.

Prepare for Humid Heat and Rain

Residents should maintain efficient cooling systems to handle 47 days of temperatures reaching 90°F or higher. Light winter gear is sufficient for the modest 3.3 inches of snow typically recorded.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Carroll County

via SoilByCounty

Silty Alfisols in Carroll County

Carroll County's silt loam belongs to the Alfisols order, indicating a naturally fertile but acidic profile. The average pH of 5.27 sits well below the national median of 6.5, likely requiring lime for optimal crop growth.

A Silty Foundation for Farming

The soil consists of 63.0% silt and only 15.7% clay, creating a smooth texture that is easy to till. This silty mix offers a balanced foundation that holds moisture without becoming excessively heavy or difficult to work.

High Water Retention Potential

At 1.26%, organic matter levels trail the state average of 2.44%, suggesting a need for compost or cover crops. However, the available water capacity of 0.203 in/in exceeds the Tennessee average, meaning the soil retains moisture very effectively for thirsty plants.

Managing Water Infiltration

Classified as moderately well drained with a C/D hydrologic group, these fields manage water reasonably well but may face runoff challenges during heavy rains. Farmers and builders should account for this slower infiltration when planning site drainage.

Productive Gardening in Zone 7b

Hardiness zone 7b provides a long growing season for local favorites like soybeans and corn. With a soil score of 38.7, Carroll County is a solid spot for a productive home garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Carroll County

via LawnByCounty

Overcoming Maintenance Hurdles in Carroll County

With a lawn difficulty score of 38.6, maintaining a yard here is significantly tougher than the national median of 50.0. This Hardiness Zone 7b region faces unique challenges that put it well below the Tennessee state average score of 48.0.

High Heat and Heavy Rainfall Patterns

Carroll County sees 47 extreme heat days annually, which is much higher than the state average of 36 days. The 55.9 inches of annual precipitation exceeds the ideal lawn range, requiring careful management of 4,698 growing degree days.

Managing Silt Loam and Acidic Soil

The soil pH sits at 5.27, which is more acidic than the ideal 6.0 to 7.0 range for most turfgrass. While the silt loam texture and 15.7% clay provide moderate drainage, you will likely need lime applications to balance the acidity.

Staying Green Through 20 Weeks of Drought

The county spent 20 weeks in drought conditions over the past year, and currently, 100% of the area is abnormally dry. Focus on deep, infrequent watering during the morning hours to build root resilience against these recurring dry spells.

Spring Seeding After the April Frosts

Zone 7b is perfect for Bermuda or Zoysia grass, which can handle the intense summer heat. Plan to seed or sod after the final spring frost on April 2nd to give your lawn a full season to establish before October.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Carroll County's county score?
Carroll County, Tennessee has a composite county score of 53.8 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 Carroll County rank among counties in Tennessee?
Carroll County ranks #33 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 Carroll County, Tennessee?
The median annual property tax in Carroll County is $809, with an effective tax rate of 0.66%. This earns Carroll County a tax score of 67.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Carroll County?
The median household income in Carroll County, Tennessee is $50,391 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Carroll County earns an income score of 15.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Carroll County, Tennessee a good place to live?
Carroll County scores 53.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #33 in Tennessee. The best way to evaluate Carroll 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 Carroll County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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