CountyScore

Carroll County

Tennessee · TN

#71 in Tennessee
68.1
County Score

County Report Card

About Carroll County, Tennessee

Carroll County scores well above the national norm

Carroll County's composite score of 76.3 significantly outpaces the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 76th percentile nationally. This means Carroll County offers livability conditions better than three-quarters of all U.S. counties.

Right at Tennessee's middle ground

Carroll County's score of 76.3 matches the Tennessee state average exactly, ranking it at the midpoint of Tennessee's overall livability landscape. This reflects a balanced profile compared to other counties across the state.

Low taxes and affordable housing lead the way

Carroll County excels in tax efficiency with a score of 83.6 and an effective tax rate of just 0.663%, paired with a cost score of 85.9 reflecting median home values of $122,100 and rents of $757 monthly. These two dimensions make Carroll County an attractive option for budget-conscious residents.

Income levels and key services need assessment

Carroll County's income score of 16.3 reflects a median household income of $50,391, indicating limited earning opportunities compared to state and national averages. We're still gathering data on safety, health, schools, and water quality to paint a complete livability picture.

Ideal for retirees and cost-conscious families

Carroll County suits people prioritizing affordability and low tax burdens over high incomes—think retirees on fixed budgets or families seeking small-town living with manageable housing costs. Once we gather complete health and safety data, we'll have an even clearer picture of long-term livability.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax83.6Cost85.9SafetyComing SoonHealth59.7SchoolsComing SoonIncome16.3Risk27.2WaterComing Soon
🏛83.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠85.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼16.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤59.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡27.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Carroll County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Calhoun County
Alabama
68.1
Median income: $55,826
Dallas County
Alabama
68.1
Median income: $36,810
Houston County
Alabama
68.1
Median income: $57,531
Pope County
Arkansas
68.1
Median income: $54,606
Summit County
Colorado
68.1
Median income: $106,255

Deep Dives

Carroll County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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