countyscore
44.7
County Score
Cost of Living 84.3Property Tax 82.9Weather & Climate 70.4

County Report Card

About Carter County, Tennessee

Trailing the National Median

Carter County posts a composite score of 44.7, which sits below the national median of 50.0. This indicates several areas where the county lags behind the average American livability standard.

Below the Tennessee Benchmark

The county's overall score of 44.7 falls short of the Tennessee state average of 51.3. It currently ranks in the lower tier of counties across the state in terms of overall composite performance.

Affordability and Low Tax Burdens

Carter County shines in financial categories with a cost score of 84.3 and a tax score of 82.9. An effective tax rate of just 0.530% makes it one of the more tax-friendly locations in the region.

Focusing on Community Safety

The most significant challenge is a safety score of 1.1, which is notably lower than state and national norms. Additionally, the income score of 11.8 reflects a median household income of $48,435.

Ideal for Budget-Conscious Residents

Carter County is a strong fit for those who value low property taxes and affordable rent, which averages just $738. It appeals most to residents who are willing to trade high-tech amenities for financial breathing room.

Score breakdown

Tax82.9Cost84.3Safety1.1Health22.6Schools38.4Income11.8Risk36.8Water62Weather70.4
🏛82.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠84.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼11.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡1.1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤22.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓38.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡36.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧62
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤70.4
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨30
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱49.2
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

Mitchell County
North Carolina
70.9
Avery County
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60.2
Unicoi County
Tennessee
59.5
Sullivan County
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Washington County
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Johnson County
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Watauga County
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Bristol city
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41.6

Deep Dives

Carter County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Carter County

via TaxByCounty

Carter taxes below national norms

Carter County's 0.530% effective rate sits comfortably below the national average, making it attractive for property owners seeking lower tax burdens. The median tax of $833 annually represents less than 31% of the national median of $2,690, reflecting both the county's lower tax rate and smaller home values.

In line with Tennessee average

Carter County's 0.530% effective rate essentially matches Tennessee's state average of 0.511%, placing it squarely in the middle of the tax landscape. This consistency means homeowners here face tax pressures similar to the broader state, neither penalized nor favored.

Competitive among regional peers

At 0.530%, Carter County's rate is lower than Carroll County (0.663%) but slightly higher than Claiborne County (0.492%) just to the southwest. For a median home value of $157,200, this rate balances affordability with regional competitiveness.

Monthly tax costs in Carter

On a median home value of $157,200, Carter County homeowners pay roughly $833 annually in property taxes—about $69 per month. With a mortgage, escrow payments typically rise to $867, reflecting lender requirements.

Appeal if taxes feel too high

Carter County homeowners should verify that assessed values reflect true market conditions, as overassessment is a common issue. The county assessor's office accepts appeals during designated periods, and many property owners successfully reduce their tax obligations by providing recent appraisals or comparable sales data.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Carter County

via CostByCounty

Carter's rent gobbles 18.3% of income

Carter County renters dedicate 18.3% of household income to rent, exceeding the national benchmark by roughly 3 percentage points. While still manageable, this ratio signals that affordable housing is tighter here than in the nation overall, and tighter than many Tennessee counties.

Above average affordability pressure

Carter County's rent-to-income ratio of 18.3% ranks it among the less affordable counties in Tennessee, sitting 0.7 points above the state average of 17.6%. The county's median income of $48,435 is one of the lowest in the state, making housing costs bite harder relative to earnings.

Cheaper rents, but lower wages too

Carter's median rent of $738 undercuts the state average and rivals nearby Cocke County ($787), yet the county's below-average median income means renters feel proportionally more strain. Homebuyers face similar challenges: while the $157,200 median home value is reasonable, financing it on $48,435 in annual household income demands careful budgeting.

Housing consumes growing share

The typical Carter household earns just $48,435 annually and pays $738 in monthly rent or $542 for ownership. That means renters commit 18.3% of gross income to housing, while homeowners spend roughly 13.4%—both manageable individually, but together they paint a picture of modest earnings stretched across multiple obligations.

Expect tight affordability here

Carter County offers low rents and reasonable home prices, but only if you have steady income; wages here lag state and national averages. If you're relocating, compare salary prospects carefully against what you'd earn in higher-cost metro areas before committing to the move.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Carter County

via IncomeByCounty

Carter County lags far behind national earnings

Carter County's median household income of $48,435 falls short of the U.S. median of $74,755 by roughly $26,300, or 35%. The county ranks among America's lower-income communities, reflecting limited job opportunities and wage stagnation in the region.

Near the bottom statewide in Tennessee

At $48,435, Carter County ranks among Tennessee's lowest-earning counties, trailing the state average of $58,994 by $10,559. Only a handful of Tennessee counties earn less, underscoring persistent economic challenges in this Appalachian area.

Lowest earners in a struggling region

Carter County's $48,435 median income ranks it among the weakest in East Tennessee, slightly below Cocke County ($48,416) and well behind Chester County ($60,543). The county faces steeper income challenges than most of its neighbors.

Rent is manageable but wages are tight

An 18.3% rent-to-income ratio keeps housing costs reasonable, yet Carter County's low overall earnings strain household budgets across other necessities. Residents spend proportionally more on food, transportation, and healthcare than higher-earning Tennessee counties.

Invest in skills and savings

Carter County workers should prioritize skill-building through community colleges and vocational training—investments that historically raise earning potential. Start small with automatic savings programs; even $50 monthly compounds meaningfully over decades.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Carter County

via CrimeByCounty

Carter County Faces Unique Safety Challenges

Carter County holds a safety score of 89.9, which sits below the national average for security. Its total crime rate of 6,396.2 per 100,000 residents is more than double the national average of 2,385.5.

Crime Rates Exceed State Averages

The county reports a total crime rate significantly higher than the Tennessee average of 1,785.6. Despite these figures, local law enforcement across three reporting agencies continues to monitor and address regional safety needs.

Carter Compared to Regional Neighbors

Carter County sees more reported activity than neighbors like Cocke County, which has a total crime rate of 2,741.4. This elevated frequency of reports suggests a higher density of local incidents requiring public attention.

Property Crime Drives Local Statistics

Property crime is the primary driver here, reaching 5,684.1 per 100,000, while violent crime sits at 712.1. These numbers indicate that roughly 1 in 18 residents could be affected by property-related incidents annually.

Fortify Your Home Against Property Theft

Higher property crime rates make home security systems and neighborhood watch programs vital tools for local families. Strengthening physical barriers and visibility around your home remains the best defense against theft.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Carter County

via HealthByCounty

Carter exceeds national life expectancy

At 72.7 years, Carter County residents live slightly longer than the U.S. average of 76.4 years but fall short by about 3.7 years overall. The county's 23.6% poor or fair health rate is better than the national average of 17%, but still indicates significant health challenges. While Carter shows relative strength in longevity, room for improvement remains.

Just above Tennessee's average

Carter's 72.7-year life expectancy edges out Tennessee's state average of 72.4 years by 0.3 years, placing it in the middle of the state's health rankings. However, its 13.4% uninsured rate significantly exceeds the state average of 11.9%, meaning nearly 1 in 8 residents lack coverage. Insurance gaps likely undermine otherwise-stable health outcomes.

Middle of the pack locally

Carter's 72.7-year life expectancy matches Chester County's but trails better-performing neighbors like Cheatham (72.3 years—note: Cheatham's lower rate reflects different data). The county's 30 primary care providers per 100,000 residents tie it with Chester as the lowest among peers. Stronger mental health support at 68 per 100K provides a relative advantage in behavioral health access.

Insurance coverage lags, access is thin

With 13.4% of residents uninsured—above the state average—Carter faces coverage headwinds that discourage preventive care. The county has just 30 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, the lowest among nearby counties, creating potential bottlenecks for routine checkups. Mental health providers at 68 per 100K offer better-than-average behavioral health access, but primary care shortages remain a concern.

Close the gap: Get insured now

Carter's higher-than-average uninsured rate makes it especially important for residents to check healthcare.gov or contact TennCare for enrollment. Even basic coverage unlocks preventive services, doctor visits, and medications that keep chronic conditions manageable. Don't let insurance gaps prevent you from getting the care you deserve.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Carter County

via SchoolsByCounty

Serving Thousands Across Two Major Districts

Carter County supports 7,502 students across 21 public schools, including 12 elementary and six high schools. Two main districts manage this network, which features an average school size of 357 students.

Investment and Results in East Tennessee

With an 89.3% graduation rate, the county exceeds national benchmarks but trails the Tennessee state average of 93.3%. Per-pupil expenditure sits at $6,716, which is higher than the state average but well below the national median of $13,000.

Spotlight on Carter County and Elizabethton

The Carter County district is the largest provider, serving 4,764 students across 16 schools. The Elizabethton district manages another five schools, including the county’s largest campus, Elizabethton High School, with 863 students.

A Suburb-Heavy Educational Landscape

Most schools in the county are located in suburban areas, providing a blend of neighborhood accessibility and larger student populations. The landscape ranges from Elizabethton High to smaller rural campuses, catering to various family preferences.

Relocate Near High-Performing Suburban Schools

The diverse mix of suburban and rural schools makes Carter County a flexible choice for homebuyers. Exploring properties near Elizabethton or Hampton allows families to find the right educational fit for their children.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Carter County

via RiskByCounty

Carter County's risk exceeds state average

Carter County's composite risk score of 63.17 places it above Tennessee's state average of 52.45, signaling above-average vulnerability to multiple hazard types. The county experiences a relatively low overall rating despite this score, reflecting Tennessee's generally elevated disaster exposure across most regions.

Mid-range risk among Tennessee counties

Carter County ranks in the middle-upper range of Tennessee's 95 counties by composite risk, driven significantly by flood and wildfire vulnerabilities. The county's position reflects its mountainous terrain in East Tennessee, where water and forest hazards converge.

Higher flood risk than neighboring Cocke County

Carter County's flood risk of 77.39 substantially exceeds that of adjacent Cocke County (68.48), despite both counties sitting in the Appalachian region. Its wildfire risk of 60.78 similarly exceeds Cocke County's 61.77, placing Carter in a notably vulnerable position for water and forest hazards.

Floods and wildfires pose primary threats

Flood risk dominates at 77.39 and wildfire risk at 60.78, both substantially above Tennessee's state average and reflecting the county's mountain valleys and forested terrain. Earthquake risk (70.58) and tornado risk (45.42) remain secondary concerns but still warrant preparedness planning.

Flood insurance is non-negotiable here

Carter County's 77.39 flood risk makes federal flood insurance not just recommended but critical—particularly for properties in valley areas or near waterways. Defensible space management around your home (clearing dead vegetation and branches) is equally important given the county's 60.78 wildfire risk.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Carter County

via WeatherByCounty

Temperate Mountain Air Above National Medians

Carter County averages 55.9°F annually, which is slightly warmer than the national median but cool for the South. The higher elevation provides a break from the intense heat found in lower-lying states.

One of Tennessee's Cooler Regions

At 55.9°F, the county is notably cooler than the state average of 58.1°F. It is also drier than most of the state, receiving 48.0 inches of rain compared to the Tennessee average of 55.9 inches.

Lower Heat Risk Than Central Tennessee

The county sees only 18 extreme heat days per year, far fewer than the 54 days seen in Cheatham County. Its 6.0 inches of annual snowfall is nearly double that of many western neighbors.

Mild Summers and Crisp Winters

Summer averages are a comfortable 73.1°F, and July rarely becomes oppressive with an average of 74.5°F. Winters are cold but not extreme, averaging 38.1°F from December through February.

Gear Up for Outdoor Recreation

The 18 extreme heat days mean heavy air conditioning is less critical than in the rest of Tennessee. Residents should prepare for 6.0 inches of snow with basic winter tires and insulated layers.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Carter County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Sandy Loams in Carter

Carter County's Entisols represent young, less developed soils with a notable fine sandy loam texture. The average pH of 4.37 is significantly more acidic than the national median of 6.5, marking it as one of the state's more challenging environments.

Light Texture and Aeration

A balanced mix of 34.3% sand and 32.8% silt makes these soils physically workable, though the 13.1% clay content is relatively low. This composition allows for decent aeration but may struggle with structural stability under heavy use.

Impressive Organic Reserves

Despite a low water capacity of 0.126 in/in, the organic matter content is an impressive 6.47%, far surpassing the state average of 2.44%. This high organic load provides excellent nutrient potential if the acidity is managed properly.

Navigating Poor Drainage

These soils are poorly drained and fall into the B/D hydrologic group, suggesting frequent saturation and high runoff risk. Growers should prioritize raised beds or drainage improvements to prevent root rot in this wet environment.

Hardy Crops for Zone 7a

Located in hardiness zone 7a, Carter County supports hardy perennials and acid-loving shrubs like blueberries or rhododendrons. While the soil score is 30.0, the rich organic content offers a great starting point for dedicated gardeners.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Carter County

via LawnByCounty

Carter County's Moderate Lawn Care Climate

A lawn difficulty score of 49.2 puts Carter County right in line with the Tennessee state average of 48.0. Residents in this Zone 7a area enjoy slightly easier conditions than the national median of 50.0.

Mild Summers and Ideal Precipitation Levels

At 48.0 inches of annual precipitation, the county sits perfectly within the ideal range for healthy turf. With only 18 extreme heat days per year—half the state average—lawns here face much less thermal stress than neighboring counties.

Correcting Highly Acidic Sandy Loam

The soil pH of 4.37 is exceptionally acidic and requires significant lime amendments to reach the healthy 6.0 target. Poorly drained fine sandy loam makes aeration and soil testing essential for preventing root rot and nutrient lockout.

Battling Severe Drought Conditions

Carter County faced 30 weeks of drought last year, with 66.6% of the area currently experiencing severe drought or worse. This makes water conservation critical, so prioritize watering high-visibility areas during these prolonged dry periods.

Seeding for Success in Zone 7a

Tall Fescue is a top choice here because it thrives in the cooler 3,772 growing degree day environment. Aim to finish your spring planting after the last frost on April 19th to ensure the best establishment.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Carter County's county score?
Carter County, Tennessee has a composite county score of 44.7 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 Carter County rank among counties in Tennessee?
Carter County ranks #79 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 Carter County, Tennessee?
The median annual property tax in Carter County is $833, with an effective tax rate of 0.53%. This earns Carter County a tax score of 82.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Carter County?
The median household income in Carter County, Tennessee is $48,435 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Carter County earns an income score of 11.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Carter County, Tennessee a good place to live?
Carter County scores 44.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #79 in Tennessee. The best way to evaluate Carter 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 Carter 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.