countyscore
45.2
County Score
Cost of Living 86.8Property Tax 83.1Weather & 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.

2040608010083.186.81.122.638.412.136.86270.4Tax83.1Cost86.8Safety1.1Health22.6Schools38.4Income12.1Risk36.8Water62Weather70.445.2/100
This county
National avg
3 above average5 below average

Carter County DNA

Foverall

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

Carter County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (86.8/100) but notably weak in Safety (1.1/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
83.1+31.099999999999994
Cost
86.8+38.8
Safety
1.1-53.9
Health
22.6-27.4
Schools
38.4-15.600000000000001
Income
12.1-38.9
Risk
36.8-10.200000000000003
Water
62
Weather
70.4+14.400000000000006
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Carter County?

Many homeowners in Carter County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$168,200

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$739/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$168,200/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$29,560/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.4x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $50,135/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

17.7

per 100K

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
Compare Carter County with Cobb County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Cobb County
Georgia
Median income: $102,738
45.2
Kalkaska County
Michigan
Median income: $68,578
45.2
Coahoma County
Mississippi
Median income: $37,461
45.2
Burleigh County
North Dakota
Median income: $86,851
45.2
Latimer County
Oklahoma
Median income: $41,405
45.2
Lincoln County
Oklahoma
Median income: $62,216
45.2
Cocke County
Tennessee
Median income: $48,016
45.2
Dinwiddie County
Virginia
Median income: $83,704
45.2

Nearby counties

Mitchell County
North Carolina
69.4
Avery County
North Carolina
60.7
Unicoi County
Tennessee
58.5
Sullivan County
Tennessee
53.6
Washington County
Tennessee
55.6
Johnson County
Tennessee
61.2
Watauga County
North Carolina
54
Bristol city
Virginia
42

Deep Dives

Carter County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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

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

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 45.2 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 #77 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 $864, with an effective tax rate of 0.51%. This earns Carter County a tax score of 83.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Carter County?
The median household income in Carter County, Tennessee is $50,135 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Carter County earns an income score of 12.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Carter County, Tennessee a good place to live?
Carter County scores 45.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #77 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.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, 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.