countyscore
46.5
County Score
Water Quality 86Income & Jobs 85.8Property Tax 85.1

County Report Card

About Cheatham County, Tennessee

Under the National Median

Cheatham County carries a composite score of 46.5, placing it slightly below the national median of 50.0. While it has pockets of excellence, other dimensions pull the overall average down.

Behind the Tennessee Average

The county's 46.5 score is nearly five points lower than the Tennessee state average of 51.3. This gap is largely driven by housing costs that have risen faster than other local metrics.

High Earnings and Low Taxes

Cheatham County boasts a strong income score of 85.8 and a tax score of 85.1. Residents enjoy a high median household income of $82,015 alongside a very low effective tax rate of 0.507%.

Rising Costs and School Metrics

The cost score of 16.6 indicates significant housing pressure, with median home values reaching $291,400. School performance, with a score of 36.8, also presents an area for potential growth.

Best for Professional Commuters

This county is a premier choice for high-earning professionals who want to maximize their take-home pay through low taxes. It offers a high-income environment for those who can afford the local real estate market.

2040608010085.116.64139.136.885.853.78661.5Tax85.1Cost16.6Safety41Health39.1Schools36.8Income85.8Risk53.7Water86Weather61.546.5/100
This county
National avg
3 above average4 below average

Cheatham County DNA

Foverall

How Cheatham County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Cheatham County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Income (85.8/100) but notably weak in Cost of Living (16.6/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
85.1+33.099999999999994
Cost
16.6-31.4
Safety
41-14
Health
39.1-10.899999999999999
Schools
36.8-17.200000000000003
Income
85.8+34.8
Risk
53.7
Water
86+28
Weather
61.5
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$291,400

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,274/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$291,400/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$50,960/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.6x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $82,015/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

4.8

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
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Nearby counties

Dickson County
Tennessee
48.2
Davidson County
Tennessee
31.6
Montgomery County
Tennessee
37.4
Robertson County
Tennessee
43.5
Williamson County
Tennessee
60.7
Houston County
Tennessee
59.5
Sumner County
Tennessee
54.9
Hickman County
Tennessee
45.5

Deep Dives

Cheatham County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Cheatham County

via TaxByCounty

Cheatham's modest tax rate, higher homes

Cheatham County's 0.507% effective rate ranks well below the national average, but its median home value of $291,400 pushes annual taxes to $1,479—still well below the national median of $2,690. This county offers the rare combination of low rates and relatively strong property values.

Lowest-taxed county in Tennessee

At 0.507%, Cheatham County's effective rate matches the state average exactly, placing it among Tennessee's most tax-friendly counties. Its proximity to Nashville likely explains both the higher home values and competitive tax positioning.

Most affordable of the group

Cheatham County's 0.507% rate is the lowest among nearby counties, beating Carroll (0.663%), Clay (0.614%), and Coffee (0.606%). Despite higher median home values of $291,400, residents pay less annually than neighbors with comparable or lower property values.

Annual tax bill for median home

A median Cheatham home valued at $291,400 incurs roughly $1,479 in annual property taxes—about $123 per month. Mortgaged properties see escrow taxes rise to $1,526, reflecting both principal and servicer adjustments.

Verify your assessment value

Even in lower-tax counties, overassessment happens, and Cheatham homeowners should ensure their assessed values match recent market sales. An appeal costs nothing and can easily save hundreds annually if successful.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Cheatham County

via CostByCounty

Cheatham's higher income, higher costs

Cheatham County renters spend 18.6% of household income on rent—above the national average and higher than most Tennessee counties—yet this county boasts above-average median household income of $82,015. The elevated ratio reflects Cheatham's position as a growing suburban area where housing costs have climbed faster than incomes.

Premium pricing for proximity

With a rent-to-income ratio of 18.6%, Cheatham ranks among Tennessee's least affordable counties despite robust local incomes. The median rent of $1,274 is the highest among our eight-county sample and far exceeds the state average of $860, a premium driven largely by proximity to Nashville's expanding job market.

Clear price jump near Nashville

Cheatham's $1,274 median rent and $1,155 in owner costs dwarf nearby rural counties like Carroll ($757 rent) and Chester ($714 rent). The $291,400 median home value tells the story: Cheatham sits in Nashville's suburban orbit, where land values and development pressure have driven prices significantly higher.

Highest earners, highest housing bills

Cheatham's median household income of $82,015 leads our sample, yet residents still dedicate 18.6% to rent or 16.9% to mortgage payments. The higher absolute dollar amounts—$1,274 for rent, $1,155 for ownership—reflect the county's suburban character and proximity to Nashville's strong labor market.

Worth it if Nashville job awaits

Cheatham County offers the strongest incomes in this group and reasonable commute access to Nashville's job market, but housing costs are significantly higher. If you're relocating for a well-paying position, Cheatham provides suburban living; if you're income-flexible, cheaper rural alternatives await nearby.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Cheatham County

via IncomeByCounty

Cheatham County exceeds national income average

Cheatham County's median household income of $82,015 surpasses the U.S. median of $74,755 by nearly $7,300. The county ranks well above the national typical, placing it among Tennessee's most prosperous communities.

Top earner in Tennessee

At $82,015, Cheatham County's median household income towers over Tennessee's state average of $58,994 by $23,021—a 39% advantage. The county consistently ranks among Tennessee's highest-income counties, driven by proximity to Nashville and strong economic diversification.

Outearning peers across the region

Cheatham County's $82,015 median income dramatically exceeds Carroll County ($50,391) and Chester County ($60,543) nearby. The gap reflects Cheatham's stronger job market and suburban Nashville growth compared to more rural county neighbors.

Strong income supports higher home values

Though Cheatham County's 18.6% rent-to-income ratio remains healthy, median home values of $291,400 reflect robust local wealth. Residents earn enough to sustain higher housing costs while maintaining financial flexibility for savings and investment.

Leverage earnings for long-term wealth

Cheatham County's higher-than-average income positions households to maximize retirement contributions, diversify investments, and build substantial equity in home and property. Consider working with a financial advisor to optimize tax-advantaged accounts and grow wealth beyond simple savings.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Cheatham County

via CrimeByCounty

Cheatham County Maintains a Strong Safety Record

Cheatham County earns a safety score of 97.9, surpassing both the state and national safety benchmarks. At 1,342.7 crimes per 100,000 people, the county remains much safer than the national average of 2,385.5.

Ranking Above the Tennessee Average

The county stands out in Tennessee for its relatively low crime volume compared to the state average of 1,785.6. Residents enjoy a level of security that positions Cheatham as a safer alternative to more urbanized nearby counties.

Competitive Safety Among Local Neighbors

Cheatham's crime rate is similar to Carroll County (1,162.7) and remains significantly lower than state-wide figures. It provides a consistent buffer of safety for those living near the Nashville metropolitan area.

Violent Crime Remains Notably Low

The local breakdown shows 1,065.9 property crimes and 276.8 violent crimes per 100,000 residents. Violent crime in Cheatham is nearly 100 points lower than the national average of 369.8.

Vigilance Protects the Community

Maintaining this level of safety starts with securing your own property and reporting suspicious activity. Community awareness remains the primary deterrent for property crime in this quiet Tennessee county.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Cheatham County

via SchoolsByCounty

One Unified District for Cheatham County

Cheatham County consolidates its education into a single unified district serving 5,833 students. The infrastructure consists of 14 public schools, ranging from six elementary campuses to four high schools.

Graduation Success with Efficient Spending

The county’s 92.0% graduation rate remains five points higher than the national figure. Investment stands at $5,611 per pupil, which is lower than both the state average and the national $13,000 benchmark.

The Reach of Cheatham County Schools

Cheatham County Schools operates all 14 campuses in the area, ensuring consistent administration for the entire student body. There are no charter schools in the district, focusing resources on traditional public education.

A Countryside Feel with Growing Campuses

School life here is predominantly rural, with 10 campuses situated in countryside settings and four in town locales. Sycamore High School is the largest in the county with 712 students, while the average school size across the district is 417.

Invest in a Single-District Community

Families seeking a unified school system often find Cheatham County appealing for its consistent district-wide standards. Neighborhoods near Sycamore High or Pleasant View Elementary are popular targets for those valuing community-centered education.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Cheatham County

via RiskByCounty

Cheatham County sits below state average

Cheatham County's composite risk score of 46.28 falls meaningfully below Tennessee's state average of 52.45, placing it among the state's lower-risk counties. This relatively low rating reflects a more balanced hazard profile compared to higher-risk regions across the state.

Among Tennessee's safer counties

With a score of 46.28, Cheatham County ranks in the lower half of Tennessee's 95 counties by disaster risk, positioning residents in a comparatively safer environment. The county's modest exposure means fewer households face acute multi-hazard vulnerability.

Lower risk than most immediate neighbors

Cheatham County's 46.28 score is substantially lower than Carroll County's 72.81 to the east, though comparable to Chester County's 44.50 to the south. This variation reflects Cheatham's location between higher-risk East Tennessee regions and the lower-risk central plateau.

Tornadoes and earthquakes warrant attention

Tornado risk (66.98) and earthquake risk (79.80) represent Cheatham County's primary concerns, both elevated above the state average. Flood risk of 54.48 is moderate, while wildfire risk remains very low at 14.79, reflecting the county's transitional geography.

Focus on seismic and storm readiness

Cheatham County residents should prioritize earthquake insurance and a safe room or basement reinforcement to address the county's 79.80 earthquake and 66.98 tornado risks. Standard homeowners coverage typically suffices for the county's modest flood and wildfire threats.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Cheatham County

via WaterByCounty

Zero Violations for Cheatham Water Supplies

Cheatham County maintains an impressive Grade A for drinking water, reporting zero health violations over the last five years. This 0.0 violation rate is much lower than the Tennessee average of 34.6 per 100,000 residents. Local utilities consistently meet all federal safety standards for public consumption.

Excellent Watershed Health Outpaces State Average

Only 12.9% of the county's 70 assessed water bodies are impaired, which is significantly better than the state's 30.2% average. According to 2022 data, sedimentation and E. coli remain the primary environmental concerns. Despite these issues, the majority of local streams are meeting Clean Water Act standards.

Extensive Monitoring Footprint Tracks Water Trends

A network of 32 monitoring sites has generated 7,046 measurements over the last five years, focusing on physical and inorganic properties. This comprehensive dataset allows for precise tracking of water chemistry across the county. It represents a strong commitment to long-term environmental oversight.

Cumberland River Flow Drops to Seventeen Percent

The Cumberland River below Cheatham Dam is currently flowing at 3,970 cfs, a mere 17% of its long-term typical mean. This gauge reflects the status of a massive 14,163-square-mile drainage area that is seeing a severe water deficit. Such low discharge levels can impact navigation and aquatic habitat stability.

Guarding Against Sedimentation in Local Creeks

While drinking water is safe, residents should help maintain the county's healthy watersheds by controlling runoff from construction and agricultural sites. Current low flows in the Cumberland River can concentrate existing pollutants like E. coli. Protecting riparian zones helps ensure that Cheatham County's streams remain among the cleanest in the state.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Cheatham County

via WeatherByCounty

Significant Warmth Compared to National Median

Cheatham County’s average temperature of 58.9°F is nearly six degrees higher than the national median. This climate is defined by high humidity and consistent year-round warmth.

Warmer and Drier Than State Averages

The county runs warmer than the Tennessee average of 58.1°F. While the state averages 55.9 inches of rain, Cheatham receives slightly less at 50.8 inches annually.

An Epicenter for Extreme Heat

With 54 days of extreme heat annually, Cheatham is one of the hottest counties in the region. It experiences far more 90-degree days than neighbors like Carter or Coffee County.

Oppressive Summers and Damp Winters

July averages 78.8°F, contributing to a hot summer mean of 77.2°F. Winter snowfall is negligible at 1.4 inches, with temperatures staying mild at an average of 40.1°F.

Prioritize Cooling and Hydration

Robust HVAC systems are a necessity to handle nearly two months of extreme heat days. Snow gear is rarely needed given the minimal 1.4 inches of annual accumulation.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Cheatham County

via SoilByCounty

Middle Tennessee Soil Profile

While specific taxonomic data is limited, Cheatham County features an average pH of 5.57, which is slightly higher than the state average. This level remains more acidic than the 6.5 national median, typical for the region's wooded landscapes.

Dense Silty Mixtures

The soil is dominated by 58.8% silt and 20.1% clay, providing a dense but nutrient-rich medium for plant roots. With only 18.4% sand, this mix retains moisture well but requires careful management to avoid compaction.

Healthy Nutrient Foundations

Organic matter reaches a healthy 3.48%, comfortably beating the Tennessee average of 2.44%. The available water capacity of 0.177 in/in also sits just above the state mean, signaling high potential for consistent plant growth.

Strong Capability Score

While dominant drainage classes are not recorded here, the soil's high clay and silt content typically suggests moderate permeability. The county's impressive soil score of 53.0 reflects a landscape that supports both robust agriculture and vibrant local flora.

A Thriving Zone 7b Garden

Gardeners in hardiness zone 7b can enjoy a wide variety of vegetables and ornamental plants. The combination of high organic matter and good water retention makes this an excellent environment for a thriving backyard plot.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Cheatham County

via LawnByCounty

Cheatham County Matches State Averages

The lawn difficulty score of 48.1 exactly mirrors the Tennessee state average, though it remains slightly more challenging than the national median. Homeowners in this Zone 7b region must balance high heat with significant rainfall.

Intense Heat Signals Mowing Shifts

Cheatham County endures 54 extreme heat days annually, which is significantly higher than the state average of 36. This heat, paired with 50.8 inches of rain, often leads to rapid growth that requires frequent mowing to maintain health.

Adapting to Heavier Clay Soils

With a clay content of 20.1%, the soil tends to hold moisture longer but can become easily compacted. While specific drainage data is limited for the area, the 5.57 pH suggests your lawn would benefit from periodic liming to boost nutrient uptake.

Managing Abnormally Dry Conditions

The county experienced 15 weeks of drought over the last year, and 100% of the land currently ranks as abnormally dry. Utilizing mulch and keeping grass blades longer can help soil retain moisture during these 15-week cycles.

Targeting the Late April Grow Season

Given the 4,574 growing degree days, warm-season grasses like Bermuda perform exceptionally well here. Wait until after the last spring frost on April 13th to begin your lawn renovation or seeding projects.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cheatham County's county score?
Cheatham County, Tennessee has a composite county score of 46.5 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 Cheatham County rank among counties in Tennessee?
Cheatham County ranks #69 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 Cheatham County, Tennessee?
The median annual property tax in Cheatham County is $1,479, with an effective tax rate of 0.51%. This earns Cheatham County a tax score of 85.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Cheatham County?
The median household income in Cheatham County, Tennessee is $82,015 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Cheatham County earns an income score of 85.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Cheatham County, Tennessee a good place to live?
Cheatham County scores 46.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #69 in Tennessee. The best way to evaluate Cheatham 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 Cheatham County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & 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.