Cheatham County leads on income, trails on overall score
Cheatham County's composite score of 71.4 still surpasses the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 71st percentile nationally. While competitive, this score masks an unusually strong income profile compared to most U.S. counties.
2 / 5
Below Tennessee's average but distinctive
Cheatham County's score of 71.4 falls slightly below Tennessee's state average of 76.3, ranking it in the lower-middle tier statewide. However, its income performance tells a different story than most other Tennessee counties.
3 / 5
Higher incomes and low tax rates stand out
Cheatham County's income score of 36.9 reflects a median household income of $82,015—significantly higher than most Tennessee counties and the state average. Its tax score of 88.0 with an effective rate of 0.507% adds to the financial advantage for earning households.
4 / 5
Housing costs rising, data gaps remain
Cheatham County's cost score of 67.5 is the lowest dimension, driven by median home values of $291,400 and rents of $1,274 monthly—substantially higher than surrounding areas. Safety, health, schools, and water quality data are still being finalized.
5 / 5
Suited for higher-earning families seeking quality
Cheatham County attracts professional households with solid incomes who can afford premium housing and value tax efficiency. Families relocating for jobs, established professionals, and dual-income households will find this county's income and tax profile most appealing.
Cheatham County leads on income, trails on overall score
Cheatham County's composite score of 71.4 still surpasses the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 71st percentile nationally. While competitive, this score masks an unusually strong income profile compared to most U.S. counties.
Below Tennessee's average but distinctive
Cheatham County's score of 71.4 falls slightly below Tennessee's state average of 76.3, ranking it in the lower-middle tier statewide. However, its income performance tells a different story than most other Tennessee counties.
Higher incomes and low tax rates stand out
Cheatham County's income score of 36.9 reflects a median household income of $82,015—significantly higher than most Tennessee counties and the state average. Its tax score of 88.0 with an effective rate of 0.507% adds to the financial advantage for earning households.
Housing costs rising, data gaps remain
Cheatham County's cost score of 67.5 is the lowest dimension, driven by median home values of $291,400 and rents of $1,274 monthly—substantially higher than surrounding areas. Safety, health, schools, and water quality data are still being finalized.
Suited for higher-earning families seeking quality
Cheatham County attracts professional households with solid incomes who can afford premium housing and value tax efficiency. Families relocating for jobs, established professionals, and dual-income households will find this county's income and tax profile most appealing.
Score breakdown
5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.
🏛88
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
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.
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.
At 72.3 years, Cheatham County's life expectancy trails the U.S. average of 76.4 years by 4.1 years, but the county is competitive within Tennessee. Cheatham's 17.2% poor or fair health rate matches the national average, indicating health status on par with much of America. This consistency suggests that while Cheatham has work to do, it's not an outlier regionally.
Among Tennessee's healthiest counties
Cheatham ranks at the state average for life expectancy (72.3 vs. 72.4 years) and uninsured rate (11.9%), making it one of Tennessee's more balanced health profiles. The county's strong primary and mental health provider numbers boost its standing. For a rural Tennessee county, Cheatham performs solidly across key health indicators.
Clear health advantage over peers
Cheatham's 72.3-year life expectancy matches state average, but its 17.2% poor or fair health rate is the lowest among nearby counties like Carroll (24.5%) and Clay (24.8%). With 58 primary care and 88 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, Cheatham boasts the strongest health infrastructure among local peers. This combination gives residents a measurable advantage.
Strong access, aligned with state average
Cheatham's 11.9% uninsured rate matches the state average, and the county delivers robust primary care with 58 providers per 100K—well above many neighbors. Mental health providers at 88 per 100K rank among the highest in the region, supporting behavioral health access. These resources translate into better-than-average preventive care and early intervention capacity.
Keep coverage strong, stay covered
If you're one of Cheatham's uninsured residents, visit healthcare.gov to explore coverage options and join the majority of neighbors with insurance. If you're already covered, maintain your policies and use preventive services—checkups, screenings, and dental care—to keep Cheatham's health momentum strong. Continuity of coverage and care access build better health outcomes over time.
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.