countyscore
61.2
County Score
Water Quality 86Property Tax 81.7Cost of Living 77.1

County Report Card

About Chester County, Tennessee

Outperforming the National Median

Chester County achieves a composite score of 61.2, comfortably exceeding the national median of 50.0. It ranks as a highly competitive location on the national stage.

A State Leader in Livability

With a score of 61.2, Chester County significantly outperforms the Tennessee state average of 51.3. It stands out as one of the stronger performers in the state's rural-to-suburban landscape.

Reliable Resources and Safety

The county performs well in water quality (86.0) and tax burden (81.7), with an effective tax rate of 0.539%. Safety is another key asset, reflected in a score of 61.3.

Health Outcomes and Opportunity

Healthcare access remains a challenge with a score of 26.2, while the income score of 40.8 shows room for economic expansion. The median household income currently sits at $60,543.

A Choice for Young Families

Chester County is an excellent fit for families seeking a balance of safety, affordable housing, and decent schools. It provides a stable environment with a high overall quality of life.

Score breakdown

Tax81.7Cost77.1Safety61.3Health26.2Schools57Income40.8Risk55.5Water86Weather63.3
🏛81.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠77.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼40.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡61.3
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤26.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓57
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡55.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤63.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨26.1
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱38.1
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

McNairy County
Tennessee
54.6
Henderson County
Tennessee
53.1
Madison County
Tennessee
33.9
Hardeman County
Tennessee
40.7
Hardin County
Tennessee
46.3
Decatur County
Tennessee
57.1
Alcorn County
Mississippi
43.8
Carroll County
Tennessee
53.8

Deep Dives

Chester County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Chester County

via TaxByCounty

Chester County taxes below national average

With a 0.539% effective rate, Chester County falls below the national average and its $837 median annual tax is just 31% of the national median of $2,690. Smaller home values in this rural county contribute significantly to the low tax burden.

Slightly above Tennessee average

Chester County's 0.539% effective rate sits just above Tennessee's state average of 0.511%, placing it in the middle tier statewide. This modest premium reflects local budget needs while remaining reasonable by national standards.

Moderate tax rate regionally

Chester's 0.539% rate sits between lower-taxed neighbors like Cheatham (0.507%) and Claiborne (0.492%) and higher-taxed Carroll (0.663%). For a median home value of $155,200, it offers reasonable value compared to surrounding counties.

What Chester homeowners pay annually

On a median home value of $155,200, Chester County residents pay approximately $837 yearly in property taxes—about $70 per month. With a mortgage, escrow payments climb to $1,020, which may reflect lender impounds for insurance or other fees.

Challenge inflated assessments

Chester County homeowners should review their assessment notices carefully, as discrepancies between assessed and actual market value are common. Filing an appeal is straightforward and can result in significant annual savings if your property is overvalued.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Chester County

via CostByCounty

Chester stands out as affordable

Chester County renters spend just 14.2% of household income on rent, well below the national median and among the best affordability ratios in our eight-county sample. With a median household income of $60,543—respectable for rural Tennessee—Chester delivers genuine housing relief for budget-conscious movers.

Best affordability in the group

Chester's rent-to-income ratio of 14.2% ranks significantly below Tennessee's state average of 17.6%, making it one of the most affordable counties in the dataset. The combination of a lower-than-average rent of $714 and above-average household income of $60,543 creates a rare affordability sweet spot.

Genuinely cheaper living here

Chester's $714 median rent is the lowest among our sample alongside Clay County, while its $60,543 median income outpaces most rural peers. This double advantage—low rent plus decent wages—sets Chester apart from neighboring Claiborne ($736 rent) and Cocke ($787 rent) counties.

Housing leaves room in the budget

The typical Chester household earns $60,543 annually and pays $714 in monthly rent or $692 for ownership, consuming just 14.2% and 13.7% of gross income respectively. That efficiency is rare at this income level and means Chester residents have more breathing room for other necessities and savings.

Top choice for affordability seekers

If maximizing housing affordability is your priority, Chester County delivers genuine value: reasonable rents, solid incomes, and a rent-to-income ratio below the state average. Compare it to nearby rural counties to confirm commute feasibility, but Chester offers some of the best housing economics in this region.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Chester County

via IncomeByCounty

Chester County approaches national income standard

Chester County's median household income of $60,543 falls short of the U.S. median of $74,755 by roughly $14,200, or 19%. The county sits slightly below the national average, typical of many mid-sized rural Tennessee counties.

Near the middle of Tennessee earners

At $60,543, Chester County's median income edges just $1,549 above Tennessee's state average of $58,994. The county ranks in the middle tier of Tennessee counties, suggesting a more balanced economic position than struggling rural peers.

Outearning most rural neighbors

Chester County's $60,543 median income substantially exceeds Carroll County ($50,391) and Claiborne County ($46,587), while matching Coffee County ($60,656). The county benefits from slightly stronger job diversity than its most rural neighbors.

Best affordability ratio in the region

Chester County's 14.2% rent-to-income ratio is the lowest among its peers, meaning residents carry minimal housing cost burden relative to earnings. This affordability advantage provides breathing room for savings and emergencies compared to higher-cost counties.

Build on solid financial footing

Chester County's reasonable housing costs and moderate income create an opportunity to prioritize debt reduction and retirement saving. Direct the savings from Chester County's favorable housing ratios into tax-advantaged accounts to accelerate long-term wealth growth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Chester County

via CrimeByCounty

Chester County is Exceptionally Secure

Chester County boasts an exceptional safety score of 98.6, making it one of the most secure locations in the region. Its total crime rate of 891.2 per 100,000 is roughly one-third of the national average.

Leading Tennessee in Public Safety

With a safety score well above the state average of 97.2, Chester County represents the higher end of Tennessee public safety. The total crime rate is roughly half of the state-wide average of 1,785.6.

Outperforming Regional Neighbors

Chester outperforms neighbors like Carroll County (1,162.7) and Cheatham County (1,342.7) in overall crime metrics. This makes it a standout leader for safety and security in West Tennessee.

Minimal Incidents Across All Categories

Property crime is notably low at 626.7 per 100,000, while the violent crime rate sits at 264.5. These statistics reflect a community where major criminal incidents are relatively rare and infrequent.

Maintaining a Secure Environment

Residents can help maintain these low numbers by participating in local safety initiatives and keeping homes well-lit. Proactive home security remains an effective way to keep Chester County's statistics heading in the right direction.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Chester County

via HealthByCounty

Chester edges past national average

At 72.8 years, Chester County residents live slightly longer than the U.S. average of 76.4 years—actually, that's about 3.6 years shorter; Chester's strength is relative to Tennessee, not the nation. The county's 24.2% poor or fair health rate exceeds the national average of 17%, suggesting higher chronic disease burden. Despite better longevity, Chester's population reports significant health struggles.

Top quartile for life expectancy

Chester's 72.8-year life expectancy ranks among Tennessee's best, trailing only a few counties and exceeding the state average of 72.4 by 0.4 years. Its 11.4% uninsured rate sits just below the state average of 11.9%, meaning strong insurance coverage. Chester performs well on both metrics—a rare combination in rural Tennessee.

Best-in-class longevity locally

Chester's 72.8-year life expectancy leads nearby counties including Carroll (70.6), Claiborne (71.0), and Coffee (71.8). However, the county's 29 primary care providers per 100,000 residents tie with Carter as the lowest among neighbors, a surprising gap. Exceptional mental health support at 97 per 100K—the highest in the region—partially compensates for primary care sparsity.

Strong insurance, sparse primary care

Chester's 11.4% uninsured rate is excellent and the county's mental health infrastructure at 97 providers per 100K is exceptional—the best in the region. Yet the county has only 29 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, creating potential delays for routine physicals and screenings. This mismatch between mental health and primary care access is unusual and may reflect specialized demand.

Maintain coverage, leverage support

If uninsured, Chester residents should explore healthcare.gov or TennCare to close the small remaining gap and secure preventive care. Those covered should advocate for primary care expansion—the county's strong mental health resources show commitment to health, but primary care remains the foundation. Demand shapes supply: more patients seeking primary care encourages provider recruitment.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Chester County

via SchoolsByCounty

Streamlined Success in Chester County

Chester County operates a streamlined system of six public schools that serve 2,811 students. This single-district county features four elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school.

Elite Graduation Rates and High Scores

The county boasts an impressive 96.0% graduation rate, far exceeding the national average of 87%. Per-pupil spending of $6,314 is slightly above the Tennessee state average, contributing to a solid school score of 55.2.

Consistent Leadership Under One District

Chester County Schools manages every campus in the county, providing a cohesive educational experience for all 2,811 students. No charter schools operate here, as the district focuses on its traditional public school network.

Balanced Town and Rural Campus Life

Schools are evenly split between rural and town settings, offering a diverse feel despite the small number of campuses. With an average of 469 students per school, campuses like Chester County High (811 students) provide a mid-sized, active environment.

Great Schools as a Home-Buying Factor

Excellent graduation rates and high school scores make Chester County a top contender for education-focused homebuyers. Searching for homes near the high school or middle school allows for easy access to the county’s central educational hub.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Chester County

via RiskByCounty

Chester County remains relatively low-risk

Chester County's composite risk score of 44.50 sits well below Tennessee's state average of 52.45, indicating below-average vulnerability to natural disasters. The county's relatively low rating reflects a manageable multi-hazard environment compared to much of the state.

Among Tennessee's lowest-risk counties

Chester County ranks in the lowest tier of Tennessee's 95 counties by disaster risk, with a score of 44.50 that reflects relatively modest natural hazard exposure. This favorable positioning offers residents and businesses a more stable environment for long-term planning.

Safest of its immediate peer group

Chester County's 44.50 score makes it the safest of its regional neighbors, including Carroll County (72.81) to the north and Cheatham County (46.28) to the west. This favorable comparison underscores Chester's position in a lower-risk pocket of West Tennessee.

Tornadoes and earthquakes exceed local norms

Tornado risk (71.76) and earthquake risk (90.11) represent Chester County's main vulnerabilities, both notably above the state average despite the county's overall low composite score. Flood and wildfire risks remain minimal at 21.79 and 14.54 respectively.

Earthquake coverage and storm shelter priority

Chester County residents should obtain standalone earthquake insurance to address the county's surprisingly high 90.11 seismic risk score. Adding a basement safe room or reinforced interior space for tornadoes (71.76 risk) provides cost-effective protection without extensive structural upgrades.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Chester County

via WeatherByCounty

Classic Southern Warmth Above Median

Chester County’s 58.1°F average temperature is significantly warmer than the national median. The region experiences high moisture levels, totaling 61.8 inches of precipitation annually.

Perfectly Aligned with State Temperature

The county’s average temperature matches the Tennessee state average of 58.1°F exactly. However, it is much wetter than the state average, receiving nearly 6 additional inches of rain each year.

Wetter Conditions than West Tennessee Neighbors

Its 61.8 inches of rain makes it one of the wettest counties in the area compared to Carroll’s 55.9 inches. It shares a similar heat profile with 43 extreme heat days annually.

Steamy Summers and Mild Winters

July peaks at 77.9°F, while the summer average holds steady at 76.2°F. Winters remain relatively warm with a January average of 37.3°F and a winter mean of 39.4°F.

Manage High Moisture and Heat

Residents should focus on home drainage and mold prevention due to the 61.8 inches of annual rainfall. With 43 days of extreme heat, reliable air conditioning is essential for summer comfort.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Chester County

via SoilByCounty

Classic Southern Soil

Chester County's soil maintains an average pH of 5.28, closely mirroring the state average but falling short of the 6.5 national benchmark. Detailed taxonomic records are unavailable, but the acidity level indicates a classic Southern soil profile.

Balanced Sandy-Silt Texture

This soil contains 34.5% sand and 44.5% silt, creating a medium-textured environment that is generally easy to work. The 21.0% clay content adds enough structure to hold nutrients without becoming an impenetrable barrier to roots.

Building Organic Wealth

Organic matter is low at 1.04%, less than half of the state's 2.44% average. Fortunately, the available water capacity of 0.173 in/in is slightly higher than the Tennessee average, providing a reliable moisture reservoir for crops.

Good Movement and Infiltration

Though specific drainage classes are missing from current records, the high sand percentage usually promotes decent water movement through the profile. The overall soil score of 26.1 suggests that soil amendments will be key to maximizing productivity.

Warm Seasons in Zone 7b

In hardiness zone 7b, the warm climate supports long-season crops like cotton or peppers. Focusing on building up organic matter will help you transform this sandy-silt mix into a lush, productive garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Chester County

via LawnByCounty

Navigating Difficult Growth in Chester County

Chester County presents a challenging environment with a lawn difficulty score of 38.1, one of the lower scores in the state. This Zone 7b county requires more active maintenance than the typical American yard.

Wet Climate Demands Strong Drainage

Annual precipitation of 61.8 inches is significantly higher than the national ideal of 30-50 inches. This excess water, combined with 43 extreme heat days, creates a high-humidity environment where fungal diseases can thrive.

Managing High Clay and Acidity

The soil pH of 5.28 is quite acidic, necessitating soil amendments to reach the preferred 6.0 range. A clay content of 21.0% means your yard may be prone to standing water during heavy Tennessee rains.

Preparing for Frequent Drought Spells

The county faced 19 weeks in drought over the past year, and current data shows 100% of the area is abnormally dry. Strategic irrigation is vital to help your grass survive the 4,379 growing degree days without going dormant.

Planting Around the April Frost Date

For best results in Zone 7b, select heat-tolerant varieties like Zoysia or hybrid Bermuda. Your growing season truly begins after April 10th, so aim for that window to avoid late-season frost damage.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Chester County's county score?
Chester County, Tennessee has a composite county score of 61.2 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 Chester County rank among counties in Tennessee?
Chester County ranks #11 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 Chester County, Tennessee?
The median annual property tax in Chester County is $837, with an effective tax rate of 0.54%. This earns Chester County a tax score of 81.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Chester County?
The median household income in Chester County, Tennessee is $60,543 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Chester County earns an income score of 40.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Chester County, Tennessee a good place to live?
Chester County scores 61.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #11 in Tennessee. The best way to evaluate Chester 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 Chester 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.