countyscore
64.5
County Score
Property Tax 86.8Water Quality 86Cost of Living 84.8

County Report Card

About Claiborne County, Tennessee

Exceeding National Benchmarks

Claiborne County earns a composite score of 64.5, placing it well above the national median of 50.0. This high ranking suggests a superior quality of life compared to most U.S. counties.

Top-Tier Tennessee Performance

At 64.5, the county is far ahead of the Tennessee state average of 51.3. It demonstrates that rural appeal can coexist with high scores across safety and financial metrics.

Tax Benefits and Safety

Tax efficiency is a major draw with a score of 86.8 and an effective tax rate of 0.492%. The county also offers a secure environment with a safety score of 76.7.

Economic and Health Gaps

The income score of 8.9 is the primary weakness, reflecting a median household income of $46,587. Health outcomes also lag behind with a score of 23.4.

Perfect for Relocating Retirees

Claiborne County is ideal for retirees or those with external wealth looking to minimize taxes and maximize safety. Its combination of low costs and high safety makes it a standout choice for those not dependent on local wages.

2040608010086.884.876.723.456.68.957.28663.4Tax86.8Cost84.8Safety76.7Health23.4Schools56.6Income8.9Risk57.2Water86Weather63.464.5/100
This county
National avg
5 above average2 below average

Claiborne County DNA

D+overall

How Claiborne County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Claiborne County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (84.8/100) but notably weak in Income (8.9/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
86.8+34.8
Cost
84.8+36.8
Safety
76.7+21.700000000000003
Health
23.4-26.6
Schools
56.6
Income
8.9-42.1
Risk
57.2+10.200000000000003
Water
86+28
Weather
63.4
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$148,000

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$736/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$148,000/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$29,440/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.2x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $46,587/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

6.2

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 Claiborne County with Lyon County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

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Marshall County
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Mason County
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San Miguel County
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Fulton County
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Smith County
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Nearby counties

Union County
Tennessee
54.6
Bell County
Kentucky
53
Grainger County
Tennessee
60.6
Campbell County
Tennessee
50.9
Hancock County
Tennessee
59.9
Jefferson County
Tennessee
53.8
Knox County
Kentucky
56.5
Whitley County
Kentucky
64.4

Deep Dives

Claiborne County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Claiborne County

via TaxByCounty

Claiborne offers lowest tax rate

At 0.492%, Claiborne County's effective rate ranks among the nation's lowest, and its $728 annual median tax is just 27% of the national median of $2,690. This rural East Tennessee county delivers exceptional tax relief to homeowners.

Below Tennessee's state average

Claiborne County's 0.492% effective rate runs slightly below Tennessee's 0.511% state average, confirming its status as one of the state's most tax-affordable counties. Yet the median tax ($728) still trails the state median ($1,016), showing how much home values influence the final bill.

The region's tax bargain

Claiborne's 0.492% rate is the lowest in the group, beating all nearby counties including Cocke (0.642%), Cheatham (0.507%), and Chester (0.539%). For homeowners prioritizing tax savings, Claiborne stands out.

Monthly tax costs are minimal

With a median home value of $148,000, Claiborne County residents pay roughly $728 annually—just $61 per month. Mortgaged properties see escrow taxes rise to $831, still among the lowest in the state.

Don't assume accuracy

Even in low-tax counties, assessments can be wrong, and Claiborne homeowners should verify their assessed values match comparable properties. A simple appeal to the county assessor can uncover overvaluation and put money back in your pocket.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Claiborne County

via CostByCounty

Claiborne renters feel affordability squeeze

Claiborne County renters spend 19.0% of household income on rent, the highest ratio in our eight-county sample and well above both the national and state averages. With median household income of just $46,587, this county faces genuine housing affordability strain despite its rock-bottom median rent of $736.

Least affordable county in sample

At 19.0%, Claiborne's rent-to-income ratio exceeds Tennessee's state average by 1.4 percentage points and ranks as the worst affordability in our dataset. The challenge stems not from high rents but from the county's substantially below-average household income, which leaves residents with less money after housing costs.

Cheapest rents, but lowest income

Claiborne's $736 median rent is competitive with nearby Carroll ($757) and lower than Cocke ($787), yet the county's median income of $46,587 trails nearly every peer. This income-to-cost mismatch means Claiborne offers the cheapest housing in raw dollars but demands the largest percentage of often-stretched paychecks.

Income gap drives affordability crisis

Claiborne's median household earns $46,587 annually and pays $736 for rent or $536 for ownership, consuming 19.0% and 13.8% of income respectively. While homeownership costs remain manageable, renters here struggle most acutely—a sign that housing assistance and wage growth are urgent needs in this community.

Low cost demands steady income

Claiborne County offers the cheapest rents in this region, but only relocate if you have solid employment prospects or remote income; household earnings lag state and national averages. Verify that any job opportunity in Claiborne pays competitively before committing, since affordable housing alone won't offset below-average wages.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Claiborne County

via IncomeByCounty

Claiborne County earns 38% below the nation

Claiborne County's median household income of $46,587 lags the U.S. median of $74,755 by roughly $28,200, or 38%. The county ranks among America's lowest-income communities, facing severe economic headwinds typical of isolated Appalachian regions.

Among Tennessee's lowest earners

At $46,587, Claiborne County's median income trails Tennessee's state average of $58,994 by $12,407—nearly 21% below. The county ranks among the three lowest-earning counties in Tennessee, reflecting limited job diversity and wage stagnation.

Struggling in a challenged region

Claiborne County's $46,587 median income ranks it among the weakest in East Tennessee, just ahead of Clay County ($44,712) and barely above Cocke County ($48,416). The county faces steeper economic challenges than most regional peers.

Rent burden adds to tight budgets

With a 19% rent-to-income ratio, Claiborne County residents spend nearly one-fifth of earnings on housing alone. Combined with the county's low overall incomes, this leaves limited resources for food, healthcare, transportation, and emergency savings.

Start small, think long-term

Claiborne County workers should prioritize accessible wealth-building tools: employer matches if available, high-yield savings accounts for emergencies, and affordable financial counseling through local nonprofits. Even modest, consistent savings compound meaningfully over decades.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Claiborne County

via CrimeByCounty

Claiborne County Sets National Safety Standard

Claiborne County delivers a standout safety score of 99.1, reflecting its status as a very secure community. The total crime rate of 557.7 per 100,000 is nearly five times lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

High Performance Among Tennessee Counties

Compared to the Tennessee state average safety score of 97.2, Claiborne is a clear high performer. Its total crime rate is less than a third of the state average of 1,785.6.

Leading the Region in Crime Prevention

Claiborne is even safer than its neighbor Clay County, which also holds a high safety score. These figures establish the county as a regional leader in effective crime prevention and public security.

Rare Violent and Property Crime

Violent crime is exceptionally rare here at just 143.3 per 100,000 residents. Property crime follows suit at 414.4, which is significantly lower than the national property crime rate of 2,015.7.

Preserving Your Peaceful Environment

While crime is infrequent, ensuring your home is visible and secured helps preserve this peaceful environment. Simple steps like locking doors and windows are your best defense in such a low-crime area.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Claiborne County

via SchoolsByCounty

Broad Schooling Options in Claiborne

Claiborne County supports 4,070 students through its 14 public schools, which are managed by a single school district. The landscape includes seven elementary schools and three high schools to serve the growing community.

Top-Tier Graduation Performance

A high graduation rate of 96.0% places the county well ahead of both state and national averages. At $6,283 per pupil, local spending matches state levels and helps sustain a competitive school score of 55.1.

Centralized Learning in Claiborne County

The Claiborne County district oversees all 14 public campuses, with no charter school alternatives currently available. Claiborne High School stands as the largest institution, enrolling 675 students.

A Mix of Small Rural and Town Schools

The county offers a mix of rural and town locales, with eight schools in rural settings and six in towns. Students experience relatively small class environments, as the average school size is just 313 students.

Find Home Near High-Achieving Rural Districts

For those seeking high-performing rural schools, Claiborne County offers a compelling case for relocation. Properties near Tazewell or the Cumberland Gap region provide proximity to the county’s most prominent schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Claiborne County

via RiskByCounty

Claiborne County ranks below state average

Claiborne County's composite risk score of 42.81 falls meaningfully below Tennessee's state average of 52.45, positioning it among the state's lower-risk counties. The county's relatively low rating belies one significant hazard concentration that demands local attention.

Among Tennessee's safest counties overall

With a score of 42.81, Claiborne County ranks in the lower quartile of Tennessee's 95 counties by disaster risk. This favorable standing reflects the county's location in the Cumberland Plateau region, where certain hazards are naturally moderated.

Lower risk than eastern Appalachian peers

Claiborne County's 42.81 score is substantially lower than Cocke County's 54.52 to the east and Carter County's 63.17 to the northeast. This differential reflects Claiborne's less pronounced exposure to mountain-driven flood and wildfire risks that characterize higher-risk East Tennessee counties.

Wildfires pose outsized local threat

Wildfire risk (81.36) stands as Claiborne County's dominant concern—substantially above the state average and ranking among the highest in Tennessee. Earthquake risk (72.58) and flood risk (51.72) present secondary concerns, while tornado and hurricane risks remain moderate.

Wildfire prevention and insurance critical

Claiborne County's exceptionally high wildfire risk (81.36) makes defensible space maintenance—clearing brush, dead trees, and vegetation within 30 feet of structures—essential for every property owner. Verify that your homeowners policy covers wildfire damage and consider additional coverage if you're in a higher-elevation or forested area.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Claiborne County

via WaterByCounty

Claiborne County Achieves Top Water Grade

The county holds a Grade A for drinking water safety, reporting zero health violations over the last five years. This performance is notably better than the Tennessee state average violation rate of 34.6. Residents can have high confidence in the quality and oversight of their public water systems.

Nitrate and E. Coli Impair Local Waterways

About 32.1% of the 78 assessed water bodies in Claiborne County are impaired, which is slightly above the state average of 30.2%. The 2022 reporting cycle lists E. coli and Nitrate/Nitrite as top causes for these Clean Water Act failures. These findings suggest that land-use runoff is impacting the health of local creeks.

Active Monitoring at Forty-Seven County Sites

A robust monitoring network of 47 sites has recorded 5,641 measurements over the last five years. Physical and inorganic groups are the most frequently sampled metrics in the Water Quality Portal. This detailed oversight helps local officials identify emerging environmental trends before they become public health issues.

Clinch River Discharge Falls to Thirty-Five Percent

The Clinch River above Tazewell is currently flowing at 714 cfs, which is 35% of its long-term average. This gauge monitors a 1,474-square-mile drainage area that is currently experiencing below-average water levels. Low flows can make the river more sensitive to the concentration of nutrients and other pollutants.

Managing Runoff to Protect the Clinch River

Given that nitrates and E. coli are top concerns, residents should manage fertilizer use and ensure septic systems are properly maintained. The current low flow in the Clinch River reduces the ecosystem's ability to dilute these contaminants. Simple actions like planting rain gardens can help filter runoff before it reaches the watershed.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Claiborne County

via WeatherByCounty

Close to the National Temperature Median

Claiborne County’s 54.2°F average is one of the closest in Tennessee to the national median. This cooler profile is typical for the mountainous northeastern corner of the state.

Well Below the Tennessee Average

The county is nearly four degrees cooler than the state average of 58.1°F. Its rainfall of 54.7 inches is slightly lower than the state average of 55.9 inches.

Coldest and Snowiest in the Group

With 7.9 inches of annual snow, Claiborne is significantly snowier than its neighbors like Cocke County. It only sees 19 extreme heat days, offering a milder summer than central counties.

Bracing Winters and Mild Summers

January is chilly with an average of 33.3°F, leading to a winter mean of 35.6°F. Summer is pleasant, staying at a manageable 72.4°F average from June through August.

Winterize for Snow and Cold

Residents should invest in winter home insulation and snow removal tools for the 7.9 inches of annual snowfall. The 33.3°F January average requires consistent heating through the season.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Claiborne County

via SoilByCounty

Weathered Ultisols of Claiborne

Claiborne County features Ultisols, which are highly weathered forest soils with a fine sandy loam texture. The average pH of 5.01 is quite acidic compared to the national median of 6.5, reflecting centuries of natural leaching.

Workable Fine Sandy Loams

A composition of 31.9% sand and 44.1% silt makes for a soil that is relatively easy to till and manage. With 20.0% clay, the soil has enough body to prevent nutrients from washing away too quickly.

Need for Enrichment

The organic matter content of 1.62% is below the Tennessee average of 2.44%, suggesting the soil could benefit from supplemental compost. The available water capacity of 0.152 in/in is also lower than the state average, meaning crops may need extra irrigation.

Excellent Site Drainage

The landscape is well drained and categorized under hydrologic group B, indicating a moderate rate of water infiltration. This makes the terrain suitable for a variety of building projects and reduces the risk of standing water in fields.

Diverse Growth in Zone 7a

Hardiness zone 7a allows for a diverse range of cool-weather crops and summer staples. Despite a lower soil score of 21.9, the good drainage provides a strong foundation for specialty orchards or vineyard development.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Claiborne County

via LawnByCounty

A Favorable Forecast for Claiborne Lawns

With a score of 58.4, Claiborne County is one of the easier places in Tennessee to keep a healthy lawn. It outperforms both the state average of 48.0 and the national median of 50.0.

Cooler Summers and Steady Rain

The county experiences only 19 extreme heat days, far below the Tennessee average of 36. This cooler climate, paired with 54.7 inches of annual rain, reduces the stress on your turf during the peak growing season.

Well-Drained Soil with Low pH

While the soil is naturally well-drained, the pH of 5.01 is significantly lower than the ideal 6.0 for lawns. The fine sandy loam texture is great for roots, but you will need to add lime to neutralize the acidity.

Short Drought Cycles Favor Turfgrowers

Claiborne County only saw 8 weeks of drought over the past year, making it more resilient than many of its neighbors. Even with 100% of the area currently being abnormally dry, the overall water stress remains relatively low.

Cool-Season Grasses Excel Here

Tall Fescue thrives in this 7a zone and is perfect for the 3,464 growing degree days. Plan your seeding for after the final frost on April 23rd to ensure your new lawn takes hold before the summer heat.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Claiborne County's county score?
Claiborne County, Tennessee has a composite county score of 64.5 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 Claiborne County rank among counties in Tennessee?
Claiborne County ranks #5 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 Claiborne County, Tennessee?
The median annual property tax in Claiborne County is $728, with an effective tax rate of 0.49%. This earns Claiborne County a tax score of 86.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Claiborne County?
The median household income in Claiborne County, Tennessee is $46,587 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Claiborne County earns an income score of 8.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Claiborne County, Tennessee a good place to live?
Claiborne County scores 64.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #5 in Tennessee. The best way to evaluate Claiborne 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 Claiborne County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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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.