CountyScore

Claiborne County

Tennessee · TN

#27 in Tennessee
71.9
County Score

County Report Card

About Claiborne County, Tennessee

Claiborne County offers national-caliber livability

Claiborne County's composite score of 78.4 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 57%, placing it in the 78th percentile nationally. This strong showing demonstrates livability advantages across the county's major economic dimensions.

Among Tennessee's best all-around performers

Claiborne County's score of 78.4 ranks it above Tennessee's state average of 76.3, positioning it in the upper tier of statewide livability. This places Claiborne County among Tennessee's most desirable counties overall.

Unbeatable tax rates anchor the appeal

Claiborne County leads with a tax score of 88.4 and the lowest effective tax rate in this group at 0.492%, complemented by a cost score of 87.1 with median rent of $736 and median home value of $148,000. These tax and housing advantages create exceptional economic value.

Limited income growth and data gaps remain

Claiborne County's income score of 13.8 reflects a median household income of $46,587, indicating limited local earning opportunities relative to state and national benchmarks. Complete data on safety, health, schools, and water quality is still being compiled.

Best for retirees and self-employed professionals

Claiborne County is tailor-made for retirees, remote workers, and self-employed individuals whose income comes from outside the county. Those seeking minimal tax burden and maximum affordability will find exceptional value in this county's cost structure.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax88.4Cost87.1SafetyComing SoonHealth59.5SchoolsComing SoonIncome13.8Risk57.2WaterComing Soon
🏛88.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠87.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼13.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤59.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡57.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Claiborne County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

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Glascock County
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Median income: $55,250
Montgomery County
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Randolph County
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Median income: $61,121

Deep Dives

Claiborne County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

Health in Claiborne County

via HealthByCounty

Claiborne lags national health standards

At 71.0 years, Claiborne County residents live 5.4 years shorter than the U.S. average of 76.4 years. The county's 22.9% poor or fair health rate exceeds the national average of 17%, reflecting higher rates of chronic conditions and health challenges. Claiborne faces significant health headwinds that demand systemic intervention.

Below Tennessee's health average

Claiborne's 71.0-year life expectancy trails Tennessee's state average of 72.4 years by 1.4 years, placing it among the lower-performing counties. Its 11.6% uninsured rate sits just below state average, suggesting insurance access is not the primary barrier. Despite reasonable insurance coverage, health outcomes lag—pointing to broader determinants like income, education, and access to healthy living resources.

Struggling health outcomes locally

Claiborne's 71.0-year life expectancy ranks among the lowest in the region, better only than Cocke (68.0 years) but well below Chester (72.8) and Carter (72.7). The county's 53 primary care providers per 100K are adequate and the mental health provider ratio stands at just 21 per 100K—the lowest among all nearby counties. Limited mental health capacity may compound health challenges.

Limited mental health resources

Claiborne's 11.6% uninsured rate is reasonable, and primary care access at 53 per 100K meets basic needs. However, the county has only 21 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—by far the sparsest behavioral health infrastructure in the region. This gap is striking: untreated mental illness, substance use, and depression likely drive poor physical health outcomes.

Secure coverage, seek mental health support

Claiborne residents should check healthcare.gov or TennCare to ensure coverage, as insurance unlocks preventive care and mental health services. If you or a loved one struggles with depression, anxiety, or substance use, reaching out to primary care providers or calling the SAMHSA National Helpline (1-800-662-4357) can connect you to support. Mental health is health—prioritize it alongside physical wellness.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

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

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS — informational only.