countyscore
43.9
County Score
Water Quality 86Cost of Living 76.4Weather & Climate 71.8

County Report Card

About Cocke County, Tennessee

Below National Averages

Cocke County’s composite score of 43.9 falls below the national median of 50.0. The data suggests several areas where the county faces structural challenges compared to the rest of the country.

Trailing State Benchmarks

The county's score of 43.9 is significantly lower than the Tennessee average of 51.3. It struggles to compete with neighboring counties in terms of public health and safety metrics.

Affordable Living and Water

Cocke County maintains high water quality (86.0) and a strong cost-of-living score (76.4). Median home values are accessible at $141,800, supported by a 0.642% tax rate.

Safety and Health Concerns

The safety score of 10.4 and health score of 13.5 represent the county's biggest hurdles. Low income scores (11.7) also reflect a median household income of $48,416.

A Value Play for Adventurers

Cocke County suits those who prioritize proximity to natural beauty and low housing costs over urban safety and healthcare metrics. It is best for individuals who are self-reliant and budget-focused.

Score breakdown

Tax69.3Cost76.4Safety10.4Health13.5Schools46.7Income11.7Risk45.5Water86Weather71.8
🏛69.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠76.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼11.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡10.4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤13.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓46.7
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡45.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤71.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱61
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

Greene County
Tennessee
53.3
Hamblen County
Tennessee
46.5
Haywood County
North Carolina
43.6
Jefferson County
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Sevier County
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Madison County
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Grainger County
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Swain County
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Deep Dives

Cocke County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Cocke County

via TaxByCounty

Cocke County taxes run high

At 0.642%, Cocke County's effective rate exceeds the national average and its $911 median annual tax sits in the upper range for smaller-home counties. This East Tennessee county has one of the higher tax burdens relative to property values nationally.

Above state average

Cocke County's 0.642% effective rate exceeds Tennessee's state average of 0.511% by more than 25%, placing it among the state's higher-taxed counties. Despite lower median home values, residents pay a premium relative to other Tennessee counties.

Second-highest rate in region

At 0.642%, Cocke County's rate ranks second only to Carroll (0.663%), making it one of the pricier counties in the group. Only nearby Cocke and Carroll dwarf their neighbors' tax rates by such margins.

What Cocke homeowners pay yearly

A median Cocke County home valued at $141,800 incurs approximately $911 in annual property taxes—about $76 per month. With a mortgage, escrow payments typically rise to $1,040.

Challenge high assessments

Cocke County homeowners should carefully review their assessment notices, as overvaluation is common in rural counties with limited comparable sales data. Filing an appeal with recent appraisals or market evidence can often result in meaningful tax reductions.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Cocke County

via CostByCounty

Cocke renters face tightest squeeze

Cocke County renters dedicate 19.5% of household income to rent—the second-highest ratio in our sample and well above the national average. With a median household income of $48,416 and median rent of $787, Cocke residents feel significant affordability pressure despite modest absolute rent levels.

Notably worse than Tennessee average

At 19.5%, Cocke's rent-to-income ratio exceeds Tennessee's state average of 17.6% by nearly 2 percentage points, signaling real affordability stress. The county's below-average household income combined with higher-than-average rent creates a challenging equation for renters here.

Rent creep in a rural county

Cocke's $787 median rent is higher than most rural peers like Carroll ($757), Chester ($714), and Clay ($546), yet the county's median income of $48,416 is among the lowest. This mismatch—higher housing costs meeting lower incomes—makes Cocke one of the least affordable options in this rural group.

Renters squeezed, owners stable

Cocke's median household earns $48,416 annually and pays $787 for rent or $575 for ownership, consuming 19.5% and 14.3% of gross income respectively. Homeowners fare better, but renters here commit a larger share of paychecks to housing than in nearly any other county in this sample.

Weigh rents carefully against income

Cocke County's scenic mountain location attracts newcomers, but renters should note the county's 19.5% rent-to-income ratio—the second-worst in our sample. If you're relocating here, prioritize purchasing a home or securing income above the county median; renting will consume a strain-level share of your paycheck.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Cocke County

via IncomeByCounty

Cocke County trails national income significantly

Cocke County's median household income of $48,416 falls roughly $26,300 short of the U.S. median of $74,755, a 35% gap. The county ranks among America's lower-income areas, reflecting economic stagnation common to rural mountain communities.

Near bottom among Tennessee counties

At $48,416, Cocke County's median income ranks it among Tennessee's lowest-earning counties, $10,578 below the state average of $58,994. Only a handful of Tennessee counties earn less, highlighting persistent economic struggles in this Appalachian region.

Among the region's weakest earners

Cocke County's $48,416 median income aligns closely with Carter County ($48,435) and sits just above Claiborne County ($46,587). The county faces similar economic headwinds as its isolated rural neighbors across East Tennessee.

High rent burden strains tight budgets

Cocke County's 19.5% rent-to-income ratio is the highest among its peers, meaning residents dedicate nearly one-fifth of earnings to housing alone. Combined with low overall incomes, this leaves minimal resources for healthcare, food, and emergency savings.

Build financial resilience gradually

Cocke County workers should focus on establishing emergency savings through automatic transfers of even $25–50 monthly, accessible through most employers. Explore free financial counseling and investigate skill-development programs that could increase earnings potential over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Cocke County

via CrimeByCounty

Cocke County Safety Near National Average

Cocke County has a safety score of 95.7, which is slightly below the state average of 97.2. Its total crime rate of 2,741.4 per 100,000 residents sits just above the national average of 2,385.5.

Public Safety Trends in East Tennessee

Compared to other Tennessee counties, Cocke sees more reported incidents than the state average of 1,785.6. Law enforcement from two reporting agencies works to address these figures and manage community safety.

A Mid-Tier Region for Crime Reports

Cocke County’s crime rate is higher than neighbors like Clay County (487.4) but significantly lower than Carter County (6,396.2). This makes it a mid-tier county for safety within its specific Tennessee region.

Property Crime Outpaces Violent Offenses

Property crime is the main concern at 2,304.8 per 100,000, while the violent crime rate is 436.6. These rates suggest that property-related issues are about five times more common than violent offenses locally.

Investing in Household Security

Investing in home security and smart locks can significantly reduce the risk of becoming a property crime statistic. Awareness of local trends helps residents take the right precautions for their families and belongings.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Cocke County

via HealthByCounty

Cocke faces a health crisis

At 68.0 years, Cocke County residents live 8.4 years less than the U.S. average of 76.4 years—a stark disparity. The county's 25.6% poor or fair health rate ranks among the highest in the nation, nearly 50% above the national average of 17%. Cocke confronts systemic health challenges that demand urgent, comprehensive intervention.

Tennessee's most troubled health profile

Cocke's 68.0-year life expectancy is the lowest in Tennessee by a significant margin, trailing the state average of 72.4 years by 4.4 years. With 12.8% uninsured and 25.6% reporting poor or fair health, Cocke struggles on nearly every metric. This combination signals deep socioeconomic distress, substance abuse challenges, and chronic disease that requires statewide attention.

Critically underperforming locally

Cocke's 68.0-year life expectancy is 4.8 years lower than the next-worst county (Claiborne at 71.0) and 4.8 years below the regional average. The county's 25.6% poor or fair health rate is the highest among all eight counties. With 38 primary care and 56 mental health providers per 100K, Cocke has adequate infrastructure numbers but clearly faces challenges that transcend access alone.

High uninsured rate, deep needs

Cocke's 12.8% uninsured rate exceeds state average, and the 25.6% poor or fair health rate suggests untreated chronic conditions, likely including substance use disorders and poverty-related illness. Despite 38 primary care and 56 mental health providers per 100K, outcomes remain the worst in the region. This gap points to barriers beyond provider availability—poverty, transportation, stigma, and disease burden likely overwhelm available resources.

Coverage is critical—reach out today

Cocke residents should prioritize getting insured by visiting healthcare.gov or contacting TennCare, as 12.8% uninsured is above average and every person needs coverage. If you're struggling with addiction, mental health, chronic disease, or poverty, start with your primary care provider who can connect you to community health centers, substance abuse treatment, and financial assistance programs. Recovery and health are possible—take the first step.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Cocke County

via SchoolsByCounty

Elementary Focus in Cocke County

Cocke County features 13 public schools serving a total of 5,040 students across two districts. The system is heavily weighted toward early education, with 10 elementary schools and three high schools.

Reliable Results Near the State Average

The county maintains a 93.0% graduation rate, aligning closely with the Tennessee state average and beating the national rate. Spending stands at $6,153 per pupil, supporting a school score of 53.3 that is typical for the state.

Spotlight on Newport and Cocke County

The Cocke County district is the primary provider with 12 schools and 4,339 students, while the Newport district serves 701 students at Newport Grammar. No charter schools currently operate within the county lines.

Large High Schools Meet Rural Beginnings

Most campuses are situated in rural areas, though four are located in town settings. Cocke County High School is a major regional hub with 1,159 students, drastically larger than the county’s 388-student average.

Diverse Home Options Near Local Schools

The presence of both a large county system and a specialized town district offers variety for homebuyers. Real estate near Newport or the Cosby area provides access to different school environments within the same county.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Cocke County

via RiskByCounty

Cocke County exceeds state average slightly

Cocke County's composite risk score of 54.52 sits just above Tennessee's state average of 52.45, indicating slightly elevated vulnerability to natural disasters. The county's relatively low overall rating masks significant exposure in flood and wildfire categories concentrated in its Appalachian terrain.

Mid-range risk among Tennessee counties

Cocke County ranks in the middle range of Tennessee's 95 counties by composite risk score, reflecting its position as a moderately exposed East Tennessee mountain county. The county's elevation and forest cover drive its hazard concentrations.

Lower wildfire risk than nearby Claiborne

Cocke County's wildfire risk of 61.77 is notably lower than Claiborne County's 81.36 to the west, though its flood risk (68.48) exceeds Claiborne's (51.72). This variation reflects Cocke's valley and riparian geography compared to Claiborne's higher-elevation plateau.

Floods and wildfires dominate local threats

Flood risk (68.48) and wildfire risk (61.77) represent Cocke County's primary concerns, both substantially above the state average and reflecting the county's Appalachian mountain and forest environment. Earthquake risk (76.91) ranks third, while tornado and hurricane risks remain secondary.

Prioritize flood and wildfire mitigation

Cocke County residents near waterways should obtain federal flood insurance to address the county's 68.48 flood risk, particularly in historic floodplain areas. Defensible space management and wildfire insurance are equally critical given the county's 61.77 wildfire risk and substantial forest cover.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Cocke County

via WeatherByCounty

Warm and Relatively Dry for the South

Cocke County averages 58.7°F, which is several degrees warmer than the national median. Interestingly, its 46.7 inches of rain is lower than many other Southern counties.

Warmer and Drier than Tennessee Average

At 58.7°F, it exceeds the state temperature average of 58.1°F. It is significantly drier than the state average, receiving about 9 inches less rain than the typical Tennessee county.

Moderate Heat Compared to Western Peers

The county experiences 31 extreme heat days, far fewer than the 54 days in Cheatham but more than Carter. It averages 3.3 inches of snow, mirroring the totals found in Carroll County.

Steady Warmth and Light Snowfall

July brings an average of 77.6°F, while the winter average remains a mild 40.8°F. The county avoids extreme winter accumulation with only 3.3 inches of snow annually.

A Balanced Approach to Home Comfort

With 31 extreme heat days, moderate air conditioning is necessary during the summer months. The relatively low 46.7 inches of rain makes it easier to maintain outdoor structures than elsewhere in the state.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Cocke County

via SoilByCounty

Local Testing Recommended

Data for Cocke County is currently limited, with specific pH and taxonomic records unavailable for the broader area. Most regional soils in East Tennessee lean acidic, but local tests are recommended to determine your specific garden's needs.

Observing Your Soil Texture

Precise percentages for sand, silt, and clay are not recorded in this dataset, leaving the exact texture unknown. Observing how quickly water soaks into your ground after a rain can help you estimate your soil's local composition.

Amending for Success

Organic matter and water capacity metrics are not currently available for this county. Adding compost and mulching are universal best practices that will improve any soil's fertility regardless of the baseline.

Understanding Local Runoff

Drainage and hydrologic classifications are unlisted, meaning site-specific observation is crucial for farming or construction. Look for signs of erosion or pooling water to understand how your land handles Tennessee’s heavy rainfall.

Summer Staples in Zone 7b

Cocke County sits in hardiness zone 7b, offering a generous window for growing tomatoes, corn, and beans. Don't let the lack of data stop you—local extension offices are great resources for starting your home garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Cocke County

via LawnByCounty

Cocke County Leads the State in Ease

With a lawn difficulty score of 61.0, Cocke County is one of the most lawn-friendly regions in Tennessee. This score is well above both the state average of 48.0 and the national median of 50.0.

Moderate Temperatures and Ideal Rain

The county's 46.7 inches of annual precipitation falls perfectly within the ideal range for most grass types. Combined with 31 extreme heat days—fewer than the state average—turf here faces less environmental stress than in other areas.

Adaptable Conditions for Healthy Yards

While specific soil data is limited for this region, the climate indicators suggest a very hospitable environment for growth. Homeowners should conduct a local soil test to determine if the pH needs typical Tennessee lime amendments.

Managing Severe Drought Pockets

Despite its high score, the county faced 15 weeks of drought recently, with nearly 40% currently in severe drought. Effective water management and choosing drought-tolerant cultivars are essential during these dry transitions.

Maximizing the 7b Growing Season

The local climate supports a wide variety of grasses across 4,413 growing degree days. For best results, start your planting after the April 7th frost date to capitalize on the mild spring weather.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cocke County's county score?
Cocke County, Tennessee has a composite county score of 43.9 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 Cocke County rank among counties in Tennessee?
Cocke County ranks #82 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 Cocke County, Tennessee?
The median annual property tax in Cocke County is $911, with an effective tax rate of 0.64%. This earns Cocke County a tax score of 69.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Cocke County?
The median household income in Cocke County, Tennessee is $48,416 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Cocke County earns an income score of 11.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Cocke County, Tennessee a good place to live?
Cocke County scores 43.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #82 in Tennessee. The best way to evaluate Cocke 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 Cocke 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.