countyscore
44.1
County Score
Water Quality 86Property Tax 75.7Weather & Climate 74.4

County Report Card

About Coffee County, Tennessee

Under the National Median

Coffee County has a composite score of 44.0, placing it under the 50.0 national median. This reflects a mix of strong individual dimensions tempered by specific local challenges.

Underperforming the State Average

The county’s score of 44.0 is below the Tennessee average of 51.3. While it offers moderate performance in some areas, it remains in the lower half of the state’s county rankings.

Strong Infrastructure and Schools

The county excels in water quality (86.0) and tax burden (73.5), with an effective tax rate of 0.606%. School performance is also a relative strength with a score of 55.2.

Community Safety and Risk

A safety score of 14.6 and a risk score of 36.5 are the primary downward pressures on the composite score. Health metrics also remain low at 24.5.

Balanced Choice for Families

Coffee County is a viable option for families who prioritize school quality and decent household incomes ($60,656). It offers a standard Tennessee lifestyle with a focus on reliable public utilities.

2040608010075.748.514.624.555.238.536.58674.4Tax75.7Cost48.5Safety14.6Health24.5Schools55.2Income38.5Risk36.5Water86Weather74.444.1/100
This county
National avg
3 above average4 below average

Coffee County DNA

Foverall

How Coffee County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Coffee County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Water Quality (86/100) but notably weak in Safety (14.6/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
75.7+23.700000000000003
Cost
48.5
Safety
14.6-40.4
Health
24.5-25.5
Schools
55.2
Income
38.5-12.5
Risk
36.5-10.5
Water
86+28
Weather
74.4+18.400000000000006
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Compare mortgage rates in Coffee County

Whether buying or refinancing in Coffee County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$246,800

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$913/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$246,800/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$36,520/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum4.0x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $61,505/yr
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Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

25.4

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Deep Dives

Coffee County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Coffee County

via TaxByCounty

Coffee County taxes below national median

At 0.606%, Coffee County's effective rate sits above the national average, yet its $1,378 median annual tax remains well below the national median of $2,690. The county's relatively strong home values of $227,300 translate to a higher-than-typical tax bill for the state.

Above Tennessee state average

Coffee County's 0.606% effective rate exceeds Tennessee's state average of 0.511%, placing it in the higher-taxed tier statewide. Its median home value of $227,300 is among the strongest in this group, contributing to a higher annual tax obligation of $1,378.

Third-highest rate in group

At 0.606%, Coffee County's rate ranks third highest after Carroll (0.663%) and Cocke (0.642%), though higher property values explain the larger annual bills. Compared to similar-valued Cheatham County ($291,400 homes), Coffee's rate advantage saves homeowners roughly $100 yearly.

Annual tax on median home

On Coffee County's median home value of $227,300, residents pay approximately $1,378 yearly in property taxes—roughly $115 per month. Homeowners with mortgages see escrow payments rise to $1,451.

Review your assessment carefully

Coffee County homeowners should verify that their assessed values align with recent comparable sales, as assessors sometimes overvalue properties. Filing an appeal with market evidence is a low-cost way to potentially reclaim hundreds in annual savings.

Income & Jobs in Coffee County

via IncomeByCounty

Coffee County approaches national income level

Coffee County's median household income of $60,656 falls short of the U.S. median of $74,755 by roughly $14,100, or 19%. The county sits slightly below the national average, typical of moderate-income rural Tennessee communities.

Mid-tier earner in Tennessee

At $60,656, Coffee County's median income exceeds Tennessee's state average of $58,994 by $1,662, placing it slightly above the state midpoint. The county ranks in the upper-middle tier of Tennessee's 95 counties, reflecting moderate economic health.

Strong earnings for a rural county

Coffee County's $60,656 median income outpaces Carroll County ($50,391), Carter County ($48,435), and Claiborne County ($46,587). The county's earning strength rivals Chester County ($60,543), positioning it among the region's more economically stable areas.

Solid housing affordability and values

Coffee County's 17.5% rent-to-income ratio keeps housing costs manageable, with median home values of $227,300 reflecting healthy local equity. Residents enjoy reasonable affordability while maintaining financial flexibility for savings and other expenses.

Maximize earnings and compound growth

Coffee County's moderate income and solid housing affordability create an opportunity to prioritize long-term wealth building through retirement accounts and diversified investments. Direct housing cost savings toward employer 401(k) matches and Roth IRAs to accelerate wealth accumulation.

Safety in Coffee County

via CrimeByCounty

Coffee County Safety Score and Context

Coffee County reports a safety score of 96.2, falling just under the Tennessee state average of 97.2. Its total crime rate of 2,415.6 per 100,000 residents is slightly higher than the national benchmark of 2,385.5.

Reporting Rates Above State Averages

The county’s total crime rate of 2,415.6 exceeds the Tennessee state average of 1,785.6. Five reporting agencies track local data to manage safety across the county’s various communities and jurisdictions.

Higher Crime Density Than Rural Neighbors

Coffee County has a higher crime rate than many of its rural neighbors like Clay (487.4) and Chester (891.2). Its statistics reflect a busier public safety environment than more isolated Tennessee areas.

Understanding Local Crime Breakdown

The data shows 1,954.2 property crimes and 461.4 violent crimes per 100,000 people. Violent crime here is higher than both the national (369.8) and state (356.7) averages for the same period.

Prioritizing Your Home Security

Because property and violent crime rates are above state averages, home security is a critical investment. Alarms and outdoor lighting provide an essential layer of protection for local households against potential threats.

Weather & Climate in Coffee County

via WeatherByCounty

A Warm, High-Precipitation Climate

Coffee County’s 57.4°F average temperature is higher than the national median. The county stands out for its 60.1 inches of annual rainfall, making it a very wet region.

Cooler but Much Wetter Than Average

While the temperature is slightly below the state average of 58.1°F, the rainfall is much higher. It exceeds the Tennessee state average for precipitation by over four inches annually.

Mild Summers Compared to Neighbors

The county sees just 19 extreme heat days, significantly lower than the 40+ days seen in West Tennessee. It receives 2.8 inches of snow, which is typical for the southern Middle Tennessee region.

Pleasant Summers and Soft Winters

July averages a manageable 75.9°F, leading to a comfortable summer mean of 74.5°F. Winters are mild, with temperatures averaging 39.5°F and January lows hitting 37.4°F.

Invest in High-Capacity Rain Drainage

The 60.1 inches of annual rain requires well-maintained gutters and waterproof gear for outdoor activities. Summer cooling needs are moderate due to having only 19 days above 90°F.

Soil Quality in Coffee County

via SoilByCounty

Rare Mollisols in Coffee County

Coffee County is home to Mollisols, a rare and highly fertile soil order typically associated with grasslands. Its average pH of 5.37 is slightly more acidic than the state average and sits below the 6.5 national median.

Gravelly Silt Loam Structure

The soil is a complex blend of 49.8% silt, 27.4% sand, and 22.8% clay. This gravelly mix provides a unique structure that supports deep root penetration while maintaining enough clay to hold onto vital nutrients.

Steady Moisture Reservoirs

Organic matter stands at 1.83%, trailing the Tennessee average of 2.44% but still providing a decent biological base. The available water capacity of 0.172 in/in is almost exactly in line with the state average, ensuring reliable moisture.

Superior Water Infiltration

This soil is well drained and belongs to hydrologic group A, the highest rating for water infiltration. Such excellent drainage makes the land ideal for farming and reduces the risk of runoff or flooding during heavy storms.

High Performance in Zone 7b

Hardiness zone 7b provides the perfect backdrop for Coffee County’s productive Mollisols. Whether you are growing forage for livestock or a backyard vegetable patch, this soil is built for performance.

Lawn Care in Coffee County

via LawnByCounty

Steady Growth Conditions in Coffee County

Coffee County holds a lawn difficulty score of 54.1, indicating it is slightly easier to maintain a yard here than in the rest of Tennessee. This score outperforms the national median of 50.0 as well.

Coping with Heavy Southern Rains

The county receives a high 60.1 inches of precipitation annually, which is well above the ideal range. However, with only 19 extreme heat days, lawns are less likely to suffer from the mid-summer burnout seen elsewhere in the state.

Well-Drained Silt Loam Foundation

The gravelly silt loam soil is classified as well-drained, which helps manage the high annual rainfall. You may still need lime to address the 5.37 pH, as most turf thrives closer to a neutral 6.0 or 7.0.

Resilient Turfs and Drought Cycles

The county only spent 9 weeks in drought over the last year, despite 100% currently being abnormally dry. This relatively short drought history helps established lawns recover quickly without permanent damage.

Plan Your Seeding for Mid-April

Tall Fescue is a durable choice for this 7b zone, handling the 4,099 growing degree days with ease. Aim to get your seeds in the ground after the April 6th frost date to ensure strong germination.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Coffee County's county score?
Coffee County, Tennessee has a composite county score of 44.1 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 Coffee County rank among counties in Tennessee?
Coffee 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 Coffee County, Tennessee?
The median annual property tax in Coffee County is $1,407, with an effective tax rate of 0.57%. This earns Coffee County a tax score of 75.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Coffee County?
The median household income in Coffee County, Tennessee is $61,505 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Coffee County earns an income score of 38.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Coffee County, Tennessee a good place to live?
Coffee County scores 44.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #82 in Tennessee. The best way to evaluate Coffee 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 Coffee County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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