countyscore
44
County Score
Water Quality 86Weather & Climate 74.4Property Tax 73.5

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.

Score breakdown

Tax73.5Cost49Safety14.6Health24.5Schools55.2Income41Risk36.5Water86Weather74.4
🏛73.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠49
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼41
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡14.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤24.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓55.2
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡36.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤74.4
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨36.9
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱54.1
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

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Grundy County
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Deep Dives

Coffee County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Coffee County

via CostByCounty

Coffee strikes middle ground affordably

Coffee County renters spend 17.5% of household income on rent, just below Tennessee's state average and reasonably close to the national benchmark. With a median household income of $60,656 and median rent of $885, Coffee offers solid middle-ground affordability for those seeking rural living with respectable income levels.

Slightly better than state average

Coffee's rent-to-income ratio of 17.5% edges below Tennessee's state average of 17.6%, placing it among the better-performing counties in our dataset. The county's above-average median household income of $60,656 pairs well with its moderate rent, creating balanced affordability.

Premium rent, premium income

Coffee's $885 median rent is higher than most rural peers, second only to Cheatham ($1,274), yet the county's median income of $60,656 is solid enough to absorb it. Owner costs of $806/month and home values around $227,300 suggest Coffee sits in a slightly more developed part of rural Tennessee.

Balanced housing and income equation

The typical Coffee household earns $60,656 annually and pays $885 for rent or $806 for ownership, consuming 17.5% and 16.0% of gross income respectively. Both ratios sit comfortably below the danger threshold of 30%, offering genuine breathing room for other budget categories.

Solid choice for income-flexible relocators

Coffee County balances decent income opportunities with slightly-above-average housing costs, resulting in competitive overall affordability. If you're relocating to rural Tennessee and can earn $60,000+, Coffee delivers reliable value and fewer affordability surprises than lower-income rural peers.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

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.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Coffee County

via HealthByCounty

Coffee's health mirrors national trends

At 71.8 years, Coffee County residents live 4.6 years less than the U.S. average of 76.4 years, a gap typical of rural America. The county's 23.8% poor or fair health rate exceeds the national average of 17%, but falls below several peers in this group. Coffee's health profile is reasonably strong for a rural Tennessee county.

Slight edge on state averages

Coffee's 71.8-year life expectancy trails Tennessee's state average of 72.4 years by just 0.6 years, placing it in the middle of the state's health rankings. Its 11.1% uninsured rate beats the state average of 11.9%, meaning better-than-average insurance coverage. Coffee performs competently on both key metrics, suggesting balanced health infrastructure and access.

Solid performer among peers

Coffee's 71.8-year life expectancy ranks above Carroll, Claiborne, and Cocke but trails the top performers like Chester (72.8). The county's 23.8% poor or fair health rate is middling but better than Clay (24.8%) and Carroll (24.5%). With 53 primary care and 218 mental health providers per 100K—by far the highest in the region—Coffee has exceptional behavioral health capacity.

Excellent mental health resources

Coffee's 11.1% uninsured rate is the lowest among these eight counties, and primary care access at 53 per 100K meets standard needs. Most striking, the county's 218 mental health providers per 100,000 residents is more than three times the regional average—an exceptional commitment to behavioral health. This resource concentration suggests Coffee has prioritized mental health as a health equity driver.

Build on Coffee's mental health strength

Coffee residents have better insurance coverage than most of Tennessee, but those 11.1% uninsured should visit healthcare.gov or TennCare to close the gap. If you're battling depression, anxiety, addiction, or other mental health challenges, Coffee's robust provider network offers excellent support—reach out to your primary care doctor or call SAMHSA at 1-800-662-4357. Coffee invests in mental health; use those resources.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Coffee County

via SchoolsByCounty

Coffee County’s Three-District Network

Coffee County manages a robust education network of 21 schools serving 9,233 students. This system is divided among three districts and includes 12 elementary schools, three middle schools, and five high schools.

Strong Scores and Above-Average Spending

Coffee County matches the state graduation rate of 93.0% and exceeds the national average. Its per-pupil expenditure of $6,857 is higher than the state average, reflected in a strong school score of 54.8.

Tullahoma and Manchester Districts Spotlighted

Three districts—Coffee County, Tullahoma, and Manchester—provide a variety of educational options for local families. Coffee County Central High and Tullahoma High are the largest schools, both enrolling over 1,100 students.

Town-Centered Schools with Diverse Sizes

Unlike many neighbors, Coffee County schools are mostly in town settings, with 14 town-based campuses compared to seven rural ones. The average school size is 462 students, reflecting a more populated and active educational environment.

Explore Homes Near Three Top Districts

With three distinct districts to choose from, Coffee County is a prime destination for families who want options. Homes in Manchester or Tullahoma place students near some of the county’s largest and most diverse campuses.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Coffee County

via RiskByCounty

Coffee County moderately exceeds state average

Coffee County's composite risk score of 63.52 sits above Tennessee's state average of 52.45, indicating above-average vulnerability to natural disasters. The county's relatively low rating reflects concentrated risk in specific hazard categories rather than uniform exposure across all disaster types.

Upper-middle tier risk among Tennessee counties

With a score of 63.52, Coffee County ranks in the upper-middle range of Tennessee's 95 counties by disaster risk. The county's positioning reflects its central Tennessee location, where certain seismic and storm hazards are naturally amplified.

Higher tornado risk than comparable peers

Coffee County's tornado risk of 86.29 substantially exceeds that of surrounding counties in the region, making severe weather the county's distinguishing hazard characteristic. Its composite score of 63.52 places it among the riskier central Tennessee counties.

Tornadoes and earthquakes threaten residents

Tornado risk (86.29) and earthquake risk (87.37) represent Coffee County's primary concerns, both well above the state average and indicating significant seismic and storm exposure. Flood risk (55.98) ranks third, while wildfire exposure remains minimal at 11.55.

Storm shelter and earthquake insurance essential

Coffee County residents should prioritize a basement safe room or reinforced interior shelter to address the county's exceptionally high 86.29 tornado risk. Standalone earthquake insurance is equally critical given the county's 87.37 seismic risk score.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

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.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

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.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

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.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Coffee County's county score?
Coffee County, Tennessee has a composite county score of 44 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 #80 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 $1,378, with an effective tax rate of 0.61%. This earns Coffee County a tax score of 73.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Coffee County?
The median household income in Coffee County, Tennessee is $60,656 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Coffee County earns an income score of 41/100 on CountyScore.
Is Coffee County, Tennessee a good place to live?
Coffee County scores 44/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #80 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.

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.