Cumberland County's composite score of 79.3 sits far above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top tier of American counties for overall livability. This exceptional performance is driven by one of the nation's lowest tax burdens.
2 / 5
Top performer across Tennessee
With a score of 79.3, Cumberland County ranks above Tennessee's state average of 76.3 and stands among the state's highest-performing counties. It's a standout choice for those seeking Tennessee livability at its best.
3 / 5
Tax burden is the county's greatest asset
Cumberland County boasts an outstanding tax score of 93.6 with an effective rate of just 0.307%—among the lowest in the state. Combined with a cost score of 82.9 and median home values of $228,000, the county offers strong affordability without sacrificing housing quality.
4 / 5
Income growth remains limited
The median household income of $58,475 with an income score of 21.6 indicates earning potential lags behind more affluent regions. Data gaps on safety, health, schools, and environmental factors prevent a complete livability assessment.
5 / 5
Perfect for tax-minimizers and rural seekers
Cumberland County appeals most to retirees, remote workers, and families seeking minimal tax burden combined with rural charm and affordable housing. Its ultra-low effective tax rate makes it one of Tennessee's smartest choices for those prioritizing financial efficiency.
Cumberland County's composite score of 79.3 sits far above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top tier of American counties for overall livability. This exceptional performance is driven by one of the nation's lowest tax burdens.
Top performer across Tennessee
With a score of 79.3, Cumberland County ranks above Tennessee's state average of 76.3 and stands among the state's highest-performing counties. It's a standout choice for those seeking Tennessee livability at its best.
Tax burden is the county's greatest asset
Cumberland County boasts an outstanding tax score of 93.6 with an effective rate of just 0.307%—among the lowest in the state. Combined with a cost score of 82.9 and median home values of $228,000, the county offers strong affordability without sacrificing housing quality.
Income growth remains limited
The median household income of $58,475 with an income score of 21.6 indicates earning potential lags behind more affluent regions. Data gaps on safety, health, schools, and environmental factors prevent a complete livability assessment.
Perfect for tax-minimizers and rural seekers
Cumberland County appeals most to retirees, remote workers, and families seeking minimal tax burden combined with rural charm and affordable housing. Its ultra-low effective tax rate makes it one of Tennessee's smartest choices for those prioritizing financial efficiency.
Score breakdown
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🏛93.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Cumberland County's effective tax rate of 0.307% ranks among the nation's most tax-friendly jurisdictions, well below the national median of $2,690 in annual property taxes. This places the county in roughly the bottom 10% nationally, meaning Cumberland homeowners enjoy some of the lowest property tax burden in America.
Lowest effective rate in all Tennessee
At 0.307%, Cumberland County claims the lowest effective tax rate among Tennessee's 95 counties, significantly undercutting the state average of 0.511%. Despite moderate home values, residents benefit from exceptionally light property tax treatment compared to their state peers.
Dramatically lower than surrounding counties
Cumberland County's 0.307% rate is less than half the burden of nearby Decatur County (0.488%) and less than a third of Crockett County (0.645%). Only Fayette County (0.346%) in the region comes close to Cumberland's tax advantage.
What a typical Cumberland County homeowner pays
On the median home value of $228,000, Cumberland County homeowners pay just $699 annually in property taxes. With a mortgage, the figure rises to $731, while outright owners typically pay $663.
Even Cumberland homeowners should verify assessments
Though Cumberland County offers low rates, some homeowners still carry overassessed properties on the books. Filing an appeal could further reduce your tax bill if your assessed value exceeds comparable recent sales in your area.
Cumberland County's 17.0% rent-to-income ratio beats the national standard, meaning renters here keep more of their earnings than typical Americans. With median rent at $829 and median household income of $58,475—below the national $74,755—Cumberland offers genuine affordability for renters who sacrifice income for lower living costs.
Cumberland ranks among Tennessee's most affordable
At 17.0%, Cumberland's rent-to-income ratio is one of Tennessee's best, outperforming the state average of 17.6% and ranking in the top tier for rental affordability. The county's $829 median rent sits just below the state average of $860, delivering relief for budget-conscious renters statewide.
Cumberland beats peers on rental costs
Cumberland's $829 rent undercuts Dickson County ($972) and approaches Dyer County ($760), positioning it as the sweet spot for affordability in its region. Against Crockett County's $854, Cumberland delivers slightly cheaper housing with comparable income levels—a meaningful advantage for renters.
Cumberland's housing cost distribution
Renters allocate $829 monthly while owners pay $694 for mortgages, both manageable against the $58,475 median household income. The median home value of $228,000 represents a significant jump from rental costs but remains within reach for two-income households or buyers with modest savings.
Cumberland delivers rare rental affordability
Relocating to Cumberland works well for renters prioritizing low monthly costs without sacrificing income stability or nearby employment options. Stack this county's 17.0% rent-to-income ratio against costlier Davidson (23.6%) or higher-income Fayette (12.5%) to confirm Cumberland fits your budget.
Cumberland County's median household income of $58,475 sits roughly $16,300 below the national median of $74,755. This 22% shortfall is consistent with rural Tennessee's broader divergence from national income trends.
Right at Tennessee's state average income
At $58,475, Cumberland County's median household income nearly mirrors Tennessee's statewide average of $58,994, ranking it squarely in the middle of the state's income distribution. This alignment suggests Cumberland represents a typical earnings environment for Tennessee counties.
Middle of the rural earnings pack
Cumberland's $58,475 exceeds earnings in Decatur ($46,190) and DeKalb ($48,484) but trails Dyer County ($54,973) and Dickson County ($73,223). The county's position reflects modest advantages over the most economically challenged rural neighbors.
Affordable housing supports financial stability
Cumberland's 17.0% rent-to-income ratio indicates healthy housing affordability, with households spending well under the stress threshold. However, median home values of $228,000 are substantially higher than the local income would traditionally support, suggesting some homeowners carry significant mortgages.
Cumberland County residents benefit from affordable rental markets, creating an opportunity to prioritize savings and investment over housing costs. Consider working with a financial advisor to maximize employer retirement benefits and develop a debt-reduction strategy tailored to local income levels.
Cumberland County residents average 73.4 years of life, about 4.7 years below the U.S. average of 78.1 years. The 21.1% poor/fair health rate exceeds the national average of 18%, reflecting health challenges despite solid provider availability.
Modest edge over Tennessee average
At 73.4 years, Cumberland County's life expectancy edges slightly above Tennessee's state average of 72.4 years. The county maintains a middle-of-the-pack health ranking within the state.
Outperforms rural peers in healthcare access
Cumberland County's 64 primary care providers per 100,000 residents significantly exceeds rural neighbors like Decatur County (26 per 100K) and DeKalb County (39 per 100K). The 40 mental health providers per 100K also strengthens the county's healthcare infrastructure.
Stronger provider network supports residents
With 64 primary care providers and 40 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, Cumberland County offers meaningful healthcare access above many state peers. The uninsured rate of 12.9% remains slightly above the state average, leaving room to expand coverage.
Coverage gains maximize local resources
The county's robust provider network means uninsured residents miss out on established care relationships—12.9% of residents lack coverage. Checking the Tennessee Health Insurance Marketplace could connect you with affordable plans to use these available doctors and specialists.
Cumberland County's composite risk score of 67.24 with a Relatively Low rating exceeds the national average, placing it in the upper-middle tier of U.S. county risk profiles. This elevated exposure stems from significant wildfire, tornado, and earthquake hazards.
Among Tennessee's Riskier Counties
At 67.24, Cumberland ranks notably above Tennessee's state average of 52.45, making it one of the state's higher-risk counties. Its wildfire score of 72.55 is particularly distinctive within the state context.
High Risk in Its Region
Cumberland's 67.24 composite risk significantly exceeds nearby DeKalb (25.48) and Crockett (52.58), though it trails Davidson County's extreme 97.17 score. The county's wildfire risk of 72.55 stands out even among its neighbors.
Wildfire and Tornado Dominate Exposure
Wildfire risk reaches 72.55 and tornado risk climbs to 86.07—both well above state averages—making these Cumberland's defining hazards. Earthquake risk of 85.37 adds additional concern, while flood risk at 58.43 remains notable.
Wildfire and Tornado Coverage Essential
Bundle your homeowners policy with specific wildfire and tornado riders to address Cumberland's elevated composite exposure of 67.24. Verify that your coverage includes debris removal and temporary housing, common needs after major storm events in this county.