countyscore
51.2
County Score
Property Tax 98.1Water Quality 86Weather & Climate 74.9

County Report Card

About Cumberland County, Tennessee

Outperforming the National Median

Cumberland County achieves a composite score of 51.2, placing it above the national median of 50.0. This performance suggests a higher overall livability than at least half of the United States.

Aligned with Tennessee Standards

The county's score of 51.2 is nearly identical to the Tennessee state average of 51.3. It represents a quintessential Tennessee experience in terms of costs and services.

Exceptional Tax and Water Quality

A tax score of 98.1 highlights an incredibly low effective tax rate of 0.307%. Combined with a water score of 86.0, the county provides excellent basic infrastructure and fiscal policy.

Safety and Risk Management Needs

Safety scores sit at 28.7, and the environmental risk score is 32.8. These metrics suggest that community safety and disaster preparedness are areas ripe for investment.

Ideal for Retirees and Savers

With extremely low taxes and affordable rent at $829, Cumberland is perfect for those on fixed incomes. It suits individuals who prioritize keeping their hard-earned money in their own pockets.

Score breakdown

Tax98.1Cost62.8Safety28.7Health30.7Schools38Income34.2Risk32.8Water86Weather74.9
🏛98.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠62.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼34.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡28.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤30.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓38
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡32.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤74.9
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨24.4
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱55.5
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 →
Sponsored

Compare mortgage rates in Cumberland County

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

See Today's Rates

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
Compare Cumberland County with Alpine County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Alpine County
California
Median income: $110,781
51.2
Teller County
Colorado
Median income: $80,666
51.2
Hancock County
Maine
Median income: $69,630
51.2
Osceola County
Michigan
Median income: $57,050
51.2
Audrain County
Missouri
Median income: $56,232
51.2
Callahan County
Texas
Median income: $68,455
51.2
Lipscomb County
Texas
Median income: $71,442
51.2
Gilmer County
Georgia
Median income: $72,542
51.3

Nearby counties

White County
Tennessee
57.9
Rhea County
Tennessee
50.1
Morgan County
Tennessee
62.1
Bledsoe County
Tennessee
60.4
Fentress County
Tennessee
56.5
Van Buren County
Tennessee
69
Roane County
Tennessee
53
Putnam County
Tennessee
44

Deep Dives

Cumberland County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Cumberland County

via TaxByCounty

Cumberland County offers lowest tax rate

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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Cumberland County

via CostByCounty

Cumberland rents punch below national average

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.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Cumberland County

via IncomeByCounty

Cumberland lags behind national income levels

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.

Smart financial planning builds long-term security

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Cumberland County

via CrimeByCounty

High Safety Scores on the Plateau

Cumberland County earns a safety score of 97.3, placing it above national benchmarks. The total crime rate of 1,712.4 per 100,000 residents sits comfortably below the U.S. average of 2,385.5.

Beating the Tennessee Average

Cumberland's safety score of 97.3 edges out the Tennessee state average of 97.2. The county maintains a stable security profile across its three reporting agencies.

Comparative Success Against State Norms

The county's total crime rate is lower than the Tennessee average of 1,785.6. This performance demonstrates a consistent level of safety compared to higher-crime urban centers.

Low Violent Crime Defines the Region

The violent crime rate is just 251.8 per 100,000, which is far lower than the state average of 356.7. Property crime makes up the bulk of local reports at 1,460.6 incidents.

Prioritize Home and Outdoor Security

While violent crime is rare, property incidents suggest that residents should remain vigilant about locking outbuildings and vehicles. Installing smart cameras can provide extra peace of mind.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Cumberland County

via HealthByCounty

Life expectancy slightly above national baseline

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.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Cumberland County

via SchoolsByCounty

Streamlined Education with Nine Elementary Hubs

Cumberland County operates 12 public schools serving a total enrollment of 7,216 students under a single unified district. The landscape is dominated by nine elementary schools and three high schools, with no standalone middle schools in the system. This structure creates centralized academic hubs for the county's growing student body.

Stable Performance Near National Benchmarks

The county maintains a 92.0% graduation rate, which sits comfortably above the national average of 87% but slightly trails the state average of 93.3%. Education funding stands at $5,735 per pupil, trailing the state average of $6,215 and the national average of $13,000. Despite lower spending, the school score of 51.8 reflects a solid academic foundation compared to national medians.

One Unified District for All Students

The Cumberland County district manages all 12 schools and 7,216 students, providing a consistent administrative experience across the region. There are no charter schools in the county, meaning traditional public schools are the primary choice for local families. This centralized model allows for shared resources between the rural and town-based campuses.

Mid-Sized Schools in Scenic Rural Settings

With eight schools in rural locales and four in town settings, the county offers a distinctly non-urban educational experience. Stone Memorial High School is the largest institution with 1,031 students, while Stone Elementary is more typical for the area with 624 students. The average school size is 601 students, offering a balance between varied program options and manageable campus sizes.

Establish Roots Near Cumberland Schools

Cumberland County's unified school system offers a predictable and stable environment for families moving to the area. When exploring local real estate, the proximity to these well-established rural and town schools can be a significant factor in your decision. Investing in a home here means joining a community that prioritizes its 12 local public schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Cumberland County

via RiskByCounty

Cumberland Runs Above Average Risk

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.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Cumberland County

via WeatherByCounty

Cooler Highland Climate Patterns

At 54.5°F, Cumberland County is significantly cooler than the national median temperature. Its position on the Cumberland Plateau creates a distinct climate compared to the surrounding lowlands.

One of Tennessee's Coolest Counties

The county's annual average of 54.5°F sits 3.6 degrees below the state average of 58.1°F. It is also considerably wetter than most of the state, receiving 59.7 inches of rain compared to the 55.9-inch state average.

Unique Plateau Weather Trends

Cumberland is much cooler and wetter than nearby DeKalb County, which averages 58.1°F. While DeKalb sees 38 extreme heat days, Cumberland residents only experience 7 days above 90°F.

Mild Summers and Snowy Winters

July remains comfortable with a 73.0°F average, a rare trait in the American South. However, winters are more intense than the state average, bringing 14.1 inches of snowfall annually.

Winter Readiness is Key

Invest in heavy winter gear and snow removal tools to manage the 14.1 inches of annual snow. Homeowners benefit from lower cooling costs in summer but must prepare for high humidity and 59.7 inches of rain.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Cumberland County

via SoilByCounty

Highly acidic Ultisols on the Plateau

Cumberland County's loamy soil belongs to the Ultisols order and registers a very acidic pH of 4.80. This is considerably lower than the state average of 5.35 and the national median of 6.5.

A balanced loamy mix

The soil composition is nearly balanced with 37.7% sand and 38.3% silt, rounded out by 18.0% clay. This loamy texture provides a versatile medium for root growth and manageable workability for gardeners.

Moderate fertility and water capacity

Organic matter stands at 1.84%, which is below the state average of 2.44%. The available water capacity of 0.157 in/in also falls slightly behind the state average of 0.171, suggesting a need for consistent irrigation.

Reliable moderate drainage class

Cumberland's soil is moderately well drained and belongs to hydrologic group C. It manages typical rainfall well, though it can become saturated during heavy Tennessee storms.

Ready for berries in zone 7a

The cooler plateau climate and loamy soil are perfect for blueberries and raspberries. To see the best results in your garden, consider adding lime to neutralize the high acidity.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Cumberland County

via LawnByCounty

Above-Average Success on the Cumberland Plateau

Cumberland County earns a lawn difficulty score of 55.5, making it easier to maintain turf here than the national median of 50.0. This 7a zone benefits from cooler summer temperatures that reduce heat stress on cool-season grasses.

Capitalizing on Cool Summers and High Rainfall

Lawns enjoy nearly 60 inches of annual precipitation and only 7 extreme heat days per year. This climate supports a shorter growing season, though specific length data is limited for this mountain region.

Addressing Very Acidic Loam Soils

A very low soil pH of 4.80 is the primary obstacle for local gardeners, as it can lock out vital nutrients. Fortunately, the moderately well-drained loam texture provides a solid physical base if lime is used to balance acidity.

Staying Green During Severe Drought

Despite 16 weeks of drought last year, nearly 46% of the county currently faces severe drought conditions. Mulching grass clippings back into the lawn can help retain moisture during these critical dry periods.

Best Turf Bets for High Elevations

Kentucky Bluegrass and Fine Fescue thrive in the cooler climate of the Plateau. Aim to finish spring planting after April 19, or begin fall renovations before the first frost arrives on October 22.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cumberland County's county score?
Cumberland County, Tennessee has a composite county score of 51.2 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 Cumberland County rank among counties in Tennessee?
Cumberland County ranks #50 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 Cumberland County, Tennessee?
The median annual property tax in Cumberland County is $699, with an effective tax rate of 0.31%. This earns Cumberland County a tax score of 98.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Cumberland County?
The median household income in Cumberland County, Tennessee is $58,475 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Cumberland County earns an income score of 34.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Cumberland County, Tennessee a good place to live?
Cumberland County scores 51.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #50 in Tennessee. The best way to evaluate Cumberland 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 Cumberland 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.