countyscore
31.6
County Score
Water Quality 86Income & Jobs 78.2Property Tax 72.2

County Report Card

About Davidson County, Tennessee

Urban Trade-offs Drive Lower Scores

Davidson County’s composite score of 31.6 falls significantly below the national median of 50.0. While it is an economic powerhouse, high costs and safety concerns weigh down its overall ranking.

Stark Contrast to State Average

Compared to the Tennessee state average of 51.3, Davidson’s score of 31.6 reflects the unique pressures of the state's largest metro area. It ranks among the lower tier for livability despite its cultural influence.

High Incomes and Infrastructure

The county boasts an income score of 78.2 with a median household income of $75,664. Reliability in water services also earns a strong score of 86.0.

High Costs and Low Safety

The cost score is a dismal 8.3, driven by a median home value of $386,600 and rent averaging $1,485. Safety and environmental risk scores also trail behind, both sitting in the bottom 5th percentile.

The Choice for Career Seekers

Davidson County suits high-earning professionals who thrive on urban energy and can afford the premium price tag. It is a location for those who trade cost and quiet for job opportunities and nightlife.

Score breakdown

Tax72.2Cost8.3Safety1.8Health40.4Schools27.5Income78.2Risk2.8Water86Weather64
🏛72.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠8.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼78.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡1.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤40.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓27.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡2.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤64
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨34.9
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱47.6
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

Cheatham County
Tennessee
46.5
Williamson County
Tennessee
60.7
Robertson County
Tennessee
43.5
Sumner County
Tennessee
54.9
Wilson County
Tennessee
50.8
Dickson County
Tennessee
48.2
Rutherford County
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43.4
Trousdale County
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52.1

Deep Dives

Davidson County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Davidson County

via TaxByCounty

Nashville-area taxes match national median

Davidson County's effective tax rate of 0.618% generates a median property tax of $2,390, just slightly below the national median of $2,690. The county lands near the middle of the national distribution, making it representative of typical American property tax burden.

Second-highest rate in Tennessee

Davidson County's effective rate of 0.618% ranks second among Tennessee's 95 counties, surpassed only by a handful of peers and well above the state average of 0.511%. Only Crockett County (0.645%) carries a higher effective rate in Tennessee, reflecting Nashville's stronger property tax commitment.

Highest taxes in the region by far

Davidson County's 0.618% rate substantially exceeds all surrounding counties, including Dickson County (0.502%) and Decatur County (0.488%). Nashville homeowners pay roughly double the tax rate of some nearby jurisdictions, a premium driven by the urban county's larger tax base.

What a typical Davidson County homeowner pays

On the median home value of $386,600, Davidson County homeowners pay approximately $2,390 annually in property taxes. Whether mortgaged ($2,376) or owned outright ($2,420), residents face substantial annual property tax obligations in the state's largest urban county.

Appeal your assessment in Nashville

Davidson County homeowners, especially those with properties near major development or market shifts, may discover their assessments lag behind actual values—or exceed them. Requesting a formal assessment review could save you hundreds annually if your home is overvalued on the county rolls.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Davidson County

via CostByCounty

Davidson's housing costs grip harder than most

At 23.6%, Davidson County's rent-to-income ratio significantly exceeds the national average, signaling that Nashville-area renters dedicate nearly a quarter of earnings to housing—well above the typical American burden. With median rent at $1,485 against a $75,664 median household income (nearly matching the national $74,755), Davidson demonstrates how urban markets compress affordability.

Davidson ranks Tennessee's least affordable county

Davidson's 23.6% rent-to-income ratio towers above Tennessee's 17.6% state average, making it the state's most housing-stressed county by this measure. The $1,485 median rent nearly doubles the state average of $860, reflecting Nashville's emergence as a high-cost regional hub.

Davidson vastly outprices surrounding counties

Davidson's $1,485 rent nearly doubles Dickson County's $972 and tripled Dyer County's $760, illustrating the Nashville metropolitan premium. Even compared to prosperous Fayette County ($883 rent), Davidson's housing costs are dramatically steeper, revealing concentrated urban pressures.

Where Davidson incomes stretch thin

Renters spend $1,485 monthly while homeowners face $1,458 mortgages—both consuming over 23% of the $75,664 median household income. The median home value of $386,600 places homeownership further from reach, particularly for renters already straining under high monthly payments.

Nashville boom has real affordability costs

Davidson County's growth and opportunity come with a 23.6% rent-to-income ratio that demands higher earnings than most Tennessee relocations require. Compare these numbers carefully against more affordable alternatives like Cumberland (17.0%) or Fayette (12.5%) before committing to Nashville-area housing.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Davidson County

via IncomeByCounty

Davidson County earns above the national average

Davidson County's median household income of $75,664 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by roughly $900, placing it in the upper tier of American counties. This achievement reflects Nashville's status as a major metropolitan economic hub.

Tennessee's top earner among major counties

Davidson County's $75,664 median household income substantially outpaces Tennessee's state average of $58,994—28% higher. The county ranks among the state's highest-income communities, driven by Nashville's diverse economy and urban wage premiums.

Significantly outearning surrounding rural counties

Davidson's $75,664 far exceeds Dickson ($73,223), Cumberland ($58,475), and Crockett ($59,049) counties. This income premium reflects Nashville's urban advantage and the concentration of professional, service, and creative-sector jobs unavailable in neighboring rural areas.

Higher incomes offset higher housing costs

Davidson County's 23.6% rent-to-income ratio is notably elevated, reflecting median home values of $386,600—the highest among comparison counties. However, the above-average household income of $75,664 provides the earning power to sustain these housing costs despite the burden.

Urban incomes require strategic wealth planning

Davidson County residents earn above-average incomes but face above-average housing costs that can erode savings potential. Prioritize automating contributions to retirement accounts and investment portfolios to ensure wealth accumulates despite higher cost-of-living pressures.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Davidson County

via CrimeByCounty

Urban Challenges in Davidson County

Davidson County faces a safety score of 91.9, which is lower than many surrounding rural areas. The total crime rate of 5,135.9 per 100,000 residents is more than double the national average.

Safety Below the Tennessee Average

With a safety score of 91.9, the county falls behind the state average of 97.2. Large metropolitan areas like Nashville often see higher reporting volumes across their 13 agencies.

Higher Crime Density Than Neighbors

Davidson's crime rate of 5,135.9 per 100,000 is nearly three times the state average of 1,785.6. This density reflects the unique security needs of Tennessee's capital region.

Elevated Violent and Property Rates

Violent crime reaches 1,201.3 per 100,000, while property crime stands at 3,934.6. Both metrics significantly exceed national and state averages, requiring proactive community awareness.

Vigilance is Key in Nashville

Because of the high property crime rate, advanced home security systems are a wise investment for local residents. Always secure your belongings and participate in neighborhood watch programs.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Davidson County

via HealthByCounty

Strong health outcomes, highest in state

Davidson County residents live to 75.1 years on average, just 3 years below the U.S. average of 78.1 years, making it a relative bright spot. With 19.5% reporting poor/fair health, the county outperforms the national average of 18%.

Leads Tennessee in life expectancy

Davidson County's 75.1-year life expectancy ranks among the highest in Tennessee, exceeding the state average of 72.4 years by nearly 3 years. The county demonstrates that better health outcomes are achievable within the state.

Superior healthcare infrastructure and access

Davidson County's 91 primary care providers per 100,000 residents vastly outpace neighboring Decatur (26 per 100K) and DeKalb (39 per 100K) counties. The county's 434 mental health providers per 100,000 is exceptional, providing unparalleled mental health access.

Healthcare system offers widespread access

With 91 primary care providers and 434 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—among the highest ratios in the nation—Davidson County's healthcare infrastructure is robust. An uninsured rate of 12.7% means most residents can access this extensive network.

Maximize Nashville's world-class healthcare

Even in Davidson County's strong healthcare environment, 12.7% of residents lack coverage, missing access to preventive care and specialists. Visit healthcare.gov to explore Tennessee marketplace plans that connect you with the county's exceptional medical resources.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Davidson County

via SchoolsByCounty

Tennessee's Vast Urban Education Network

Davidson County features a massive educational infrastructure with 169 total schools serving 83,331 students. This complex system includes 85 elementary, 40 middle, and 33 high schools, along with 11 specialized campuses. It is one of the state's most diverse and expansive school landscapes.

High Investment Amid Academic Challenges

The county spends $7,324 per pupil, which is significantly higher than the Tennessee state average of $6,215. However, the 78.1% graduation rate falls well below both the state average of 93.3% and the national benchmark of 87%. A composite school score of 48.0 reflects the unique challenges of managing a large, high-need urban student population.

A Leader in Charter School Integration

Davidson County is the dominant district with 161 schools and over 80,000 students, though it is also home to the Tennessee School for the Blind. Charter schools play a major role here, with 32 schools representing nearly 19% of the total public school options. This provides families with a wide array of specialized educational pathways and alternative models.

Urban Campuses with Large-Scale Enrollments

The vast majority of schools—155 in total—are located in city settings, giving the district a true urban character. McGavock High is the county's largest school with 2,098 students, nearly quadruple the county's average school size of 502 students. Attending school here typically involves being part of a large, diverse campus with a wide range of extracurricular and academic programs.

Navigate Choice in the Nashville Market

With nearly 170 schools and a high density of charter options, Davidson County offers unparalleled choice for home buyers. As you search for property in Nashville and its surrounding neighborhoods, school zones and specialized program availability will be key factors in your home search. The high per-pupil investment shows a strong local commitment to improving these urban learning environments.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Davidson County

via RiskByCounty

Nashville's Exceptional Risk Profile

Davidson County scores 97.17 on composite risk with a Relatively High rating—among the most vulnerable counties in the entire nation. This score reflects extraordinary exposure across multiple hazard categories, from tornadoes and earthquakes to floods.

Tennessee's Highest-Risk County

Davidson County's 97.17 composite risk score is more than 45 points above Tennessee's state average of 52.45, making it decisively the state's riskiest county. No other Tennessee county approaches this level of cumulative disaster exposure.

Dramatically Riskier Than Surroundings

Davidson's 97.17 score dwarfs those of adjacent counties: Dickson (53.47), Sumner (not listed), and DeKalb (25.48). Nashville's urban density and infrastructure vulnerability amplify its disaster risk relative to surrounding rural areas.

Flood, Tornado, and Earthquake Threats

Flood risk reaches near-catastrophic levels at 98.19, tornado risk stands at 97.93, and earthquake risk hits 98.22—all among the nation's highest. These overlapping hazards make Davidson uniquely vulnerable to multiple simultaneous disaster scenarios.

Comprehensive Coverage Is Non-Negotiable

With a composite risk of 97.17, standard homeowners insurance is insufficient—add flood insurance (through the National Flood Insurance Program) and separate earthquake coverage immediately. Consider additional umbrella liability coverage given Davidson's exceptional vulnerability to multiple hazard types.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Davidson County

via WeatherByCounty

Subtropical Warmth in Nashville

Davidson County averages 58.9°F annually, a temperature that stays well above the national median. The region's humid subtropical climate ensures long, warm growing seasons and short winters.

Aligning With State Averages

The county is slightly warmer than the state average of 58.1°F, likely influenced by the urban heat island effect. It receives 51.7 inches of rain per year, which is lower than the Tennessee average of 55.9 inches.

Warmer Than Rural Neighbors

Davidson is notably warmer than Dickson County to the west, which averages 57.5°F. It also experiences 48 extreme heat days annually, nearly double the 25 days seen in Dickson.

Intense Heat and Low Snowfall

Summer is defined by 48 days over 90°F and a July average of 78.6°F. Winters are generally light, with only 3.0 inches of snow and a January average of 37.5°F.

Manage the Summer Heat

Prepare for significant cooling costs to combat the 48 days of extreme summer heat. With over 51 inches of rain and minimal snow, focus on high-quality rain gear rather than heavy winter equipment.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Davidson County

via SoilByCounty

Classic Tennessee silt loam in Nashville

Davidson County soils are primarily Ultisols with a silt loam texture. The average pH of 5.37 is almost identical to the state average but remains more acidic than the 6.5 national median.

Silt-heavy soil with moderate clay

The soil contains 52.0% silt and 21.1% clay, which helps it retain essential nutrients for plant growth. With 19.8% sand, the mix offers a stable structure suitable for both urban landscaping and rural farming.

Solid nutrient retention for urban growth

The organic matter content is 1.91%, falling short of the 2.44% state average. Available water capacity is 0.161 in/in, which is slightly lower than the state benchmark but sufficient for established lawns and trees.

Moderate drainage for building and planting

The soil is moderately well drained and classified under hydrologic group C. This profile provides a stable base for the county's infrastructure while supporting a wide variety of plant life.

Diverse planting options in zone 7b

Nashville's climate supports everything from ornamental maples to summer tomatoes. Start a backyard garden today to take advantage of this reliable silt loam foundation.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Davidson County

via LawnByCounty

Balancing Nashville's Mid-Range Difficulty

Davidson County holds a lawn difficulty score of 47.6, sitting almost exactly at the Tennessee state average. Lawns in this 7b zone must balance moderate rainfall with a significant number of high-heat summer days.

Monitoring 48 Days of Extreme Heat

With 48 extreme heat days, Nashville lawns face more thermal stress than the state average of 36 days. The 51.7 inches of annual precipitation provides a good baseline, but summer evaporation rates are high.

Improving Drainage in Silt Loam

The soil is a silt loam with a pH of 5.37 and a clay content of 21.1%. While it is moderately well-drained, homeowners should monitor for compaction and consider core aeration to help roots reach deeper.

Preparing for Moderate Drought Cycles

The county experienced only 10 weeks of drought over the last year, which is lower than many neighboring counties. Currently, 63% of the area is abnormally dry, making smart irrigation critical as the summer heat rises.

Nashville's Window for Optimal Growth

Hybrid Bermuda or Zoysia are robust choices for the local climate and 7b zone. For best results, seed your lawn after the last frost on April 6 and before the fall cooling starts in late October.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Davidson County's county score?
Davidson County, Tennessee has a composite county score of 31.6 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 Davidson County rank among counties in Tennessee?
Davidson County ranks #94 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 Davidson County, Tennessee?
The median annual property tax in Davidson County is $2,390, with an effective tax rate of 0.62%. This earns Davidson County a tax score of 72.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Davidson County?
The median household income in Davidson County, Tennessee is $75,664 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Davidson County earns an income score of 78.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Davidson County, Tennessee a good place to live?
Davidson County scores 31.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #94 in Tennessee. The best way to evaluate Davidson 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 Davidson County with other counties side by side.

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