countyscore
57.1
County Score
Property Tax 87.1Cost of Living 86.5Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About Decatur County, Tennessee

Leading the National Median

Decatur County earns a strong composite score of 57.1, placing it well ahead of the national median of 50.0. This score indicates a high level of overall livability relative to the rest of the country.

A Top Tennessee Performer

With a 57.1 score, Decatur outperforms the state average of 51.3 by a healthy margin. It serves as a model for rural livability within the Tennessee valley.

Unmatched Affordability and Low Tax

The county shines with a tax score of 87.1 and a cost score of 86.5. A median home value of $133,900 and rent at $716 make this one of the most affordable spots in the region.

Economic Growth Potential

An income score of 8.6 is the primary weakness, reflecting a median household income of $46,190. While life is cheap here, high-paying jobs remain relatively scarce.

Perfect for Simple, Affordable Living

Decatur County is ideal for remote workers or families who want to maximize their purchasing power. It offers a rare combination of very low costs and high environmental stability.

Score breakdown

Tax87.1Cost86.5Safety39.5Health20.1Schools56.7Income8.6Risk61.6Water86Weather61.8
🏛87.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠86.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼8.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡39.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤20.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓56.7
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡61.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤61.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨25.2
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱32.7
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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Compare Decatur County with Schley County →Share on X

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Nearby counties

Perry County
Tennessee
68.2
Henderson County
Tennessee
53.1
Hardin County
Tennessee
46.3
Wayne County
Tennessee
61.4
Chester County
Tennessee
61.2
Carroll County
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53.8
Lewis County
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52.7
Humphreys County
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52.2

Deep Dives

Decatur County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Decatur County

via TaxByCounty

Decatur County sits below national average

Decatur County's effective tax rate of 0.488% produces median taxes of $654, a fraction of the national median property tax of $2,690. This places Decatur in the bottom 35% nationally, offering residents substantially lighter property tax burden than most American counties.

Slightly below Tennessee average

Decatur County's effective rate of 0.488% sits marginally below Tennessee's state average of 0.511%, positioning it near the middle of the state's 95 counties. The county's lower median tax of $654 reflects both its moderate rate and relatively affordable home values.

Competitive with nearby rural counties

Decatur County's 0.488% rate aligns with DeKalb County (0.362%) and runs lower than Crockett County (0.645%) in the region. Among rural Tennessee neighbors, Decatur offers a reasonable property tax environment without standing out as unusually high or low.

What a typical Decatur County homeowner pays

On the median home value of $133,900, Decatur County homeowners pay approximately $654 annually in property taxes. Mortgaged properties tend toward $721, while outright ownership typically costs $612 per year.

Verify your Decatur County assessment

Decatur County homeowners should confirm their assessed values align with recent comparable sales in their neighborhoods. An appeal is worthwhile if your assessment exceeds what similar homes in your area would fetch on the market today.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Decatur County

via CostByCounty

Decatur County stretches lowest incomes hardest

Decatur County's 18.6% rent-to-income ratio exceeds the national average, but what matters more is its $46,190 median household income—the lowest among comparable counties—making housing burdens especially acute. At $716 monthly rent, costs are manageable in absolute terms, but they consume a larger percentage of earnings than in wealthier regions.

Decatur ranks among Tennessee's poorest counties

With a 18.6% rent-to-income ratio slightly above Tennessee's 17.6% average, Decatur nonetheless faces distinct challenges rooted in its $46,190 median income—among the state's lowest. The $716 median rent beats the state average, yet represents a heavier proportional burden for residents earning significantly less.

Decatur offers cheapest rents in its cluster

Decatur's $716 rent is the lowest among its regional peers, undercutting Dyer County ($760), Crockett ($854), and Cumberland ($829). However, Decatur's lower incomes mean renters still allocate a higher percentage of earnings to housing than neighbors with slightly higher median incomes.

Decatur's tight household budget math

Renters dedicate $716 monthly while owners pay $552 for mortgages, seemingly affordable until divided against the $46,190 median household income. The median home value of $133,900 remains within reach, but qualifying for mortgages and maintaining other expenses proves challenging for residents earning near or below county median.

Decatur suits those with stable rural employment

Relocating to Decatur works only for candidates with guaranteed income above the county median or significant savings; nominal affordability masks income scarcity. Compare Decatur's numbers against better-earning counties like Dickson ($73,223) or Fayette ($84,764) to assess whether rural opportunity justifies the income trade-off.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Decatur County

via IncomeByCounty

Decatur County faces significant income gap

Decatur County's median household income of $46,190 trails the national median of $74,755 by $28,565—a stark 38% gap. This substantial shortfall places Decatur among the most economically challenged counties in the nation.

Among Tennessee's lowest-income counties

At $46,190, Decatur's median household income falls 22% below Tennessee's state average of $58,994, ranking it among the state's most economically disadvantaged counties. This positioning reflects limited employment diversity and dependence on declining rural industries.

Decatur's earnings lag all comparison peers

Decatur County's $46,190 falls short of every neighboring county examined, including DeKalb ($48,484), Dyer ($54,973), and Crockett ($59,049). The county faces the steepest earnings challenge among these rural communities.

Housing costs strain limited household income

Decatur's 18.6% rent-to-income ratio is manageable on paper, but limited absolute income of $46,190 constrains overall financial flexibility. Combined with limited high-wage job availability, households have minimal room for savings or investment.

Building wealth through community resources

Decatur County residents face significant income headwinds but can benefit from low housing values ($133,900) and affordable rents. Seek out local workforce development programs, entrepreneurship training, and financial literacy services to build skills that unlock higher-wage employment opportunities.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Decatur County

via CrimeByCounty

Decatur County Offers Superior Safety

Decatur County boasts a safety score of 97.8, reflecting a very secure environment. Its total crime rate of 1,375.9 per 100,000 is far lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Ranked Well Above State Norms

The safety score of 97.8 places Decatur County above the Tennessee average of 97.2. Four reporting agencies work together to keep local crime rates suppressed.

Leading the Region in Safety

The county's total crime rate of 1,375.9 is much lower than the state average of 1,785.6. This makes Decatur one of the more peaceful areas in the western Tennessee region.

Property Crimes Dominate Local Reports

Violent crime is notably low at 209.0 per 100,000, which is well below the state average of 356.7. Property crime sits at 1,166.9, making it the primary concern for residents.

Focus on Neighborhood Awareness

Low violent crime rates make this a safe place to live, but property protection remains important. Ensure your home is well-lit and that your neighbors know when you are away.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Decatur County

via HealthByCounty

Life expectancy well below national average

Decatur County residents live to just 70.7 years on average, more than 7 years below the U.S. life expectancy of 78.1 years. The 24.4% poor/fair health rate ranks among the highest in the nation, nearly 6 points above the national average.

Among Tennessee's lowest life expectancy

Decatur County's 70.7-year life expectancy falls nearly 2 years below Tennessee's state average of 72.4 years, placing it among the state's most health-challenged counties. The county faces significant health disparities requiring urgent attention.

Provider scarcity compounds health challenges

Decatur County's 26 primary care providers per 100,000 residents is the lowest in the regional peer group, roughly one-third of Cumberland County's 64 per 100K. With only 129 mental health providers per 100,000, access to behavioral health services remains limited.

Limited providers strain everyday healthcare

Decatur County's 26 primary care providers per 100,000 residents create real barriers to routine care, preventive visits, and chronic disease management. While the uninsured rate of 11.6% is slightly below state average, the scarcity of providers means coverage alone doesn't guarantee access.

Insurance is the first step toward care

With limited providers and 24.4% of residents in poor or fair health, health insurance becomes even more critical in Decatur County. Check the Tennessee Health Insurance Marketplace to secure coverage—it's your gateway to using the available healthcare resources.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Decatur County

via SchoolsByCounty

Small, Efficient Rural School System

Decatur County maintains a compact school infrastructure of just four public schools serving 1,524 students. The system includes two elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school, all managed under a single district. This streamlined landscape provides a direct path for students from kindergarten through graduation.

Exceptional Graduation Rates and Strong Scores

The county achieves an outstanding 97.0% graduation rate, surpassing state and national averages by a wide margin. Its school score of 55.3 sits above the state average of 53.6, despite spending $6,107 per pupil which is slightly less than the state benchmark. These metrics suggest that Decatur County is delivering high-quality education and successful outcomes very efficiently.

Unified District with No Charters

The Decatur County district serves 100% of the county's public school students across its four campuses. There are zero charter schools in the area, ensuring that all local resources and community focus remain on the traditional public school system. This centralized model supports a consistent educational experience for all 1,524 enrolled students.

An Entirely Rural Learning Environment

Every school in the county is located in a rural setting, offering students a quiet and consistent environment for learning. Riverside High School is the largest campus with 460 students, while Decaturville Elementary is the smallest with 262 students. With an average school size of 381, teachers and administrators can provide more personalized attention than in larger urban districts.

Settle in a Top-Tier Rural District

For families seeking a rural lifestyle without sacrificing academic quality, Decatur County is a premier choice. The 97% graduation rate is a powerful indicator of the success you can expect for your children when buying a home in this community. Explore local real estate knowing that the small school system is one of the county's greatest assets.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Decatur County

via RiskByCounty

Decatur's Risk Trails National Norms

Decatur County's composite risk score of 38.42 with a Very Low rating sits well below the national average, positioning it among America's safer counties. This low exposure provides residents meaningful protection from most disaster types.

Among Tennessee's Safest Counties

At 38.42, Decatur ranks meaningfully below Tennessee's state average of 52.45, placing it in the state's lower-risk tier. Only a handful of Tennessee counties enjoy comparable safety levels.

Safer Than Most Western Tennessee Peers

Decatur's 38.42 score is considerably lower than Cumberland (67.24), Crockett (52.58), and Dyer (86.58), though similar to DeKalb (25.48). The county benefits from lower exposure to wildfire and tornado risk compared to surrounding counties.

Tornadoes Present Primary Concern

Tornado risk at 66.70 represents Decatur's main hazard, though it remains moderate compared to other Tennessee counties. Earthquake risk reaches 83.37, while flood and wildfire exposures stay quite low.

Standard Coverage Largely Sufficient Here

Decatur's Very Low composite risk of 38.42 means standard homeowners insurance provides adequate baseline protection for most residents. Ensure your policy includes tornado/wind coverage and verify your safe room preparedness plan.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Decatur County

via WeatherByCounty

Above Average National Temperatures

Decatur County's 60.2°F annual average reflects a climate much warmer than the national median. This region experiences consistent humidity and high annual precipitation totals.

Warmer and Wetter Than Average

At 60.2°F, the county is 2.1 degrees warmer than the Tennessee average of 58.1°F. Its 57.1 inches of annual rainfall also exceeds the state average, marking it as a particularly moist region.

The Heat of West Tennessee

Decatur faces 64 extreme heat days, far exceeding the 38 days recorded in DeKalb County to the east. The 60.2°F average temperature makes it one of the warmer spots in the immediate region.

Extreme Heat and Mild Winters

Summers are demanding, with 64 days hitting 90°F or higher and a July average of 79.9°F. Winters provide relief with very little snow, averaging only 1.6 inches annually.

Durable Cooling and Rain Gear

With 64 days of extreme heat, a robust and efficient air conditioning system is a resident's top priority. The 57.1 inches of rain suggests keeping reliable umbrellas and waterproof boots on hand year-round.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Decatur County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Alfisols along the river

Decatur County features silt loam soils categorized as Alfisols. The average pH of 5.18 is lower than both the Tennessee state average of 5.35 and the national median of 6.5.

Sand and silt provide easy workability

With 27.7% sand and 50.0% silt, this soil is relatively easy to till and work. The 20.3% clay content helps ensure the soil doesn't lose nutrients too quickly during heavy rains.

State-average water capacity for plants

The organic matter content of 1.35% is lower than the state's 2.44% average. However, the available water capacity of 0.168 in/in is nearly identical to the state average, providing reliable moisture for vegetation.

Variable drainage requires careful planning

The soil is moderately well drained but falls into the C/D hydrologic group. This indicates that water can move slowly through the profile, making runoff management important for agricultural fields.

Forestry and farming in zone 7b

This soil-climate combination is excellent for timber production and row crops like corn. Adding organic compost can help boost the lower fertility levels for a thriving home garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Decatur County

via LawnByCounty

Navigating High-Difficulty Turf Management

Decatur County is one of the toughest places for lawns, with a difficulty score of 32.7. The combination of intense summer heat and acidic soil makes maintaining a lush green space a year-round challenge.

Enduring Intense Heat and Heavy Rains

The county faces a staggering 64 extreme heat days per year, nearly double the state average. This high heat, combined with 57.1 inches of rain, creates a humid environment where turf diseases can easily flourish.

Managing Acidic Silt Loam Soil

Local soil pH sits at 5.18, requiring significant intervention to reach the preferred 6.0 range for most turfgrasses. The silt loam texture holds 20.3% clay, meaning it can become very dense and difficult for roots to penetrate.

Surviving 21 Weeks of Drought

The county is currently 100% abnormally dry after enduring 21 weeks of drought over the past year. High growing degree days (4892) mean grass grows fast but also consumes water quickly during these dry spells.

Choosing Heat-Tolerant Grass Varieties

Because of the extreme heat, heat-loving Bermuda grass is the most reliable option for this 7b zone. Ensure your lawn is established between the spring frost on April 5 and the fall frost on October 29.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Decatur County's county score?
Decatur County, Tennessee has a composite county score of 57.1 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 Decatur County rank among counties in Tennessee?
Decatur County ranks #21 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 Decatur County, Tennessee?
The median annual property tax in Decatur County is $654, with an effective tax rate of 0.49%. This earns Decatur County a tax score of 87.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Decatur County?
The median household income in Decatur County, Tennessee is $46,190 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Decatur County earns an income score of 8.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Decatur County, Tennessee a good place to live?
Decatur County scores 57.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #21 in Tennessee. The best way to evaluate Decatur 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 Decatur 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.