DeKalb County's composite score of 77.6 sits well above the national median of 50.0, placing it among America's more livable counties. This strong performance is anchored by low taxes and moderate housing costs.
2 / 5
Above average performer within Tennessee
DeKalb County scores 77.6, exceeding Tennessee's state average of 76.3 and ranking among the state's upper-tier counties for livability. It's a consistent, reliable choice for those seeking Tennessee value.
3 / 5
Tax efficiency and housing affordability combine
DeKalb County impresses with a tax score of 92.1 (effective rate of 0.362%) and a cost score of 82.4, with median home values of $206,600 and monthly rents of $773. This balance of low taxes and reasonable housing costs makes it financially attractive.
4 / 5
Limited income growth and incomplete picture
The median household income of $48,484 and income score of 15.0 suggest modest earning potential compared to larger metros. Critical data gaps in safety, health, schools, and environmental factors prevent a fully informed decision.
5 / 5
Sweet spot for value-conscious rural dwellers
DeKalb County suits remote workers, retirees, and families seeking an affordable rural community with favorable tax treatment. The combination of low taxes and moderate housing costs offers strong value for those not dependent on local job growth.
DeKalb County's composite score of 77.6 sits well above the national median of 50.0, placing it among America's more livable counties. This strong performance is anchored by low taxes and moderate housing costs.
Above average performer within Tennessee
DeKalb County scores 77.6, exceeding Tennessee's state average of 76.3 and ranking among the state's upper-tier counties for livability. It's a consistent, reliable choice for those seeking Tennessee value.
Tax efficiency and housing affordability combine
DeKalb County impresses with a tax score of 92.1 (effective rate of 0.362%) and a cost score of 82.4, with median home values of $206,600 and monthly rents of $773. This balance of low taxes and reasonable housing costs makes it financially attractive.
Limited income growth and incomplete picture
The median household income of $48,484 and income score of 15.0 suggest modest earning potential compared to larger metros. Critical data gaps in safety, health, schools, and environmental factors prevent a fully informed decision.
Sweet spot for value-conscious rural dwellers
DeKalb County suits remote workers, retirees, and families seeking an affordable rural community with favorable tax treatment. The combination of low taxes and moderate housing costs offers strong value for those not dependent on local job growth.
Score breakdown
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🏛92.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
DeKalb County's effective tax rate of 0.362% places it in the bottom 15% nationally, with median property taxes of just $747 compared to the national median of $2,690. Residents here enjoy some of the most favorable property tax treatment in the United States.
Third-lowest rate in Tennessee
DeKalb County's 0.362% effective rate ranks among the most favorable in Tennessee, trailing only Cumberland County (0.307%) and Fayette County (0.346%). This places DeKalb well below the state average of 0.511%, offering residents a significant tax advantage within the state.
Most favorable rate in the immediate region
DeKalb County's 0.362% rate undercuts all nearby counties, including Decatur County (0.488%) and Crockett County (0.645%). Only Cumberland County in the broader region offers comparable tax relief, making DeKalb a standout for property tax-conscious homeowners.
What a typical DeKalb County homeowner pays
On the median home value of $206,600, DeKalb County homeowners pay approximately $747 annually in property taxes. Mortgage holders typically see $693, while outright owners average $834.
Even low-tax DeKalb residents can appeal
Despite favorable rates, some DeKalb County homeowners may still carry overvalued assessments from previous market cycles. Filing an appeal ensures your assessment reflects current market conditions, potentially lowering your already modest tax burden further.
DeKalb County's 19.1% rent-to-income ratio exceeds both the national average and most Tennessee peers, signaling tighter affordability despite modest absolute rents. At $773 monthly rent against $48,484 median household income—well below the national $74,755—DeKalb residents sacrifice income for rural living, intensifying housing burdens.
DeKalb ranks below-average for Tennessee rents
DeKalb's 19.1% rent-to-income ratio sits above Tennessee's 17.6% state average, placing it among the state's more stretched counties. The $773 median rent falls below the state average of $860, yet the low median income of $48,484 pushes the affordability ratio upward.
DeKalb competes on low rents, not low income
DeKalb's $773 rent approximates Dyer County ($760) and sits above Decatur ($716), but DeKalb's $48,484 median income exceeds Decatur's $46,190. This combination produces DeKalb's above-average rent-to-income ratio—lower nominal rent cannot overcome income disadvantages.
DeKalb's housing consumes significant income share
Renters allocate $773 monthly while owners pay $799 for mortgages, both consuming roughly 19% of the $48,484 median household income. The median home value of $206,600 towers above what most county residents can afford without significant external assistance.
DeKalb offers modest rents but limited income
Considering DeKalb requires confidence in stable employment above the county's $48,484 median or significant savings reserves. Compare this county's 19.1% rent-to-income ratio against wealthier options like Dickson (15.9%) or Fayette (12.5%) to evaluate whether rural proximity justifies higher housing burden.
DeKalb County's median household income of $48,484 lags the national median of $74,755 by $26,271—a 35% gap. This significant shortfall reflects rural Tennessee's economic challenges relative to national prosperity.
Below Tennessee's state income average
DeKalb's $48,484 median household income sits 18% below Tennessee's state average of $58,994. Among the state's counties, DeKalb ranks among those facing the most serious income and employment challenges.
Competing with similarly challenged rural neighbors
DeKalb's $48,484 edges out only Decatur County ($46,190) among comparison counties but trails Dyer ($54,973), Crockett ($59,049), and Cumberland ($58,475). DeKalb faces steep earnings competition even within its rural peer group.
Affordable housing with limited purchasing power
DeKalb's 19.1% rent-to-income ratio appears manageable, but the median household income of $48,484 provides constrained purchasing power for other necessities. Median home values of $206,600 stretch the typical buyer's capacity given local earning levels.
Financial resilience through careful planning
DeKalb County residents should prioritize building emergency savings—targeting three to six months of expenses given income volatility in rural areas. Explore state-sponsored matched savings programs and financial counseling services designed to help low-to-moderate income households build wealth.
DeKalb County residents live to 71.7 years on average, about 6.4 years below the U.S. average of 78.1 years. The 26.6% poor/fair health rate is among the highest nationally, exceeding the national average by 8.6 percentage points.
Among state's worst health outcomes
DeKalb County's 71.7-year life expectancy matches the state's lower quartile, about 0.7 years below Tennessee's average of 72.4 years. The 26.6% poor/fair health rate represents one of the state's most vulnerable health profiles.
Limited resources in rural context
DeKalb County's 39 primary care providers per 100,000 residents exceeds Decatur County (26) but falls short of better-resourced areas like Cumberland County (64). Mental health providers at 47 per 100,000 are among the region's lowest, signaling significant access gaps.
Uninsured rates compound provider shortages
With 13.7% uninsured—the highest in this county group—and only 39 primary care providers per 100,000, DeKalb residents face a dual barrier to healthcare. The 26.6% poor/fair health rate reflects the combined strain of limited coverage and limited access.
Coverage closes critical access gap
At 13.7% uninsured, DeKalb County has the highest rate in this group, meaning thousands lack basic healthcare coverage. Visiting healthcare.gov or contacting local community health centers could connect you with affordable plans and the county's available providers.
DeKalb County's composite risk score of just 25.48 with a Very Low rating places it in the safest tier of U.S. counties. This exceptionally low exposure across multiple hazard categories provides residents substantial protection.
Tennessee's Safest County
At 25.48, DeKalb ranks dramatically below Tennessee's state average of 52.45, earning status as the state's single lowest-risk county. No other Tennessee county comes close to this level of safety.
Safest in Its Region by Far
DeKalb's 25.48 score is substantially lower than Crockett (52.58), Dickson (53.47), and Decatur (38.42). The county's geographic positioning and terrain provide measurable protection compared to surrounding areas.
Tornado Risk Modest, Others Minimal
Tornado risk at 48.92 is DeKalb's only moderate hazard exposure. Earthquake risk reaches 69.02, while flood and wildfire risks remain exceptionally low at 34.51 and 7.67 respectively.
Basic Coverage Protects DeKalb Homes
DeKalb's Very Low composite risk of 25.48 means standard homeowners policies provide solid coverage for most disaster scenarios. Maintain an updated tornado safety plan and ensure adequate coverage limits for your property value.