countyscore
49.8
County Score
Property Tax 95.9Disaster Risk 74.5Weather & Climate 65.8

County Report Card

About DeKalb County, Tennessee

Steady Performance Against National Median

DeKalb County’s score of 51.5 edges out the national median of 50.0. This makes it a reliably average American county with a slight edge in overall desirability.

Matching the Tennessee Average

The county's composite of 51.5 aligns almost perfectly with the Tennessee state average of 51.3. It offers a balanced profile that reflects the state's typical living standards.

Low Taxes and Disaster Resiliency

A tax score of 95.8 highlights an effective rate of just 0.362%, one of the best in the state. Furthermore, a risk score of 74.5 shows it is well-protected against environmental hazards.

Health and Water Infrastructure

Health scores are low at 15.3, and the water score of 32.0 suggests infrastructure needs. The income score of 11.9 also indicates that residents earn well below national benchmarks.

A Quiet Haven for Landowners

DeKalb is best suited for those who want low property taxes and a safe environmental profile. It is a strong choice for residents who are self-sufficient and value rural privacy.

2040608010095.952.250.415.338.617.774.53265.8Tax95.9Cost52.2Safety50.4Health15.3Schools38.6Income17.7Risk74.5Water32Weather65.849.8/100
This county
National avg
2 above average4 below average

DeKalb County DNA

Foverall

How DeKalb County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

DeKalb County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Property Tax (95.9/100) but notably weak in Health (15.3/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
95.9+43.900000000000006
Cost
52.2
Safety
50.4
Health
15.3-34.7
Schools
38.6-15.399999999999999
Income
17.7-33.3
Risk
74.5+27.5
Water
32-26
Weather
65.8+9.799999999999997
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Compare mortgage rates in DeKalb County

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

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$235,500

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$839/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$235,500/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$33,560/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum4.4x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $53,153/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

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
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Counties with similar scores

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Dawson County
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Wayne County
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Orange County
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Crockett County
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Sweetwater County
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Cullman County
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Nearby counties

Cannon County
Tennessee
61.6
Smith County
Tennessee
50
Warren County
Tennessee
49.7
White County
Tennessee
58.1
Putnam County
Tennessee
43.8
Jackson County
Tennessee
55.1
Van Buren County
Tennessee
68.3
Wilson County
Tennessee
51

Deep Dives

DeKalb County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in DeKalb County

via TaxByCounty

DeKalb County ranks among nation's lowest

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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in DeKalb County

via IncomeByCounty

DeKalb County income falls below national levels

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in DeKalb County

via CrimeByCounty

Exceptional Safety in DeKalb County

DeKalb County achieves a high safety score of 98.2, making it one of the safer regions in the country. The total crime rate of 1,118.3 per 100,000 is less than half the national average.

A Safety Leader in Tennessee

DeKalb's safety score of 98.2 significantly outperforms the Tennessee state average of 97.2. Local law enforcement maintains a high standard of safety across three reporting agencies.

Minimal Crime Compared to State

The total crime rate of 1,118.3 per 100,000 is far lower than the Tennessee average of 1,785.6. It remains a tranquil alternative to nearby urban centers.

Low Property and Violent Crime

Property crime sits at just 875.8, which is exceptionally low compared to the national rate of 2,015.7. Violent crime is also low at 242.5 per 100,000 residents.

Maintain a Secure Household

Even in very safe counties, simple precautions like locking doors and windows are essential. Consider basic security measures to preserve the county's low property crime status.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in DeKalb County

via WeatherByCounty

A Classic Subtropical Climate

DeKalb County's 58.1°F annual average is warmer than the national median, fitting firmly into the humid subtropical category. The region sees ample rainfall and moderate seasonal shifts.

The Benchmark for Tennessee

DeKalb County perfectly matches the Tennessee state average annual temperature of 58.1°F. However, its 56.9 inches of annual rain is slightly higher than the state average of 55.9 inches.

Wetter Than Nearby Davidson

DeKalb is more prone to rain than Davidson County, receiving about 5 more inches of precipitation annually. It is also cooler in the summer, with 10 fewer extreme heat days than Nashville.

Moderate Peaks and Valleys

The county experiences 38 days of extreme heat and a July average of 77.8°F. Winter brings a modest 3.1 inches of snow and a January average of 37.3°F.

Prepare for Significant Rainfall

With nearly 57 inches of annual rain, residents should prioritize roof maintenance and gutter clearance. The moderate 3.1 inches of snow means basic winter tires are usually sufficient for the season.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in DeKalb County

via SoilByCounty

Superior drainage in DeKalb clay loam

DeKalb County’s dominant soil is a clay loam belonging to the Ultisols taxonomic order. Its pH of 5.43 is slightly less acidic than the state average but remains under the national 6.5 median.

Heavy clay for high nutrient storage

The composition features 22.2% clay and 56.9% silt, creating a heavy soil that holds nutrients very well. While 20.5% sand is present, the clay-heavy mix makes the ground firm and stable.

Matching the state’s water benchmarks

Organic matter sits at 2.01%, which is closer to the national average of 2.0% than the state average of 2.44%. The available water capacity is exactly 0.170 in/in, aligning perfectly with the Tennessee state average.

Excellent well-drained soil profile

DeKalb stands out with well-drained soil in hydrologic group B. This makes it highly desirable for construction and protects plant roots from rot during the wet seasons.

A garden-ready landscape in zone 7b

The well-drained nature of this soil is perfect for peppers, tomatoes, and deep-rooted perennials. Get outside and plant knowing your soil offers a high-performing natural drainage system.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in DeKalb County

via LawnByCounty

Favorable Conditions for DeKalb Lawns

DeKalb County offers a relatively friendly environment for lawn care with a difficulty score of 51.9. This puts local homeowners ahead of the national median when it comes to growing a healthy lawn.

Optimizing Rain and Moderate Heat

Annual precipitation of 56.9 inches provides more than enough moisture for most grass species. With 38 extreme heat days, the thermal stress is close to the state average, allowing for more manageable mowing schedules.

Leveraging Well-Drained Clay Loam

The county features well-drained clay loam soil, which is an excellent foundation for turf. Although the pH of 5.43 is somewhat acidic, the superior drainage helps prevent many common root rot issues.

Enjoying Strong Drought Resilience

DeKalb had only 3 weeks of drought over the past year, significantly less than many neighboring counties. Current conditions show only 24.4% of the area is dry, making it a great time for routine maintenance.

Establishing Your Lawn in DeKalb

Tall fescue performs well here, especially if seeded in the early fall. The frost-free window typically runs from April 18 through November 4, providing a long and productive growing season.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is DeKalb County's county score?
DeKalb County, Tennessee has a composite county score of 49.8 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 DeKalb County rank among counties in Tennessee?
DeKalb County ranks #58 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 DeKalb County, Tennessee?
The median annual property tax in DeKalb County is $824, with an effective tax rate of 0.35%. This earns DeKalb County a tax score of 95.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in DeKalb County?
The median household income in DeKalb County, Tennessee is $53,153 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. DeKalb County earns an income score of 17.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is DeKalb County, Tennessee a good place to live?
DeKalb County scores 49.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #58 in Tennessee. The best way to evaluate DeKalb 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 DeKalb County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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