countyscore
48.2
County Score
Water Quality 86Property Tax 85.6Income & Jobs 74.4

County Report Card

About Dickson County, Tennessee

Close to the National Middle

Dickson County earns a composite score of 48.2, placing it just shy of the national median of 50.0. It represents a competitive mid-tier county with room for growth in social services.

Beneath the Tennessee Average

The county’s 48.2 score trails the Tennessee state average of 51.3. While it remains a popular choice for commuters, it lags slightly in overall efficiency and safety compared to its peers.

Solid Incomes and Water Reliability

An income score of 74.4 reflects a healthy $73,223 median household income. The county also maintains high-quality water services, earning a score of 86.0.

Rising Costs and Safety Concerns

The cost score of 30.5 reveals that affordability is shrinking, with median home values reaching $272,700. Safety also remains a concern, with a score of 30.7 indicating a need for better crime prevention.

A Balance for Working Families

Dickson County is a great fit for middle-class families who work in the Nashville area but want slightly more space. It balances decent wages with a manageable, if rising, cost of living.

Score breakdown

Tax85.6Cost30.5Safety30.7Health35.5Schools50Income74.4Risk46.5Water86Weather70.8
🏛85.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠30.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼74.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡30.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤35.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓50
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡46.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤70.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨49.1
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱53.3
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
Montgomery County
Tennessee
37.4
Houston County
Tennessee
59.5
Humphreys County
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Hickman County
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Williamson County
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Davidson County
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Robertson County
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Deep Dives

Dickson County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Dickson County

via TaxByCounty

Dickson County near national property tax average

Dickson County's effective tax rate of 0.502% produces median property taxes of $1,369, roughly half the national median of $2,690. This positions Dickson solidly in the bottom 40% nationally, making it a moderate-tax jurisdiction by American standards.

Slightly above Tennessee average

Dickson County's effective rate of 0.502% marginally exceeds Tennessee's state average of 0.511%, placing it near the middle of the state's 95 counties. Despite moderate rates, the median property tax of $1,369 ranks higher than many state peers due to Dickson's relatively strong home values.

Higher taxes than most nearby counties

Dickson County's 0.502% rate outpaces Decatur County (0.488%) and substantially exceeds DeKalb County (0.362%). Only Davidson County (0.618%) in the broader region commands a notably higher effective rate than Dickson.

What a typical Dickson County homeowner pays

On the median home value of $272,700, Dickson County homeowners pay approximately $1,369 annually in property taxes. With a mortgage, payments typically reach $1,430, while outright owners average $1,257.

Appeal if your Dickson assessment feels steep

Dickson County homeowners with higher-value properties should verify their assessments against recent comparable sales. An appeal could recover hundreds of dollars annually if your home's assessed value exceeds its realistic market value.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Dickson County

via CostByCounty

Dickson combines income and affordability well

Dickson County's 15.9% rent-to-income ratio beats both the national average and most Tennessee peers, reflecting a healthy balance between housing costs and earnings. With median rent at $972 and median household income of $73,223—approaching the national $74,755—Dickson offers one of Tennessee's most stable housing markets.

Dickson leads Tennessee on affordability metrics

Dickson's 15.9% rent-to-income ratio significantly underperforms Tennessee's 17.6% state average, placing it among the state's most affordable counties. The $972 median rent exceeds the state average of $860, yet Dickson's strong median income of $73,223 more than compensates, delivering genuine relief for renters.

Dickson wins on income-to-rent balance

Dickson's $972 rent is the region's highest in absolute terms, but its $73,223 median income dwarfs most peers—Decatur ($46,190), DeKalb ($48,484), and Crockett ($59,049). This income advantage transforms Dickson's higher nominal rents into the lowest proportional burden among its cluster.

Dickson allocates housing costs wisely

Renters dedicate $972 monthly while owners pay $1,021 for mortgages, both consuming roughly 16% of the $73,223 median household income. The median home value of $272,700 sits within reach for many two-income households or single earners at or above the county median.

Dickson suits middle-income families well

Relocating to Dickson works for earners near or above the $73,223 median seeking balanced housing costs and stable employment corridors. Compare Dickson's 15.9% rent-to-income ratio against pricier Davidson (23.6%) or income-poor Decatur (18.6%) to see why it ranks among Tennessee's most practical housing markets.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Dickson County

via IncomeByCounty

Dickson County nearly matches national income

Dickson County's median household income of $73,223 nearly mirrors the national median of $74,755, falling just $1,532 short. This near-parity places Dickson among Tennessee's most prosperous counties and competitive with national averages.

Dickson County leads Tennessee's income distribution

At $73,223, Dickson's median household income runs 24% above Tennessee's state average of $58,994, positioning it as one of the state's higher-income counties. This premium reflects a stronger regional economy and diversified employment base.

Dickson outearns most rural comparison counties

Dickson's $73,223 substantially exceeds Crockett ($59,049), Cumberland ($58,475), Dyer ($54,973), and DeKalb ($48,484), trailing only Davidson ($75,664) and Fayette ($84,764). Dickson represents a prosperity tier above most rural neighbors.

Strong income supports sustainable housing

Dickson's 15.9% rent-to-income ratio is the lowest among rural peers, signaling excellent housing affordability. Median home values of $272,700 align well with local earning power, supporting sustainable homeownership and wealth-building potential.

Dickson County's opportunity for wealth accumulation

With strong household income and affordable housing, Dickson County residents have genuine capacity to invest, save, and build long-term wealth. Maximize retirement plan contributions and consider diversifying into real estate or investment accounts to leverage the county's economic advantages.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Dickson County

via CrimeByCounty

Safety Above the National Average

Dickson County holds a solid safety score of 97.4. Its total crime rate of 1,644.0 per 100,000 residents is significantly lower than the U.S. average of 2,385.5.

Tracking Above the State Average

The safety score of 97.4 is slightly better than the Tennessee average of 97.2. Six reporting agencies coordinate to manage public safety within the county.

Safer Than Most Tennessee Counties

Dickson's total crime rate of 1,644.0 remains below the state average of 1,785.6. This suggests a lower risk environment than many other parts of the state.

Higher Violent Crime Despite Low Total

While total crime is low, the violent crime rate of 461.9 is higher than the national average of 369.8. Property crime is more moderate at 1,182.1 per 100,000.

Stay Informed About Your Safety

With violent crime rates slightly elevated, residents should stay aware of their surroundings. Investing in reliable home security and outdoor lighting is a proactive step.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Dickson County

via HealthByCounty

Life expectancy below US, health moderate

Dickson County residents average 73.1 years, about 5 years below the U.S. life expectancy of 78.1 years. The 19.9% poor/fair health rate slightly exceeds the national average of 18%, placing the county in the middle of the health spectrum.

Slightly below Tennessee state average

Dickson County's 73.1-year life expectancy sits just 0.7 years above Tennessee's state average of 72.4 years, indicating relatively average health outcomes within the state. The county performs better than many rural peer counties.

Mid-range healthcare provider availability

Dickson County's 31 primary care providers per 100,000 residents falls between rural neighbors—exceeding Dyer County (33) slightly but below Cumberland County (64). The 122 mental health providers per 100,000 provides reasonable behavioral health access.

Balanced coverage and provider landscape

Dickson County's 11.4% uninsured rate is the second-lowest in this county group, and 31 primary care providers per 100,000 provide moderate access for those with coverage. The 19.9% poor/fair health rate suggests residents have reasonable ability to seek care when needed.

Ensure coverage for routine healthcare

While Dickson County's uninsured rate of 11.4% is better than state average, nearly 1 in 10 residents still lack coverage. Check the Tennessee Health Insurance Marketplace to lock in affordable coverage and maintain consistent access to the county's providers.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Dickson County

via SchoolsByCounty

Expansive Rural and Town Infrastructure

Dickson County manages 17 public schools serving a large student body of 8,129. The infrastructure is diverse, featuring eight elementary schools, four middle schools, three high schools, and two specialized centers. This broad network supports a wide variety of educational needs across the county's single district.

High Graduation Success with Efficient Spending

Dickson County achieves a strong 96.0% graduation rate, well above the national average of 87% and the state average of 93.3%. The county spends $5,672 per pupil, which is lower than the state average, yet it maintains a school score of 53.8. These numbers show that the district is highly effective at preparing students for graduation despite lower-than-average funding.

A Large, Unified Public School District

The Dickson County district oversees all 17 schools and 8,129 students, providing a massive but unified educational system. There are currently no charter schools in the county, making the traditional public system the primary academic engine for the region. This centralized oversight ensures that resources are distributed across both high-capacity high schools and smaller elementary campuses.

A Predominantly Rural Learning Experience

With 12 schools in rural locales and five in town settings, Dickson County offers a spacious learning environment for its students. Dickson County High School is a significant regional hub with 1,472 students, while Charlotte Elementary provides a mid-sized primary setting with 616 students. The average school size is 478 students, reflecting a system that balances large-scale resources with smaller community schools.

Invest in a County with Proven Results

The 96% graduation rate in Dickson County makes it an attractive destination for families focused on long-term academic success. As you explore the diverse housing market from Dickson to Charlotte, the quality of the local schools will likely be a highlight of your search. This unified district offers both the scale of a larger system and the character of rural Tennessee life.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Dickson County

via RiskByCounty

Dickson Mirrors National Risk Levels

Dickson County's composite risk score of 53.47 with a Relatively Low rating aligns closely with national averages. This mid-range exposure reflects a balanced profile across hazard types without extreme vulnerability in any single category.

Close to Tennessee's Average Risk

At 53.47, Dickson ranks just slightly above Tennessee's state average of 52.45, placing it squarely in the state's mid-risk range. The county's profile mirrors typical Tennessee disaster exposure patterns.

Moderate Risk Among County Peers

Dickson's 53.47 score sits between DeKalb's very low 25.48 and Davidson's extreme 97.17, showing substantial variation across the Nashville region. It runs notably below Dyer (86.58) and Fayette (75.95) to the northwest and south.

Tornado Dominates Dickson's Hazards

Tornado risk reaches 75.41, making it Dickson's defining hazard and well above state averages. Earthquake risk of 89.09 adds secondary concern, while wildfire and flood risks remain comparatively low.

Prioritize Tornado and Earthquake Coverage

With tornado risk at 75.41 and earthquake risk at 89.09, add specific riders for these hazards to your homeowners policy. Bundle coverage strategically and maintain a current family emergency plan with multiple safe shelter locations.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Dickson County

via WeatherByCounty

Temperate and Humid Trends

Dickson County averages 57.5°F annually, which is warmer than the national median but moderate for the South. It receives a significant 53.7 inches of precipitation each year.

Slightly Cooler Than the State

The county's 57.5°F average is slightly below the Tennessee state average of 58.1°F. It also sees less extreme heat than much of the state, with only 25 days reaching 90°F.

A Break From the Heat

Dickson is notably cooler than its neighbor Davidson, which records 48 extreme heat days compared to Dickson's 25. Its annual temperature is about 1.4 degrees lower than the Nashville area.

Mild Summers and Cool Winters

July averages 76.6°F, providing a milder summer experience than many surrounding counties. Winters are cool but not harsh, averaging 2.5 inches of snowfall annually.

Outdoor Living in Moderation

Lower extreme heat frequency makes Dickson ideal for outdoor gardening, provided you plan for 53.7 inches of rain. Standard insulation is sufficient for the mild 38.9°F winter average.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Dickson County

via SoilByCounty

Highly fertile Ultisols in Dickson

Dickson County features silt loam soils from the Ultisols order with a pH of 5.50. This acidity level is more favorable than the state average of 5.35 but still below the national median of 6.5.

Smooth silt loam with good balance

The soil is 56.9% silt and 18.5% clay, giving it a smooth texture that retains moisture. The 21.9% sand content provides enough aeration to make the soil relatively easy to cultivate.

Exceptional organic matter levels

With 3.35% organic matter, Dickson far exceeds the state average of 2.44% and the national 2.0% average. The available water capacity of 0.170 in/in matches the state average, making for very productive soil.

Steady moisture with moderate drainage

Classified as moderately well drained and hydrologic group C, the soil manages water effectively. It provides a consistent environment for root development without becoming waterlogged too quickly.

Ideal conditions for home orchards

The high organic matter in Dickson makes it one of the best counties for growing fruit trees and vegetables. Your garden will thrive in zone 7b with such a nutrient-rich foundation.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Dickson County

via LawnByCounty

Easier Turf Management in Dickson

With a difficulty score of 53.3, Dickson County is one of the more favorable regions in Tennessee for lawn enthusiasts. It outperforms both the state average and the national median for growing ease.

Mild Temperatures and Steady Rainfall

Only 25 days of extreme heat occur here annually, which is significantly lower than the state average of 36. This cooler climate, paired with 53.7 inches of rain, reduces the risk of summer dormancy.

Amending Silt Loam for Growth

The soil pH of 5.50 is acidic but closer to the target range than many other Tennessee counties. This moderately well-drained silt loam contains about 21.9% sand, which helps provide some structural aeration naturally.

Managing 17 Weeks of Dry Conditions

The county spent 17 weeks in drought over the last year and is currently entirely under 'abnormally dry' status. While rainfall is generally reliable, supplemental watering is necessary during these recurring dry cycles.

Choosing the Right Grass for Dickson

Fescue-bluegrass mixes do very well here due to the lower number of extreme heat days. Wait until after the April 13 frost to plant in the spring, or target the weeks before October 26 for fall seeding.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Dickson County's county score?
Dickson County, Tennessee has a composite county score of 48.2 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 Dickson County rank among counties in Tennessee?
Dickson County ranks #62 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 Dickson County, Tennessee?
The median annual property tax in Dickson County is $1,369, with an effective tax rate of 0.50%. This earns Dickson County a tax score of 85.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Dickson County?
The median household income in Dickson County, Tennessee is $73,223 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Dickson County earns an income score of 74.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Dickson County, Tennessee a good place to live?
Dickson County scores 48.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #62 in Tennessee. The best way to evaluate Dickson 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 Dickson 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.