CountyScore

Dickson County

Tennessee · TN

#57 in Tennessee
69.6
County Score

County Report Card

About Dickson County, Tennessee

Dickson County exceeds national livability baseline

Dickson County's composite score of 74.6 rises well above the national median of 50.0, indicating solid livability compared to most American counties. It balances decent affordability with respectable income levels.

Slightly below Tennessee's state average

With a score of 74.6, Dickson County falls just short of Tennessee's state average of 76.3, placing it in the middle tier of the state's counties. It's a reasonable performer that offers reliable livability.

Income and tax efficiency stand out

Dickson County features the second-highest income score among these eight counties at 31.2, with a median household income of $73,223, reflecting its proximity to Nashville job markets. A tax score of 88.2 ensures residents keep more of their earnings.

Housing costs rise with suburban location

The cost score of 75.3 reflects higher median home values of $272,700 and monthly rents of $972 compared to more rural alternatives. Data remains unavailable on safety, health, schools, and environmental quality.

Best for professionals seeking suburban balance

Dickson County suits middle-income families and professionals wanting Nashville-area job access without full urban density or costs. Its strong income levels and reasonable tax burden make it ideal for those balancing career opportunity with suburban living.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax88.2Cost75.3SafetyComing SoonHealth64SchoolsComing SoonIncome31.2Risk46.5WaterComing Soon
🏛88.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠75.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼31.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤64
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡46.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Dickson County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Ketchikan Gateway Borough
Alaska
69.6
Median income: $89,155
Lawrence County
Arkansas
69.6
Median income: $44,164
Logan County
Colorado
69.6
Median income: $55,074
Jasper County
Georgia
69.6
Median income: $59,574
Pickens County
Georgia
69.6
Median income: $75,293

Deep Dives

Dickson County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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