CountyScore

Fentress County

Tennessee · TN

#8 in Tennessee
74.2
County Score

County Report Card

About Fentress County, Tennessee

Fentress Scores 64% Above National Median

Fentress County's composite score of 81.8 significantly outpaces the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top tier of U.S. counties for livability. This 63% advantage reflects exceptional affordability and low tax burden that make the county stand out nationwide.

Above Tennessee Average

At 81.8, Fentress ranks above Tennessee's state average of 76.3, earning recognition as one of the better-performing counties in the state. This positioning reflects the county's particular strength in cost and tax metrics compared to its peers across Tennessee.

Tax and Housing Affordability Lead

Fentress excels in tax efficiency with a 92.7 score (effective rate just 0.342%) and housing cost with an 89.9 score, offering a median home value of $151,800 and rent averaging $614 monthly. These dual strengths make it highly attractive for budget-conscious residents and retirees on fixed incomes.

Income Levels Need Development

The county's income score of 16.6 reflects a median household income of $50,865, well below the state average, indicating limited economic opportunities. Data on safety, health, schools, and water quality remains limited, leaving some livability factors still to be assessed.

Ideal for Budget-Minded Retirees

Fentress County suits individuals and families prioritizing affordability and low taxes over high incomes, particularly retirees and remote workers. The county offers exceptional value and financial stability, though those seeking strong job markets should explore other options.

Score breakdown

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

Tax92.7Cost89.9SafetyComing SoonHealth55SchoolsComing SoonIncome16.6Risk71.6WaterComing Soon
🏛92.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠89.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼16.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤55
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡71.6
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 Fentress County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

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Fulton County
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74.2
Median income: $62,878
Pike County
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74.2
Median income: $66,250
Starke County
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Median income: $62,933

Deep Dives

Fentress County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Fentress County

via TaxByCounty

Fentress taxes rank among nation's lowest

Fentress County's effective tax rate of 0.342% sits well below the national median of 0.76%, placing it in the bottom 15% of U.S. counties by tax burden. The median annual property tax here is just $519, compared to the national median of $2,690—a difference of over $2,100 per year.

Tennessee's most affordable tax county

Fentress County has the lowest effective tax rate among Tennessee's 95 counties at 0.342%, well below the state average of 0.511%. With a median tax bill of $519, Fentress residents pay roughly half what the typical Tennessee household pays ($1,016).

Fentress undercuts all regional peers

Fentress's 0.342% rate is significantly lower than neighboring Grainger County (0.506%) and Grundy County (0.422%). Even among the eight-county comparison group, Fentress offers the steepest tax savings for homeowners in the region.

What your Fentress home costs in taxes

On the county median home value of $151,800, the annual property tax bill totals approximately $519. Homeowners with mortgages pay an estimated $610 annually, while those without pay around $469.

Check your assessment to save more

Even in low-tax Fentress County, many homeowners are overassessed relative to their home's actual market value. A property tax appeal can reduce your bill further—and with Tennessee law allowing challenges every two years, it's worth verifying your assessment is fair.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Fentress County

via CostByCounty

Fentress County Beats National Affordability

With a rent-to-income ratio of 14.5%, Fentress County is significantly more affordable than the national average, where renters typically spend a higher share of earnings on housing. At a median household income of $50,865, local renters are paying just $614 monthly—well below what families earn nationally, creating genuine breathing room in household budgets.

A Tennessee Affordability Leader

Fentress County ranks among the most affordable counties in Tennessee, with its 14.5% rent-to-income ratio beating the state average of 17.6%. Renters here spend $246 less monthly than the statewide median rent of $860, positioning this county as a relative haven for cost-conscious Tennesseans.

Cheapest Rent in Its Region

Fentress County's $614 median rent is the lowest among comparable rural Tennessee counties, undercutting Grainger County ($726) and Greene County ($713) by significant margins. This cost advantage makes Fentress particularly attractive for renters prioritizing low monthly obligations.

Where Your Dollar Goes in Fentress

Renters in Fentress County dedicate 14.5% of their $50,865 median household income to housing, leaving substantial income for other necessities and savings. Homeowners fare even better, with monthly costs of $506 representing just 11.9% of household income—among the lowest owner-cost burdens in the state.

Consider Fentress for Rural Affordability

If you're exploring Tennessee relocation and prioritize low housing costs, Fentress County delivers both low rent and affordable homeownership. Compare its $614 median rent and $151,800 median home values against pricier neighbors to see how much your income stretches here.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Fentress County

via IncomeByCounty

Fentress lags behind national income

Fentress County's median household income of $50,865 falls $23,890 short of the national median of $74,755—a gap of 32%. This places the county in the lower income tier nationally, meaning typical households here earn significantly less than their counterparts across the country.

Below Tennessee average income

At $50,865, Fentress County's median household income trails Tennessee's state average of $58,994 by $8,129. The county ranks among the lower-income counties in Tennessee, reflecting regional economic challenges and limited high-wage employment opportunities.

Struggling compared to surrounding counties

Fentress County's $50,865 median income is notably lower than neighboring Giles County ($61,476) and Franklin County ($61,553). Among its peer group, only Grundy County ($45,573) and Grainger County ($51,351) come close, indicating concentrated income challenges in this region.

Housing remains affordable here

Fentress County's rent-to-income ratio of 14.5% is among the healthiest in this group, suggesting housing costs consume a manageable share of household income. With a median home value of $151,800, homeownership remains within reach for median-income families, providing a stable foundation for building wealth.

Build savings despite modest earnings

Even with lower incomes, Fentress County residents benefit from affordable housing that frees up dollars for savings and investment. Starting an emergency fund and exploring low-cost index funds can help households build wealth over time, regardless of current income level.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Fentress County

via HealthByCounty

Fentress lags behind on life expectancy

Residents of Fentress County have a life expectancy of 70.1 years, falling 5.9 years short of the U.S. average of 76 years. The county's poor or fair health rate of 25.8% exceeds the national benchmark, suggesting persistent health challenges across the population.

Below Tennessee's health average

Fentress County ranks below Tennessee's state average life expectancy of 72.4 years, a gap of 2.3 years that places it among the state's lower-performing counties. The uninsured rate here is 12.8%, slightly higher than Tennessee's 11.9% average.

Struggling among regional peers

Compared to neighboring Grainger County (71.3 years) and Giles County (71.6 years), Fentress has the lowest life expectancy in the immediate region. The county also faces provider scarcity, with just 32 primary care providers per 100,000 residents versus Giles County's 36.

Healthcare access remains stretched thin

With 12.8% of residents uninsured and only 32 primary care providers per 100,000 people, Fentress residents face real barriers to routine care. Mental health support is slightly more available at 41 providers per 100,000, but geographic distance may still challenge access.

Explore insurance options today

If you're among the 12.8% of uninsured Fentress County residents, coverage options exist—from Marketplace plans to Medicaid eligibility. Visit healthcare.gov or contact a local navigator to find an affordable plan that fits your family's needs.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Fentress County

via RiskByCounty

Fentress ranks well below national risk

With a composite risk score of 28.44, Fentress County sits in the Very Low risk category—significantly safer than the typical American county. This score reflects lower-than-average exposure to most natural hazards, though wildfire and earthquake risks warrant attention in specific areas.

Second-safest county in Tennessee

Fentress ranks as one of Tennessee's lowest-risk counties, with its 28.44 score falling well below the state average of 52.45. Only Grainger County (18.61) has a lower composite risk score among the state's 95 counties.

Safer than most surrounding counties

Fentress's Very Low rating contrasts sharply with neighbors like Pickett County and Overton County. Its composite score of 28.44 makes it one of the safest areas in East Tennessee, offering relative protection compared to counties to the south and west.

Wildfire and earthquakes pose greatest threats

Wildfire risk scores highest at 68.48, reflecting the county's forested terrain and dry season vulnerability. Earthquake risk (60.21) also exceeds the county average, a reminder that the nearby Eastern Tennessee Seismic Zone can produce occasional tremors that shake structures unprepared for seismic activity.

Focus insurance on wildfire and structural

Residents should prioritize homeowners insurance with adequate wildfire coverage and ensure properties meet earthquake-resistant building standards. Given Fentress's low overall risk profile, standard coverage often suffices—but properties near forested areas benefit from additional wildfire mitigation and insurance review.

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.