countyscore
56.5
County Score
Property Tax 96.7Cost of Living 94.8Weather & Climate 77.4

County Report Card

About Fentress County, Tennessee

Above the National Average

Fentress County's composite score of 56.4 sits comfortably above the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a quality of life that outperforms more than half of all counties in the United States.

Outperforming the Tennessee Average

With a 56.4 overall score, Fentress beats the Tennessee state average of 51.3. It stands out as a strong regional performer for residents seeking a high-value lifestyle.

Elite Tax and Housing Affordability

The county excels with a near-perfect tax score of 96.7 and a cost score of 94.8. Residents enjoy a low 0.342% effective tax rate and median gross rents of just $614 per month.

Health and Income Hurdles

Economic and health outcomes present the most significant challenges, with scores of 16.4 and 14.8 respectively. The median household income of $50,865 remains lower than many regional peers.

A Haven for Low-Cost Living

Fentress is an ideal destination for retirees or remote workers looking to maximize their purchasing power. Its high environmental risk score of 71.6 also makes it a stable choice for those avoiding natural disasters.

Score breakdown

Tax96.7Cost94.8Safety30.8Health14.8Schools51.5Income16.4Risk71.6Water29.2Weather77.4
🏛96.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠94.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼16.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡30.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤14.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓51.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡71.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧29.2
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤77.4
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱68.1
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

Pickett County
Tennessee
67.3
Overton County
Tennessee
53.2
Morgan County
Tennessee
62.1
Scott County
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Cumberland County
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Putnam County
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Wayne County
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Deep Dives

Fentress County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Safety in Fentress County

via CrimeByCounty

Fentress County maintains high safety standards

Fentress County reports a total crime rate of 1,641.4 per 100,000 residents, significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This performance earns the county a safety score of 97.4 out of 100.

Leading the Tennessee safety average

The county's total crime rate of 1,641.4 sits below the Tennessee state average of 1,785.6. Its 97.4 safety score slightly outperforms the typical Tennessee county score of 97.2.

A regional leader in public safety

With a total crime rate of 1,641.4, Fentress is safer than neighboring Gibson County, which sees 1,676.7 crimes per 100,000 residents. Local law enforcement maintains a more secure profile than regional peers like Greene County.

Understanding the local crime mix

Property crime accounts for the majority of local incidents at 1,303.5 per 100,000, while violent crime remains low at 337.9. This violent crime rate is safer than the national benchmark of 369.8.

Stay proactive about home security

Since property crime represents over 79% of local incidents, residents should prioritize secure locks and motion-sensor lighting. Simple deterrents help maintain the county's strong safety record.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

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

Schools in Fentress County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Rural Network Focused on Fundamentals

Fentress County supports 2,762 students across a network of seven public schools. The infrastructure includes four elementary schools and three high schools managed by two distinct districts. This compact system ensures students stay connected within their local community from preschool through graduation.

High Graduation Rates Outpace National Averages

The county boasts a 93.6% graduation rate, significantly exceeding the national average of 87.0%. While per-pupil spending of $6,399 is lower than the national benchmark, it remains above the Tennessee state average of $6,215. A composite school score of 54.1 confirms that Fentress outperforms both state and national medians.

Primary Oversight Through Fentress County Schools

The Fentress County district serves the vast majority of local students, overseeing six schools and 2,270 pupils. The Alvin C. York Institute operates as its own district, providing specialized secondary education for 492 students. Currently, no charter schools operate within the county, keeping all education under traditional public management.

Small-Town Charm in Every Classroom

Every school in the county operates in a rural locale, with an average enrollment of 395 students. South Fentress Elementary School serves as the largest campus with 632 students, while Allardt Elementary maintains a smaller environment with 390 pupils. These school sizes foster a close-knit atmosphere where students and teachers interact daily.

Find Your Home Near Quality Rural Schools

Families looking for a supportive educational environment find great value in Fentress County's high-performing schools. Explore available homes in the area to secure a place in a district that prioritizes graduation and community connection. School quality remains a top driver for property values in this Tennessee region.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Weather & Climate in Fentress County

via WeatherByCounty

A Mild Climate Above National Median

Fentress County maintains an annual average temperature of 55.4°F, positioning it slightly warmer than the national median. This humid subtropical climate experiences a distinct four-season cycle with substantial moisture.

Cooler Than the Tennessee Average

The county stays notably cooler than the state average of 58.1°F. Its higher elevation contributes to its status as one of Tennessee's more temperate regions during the peak of summer.

Higher Precipitation than Southern Neighbors

Fentress receives 59.5 inches of annual precipitation, which outpaces many neighbors in the Cumberland Plateau. While nearby Franklin County averages 58.3°F, Fentress offers a consistently cooler local climate.

Heavy Snow and Mild Summers

Fentress stands out with 16 inches of annual snowfall, far exceeding the state norm. Residents only face about 7 days of extreme heat above 90°F, making for exceptionally comfortable July afternoons averaging 73.8°F.

Prepare for Winter and Water

Homeowners should prioritize high-quality insulation and snow removal equipment given the significant winter accumulation. The high annual rainfall also necessitates robust gutter systems and proper yard drainage.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Fentress County

via SoilByCounty

Awaiting Local Soil Profile Details

While specific taxonomic and pH data for Fentress County are currently limited in the federal record, regional patterns typically follow the state's acidic trend. Tennessee averages a pH of 5.35, which sits well below the national median of 6.5. Local testing is the best way to determine your specific field's acidity levels.

Understanding Local Texture Trends

Numerical breakdowns for sand, silt, and clay are not available for this specific FIPS profile. Generally, Cumberland Plateau counties feature varied textures that influence how water moves through the root zone. Gardeners should observe their own soil's workability and drainage to determine its exact mix.

Assessing Growing Potential and Organic Matter

Fentress County lacks specific recorded benchmarks for organic matter and available water capacity in this dataset. However, with the state average organic matter sitting at 2.44%, local soils often benefit from added compost to reach national levels. Improving water storage capacity remains a key goal for high-yield gardening.

Managing Water Flow on the Plateau

Official drainage class and hydrologic group data are not listed for this county at this time. Most regional builders and farmers must account for varied topography and bedrock depths when planning projects. Careful observation of runoff patterns after heavy rain will help you decide where to plant.

Thriving in Hardiness Zone 7a

Fentress County sits in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a, supporting a wide range of perennial and annual crops. Apples, berries, and cool-season vegetables thrive in this climate with proper soil preparation. Start your garden today by testing your specific site and enriching the ground with local organic matter.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Fentress County

via LawnByCounty

Fentress County's High-Performing Lawns

Fentress County boasts a lawn difficulty score of 68.1, indicating that maintaining grass here is significantly easier than the national average of 50.0. Located in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a, the county offers a hospitable environment that far outperforms the Tennessee state average score of 48.0.

Abundant Rain and Gentle Summers

The county receives 59.5 inches of annual precipitation, which is well above the ideal range of 30-50 inches. With only 7 extreme heat days per year compared to the state average of 36, lawns face much less summer stress than in neighboring regions.

Managing Your Local Soil Base

While specific regional data for soil pH and drainage is limited, the high annual rainfall often leads to nutrient leaching. Local homeowners should test their soil to ensure it meets the ideal 6.0-7.0 pH range for optimal turf health.

Navigating Abnormally Dry Conditions

The county experienced 13 weeks in drought over the past year, and 100% of the area is currently classified as abnormally dry. Though only 0.8% faces severe drought, homeowners should prioritize deep, infrequent watering to encourage deep root growth.

Kickstarting Your Fentress County Lawn

Tall fescue and Kentucky bluegrass thrive in this 7a zone and enjoy the cooler July average of 73.8°F. For best results, plan your seeding after the last spring frost on April 20 or during the late summer window.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Fentress County's county score?
Fentress County, Tennessee has a composite county score of 56.5 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 Fentress County rank among counties in Tennessee?
Fentress County ranks #22 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 Fentress County, Tennessee?
The median annual property tax in Fentress County is $519, with an effective tax rate of 0.34%. This earns Fentress County a tax score of 96.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Fentress County?
The median household income in Fentress County, Tennessee is $50,865 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Fentress County earns an income score of 16.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Fentress County, Tennessee a good place to live?
Fentress County scores 56.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #22 in Tennessee. The best way to evaluate Fentress 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 Fentress County with other counties side by side.

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🏛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.