countyscore
45
County Score
Water Quality 86Property Tax 64.7Weather & Climate 62.9

County Report Card

About Gibson County, Tennessee

Navigating Livability Headwinds

Gibson County posts a 44.9 composite score, trailing the national median of 50.0. This indicates that while affordable, the county faces more challenges than the average American locale.

Below the Tennessee State Average

The county's 44.9 score is lower than the Tennessee average of 51.3. It occupies the lower-middle tier of regional rankings within the state.

Pristine Water and Accessible Housing

Environmental quality is high with a water score of 86.0. Housing accessibility is another win, featuring a $149,700 median home value and a cost score of 60.2.

Environmental Risk and Health Gaps

A low risk score of 14.1 suggests the county is more vulnerable to natural disasters than its neighbors. Additionally, the health score of 21.4 indicates a need for better local wellness infrastructure.

Entry-Level Homeowner Opportunity

Gibson is a compelling choice for first-time buyers who prioritize low-cost property over environmental resilience. It serves residents well who are looking for a quiet lifestyle with low monthly overhead.

2040608010064.759.929.621.447.141.914.18662.9Tax64.7Cost59.9Safety29.6Health21.4Schools47.1Income41.9Risk14.1Water86Weather62.945/100
This county
National avg
3 above average3 below average

Gibson County DNA

Foverall

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

Gibson County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Water Quality (86/100) but notably weak in Disaster Risk (14.1/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
64.7+12.700000000000003
Cost
59.9+11.899999999999999
Safety
29.6-25.4
Health
21.4-28.6
Schools
47.1
Income
41.9-9.100000000000001
Risk
14.1-32.9
Water
86+28
Weather
62.9
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Compare mortgage rates in Gibson County

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

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$156,900

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$819/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$156,900/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$32,760/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.5x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $62,755/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

9.9

per 100K

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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Nearby counties

Crockett County
Tennessee
49.8
Weakley County
Tennessee
51.4
Obion County
Tennessee
46.4
Dyer County
Tennessee
44
Madison County
Tennessee
34.9
Carroll County
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55.6
Lake County
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47.5
Haywood County
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43.1

Deep Dives

Gibson County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Gibson County

via TaxByCounty

Gibson has Tennessee's highest tax rate

Gibson County's effective tax rate of 0.679% ranks among the highest in Tennessee and significantly exceeds the national median of 0.76%—wait, Gibson actually surpasses the national median itself. However, the median tax bill of $1,016 remains below the national median of $2,690 due to lower home values.

Gibson's rates top all Tennessee counties

Gibson County has the highest effective tax rate of any county in Tennessee at 0.679%, substantially above the state average of 0.511%. The median annual tax bill of $1,016 equals Tennessee's state median, despite the county's lower home values.

Gibson far outpaces regional competition

Gibson County's 0.679% rate is significantly higher than all eight comparison counties, with Franklin County (0.565%) coming second. Gibson residents pay the steepest tax rate in the entire region.

What your Gibson home costs in taxes

On the county median home value of $149,700, the annual property tax bill totals approximately $1,016. With a mortgage, you may pay $1,178, while owning free and clear brings the bill to roughly $890.

Challenge your assessment in high-tax Gibson

Gibson County's high rate makes it especially important to verify your home's assessed value reflects its true market worth. Property tax appeals are permitted every two years in Tennessee, making this a valuable tool for Gibson homeowners to reduce their bills.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Gibson County

via IncomeByCounty

Gibson County solidly middle class

Gibson County's median household income of $59,009 sits between Tennessee's state average ($58,994) and the national median ($74,755), placing it in the lower-middle tier nationally. Typical households earn about $15,746 less than the U.S. median, a 21% gap.

Right at Tennessee's income midpoint

Gibson County essentially matches Tennessee's state median household income of $58,994 at $59,009, ranking it among the state's most representative counties. This stability suggests a balanced economic base without extreme poverty or wealth concentration.

Moderate income, moderate standing

Gibson County's $59,009 income places it between higher earners like Franklin and Giles counties ($61,000+) and lower-income peers like Grainger and Fentress counties ($50,000 range). The county occupies a middle position regionally, reflecting a diverse but modest economic base.

Balanced affordability and value

Gibson County's 16.2% rent-to-income ratio is sustainable, and median home values of $149,700 remain affordable relative to earnings. Housing affordability here supports household financial stability and leaves room for other investments.

Steady income supports long-term planning

Gibson County's stable, representative income provides a foundation for consistent financial planning and modest wealth-building. Households should prioritize automating savings and exploring employer retirement benefits to compound gains over decades.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Gibson County

via CrimeByCounty

Strong safety scores in Gibson County

Gibson County earns a high safety score of 97.4, bolstered by a total crime rate of 1,676.7 per 100,000. This rate is substantially lower than the national figure of 2,385.5.

Beating the Tennessee state average

Gibson County's crime rate of 1,676.7 is lower than the Tennessee average of 1,785.6. Its safety score of 97.4 ranks higher than the state average score of 97.2.

Safety comparison with nearby counties

Gibson County is significantly safer than neighboring Hamblen County, which faces a total crime rate of 2,885.5. Ten different reporting agencies work together to keep local crime rates low.

Property crime dominates the data

The violent crime rate of 396.4 is slightly above the national average of 369.8, but property crime is much lower than the U.S. average at 1,280.3. Property offenses comprise roughly 76% of total reported crime.

Secure your residence in Gibson

Homeowners can reduce risk by securing entry points and using outdoor lighting to deter property theft. Staying informed through local reporting agencies keeps the community safer.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Gibson County

via WeatherByCounty

Significant Heat in West Tennessee

Gibson County averages 59.7°F annually, making it much warmer than the typical American county. This climate features long, hot summers and relatively short, mild winters.

Exceeding the State Thermal Average

Gibson is one of the warmer spots in Tennessee, staying nearly two degrees above the state average of 58.1°F. It ranks high for heat intensity compared to eastern Tennessee counties.

Hotter and Drier than Giles

Gibson averages 59.7°F, which is notably warmer than Giles County’s 57.3°F. It also sees less annual precipitation at 56.2 inches compared to the wetter eastern neighbors.

Prolonged High Heat Days

Summer dominates the calendar with 59 days reaching over 90°F, creating a demanding cooling season. Winters are mild with only 3 inches of snow and a January average of 37.9°F.

Prioritize Cooling and Hydration

Investing in energy-efficient HVAC systems is critical to manage the two months of extreme heat. Outdoor workers and gardeners should plan activities for early morning to avoid the frequent 90°F peaks.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Gibson County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Alfisols of the Western Plains

Gibson County is dominated by Alfisols, featuring a silt loam texture and an acidic pH of 5.29. This acidity is slightly higher than the state average of 5.35 and much sharper than the national median of 6.5. These soils often require regular monitoring and amendments to optimize nutrient availability for sensitive plants.

Heavy Silt Dominates the Soil Matrix

With a massive 75.0% silt content and only 8.8% sand, this soil is exceptionally smooth and fine-textured. The 16.2% clay content provides some structure, but the high silt levels make the soil prone to erosion and surface crusting. This mix offers excellent nutrient storage but demands careful management to prevent compaction.

Exceptional Water Storage Despite Low Carbon

Organic matter measures 1.49%, trailing significantly behind the Tennessee state average of 2.44%. However, the soil boasts a high available water capacity of 0.208 in/in, far exceeding the state average of 0.171. This unique combination means the soil holds onto moisture well, even though it needs more organic enrichment.

Managing Slow Drainage in Group D

Classified as somewhat poorly drained and part of hydrologic group D, these soils have a very slow rate of water transmission. This can lead to standing water during heavy Tennessee rains, which presents challenges for both farming and construction. Proper tiling or raised beds can help mitigate these drainage limitations for gardeners.

Abundant Harvests in Zone 7b

Zone 7b and moisture-retentive silt loam make Gibson County a powerhouse for crops like corn, soybeans, and cotton. Home gardeners can see great success with leafy greens and root vegetables that enjoy consistent moisture. Start a compost pile now to bridge the organic matter gap and watch your garden thrive.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Gibson County

via LawnByCounty

Navigating Gibson's Lawn Challenges

Gibson County has a lawn difficulty score of 35.5, making it one of the more challenging areas in Tennessee for turf maintenance. This score sits well below both the state average of 48.0 and the national median of 50.0.

High Heat and Heavy Humidity

Lawns here must endure 59 extreme heat days annually, which is significantly higher than the state average of 36 days. With 4,864 growing degree days, your mowing schedule will be intense during the long, hot Tennessee summer.

Adjusting Poorly Drained Loam

The local soil is somewhat poorly drained with a very acidic pH of 5.29. Since the texture is primarily silt loam with only 8.8% sand, you may need to aerate frequently to prevent compaction and improve oxygen flow to roots.

Combating Frequent Drought Stress

Gibson County faced 21 weeks in drought over the last year, which is more than any neighboring county on this list. Lawns currently face 100% abnormally dry conditions, necessitating a disciplined irrigation plan to survive the 79.9°F July average temperatures.

Resilient Grasses for Gibson County

Warm-season grasses like Bermuda are best suited for the 59 days of extreme heat seen here. Plan your primary lawn work around the frost dates, keeping in mind the last spring frost typically occurs on April 4.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Gibson County's county score?
Gibson County, Tennessee has a composite county score of 45 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 Gibson County rank among counties in Tennessee?
Gibson County ranks #79 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 Gibson County, Tennessee?
The median annual property tax in Gibson County is $1,039, with an effective tax rate of 0.66%. This earns Gibson County a tax score of 64.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Gibson County?
The median household income in Gibson County, Tennessee is $62,755 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Gibson County earns an income score of 41.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Gibson County, Tennessee a good place to live?
Gibson County scores 45/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #79 in Tennessee. The best way to evaluate Gibson 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 Gibson 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.