countyscore
44.9
County Score
Water Quality 86Property Tax 65.6Weather & 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.

Score breakdown

Tax65.6Cost60.2Safety29.6Health21.4Schools47.1Income35.7Risk14.1Water86Weather62.9
🏛65.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠60.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼35.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡29.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤21.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓47.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡14.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤62.9
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨44
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱35.5
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

Crockett County
Tennessee
48.9
Weakley County
Tennessee
51
Obion County
Tennessee
45.2
Dyer County
Tennessee
44.8
Madison County
Tennessee
33.9
Carroll County
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53.8
Lake County
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Haywood County
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41.8

Deep Dives

Gibson County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Cost of Living in Gibson County

via CostByCounty

Gibson County Below National Housing Burden

Gibson County's 16.2% rent-to-income ratio performs better than the national average, giving renters more financial flexibility than typical U.S. households. With a median income of $59,009 supporting a $797 monthly rent, local renters have breathing room compared to national norms.

Gibson Beats Tennessee's Affordability Average

At 16.2%, Gibson County's rent-to-income ratio outperforms Tennessee's 17.6% state average, marking it as more affordable than most of the state. Renters here pay $63 less monthly than Tennessee's median rent, translating to meaningful annual savings.

Among the Most Affordable in Its Region

Gibson County's $797 rent is the second-lowest among comparable rural Tennessee counties, beaten only by Fentress County at $614. This affordability advantage makes Gibson attractive for renters seeking lower housing costs without sacrificing county services.

Your Housing Budget in Gibson County

Gibson County renters spend 16.2% of their $59,009 median income on $797 housing, preserving substantial resources for other expenses. Homeowners invest 15.8% of income in $785 monthly costs, creating one of the state's most balanced owner-affordability profiles.

Gibson County Delivers Rural Affordability

Consider Gibson County if you're relocating to Tennessee and value low housing costs paired with rural character and working-class stability. With $797 median rent and $149,700 median home values, compare your budget here against both pricier urban counties and similarly rural peers.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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

Health in Gibson County

via HealthByCounty

Gibson faces a significant health gap

Gibson County's life expectancy of 70.3 years trails the U.S. average of 76 years by 5.7 years, marking a substantial health disadvantage. The county's poor or fair health rate of 22.9% exceeds national norms, indicating widespread health challenges.

Underperforming Tennessee standards

At 70.3 years, Gibson County's life expectancy falls 2.1 years below Tennessee's state average of 72.4 years. The uninsured rate of 11.8% nearly matches the state average, suggesting insurance is not the sole barrier to better health outcomes.

Among the region's most challenged counties

Gibson County has the lowest life expectancy in its immediate region, trailing Giles County (71.6 years) and Fentress County (70.1 years). Primary care provider availability at 40 per 100,000 is better than Fentress but below the regional leader, Franklin County (56 per 100,000).

Moderate access masks deeper health challenges

While Gibson County has 40 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and 39 mental health providers, the county's 22.9% poor/fair health rate suggests quality-of-life factors beyond provider availability are driving poor outcomes. With 11.8% uninsured, most residents have coverage, but barriers to effective care remain.

Verify your coverage now

If you're among Gibson County's 11.8% without insurance, enrollment options are available at healthcare.gov and through local community health centers. Even small gaps in coverage can impact your health—review your options during open enrollment or if your circumstances change.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Gibson County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Robust System of Five School Districts

Gibson County features an extensive educational infrastructure with 21 public schools serving over 9,000 students. The county uses a unique five-district model to manage its 11 elementary, three middle, and seven high schools. This high density of schools ensures that families have diverse options for their children's education.

Top-Tier Graduation Rates and Consistent Scores

Gibson County achieves a 94.1% graduation rate, outperforming the state average of 93.3% and the national average of 87.0%. Per-pupil spending sits at $5,891, allowing the county to maintain a school score of 53.3. These results highlight a system that delivers strong academic outcomes through localized district management.

Special Districts Lead the Way

The Gibson Co Special District is the largest provider, overseeing nine schools and nearly 4,000 students. Other major districts include Milan with 1,996 students and Humboldt City Schools with 1,110 students. No charter schools currently operate in the county, as the traditional districts cover all regional needs.

Town and Country Learning Environments

The county offers a mix of 13 rural schools and 8 town-based campuses to match various lifestyle preferences. South Gibson County Elementary is the largest school with 907 students, but the average school size remains manageable at 430 students. This variety allows families to choose between larger, resource-rich hubs and smaller community schools.

Find Your Place in a Top-Graduating County

Gibson County's multiple districts make it an ideal place for families looking for specific educational niches. Homes near the South Gibson or Milan districts are particularly popular for their high enrollment and strong community support. Investing in a home here means securing access to some of West Tennessee's most consistent public schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Gibson County

via RiskByCounty

Gibson County faces significantly elevated risk

Gibson County's composite risk score of 85.94 ranks it in the Relatively Moderate category—well above the national average and among Tennessee's highest-risk counties. The county contends with exceptionally high tornado (91.70) and earthquake (97.11) hazards that demand serious preparedness planning.

Among Tennessee's riskiest counties

Gibson County's 85.94 score substantially exceeds Tennessee's state average of 52.45, placing it in the upper tier of the state's most hazard-exposed counties. Its tornado and earthquake scores rank among the state's highest, reflecting its position in both a seismic and tornado-active zone.

Riskier than surrounding counties

Gibson County faces considerably higher composite risk (85.94) than neighbors like Weakley County and Dyer County to the north. Its 85.94 score makes it one of Northwest Tennessee's most hazard-prone areas, particularly for tornado and seismic activity.

Tornadoes and earthquakes are severe threats

Tornado risk reaches 91.70—among Tennessee's highest—making spring and early summer storm seasons especially dangerous for Gibson County residents. Earthquake risk (97.11) is equally concerning and reflects the county's proximity to the New Madrid Seismic Zone, which has produced historic major earthquakes affecting this region.

Invest in structural protection and insurance

Residents should prioritize a dedicated safe room or storm shelter rated for high-wind tornado events and ensure comprehensive homeowners insurance covers tornado, hail, and earthquake damage. Given Gibson County's elevated seismic risk, verify that your policy includes earthquake coverage or add it as a rider.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

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 44.9 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 #77 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 $1,016, with an effective tax rate of 0.68%. This earns Gibson County a tax score of 65.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Gibson County?
The median household income in Gibson County, Tennessee is $59,009 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Gibson County earns an income score of 35.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Gibson County, Tennessee a good place to live?
Gibson County scores 44.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #77 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.

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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.