countyscore
60.6
County Score
Cost of Living 86.8Water Quality 86Property Tax 85.2

County Report Card

About Grainger County, Tennessee

A National Livability Leader

Grainger County excels with a composite score of 60.6, far exceeding the national median of 50.0. This high ranking places it in the upper echelon of U.S. counties for quality of life.

Top-Tier Tennessee Ranking

Outperforming the Tennessee state average of 51.3 by nearly ten points, Grainger is a state standout. It is one of the highest-rated rural options in East Tennessee.

Maximum Safety and Affordability

The county boasts a robust risk score of 81.4 and a water score of 86.0, signaling high stability. This is paired with an 86.8 cost score and an affordable median home value of $172,000.

Economic and Health Disparities

Despite high overall quality, the income score of 17.4 and health score of 19.2 trail other metrics. The $51,351 median income suggests a workforce that may rely on regional travel for higher wages.

Retiree and Remote Worker Paradise

Grainger is a premier destination for those who prioritize environmental safety and low costs in a rural setting. It is especially attractive for those who bring their income with them.

Score breakdown

Tax85.2Cost86.8Safety55.4Health19.2Schools52.4Income17.4Risk81.4Water86Weather65.8
🏛85.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠86.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼17.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡55.4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤19.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓52.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡81.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤65.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨42.4
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱55.2
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

Jefferson County
Tennessee
53.8
Hamblen County
Tennessee
46.5
Union County
Tennessee
54.6
Claiborne County
Tennessee
64.5
Hancock County
Tennessee
59.9
Knox County
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Cocke County
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43.9
Hawkins County
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47.1

Deep Dives

Grainger County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Grainger County

via TaxByCounty

Grainger taxes fall below national average

Grainger County's effective tax rate of 0.506% is substantially below the national median of 0.76%, placing it in the bottom 35% of U.S. counties. The median annual property tax of $871 is just one-third of the national median of $2,690.

Grainger near Tennessee's middle ground

At 0.506%, Grainger County's effective tax rate nearly matches Tennessee's state average of 0.511%, placing it squarely in the middle of the state's tax spectrum. The median annual bill of $871 is roughly $145 below the state median of $1,016.

Grainger competitive within eight-county group

Grainger's 0.506% rate sits above Greene (0.431%) and Grundy (0.422%), but below Gibson (0.679%) and Franklin (0.565%). The county offers moderate tax positioning in the regional comparison.

What your Grainger home costs in taxes

On the county median home value of $172,000, the annual property tax bill totals approximately $871. With a mortgage, you'll pay about $1,044; owning outright brings the bill to roughly $730.

Contest inflated assessments in Grainger

Overassessed properties in Grainger County represent untapped savings for many homeowners. Tennessee allows property tax appeals every two years, giving you regular opportunities to challenge assessments and lower your bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Grainger County

via CostByCounty

Grainger County Slightly Above National Burden

Grainger County's 17.0% rent-to-income ratio is slightly higher than the national average, indicating renters here face marginally tighter housing budgets. With a median household income of $51,351 and $726 monthly rent, the county sits just above national affordability benchmarks.

Grainger Matches Tennessee Affordability

At 17.0%, Grainger County's rent-to-income ratio is nearly identical to Tennessee's 17.6% state average, reflecting typical affordability challenges across the state. Renters pay $134 less monthly than the state median, providing modest cost savings relative to other Tennessee counties.

Mid-Range Rent Among Eastern Counties

Grainger County's $726 median rent positions it between low-cost Fentress County ($614) and higher-cost Hamblen County ($838), offering a rural-county middle ground. This pricing reflects its character as a moderately developed East Tennessee county.

Grainger County Housing Breakdown

Grainger County renters spend 17.0% of their $51,351 median income on $726 housing, a manageable but notable expense. Homeowners invest just 12.1% of income in $518 monthly costs, showing a significant advantage for those who can purchase.

Grainger County for East Tennessee Value

If you're considering East Tennessee relocation with a modest budget, Grainger County's $726 rent and $172,000 median home values offer reasonable middle-ground pricing. Compare it against cheaper Fentress County or pricier Hamblen to gauge your affordability priorities.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Grainger County

via IncomeByCounty

Grainger County income trails nation

Grainger County's median household income of $51,351 falls $23,404 short of the national median of $74,755—a 31% gap. The county ranks among lower-income areas nationally, reflecting limited job growth and wage pressures common to rural Appalachia.

Below Tennessee state average income

At $51,351, Grainger County trails Tennessee's state average of $58,994 by $7,643, placing it among the lower-income counties statewide. The county faces structural economic challenges that depress household earnings compared to state and national peers.

Struggling with peer counties

Grainger County's $51,351 median income exceeds only Grundy County ($45,573) in this group, trailing higher earners like Franklin and Giles counties by over $10,000. The county shares income challenges with Fentress County ($50,865), both struggling regionally.

Rent burden creeps higher

Grainger County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.0% indicates housing costs claim a growing share of household earnings. While median home values of $172,000 remain moderate, the ratio suggests some households may strain to afford adequate housing.

Save aggressively from modest income

Despite lower earnings, Grainger County residents can build wealth through disciplined saving and smart spending. Even small monthly contributions to savings accounts and employer retirement plans compound significantly over working lifetimes, creating long-term financial security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Grainger County

via CrimeByCounty

Grainger County is exceptionally safe

With a total crime rate of just 1,014.9 per 100,000, Grainger County is far safer than the national average of 2,385.5. It boasts a top-tier safety score of 98.4.

One of Tennessee's safest counties

Grainger County's safety score of 98.4 far exceeds the Tennessee average of 97.2. Its crime rate is nearly 43% lower than the state average of 1,785.6.

Outperforming all regional neighbors

Grainger County is much safer than nearby Hamblen County, where the crime rate is nearly triple at 2,885.5. Local law enforcement maintains a very high safety standard across the county.

Minimal violent and property crime

Violent crime is remarkably low at 173.4 per 100,000, compared to the national 369.8. Property crime is also impressively low at 841.5, which is less than half the national average.

Keep Grainger County secure

Even in very safe areas, basic measures like smart doorbells and perimeter lighting provide peace of mind. Continuing these habits helps sustain the county's excellent safety ranking.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Grainger County

via HealthByCounty

Grainger faces a significant health crisis

Grainger County's life expectancy of 71.3 years trails the U.S. average of 76 years by 4.7 years, reflecting serious population health challenges. The county's poor or fair health rate of 26.2% is one of the highest in its region, indicating widespread health struggles.

Bottom tier in Tennessee rankings

At 71.3 years, Grainger County's life expectancy falls 1.1 years below Tennessee's average of 72.4 years, placing it among the state's most challenged counties. The uninsured rate of 11.6% mirrors the state average, though provider scarcity may limit care access despite coverage.

Critically short on primary care providers

Grainger County has the lowest provider density in its region, with only 13 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—compared to 36 in Giles County and 56 in Franklin County. This severe shortfall compounds the county's already-elevated poor health rate of 26.2%.

Provider shortage creates urgent access barriers

Grainger County residents face a critical healthcare access crisis: just 13 primary care providers and 20 mental health providers per 100,000 residents make routine care difficult to access. Even with 11.6% uninsured, the remaining 88.4% with insurance struggle to find available providers.

Insurance is your first step

Grainger County urgently needs healthcare coverage to be universal so residents can advocate for improved provider access. If you're uninsured, enroll at healthcare.gov today—coverage opens doors to telehealth and regional care options when local providers are full.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Grainger County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Dedicated Rural Education Infrastructure

Grainger County provides nine public schools for its enrollment of 3,105 students. The system is built around four elementary schools, three high schools, and a middle school. This distribution ensures that education is accessible to all corners of this geographic region.

Competitive Performance and Strategic Investment

Grainger County maintains a 93.0% graduation rate, solidly beating the 87.0% national average. The county invests $6,647 per pupil, which is higher than the Tennessee state average of $6,215. A composite school score of 54.3 puts the county ahead of both the state and national medians.

Consistent Management Through One District

The Grainger County district oversees all nine schools and 3,105 students in the county. There are zero charter schools present, meaning the district handles all public education responsibilities directly. This single-district approach helps maintain consistent standards and community trust.

Small Average Sizes in a Rural Landscape

All nine schools in the county are classified as rural, reflecting the area's natural character. While Grainger High School is the largest with 854 students, the average school size is just 345. This low average enrollment suggests that many students benefit from smaller, more personal learning environments.

Invest in a Community with Strong Schools

Grainger County is an excellent choice for those seeking a rural lifestyle without sacrificing educational quality. Real estate near these high-performing schools offers families both space and academic security. Check out local home listings to see where you can join this successful school community.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Grainger County

via RiskByCounty

Grainger County ranks among safest in nation

Grainger County's composite risk score of 18.61 places it in the Very Low risk category, making it one of the safest counties in the United States. The county benefits from lower-than-average exposure to most natural hazards, though earthquake risk remains moderate at 67.56.

Tennessee's safest county by risk score

Grainger County's 18.61 score is the lowest in Tennessee, sitting far below the state average of 52.45. Only a handful of other Tennessee counties approach this level of safety, making Grainger an exceptional outlier in the state's natural hazard landscape.

Significantly safer than surrounding areas

Grainger County's very low composite risk (18.61) stands in stark contrast to neighbors like Union County and Campbell County. Its 18.61 score makes it one of East Tennessee's safest communities, with substantially lower hazard exposure than counties to the north and south.

Earthquake risk moderately elevated

Earthquake risk (67.56) emerges as Grainger County's primary hazard concern, though still moderate compared to nearby East Tennessee counties. Wildfire risk (48.70) ranks second, reflecting the county's partly forested terrain and seasonal dry conditions that occasionally spark fires.

Standard coverage typically sufficient

Grainger County residents enjoy unusually low overall natural disaster risk and can typically rely on standard homeowners insurance policies. Consider adding earthquake coverage as an optional rider to protect against seismic activity, and review wildfire provisions if your property sits near wooded areas.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Soil Quality in Grainger County

via SoilByCounty

Diverse Inceptisols with High Acidity

Grainger County is defined by its Inceptisols and a gravelly loam texture that creates a unique growing environment. The average pH is 5.18, making it more acidic than the state average of 5.35 and well below the national median of 6.5. This sharp acidity requires significant lime for growers wishing to plant standard garden vegetables.

Gravelly Loam with High Sand Content

This soil contains 32.6% sand and 41.5% silt, which is a higher sand percentage than many surrounding counties. The 18.4% clay content is relatively low, contributing to a gravelly loam texture that is easy to work but dries out quickly. This physical structure is ideal for plants that require excellent aeration around their roots.

Rich Organic Matter but Low Water Storage

Grainger County boasts an impressive 6.47% organic matter, nearly triple the state average of 2.44%. Despite this richness, the available water capacity is low at 0.146 in/in, likely due to its gravelly nature. Your soil is fertile and nutrient-dense, but you will need to water more frequently during dry spells.

Excessive Drainage in Hydrologic Group B

The soil is classified as somewhat excessively drained, meaning water moves through the profile very rapidly. As part of hydrologic group B, it transmits water at a moderate-to-fast rate, preventing saturation but increasing the risk of drought stress. This makes the county well-suited for building but challenging for water-hungry crops.

The Home of Famous Tomatoes

Grainger County's Zone 7b climate and well-drained, organic-rich soil are legendary for producing high-quality tomatoes. Peaches and other stone fruits also thrive in these gravelly, well-aerated conditions. Leverage the high organic matter and start your garden with confidence this spring.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Grainger County

via LawnByCounty

Grainger's Advantageous Lawn Conditions

Grainger County earns a 55.2 lawn difficulty score, making it easier to maintain a lawn here than in much of the state. This score beats both the Tennessee average of 48.0 and the national median of 50.0.

Ideal Rainfall and Moderate Heat

Annual precipitation averages 48.5 inches, falling perfectly within the ideal lawn range of 30-50 inches. With 24 extreme heat days, the climate is milder than the state average, leading to less evaporation and turf stress.

Working with Gravelly Loam

The soil is somewhat excessively drained and consists of 32.6% sand, which helps prevent root rot but can lead to fast drying. The pH of 5.18 is quite acidic, so regular lime treatments are recommended to bring it closer to the ideal 6.0-7.0 range.

A Shorter History of Drought

Grainger County saw only 7 weeks in drought over the last year, significantly less than many neighboring counties. While the area is currently 100% abnormally dry, the gravelly loam soil requires careful monitoring to ensure grass stays hydrated.

Planting Success in Zone 7b

Given the excellent drainage, drought-resistant varieties like Bermuda or turf-type tall fescue are top performers. Although local frost dates are variable, the mild 55.9°F average temperature supports a robust growing season.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Grainger County's county score?
Grainger County, Tennessee has a composite county score of 60.6 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 Grainger County rank among counties in Tennessee?
Grainger County ranks #13 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 Grainger County, Tennessee?
The median annual property tax in Grainger County is $871, with an effective tax rate of 0.51%. This earns Grainger County a tax score of 85.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Grainger County?
The median household income in Grainger County, Tennessee is $51,351 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Grainger County earns an income score of 17.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Grainger County, Tennessee a good place to live?
Grainger County scores 60.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #13 in Tennessee. The best way to evaluate Grainger 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 Grainger County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛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.