countyscore
53.3
County Score
Property Tax 92Cost of Living 80.2Water Quality 64.8

County Report Card

About Greene County, Tennessee

Exceeding National Standards

Greene County earns a composite score of 53.3, outpacing the national median of 50.0. This performance indicates a high quality of life relative to the broader United States.

A High-Value Tennessee Option

With a score of 53.3, Greene sits above the Tennessee state average of 51.3. It offers a more competitive lifestyle than many of its immediate neighbors.

Low Tax Burden and Affordable Rent

The county's fiscal appeal is high with a 92.0 tax score and an 80.2 cost score. Renters find excellent value here, with a median gross rent of only $713 per month.

Safety and Income Limitations

Safety and income scores of 22.2 and 23.0 represent the county's primary hurdles. While taxes are low, the median household income of $54,071 suggests limited local high-wage opportunities.

Budget-Conscious Lifestyle Destination

Greene is best suited for individuals who prioritize low taxes and housing costs above all else. Its strong school score of 56.4 also makes it a viable path for young families.

204060801009280.222.225.256.42343.764.863.8Tax92Cost80.2Safety22.2Health25.2Schools56.4Income23Risk43.7Water64.8Weather63.853.3/100
This county
National avg
2 above average3 below average

Greene County DNA

Foverall

How Greene County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Greene County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Property Tax (92/100) but notably weak in Safety (22.2/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
92+40
Cost
80.2+32.2
Safety
22.2-32.8
Health
25.2-24.8
Schools
56.4
Income
23-28
Risk
43.7
Water
64.8
Weather
63.8
Sponsored

Compare mortgage rates in Greene County

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

See Today's Rates

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$186,400

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$713/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$186,400/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$28,520/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.4x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $54,071/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

18.3

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
Compare Greene County with Cleveland County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Cleveland County
Arkansas
Median income: $50,509
53.3
Barren County
Kentucky
Median income: $49,171
53.3
Aitkin County
Minnesota
Median income: $59,498
53.3
Quay County
New Mexico
Median income: $43,698
53.3
Orange County
Vermont
Median income: $77,328
53.3
Boone County
Arkansas
Median income: $54,195
53.2
Lawrence County
Ohio
Median income: $54,842
53.2
Beaver County
Oklahoma
Median income: $64,266
53.2

Nearby counties

Cocke County
Tennessee
43.9
Madison County
North Carolina
65.6
Hawkins County
Tennessee
47.1
Hamblen County
Tennessee
46.5
Washington County
Tennessee
54.9
Unicoi County
Tennessee
59.5
Yancey County
North Carolina
68.3
Hancock County
Tennessee
59.9

Deep Dives

Greene County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Greene County

via TaxByCounty

Greene taxes rank among America's lowest

Greene County's effective tax rate of 0.431% ranks in the bottom 20% of U.S. counties, significantly below the national median of 0.76%. The median annual property tax of $803 is less than 30% of the national median of $2,690.

Greene offers some of Tennessee's best rates

At 0.431%, Greene County has one of Tennessee's lowest effective tax rates, substantially below the state average of 0.511%. With a median annual bill of just $803, Greene residents enjoy roughly $210 in annual savings compared to typical Tennessee households.

Greene among region's lowest-tax counties

Greene County's 0.431% rate ranks second-lowest in the eight-county comparison, just slightly above Grundy (0.422%). Only Fentress (0.342%) offers lower tax burdens in this region.

What your Greene home costs in taxes

On the county median home value of $186,400, the annual property tax bill totals approximately $803. Whether you have a mortgage or own free and clear, your estimated annual tax hovers around $800.

Even low taxes deserve a second look

Greene County's favorable tax environment doesn't mean every assessment is accurate. Filing a property tax appeal every two years helps ensure you're paying only what's fair on your home's true market value.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Greene County

via CostByCounty

Greene County Beats National Affordability

Greene County's 15.8% rent-to-income ratio outperforms the national average, giving renters meaningful financial relief compared to typical U.S. households. With a $54,071 median income and $713 monthly rent, Greene renters enjoy solid affordability relative to national norms.

Greene County Among Tennessee's Most Affordable

At 15.8%, Greene County significantly beats Tennessee's 17.6% state average, ranking among the state's more affordable housing markets. Renters here pay $147 less monthly than the state median, providing substantial savings for cost-conscious Tennesseans.

Low-Cost Option in East Tennessee

Greene County's $713 median rent is competitive with rural peers, matching Grainger County and undercutting Hamblen County ($838) substantially. This affordability makes Greene an attractive option for renters prioritizing low housing costs.

Greene County Cost Allocation

Greene County renters allocate 15.8% of their $54,071 median income to $713 housing, preserving strong purchasing power for other needs. Homeowners spend 14.5% of income on $654 monthly costs, among the lowest owner-affordability ratios in the state.

Greene County Offers East Tennessee Value

If you're relocating to East Tennessee and want genuine affordability, Greene County's $713 median rent and $186,400 median home values deliver strong value. Compare it against slightly cheaper Fentress or pricier urban counties to find your ideal cost-of-living match.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Greene County

via IncomeByCounty

Greene County trails national income

Greene County's median household income of $54,071 lags the national median of $74,755 by $20,684—a 28% gap. The county ranks in the lower-income tier nationally, though it performs better than the most economically distressed rural areas.

Below Tennessee's state average

Greene County's $54,071 income falls short of Tennessee's state average of $58,994 by $4,923, positioning the county among the lower half of Tennessee's income distribution. Economic diversification challenges limit wage growth for typical households.

Middle of the pack regionally

Greene County's $54,071 sits between higher earners like Franklin and Giles counties and lower earners like Grundy ($45,573) and Fentress ($50,865). The county occupies an intermediate position, performing better than the region's most struggling counties.

Reasonable housing affordability

Greene County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.8% is among the best in this group, indicating housing costs remain manageable despite modest incomes. Median home values of $186,400 are accessible for typical households, supporting homeownership and wealth building.

Maximize affordable housing advantage

Greene County's favorable housing costs relative to income create an opportunity for household wealth building. Residents should channel savings into retirement accounts and modest investment portfolios to leverage their affordability advantage over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Greene County

via CrimeByCounty

Greene County stays below national rates

Greene County reports a total crime rate of 1,994.3 per 100,000, which is lower than the national average of 2,385.5. The county maintains a safety score of 96.9.

Greene County crime vs state average

The county's crime rate of 1,994.3 is higher than the Tennessee average of 1,785.6. Its safety score of 96.9 is slightly below the state benchmark of 97.2.

Comparing safety to nearby Hamblen

Greene County is notably safer than neighboring Hamblen County, which has a rate of 2,885.5. Six different agencies collaborate to manage public safety within the county.

Analyzing violent and property trends

Property crime sits at 1,660.5 per 100,000, making up about 83% of total incidents. The violent crime rate of 333.8 is safer than the national average of 369.8.

Invest in local home security

Since property crime is the most common issue, securing outbuildings and main residences is vital. Modern alarm systems can help keep these numbers trending downward.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Greene County

via SchoolsByCounty

Diverse Schooling Options in Greene County

Greene County features a large educational network of 26 schools serving 9,262 students. This extensive system includes 11 elementary schools, five middle schools, and six high schools. The county uses two districts to manage this wide range of academic facilities and levels.

Exceptional Graduation and High Academic Scores

The county delivers an outstanding 95.0% graduation rate, well above the national 87.0% benchmark. With a school score of 55.0 and per-pupil spending of $6,482, Greene County ranks highly in both investment and results. This performance places local schools well ahead of state and national averages.

Two Districts Serving Large Student Populations

The Greene County district is the larger of the two, managing 18 schools and 6,265 students. The Greeneville district serves the remaining 2,997 students across eight schools. No charter schools are currently active, as the traditional districts successfully meet the needs of nearly 10,000 pupils.

A Perfect Mix of Rural and Town Locales

The school system is perfectly balanced with 13 rural and 13 town-based campuses. Greeneville High School is the largest at 958 students, while many other schools maintain the county's average size of 386. This variety ensures families can find an environment that fits their child's social and academic needs.

Secure Your Future Near Top Tennessee Schools

With scores consistently beating state averages, Greene County is a magnet for education-conscious homebuyers. Whether you prefer the town of Greeneville or the scenic rural outskirts, high-quality schools are always nearby. Explore local listings to find a home that grants your children access to these 95% graduation-rate schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Greene County

via RiskByCounty

Greene County faces near-average national risk

Greene County's composite risk score of 56.30 places it in the Relatively Low category, near the national average for many counties. The county contends with meaningful exposure to flood and earthquake hazards despite moderate tornado and wildfire risks.

Slightly below Tennessee's average risk

Greene County's 56.30 score sits just below Tennessee's state average of 52.45, positioning it as a moderate-risk county within the state. Its flood risk (63.55) and earthquake risk (84.22) pull the overall score upward, while wildfire risk remains moderate at 45.04.

Comparable to Hamblen, safer than adjacent areas

Greene County's 56.30 score closely resembles Hamblen County (47.11) to the south and exceeds Cocke County's typical profile. Its risk level is representative of Northeast Tennessee's mixed hazard exposure, with particular vulnerability to seismic activity and flooding.

Earthquakes and floods pose greatest threats

Earthquake risk (84.22) ranks highest, tied to Greene County's proximity to the Eastern Tennessee Seismic Zone and historic seismic activity in the region. Flood risk (63.55) ranks second, reflecting the county's terrain and susceptibility to heavy rainfall and stream overflow events.

Prioritize earthquake and flood insurance

Homeowners should verify that policies include earthquake coverage and ensure flood insurance is in place, especially for properties near rivers or floodplains. Given Greene County's moderate composite risk, comprehensive coverage addressing both seismic and water-related hazards provides essential protection.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Greene County

via WaterByCounty

Greene County Maintains Strong Compliance Grade

Greene County holds a Water Quality Grade of B, with only 3 health violations recorded over the last five years. Its violation rate of 3.6 per 100,000 residents is nearly ten times lower than the Tennessee state average of 34.6. This reflects a very reliable public drinking water infrastructure.

High Impairment Levels in Greene Watersheds

Nearly 46.8% of the 141 assessed water bodies in Greene County are considered impaired, according to the 2022 reporting cycle. This is significantly higher than the state average of 30.2%. The main culprits are E. Coli, sedimentation, and the loss of natural stream-side vegetation.

Massive Monitoring Effort with 71 Active Sites

With 71 monitoring sites and 13,651 measurements, Greene County has one of the most thoroughly documented water footprints in the region. Most measurements focus on physical and inorganic properties. This deep data pool allows for very precise identification of impairment causes across the county.

Nolichucky River Flows Below Typical Levels

The Nolichucky River below the dam is currently flowing at 558 cfs, which is just 29% of its long-term mean. These low flow conditions can increase the concentration of sediment and E. Coli in the river. This drought-like signal suggests a need for careful water management in the coming months.

Combat High E. Coli and Low Flows

Residents should exercise caution near local streams, as nearly half are impaired by E. Coli and sedimentation. With the Nolichucky River at only 29% of its typical flow, these pollutants are likely more concentrated. Support local initiatives to restore stream-side vegetation, which helps filter the runoff identified in the 71 monitoring sites.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Greene County

via WeatherByCounty

Moderate Valley Climate

Greene County averages 56.7°F annually, placing it above the national median for temperature. It receives a moderate 46.4 inches of rain, which is lower than many other Tennessee regions.

Cooler and Drier than Average

Greene County is noticeably cooler than the 58.1°F state average and significantly drier than the 55.9-inch state precipitation norm. This creates a more mountain-influenced climate than the western plains.

Cooler than Neighboring Hamblen

Greene stays about a degree cooler than Hamblen County's 57.8°F average. It also experiences slightly less snowfall than Hamblen, despite their geographic proximity.

Frequent Heat and Moderate Snow

Despite the mountain air, Greene still hits 90°F or higher 32 days per year. Winter brings a notable 7.7 inches of snow, providing a true seasonal change.

Balance Seasonal Home Maintenance

Plan for both significant cooling needs in summer and snow clearance in winter. The 46.4 inches of rain is manageable, but garden irrigation may be needed during dry summer spells.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Greene County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Ultisols of East Tennessee

Greene County is characterized by Ultisols and a dominant silt loam texture. Its average pH of 5.26 is slightly more acidic than the state average of 5.35 and far below the national median of 6.5. This acidity is typical for the region but necessitates careful pH management for most agricultural uses.

Balanced Silt Loam with High Silt

The soil contains 44.2% silt, 30.7% sand, and 20.5% clay, providing a classic silt loam feel. This combination allows for decent nutrient retention while the sand content helps maintain some porosity. It is a versatile mix that supports varied farming activities but remains susceptible to compaction from heavy machinery.

Strong Organic Content with Moderate Storage

Organic matter is a highlight here at 3.56%, significantly outpacing the state average of 2.44%. The available water capacity is 0.154 in/in, which is slightly lower than the Tennessee average of 0.171. The high organic levels provide a great nutrient base, though supplemental irrigation may be needed in the peak of summer.

Moderately Well Drained in Group C

The county's soils are moderately well drained and belong to hydrologic group C, indicating somewhat slow water transmission. This can lead to temporary wetness in low-lying areas after heavy rainfall, affecting planting schedules. Builders and farmers should account for these moderate drainage speeds when planning drainage systems.

Bountiful Gardens in Zone 7b

Greene County's Zone 7b status allows for a long growing season for staples like corn and winter squash. The above-average organic matter makes it a fantastic location for sustainable gardening and small-scale homesteading. Pick up a soil test kit and start your planting season today.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Greene County

via LawnByCounty

Greene County's Above-Average Lawns

Greene County features a lawn difficulty score of 57.7, outperforming the state average of 48.0. Residents in this 7b zone enjoy conditions that are generally more favorable than the national median of 50.0.

Managing Growth with Less Rain

At 46.4 inches of annual precipitation, Greene County is drier than the Tennessee average of 55.6 inches but still within the ideal range. Lawns navigate 32 extreme heat days and nearly 4,000 growing degree days each year.

Balancing Silt Loam Acidity

The soil pH of 5.26 is moderately acidic, requiring amendments to reach the ideal 6.0 range. The ground is a silt loam mixture with 20.5% clay and 30.7% sand, providing a moderately well-drained foundation for most turf types.

Preparing for Severe Dry Spells

Over 10% of the county currently faces severe drought, and the area spent 15 weeks in drought over the last year. During these periods, focus on deep watering twice a week rather than light daily sprinkling.

Timing for the Greene County Climate

Tall fescue is the standard for this region, but you must seed carefully around the April 20 last frost date. Ensure your lawn is well-established before the first fall frost arrives on October 22.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Greene County's county score?
Greene County, Tennessee has a composite county score of 53.3 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 Greene County rank among counties in Tennessee?
Greene County ranks #38 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 Greene County, Tennessee?
The median annual property tax in Greene County is $803, with an effective tax rate of 0.43%. This earns Greene County a tax score of 92/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Greene County?
The median household income in Greene County, Tennessee is $54,071 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Greene County earns an income score of 23/100 on CountyScore.
Is Greene County, Tennessee a good place to live?
Greene County scores 53.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #38 in Tennessee. The best way to evaluate Greene 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 Greene County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & 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.