Greene County's composite score of 79.0 is 58% higher than the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top tier of U.S. livable counties. This strong performance reflects exceptional tax efficiency and reasonable housing costs.
2 / 5
Among Tennessee's Top Performers
Greene County scores 79.0, notably above Tennessee's 76.3 state average, ranking among the state's best-performing counties for livability. The county demonstrates consistent strength across multiple key metrics.
3 / 5
Outstanding Tax Efficiency and Value
Greene County leads with a tax score of 90.2 (effective rate just 0.431%, the lowest among these eight counties) and cost score of 85.7, with median home value of $186,400. These dimensions make it exceptionally attractive for those optimizing their financial standing.
4 / 5
Income Opportunities Limited
The income score of 18.7 reflects median household income of $54,071, indicating modest earning potential relative to national averages. Safety, health, education, and water quality assessments are not yet available.
5 / 5
Excellent for Tax-Conscious Retirees
Greene County excels for retirees, remote workers, and families seeking maximum tax savings and affordable housing. The county delivers outstanding financial value and stability, though those seeking robust job markets should consider alternatives.
Greene County's composite score of 79.0 is 58% higher than the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top tier of U.S. livable counties. This strong performance reflects exceptional tax efficiency and reasonable housing costs.
Among Tennessee's Top Performers
Greene County scores 79.0, notably above Tennessee's 76.3 state average, ranking among the state's best-performing counties for livability. The county demonstrates consistent strength across multiple key metrics.
Outstanding Tax Efficiency and Value
Greene County leads with a tax score of 90.2 (effective rate just 0.431%, the lowest among these eight counties) and cost score of 85.7, with median home value of $186,400. These dimensions make it exceptionally attractive for those optimizing their financial standing.
Income Opportunities Limited
The income score of 18.7 reflects median household income of $54,071, indicating modest earning potential relative to national averages. Safety, health, education, and water quality assessments are not yet available.
Excellent for Tax-Conscious Retirees
Greene County excels for retirees, remote workers, and families seeking maximum tax savings and affordable housing. The county delivers outstanding financial value and stability, though those seeking robust job markets should consider alternatives.
Score breakdown
5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.
🏛90.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
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.
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.
Greene County's life expectancy of 72.0 years is 4 years below the U.S. average of 76 years, though closer than many regional peers. The county's poor or fair health rate of 22.6% is moderate, suggesting reasonable self-reported health outcomes.
Near Tennessee's average performance
At 72.0 years, Greene County's life expectancy is just 0.4 years below Tennessee's average of 72.4 years, placing it among the state's mid-tier counties. The uninsured rate of 12.0% is essentially equal to Tennessee's 11.9%, indicating strong coverage penetration.
Strong provider network in the region
Greene County's 52 primary care providers per 100,000 residents exceed most neighbors, and its 116 mental health providers per 100,000 is the highest in the region—nearly double Franklin County's 63. This robust provider availability supports its moderate health outcomes.
Excellent mental health access, solid primary care
Greene County residents benefit from exceptional mental health infrastructure with 116 providers per 100,000, one of the highest densities statewide, paired with 52 primary care providers. With a 12.0% uninsured rate matching the state average, most residents have access to this robust provider network.
Maintain your coverage
Greene County's strong provider network is most effective when everyone has insurance; if you're among the 12.0% uninsured, healthcare.gov can connect you to affordable plans. Regular coverage ensures you can leverage the county's excellent mental health services when needed.
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.