countyscore
47.5
County Score
Property Tax 92.5Cost of Living 85.8Weather & Climate 75.4

County Report Card

About Grundy County, Tennessee

Deep Affordability Challenges the Median

Grundy County’s composite score of 47.5 falls slightly below the national median of 50.0. While it faces infrastructure needs, its affordability metrics remain among the best in the country.

Affordable but Developing

The county’s 47.5 score is below the Tennessee average of 51.3. It serves as an ultra-affordable option for residents who are willing to trade services for lower costs.

Incredible Value and Low Taxes

Housing is exceptionally accessible, earning a cost score of 85.8 with a median home value of $133,400. Taxpayers also benefit from a 92.5 score and a low 0.422% effective rate.

Significant Infrastructure and Wage Gaps

Gaps exist in income (7.9 score) and safety (11.6 score). A low water score of 17.0 also suggests that infrastructure improvements are a critical priority for local leaders.

Ideal for Self-Sufficient Pioneers

Grundy is a perfect fit for those seeking the lowest possible entry price for land and housing. It suits independent individuals and outdoor enthusiasts who prioritize cheap living over urban amenities.

2040608010092.585.811.617.637.87.965.81775.4Tax92.5Cost85.8Safety11.6Health17.6Schools37.8Income7.9Risk65.8Water17Weather75.447.5/100
This county
National avg
4 above average5 below average

Grundy County DNA

Foverall

How Grundy County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Grundy County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Property Tax (92.5/100) but notably weak in Safety (11.6/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
92.5+40.5
Cost
85.8+37.8
Safety
11.6-43.4
Health
17.6-32.4
Schools
37.8-16.200000000000003
Income
7.9-43.1
Risk
65.8+18.799999999999997
Water
17-41
Weather
75.4+19.400000000000006
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$133,400

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$723/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$133,400/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$28,920/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.9x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $45,573/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

7.3

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
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Nearby counties

Marion County
Tennessee
50.5
Sequatchie County
Tennessee
52
Coffee County
Tennessee
44
Warren County
Tennessee
50.6
Franklin County
Tennessee
47.6
Van Buren County
Tennessee
69
Bledsoe County
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60.4
Moore County
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65.9

Deep Dives

Grundy County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Grundy County

via TaxByCounty

Grundy taxes among nation's most affordable

Grundy County's effective tax rate of 0.422% places it in the bottom 15% of U.S. counties, well below the national median of 0.76%. The median annual property tax of $563 represents just one-fifth of the national median of $2,690.

Grundy ranks second-lowest in Tennessee

At 0.422%, Grundy County has the second-lowest effective tax rate in Tennessee, substantially below the state average of 0.511%. The median annual bill of $563 is less than 55% of the state median, offering significant tax relief.

Grundy near region's lowest tax rates

Grundy's 0.422% rate is surpassed only by Fentress (0.342%) in the eight-county comparison. The county offers homeowners one of the region's most tax-friendly environments.

What your Grundy home costs in taxes

On the county median home value of $133,400, the annual property tax bill totals approximately $563. With a mortgage, you'll pay about $625; owning outright brings the bill to roughly $523.

Verify assessments even in low-tax Grundy

Grundy County's lean tax rates make it easy to overlook potential assessment errors that could reduce your bill further. Submitting a property tax appeal every two years ensures your assessment reflects your home's actual market value.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Grundy County

via CostByCounty

Grundy County Above National Housing Burden

Grundy County's 19.0% rent-to-income ratio exceeds the national average, indicating renters here face tighter housing budgets than typical U.S. households. With a median household income of just $45,573 supporting $723 monthly rent, housing consumes a notably larger share of earnings.

Grundy County Struggles with Affordability

At 19.0%, Grundy County's rent-to-income ratio significantly exceeds Tennessee's 17.6% state average, marking it as one of the state's less affordable counties. Renters here face above-average housing cost pressure despite paying close to the state median rent of $860.

Poorest Affordability Among Peers

Grundy County's 19.0% rent-to-income ratio is the worst among comparable rural Tennessee counties, with only Hamblen County ($838 rent) approaching similar stress. The fundamental issue is Grundy's $45,573 median income—lowest in the comparison group—making all housing costs relatively burdensome.

Grundy County Budget Realities

Grundy County renters spend 19.0% of their lowest-in-region $45,573 median income on $723 housing, leaving limited resources for other expenses. Homeowners similarly allocate 14.5% to $551 monthly costs, creating affordability challenges across both renter and owner categories.

Grundy County Requires Careful Budget Planning

If considering Grundy County relocation, carefully assess your income needs—the $45,573 median suggests limited job opportunities and modest wages. While $723 rent and $133,400 median home values are low, affordability improves only if you can secure above-county-median income.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Grundy County

via IncomeByCounty

Grundy County faces deep income gap

Grundy County's median household income of $45,573 is the lowest in this group, falling $29,182 short of the national median of $74,755—a striking 39% gap. The county ranks among America's lowest-income areas, reflecting severe economic constraints and limited employment opportunities.

Tennessee's lowest among these counties

At $45,573, Grundy County ranks at the very bottom of this peer group and far below Tennessee's state average of $58,994, trailing by $13,421. The county faces profound structural economic challenges that suppress household earnings across most sectors.

Dramatically lower than peers

Grundy County's $45,573 income is the lowest in this regional group—nearly $16,000 below Franklin and Giles counties and roughly $5,000 below even struggling Fentress County. Only Grundy faces such severe income depression, indicating acute local economic distress.

Housing burden strains households

Grundy County's rent-to-income ratio of 19.0% is the highest in this group, meaning housing costs consume nearly one of every five income dollars. With median home values of $133,400, even affordable properties stretch household budgets tight, leaving little for other necessities or savings.

Seek support for financial stability

Grundy County residents should prioritize financial counseling and access to community resources to build economic stability. Even small emergency savings buffers and education about low-cost investment options can create foundations for gradual wealth building despite income constraints.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Grundy County

via CrimeByCounty

Grundy County faces higher crime rates

Grundy County's total crime rate of 2,634.7 per 100,000 exceeds the national average of 2,385.5. This results in a safety score of 95.8 out of 100.

Trailing the Tennessee safety average

The county's total crime rate of 2,634.7 is significantly higher than the Tennessee average of 1,785.6. Its safety score of 95.8 also falls below the state average of 97.2.

Regional safety challenges in Grundy

Grundy County has a higher crime rate than nearby Franklin County, which reports 1,870.7 per 100,000. Only two reporting agencies manage the data for this area.

High violent and property crime

Violent crime in Grundy is 560.9, well above the national average of 369.8. Property crime is also elevated at 2,073.8 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. average of 2,015.7.

Strengthen your home defenses

With rates above national and state averages, residents should use comprehensive security systems and improved lighting. Vigilance and reporting suspicious activity can help lower local crime.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Grundy County

via SchoolsByCounty

Intimate Learning in the Tennessee Mountains

Grundy County serves its 1,789 students through a compact network of six public schools. The system is composed of five elementary schools and one central high school. This structure creates a very focused educational journey where the entire community supports one primary secondary school.

Beating the National Graduation Benchmark

Students in Grundy County achieve a 92.0% graduation rate, comfortably exceeding the 87.0% national average. The county spends $5,711 per pupil, maintaining a school score of 51.8. While funding is lower than the national average, the graduation success shows the district's commitment to student completion.

A Single District for the Whole County

The Grundy County school district manages all six campuses and 1,789 students. There are no charter schools in the area, allowing the district to focus all resources on its established elementary and high school sites. This unified system ensures a consistent experience for every student in the county.

The Benefits of Very Small School Sizes

Every school in the county is rural, and the average school size is just 298 students. Grundy County High School is the largest hub with 534 students, while Coalmont Elementary provides a very small setting for 199 pupils. This scale allows for significant personal attention and a true community-school feel.

Discover Rural Living with Small-School Support

If you are looking for a place where every teacher knows your child's name, Grundy County is the perfect choice. Homes in this region offer access to small-scale schools with graduation rates that beat the national average. Find a home today in this close-knit mountain community.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Grundy County

via RiskByCounty

Grundy County maintains very low national risk

Grundy County's composite risk score of 34.26 places it in the Very Low risk category, well below the national average. The county benefits from lower-than-average exposure to most natural hazards, though tornado and wildfire risks require localized attention.

Among Tennessee's safest counties

Grundy County's 34.26 score ranks well below Tennessee's state average of 52.45, placing it among the state's lower-risk counties. Only Grainger (18.61) and Fentress (28.44) counties score lower, making Grundy one of Tennessee's three safest communities by composite risk.

Safer than most surrounding counties

Grundy County's very low rating (34.26) contrasts favorably with neighbors like Sequatchie County and Cumberland County to the north. Its 34.26 score positions it as one of South-Central Tennessee's safest areas, offering significantly lower hazard exposure than the broader regional average.

Tornadoes and wildfires merit attention

Tornado risk (74.52) ranks highest in Grundy County, reflecting the county's location in Tennessee's tornado-prone corridor where spring storms develop regularly. Wildfire risk (56.14) ranks second, tied to the county's partly forested terrain and seasonal drought conditions that occasionally spark fires.

Standard coverage with tornado provisions

Grundy County residents can rely on standard homeowners insurance for most hazards, but should ensure tornado and hail coverage is explicitly included. Properties near wooded areas should verify wildfire provisions are adequate, and consider reviewing coverage annually to reflect any property changes.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Grundy County

via WaterByCounty

Grundy County Faces Critical Water Violations

Grundy County receives a Water Quality Grade of F due to 31 health violations over the past five years. The county's violation rate of 162.5 per 100,000 people is nearly five times higher than the Tennessee average of 34.6. This represents a significant and ongoing challenge for local water safety.

Quarter of Grundy Streams Show Impairment

In the 2022 assessment, 25.0% of Grundy County's 68 water bodies were listed as impaired, which is slightly better than the state average of 30.2%. E. Coli and sedimentation are the leading causes of these impairments. Protecting the littoral vegetative covers is essential for improving these stream ratings.

Active Sampling Program at 33 Monitoring Sites

Local agencies maintain 33 monitoring sites, contributing 4,011 measurements to the federal portal in recent years. Data collection is centered on nutrients and biological counts. This footprint is vital for understanding the link between watershed health and the county's drinking water challenges.

Elk River Flow Drops to Critical 22%

The Elk River near Pelham is currently discharging just 31 cfs, only 22% of its long-term typical flow. This extreme low-flow state can exacerbate existing water quality issues and strain local supplies. Such low volumes often lead to higher temperatures and lower oxygen levels in the water.

High Violation Rates Require Immediate Action

Given the F grade and 31 violations, residents are strongly encouraged to use certified water filters and stay informed on boil water advisories. With the Elk River at a critical 22% of its normal flow, source water quality may be even more vulnerable. Testing your own tap water is a prudent step in this high-risk environment.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Grundy County

via WeatherByCounty

Cool Plateau Weather Patterns

Grundy County's 54.9°F average temperature is very close to the national median. It is characterized by heavy annual precipitation, totaling a significant 63.2 inches.

One of Tennessee's Coolest Counties

Grundy ranks well below the Tennessee state average of 58.1°F. Its position on the plateau keeps it substantially cooler than the low-lying river valleys nearby.

The Wettest in the Region

Grundy's 63.2 inches of rain surpasses neighbors like Franklin and Hamilton. It is also nearly 4 degrees cooler on average than Hamilton County.

Very Few Extreme Heat Days

The county only sees 8 days of extreme heat above 90°F, offering some of the most comfortable summers in the state. While specific snowfall data is limited, the 35.4°F January average suggests cold, crisp winters.

Gear Up for Heavy Rain

Reliable waterproof gear and high-capacity drainage systems are essential for the 63-inch annual rainfall. You can save on cooling costs here, as 90-degree days are relatively rare.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Grundy County

via SoilByCounty

High Altitude, High Acidity Ultisols

Grundy County sits on the plateau with acidic Ultisols and a silt loam texture. At a pH of 5.16, the soil is significantly more acidic than the state average of 5.35 and the national median of 6.5. This low pH level can limit the availability of key nutrients like phosphorus and calcium without proper amendments.

Sandy Silt Loam with Good Aeration

The soil is a mix of 44.8% silt, 36.0% sand, and 19.2% clay. This relatively high sand content compared to other Tennessee counties improves aeration and ease of tillage. While it retains a loamy character, the sand helps water move through the surface layer more freely than in clay-heavy regions.

Meeting State Standards for Water Storage

The organic matter content is 2.11%, which is below the state average of 2.44% but slightly above the national average of 2.0%. Available water capacity stands at 0.167 in/in, nearly matching the state benchmark of 0.171. This suggests a solid foundation for plant growth if acidity is properly managed.

Moderately Well Drained with Moderate Runoff

Soils here are moderately well drained and fall into hydrologic group C. This classification means water moves through the soil at a slower rate, which can lead to higher runoff during intense plateau thunderstorms. Proper site selection is vital for avoiding soggy garden spots during the rainy season.

Mountain Gardening in Zone 7a

As a Zone 7a county, Grundy has slightly cooler winters than its neighbors, making it ideal for hardy perennials and cool-season crops. Potatoes and berries do particularly well in these acidic, well-aerated plateau soils. Embrace the unique elevation and start your mountain garden this year.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Grundy County

via LawnByCounty

Cooler Conditions in Grundy County

Grundy County's lawn difficulty score of 57.1 makes it easier to manage than the typical Tennessee lawn. The 7a hardiness zone and lower average temperatures create a less punishing environment for cool-season grasses.

High Precipitation and Low Heat

With 63.2 inches of annual rain, this is the wettest county on our list, far exceeding the state average of 55.6. Homeowners only deal with 8 extreme heat days per year, drastically reducing the risk of summer dormancy.

Amending Sandy Silt Loam

The soil is moderately well-drained with a high sand content of 36.0%, which is excellent for root aeration. However, the pH is quite low at 5.16, so you will likely need lime to neutralize the acidity for optimal growth.

Abundant Water but Dry Pockets

The county spent 12 weeks in drought last year and currently sits at 100% abnormally dry. Despite the high annual rainfall, the sandy soil can lose moisture quickly, so keep an eye on your turf during dry spells.

Building a Lush Grundy Lawn

The cooler July average of 73.2°F is perfect for Kentucky bluegrass and fine fescues. Start your spring projects after the April 21 frost date to avoid any late-season damage to new seedlings.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Grundy County's county score?
Grundy County, Tennessee has a composite county score of 47.5 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 Grundy County rank among counties in Tennessee?
Grundy County ranks #64 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 Grundy County, Tennessee?
The median annual property tax in Grundy County is $563, with an effective tax rate of 0.42%. This earns Grundy County a tax score of 92.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Grundy County?
The median household income in Grundy County, Tennessee is $45,573 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Grundy County earns an income score of 7.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Grundy County, Tennessee a good place to live?
Grundy County scores 47.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #64 in Tennessee. The best way to evaluate Grundy 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 Grundy 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.