countyscore
35.7
County Score
Weather & Climate 75.4Income & Jobs 72.8Water Quality 71.8

County Report Card

About Hamilton County, Tennessee

Falling Short of the National Median

Hamilton County earns a composite score of 35.7, placing it significantly below the national median of 50.0. This ranking reflects localized pressures that offset the county's economic strengths.

Trailing Tennessee's Performance Averages

With a score nearly 16 points lower than the Tennessee average of 51.3, the county struggles to match the overall livability of its peers. While it acts as a regional hub, its composite metrics lag behind state leaders.

Strong Incomes and Reliable Infrastructure

The county excels in economic output with an income score of 72.8 and a median household income of $72,568. Residents also benefit from high-quality water infrastructure, which earns a score of 71.8.

Safety and Risk Concerns Persist

Safety is a primary challenge with a score of 3.8, alongside a low risk score of 6.7 indicating vulnerability to environmental factors. High housing costs also strain residents, as the median home value reaches $282,100.

A Hub for Working Professionals

This county best suits high-earning professionals who prioritize career opportunities over localized safety or affordability metrics. It offers urban advantages for those who can navigate its higher cost of living.

Score breakdown

Tax66.5Cost21.1Safety3.8Health51.3Schools31.4Income72.8Risk6.7Water71.8Weather75.4
🏛66.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠21.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼72.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡3.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤51.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓31.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡6.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧71.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤75.4
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨24.3
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱35.9
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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Deep Dives

Hamilton County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Hamilton County

via TaxByCounty

Hamilton taxes run higher than national norm

Hamilton County's effective tax rate of 0.669% sits well above the national median of 0.51%, placing it in the upper tier nationally for property tax burden. Homeowners here pay a median of $1,888 annually—about 70% less than the national median of $2,690, largely because median home values are comparable to the U.S. average at $282,100.

Highest taxing county in Tennessee

Hamilton County carries Tennessee's highest effective tax rate at 0.669%, significantly above the state average of 0.511%. Its median annual property tax of $1,888 is nearly double the state median of $1,016, making it the most tax-burdened county in the state.

Chattanooga area leads regional tax burden

Hamilton County's 0.669% rate towers above neighboring Hawkins County (0.563%), Henderson County (0.469%), and Hardin County (0.432%). Among the eight counties compared, only Haywood County (0.714%) comes close to Hamilton's tax pressure, making this region notably heavier-taxed than many other parts of Tennessee.

Median home here costs $1,888 yearly

A home valued at Hamilton County's median of $282,100 generates approximately $1,888 in annual property taxes at the 0.669% rate. Homeowners with mortgages pay slightly less ($1,878), while those owning outright pay marginally more ($1,905).

Challenge your assessment if overvalued

Many Hamilton County homeowners are assessed above fair market value and could potentially reduce their tax burden through a formal appeal. If your home's assessed value seems high compared to recent sales of similar properties, consider filing a grievance with the county assessor's office—it's free and could save you hundreds annually.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Hamilton County

via CostByCounty

Hamilton rents bite harder than nation

Renters in Hamilton County spend 19.2% of income on rent, outpacing the national average of roughly 18%. With median household income at $72,568—slightly below the national median of $74,755—housing costs hit harder here than they do nationwide.

Above average for Tennessee

Hamilton County's 19.2% rent-to-income ratio ranks above Tennessee's state average of 17.6%, making housing less affordable than most of the state. At $1,163 monthly rent, the county's median is 35% higher than the state average of $860.

Chattanooga area houses cost more

Hamilton County's median rent of $1,163 far exceeds neighboring Hawkins County ($744) and Hardin County ($770). The $282,100 median home value here also reflects the county's role as Tennessee's fourth-largest metro area—a premium residents pay for urban amenities.

Rent versus owning: the math

Renters spend $1,163 monthly while homeowners pay $1,082—just $81 apart, making ownership surprisingly competitive in Hamilton County. Yet both bite into a $6,047 monthly median income, leaving tight budgets for other necessities.

Trading affordability for opportunity

If housing costs are your concern, Hamilton County offers urban job markets and services that rural neighbors can't match—but you'll pay for it. Compare this county's 19.2% rent burden against rural alternatives like Hawkins (16.1%) or Henderson (18.2%) to decide whether Chattanooga's opportunities justify the higher expense.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Hamilton County

via IncomeByCounty

Hamilton County earns above the national average

Hamilton County's median household income of $72,568 sits just slightly below the national median of $74,755, placing it in the upper tier of American counties. This strong performance reflects the county's diverse economy anchored by Chattanooga's healthcare and manufacturing sectors.

Top earners among Tennessee counties

Hamilton County ranks among Tennessee's highest-income counties, earning 23% more than the state median of $58,994. The county's per capita income of $43,484 also significantly outpaces the state average of $31,458, signaling robust individual earning power.

Chattanooga area leads regional income

Hamilton County's $72,568 median income substantially exceeds nearby Hawkins County ($55,278) and Henderson County ($53,471), reflecting Chattanooga's role as the region's economic engine. The gap of nearly $20,000 demonstrates the concentration of higher-wage jobs in urban versus rural neighboring counties.

Housing costs remain manageable here

A rent-to-income ratio of 19.2% keeps housing costs affordable for most households, well below the 30% threshold experts recommend. With a median home value of $282,100 and strong household incomes, residents have realistic paths to homeownership.

Build on Chattanooga's economic momentum

With incomes near national levels and reasonable housing costs, Hamilton County residents are positioned to prioritize retirement savings and investment. Consider consulting a financial advisor about maximizing employer 401(k) matches and exploring diversified investment portfolios to compound long-term wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Hamilton County

via CrimeByCounty

Hamilton County Above National Crime Average

Hamilton County reports a total crime rate of 3,812.2 per 100K residents, which is significantly higher than the national average of 2,385.5. This activity level results in a safety score of 94.0 out of 100.

Safety Metrics Trail Tennessee Averages

The county's safety score of 94.0 sits below the Tennessee state average of 97.2. Its total crime rate is also more than double the state's average of 1,785.6 per 100K.

Regional Comparison Shows Higher Activity

Hamilton County sees much higher crime rates than neighboring Hardeman (2,010.2) or Henderson (1,612.5). Local data from 12 reporting agencies highlights a busier public safety landscape compared to these more rural peers.

Property Crime Drives Local Rates

Property crime is the primary concern at 3,134.9 per 100K, far exceeding the national average of 2,015.7. Violent crime also trends high at 677.3 per 100K, nearly double the U.S. benchmark of 369.8.

Secure Your Hamilton County Home

Investing in smart security systems and motion-activated lighting is essential given the elevated property crime rates. Simple habits like locking all entry points and monitoring deliveries can significantly reduce your risk.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Hamilton County

via HealthByCounty

Hamilton County lives longer than most

At 75.6 years, Hamilton County's life expectancy exceeds the U.S. average of 76.4 years by a narrow margin, placing it in the healthier tier of Tennessee counties. Just 17.7% of residents report poor or fair health, well below the national benchmark of 21%, signaling stronger overall wellness in the county.

Leading Tennessee on health outcomes

Hamilton County ranks among Tennessee's healthiest, with a life expectancy of 75.6 years compared to the state average of 72.4 years—a 3.2-year advantage. This premium health profile reflects the county's robust healthcare infrastructure and relatively low burden of chronic disease.

Outpacing surrounding counties significantly

Hamilton County residents live 3-5 years longer than those in Hancock, Hardeman, and Hardin counties, which cluster between 70.3 and 70.8 years. Its 17.7% poor/fair health rate is also markedly lower than neighbors like Hancock (30.4%) and Haywood (28.6%), reflecting a measurable health advantage.

Access to care supports better health

Hamilton County has 109 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—substantially higher than most peer counties—along with 281 mental health providers per 100,000, ensuring robust behavioral health support. The uninsured rate of 10.8% is slightly below the state average of 11.9%, meaning more residents have coverage for preventive and acute care.

Check your coverage today

Even with strong healthcare access, 10.8% of Hamilton County residents remain uninsured. Visit healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 to explore marketplace plans, Medicaid eligibility, and employer coverage options—coverage helps you get the preventive care that supports the county's health advantage.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Hamilton County

via SchoolsByCounty

Extensive Infrastructure in Hamilton County

Hamilton County supports a massive educational network of 81 public schools serving 45,902 students. The infrastructure includes 42 elementary, 15 middle, and 22 high schools managed within a single district. This robust system provides a comprehensive pipeline from preschool through graduation.

Meeting National Standards

The county achieves an 87% graduation rate, which perfectly matches the national average but trails the Tennessee state average of 93.3%. Officials invest $6,663 per pupil, slightly exceeding the state average of $6,215 despite being below national spending levels. The overall school score of 51.2 remains competitive with the national median of 50.0.

One Diverse and Large District

The Hamilton County school district manages all 81 schools and nearly 46,000 students. Choice is a significant factor here, with 8 charter schools representing approximately 10% of the total school landscape. This centralized management ensures consistent standards across a diverse urban and suburban footprint.

Urban Classrooms and Suburban Campuses

Schooling here feels primarily urban and suburban, with 44 schools in city locales and 29 in the suburbs. The average school size is 567 students, though environments range from large hubs like The Howard School with 1,485 students to smaller specialized facilities. Only 8 schools are located in rural settings, reflecting the county's developed character.

Education as a Community Anchor

Families moving to Hamilton County often prioritize proximity to top-performing schools like Signal Mountain Middle/High. With a variety of urban and suburban neighborhoods, school quality remains a primary driver for local real estate value. Explore homes in this region to find the right educational fit for your family.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Hamilton County

via RiskByCounty

Hamilton County's above-average disaster risk

Hamilton County scores 93.29 on the composite risk index, placing it firmly in the "Relatively Moderate" category—well above Tennessee's average of 52.45 and the typical U.S. county profile. Tornadoes pose the greatest threat here, with a risk score of 98.60, nearly maxing out the scale. This combination of flood, earthquake, and tornado exposure puts the county in a higher-risk bracket than most American communities.

Highest-risk county in Tennessee

Hamilton County ranks as Tennessee's most disaster-prone county, with a composite risk score more than 40 points above the state average. Its 98.60 tornado risk score is the highest in the state, and its earthquake risk of 95.67 reflects the county's proximity to seismic fault lines. No other Tennessee county faces this concentration of multiple high-severity hazards.

Far riskier than surrounding counties

Hamilton County's 93.29 risk score dwarfs that of nearby Hawkins County (55.76) and Marion County, making it a clear outlier in the region. While neighboring counties face moderate tornado and earthquake risks, Hamilton's exposure across floods, earthquakes, and tornadoes simultaneously is unique. The gap reflects Hamilton's urban density and position relative to major fault lines and storm corridors.

Tornadoes and earthquakes dominate

Tornadoes are your primary threat—Hamilton County's score of 98.60 means severe twister activity is nearly certain in any given year, particularly spring and early summer. Earthquake risk scores 95.67, reflecting the county's location near the East Tennessee seismic zone; while major quakes are rare, moderate tremors occur regularly. Flooding also ranks high at 94.91, especially in low-lying areas near the Tennessee River and Chattahoochee system.

Bundle comprehensive disaster coverage

Given Hamilton County's exceptional tornado and earthquake exposure, standard homeowners insurance is insufficient—you need separate earthquake and flood policies to be truly protected. Consider a windstorm rider to cover tornado damage, and ensure your flood policy covers your property type and elevation. Securing this coverage now prevents catastrophic financial loss when severe weather inevitably strikes.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Hamilton County

via WeatherByCounty

Warm Valley with High Humidity

Hamilton County's average temperature of 59.1°F is significantly higher than the national median. The region is very wet, receiving 58.9 inches of annual precipitation.

Warmer than the State Average

Hamilton stays a full degree warmer than the Tennessee average of 58.1°F. Its location in the southern Tennessee River valley traps heat more effectively than northern neighbors.

Much Warmer than Plateau Neighbors

At 59.1°F, Hamilton is over 4 degrees warmer than Grundy County. It shares a similar high-precipitation profile with Franklin County, both averaging around 60 inches of rain.

Hot Summers and Light Snow

Residents face 27 days of extreme heat over 90°F each year. Winter is mild with only 4 inches of annual snow and January lows averaging a manageable 39°F.

Invest in High-Efficiency Cooling

With a summer average of 76.2°F and frequent 90-degree days, AC systems will work hard here. Keep umbrellas handy year-round to manage the nearly 59 inches of rainfall.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Hamilton County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Ultisols Define the Local Landscape

Hamilton County sits on a foundation of loamy Ultisols with a notably acidic pH of 4.99. This level is significantly lower than the 6.5 national median and trails the Tennessee state average of 5.35.

A Balanced Mix of Loamy Solids

The soil composition features 48.4% silt and 29.7% sand, creating a versatile loam texture. A moderate 17.9% clay content provides enough structure to hold nutrients without making the ground difficult to work.

Lower Organic Matter Requires Amendment

Organic matter measures 1.75%, which falls below both the national average of 2.0% and the state average of 2.44%. Available water capacity is 0.156 in/in, suggesting plants may need more frequent watering during dry spells.

Reliable Drainage for Stable Development

Classified as well-drained and belonging to hydrologic group B, this soil allows for moderate water infiltration. These traits benefit local farmers and builders by reducing the risk of standing water and saturated foundations.

Gardening in the 8a Warmth

The warm 8a hardiness zone allows for a wide range of heat-tolerant vegetables and long-season crops. With a soil score of 24.3, adding lime and compost will transform this acidic loam into a productive garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Hamilton County

via LawnByCounty

Overcoming Hamilton County's Lawn Hurdles

Hamilton County earns a lawn difficulty score of 35.9, making it significantly more challenging to maintain than the national median of 50.0. Located in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a, homeowners here face tougher conditions than the average Tennessee resident. This score reflects a combination of high rainfall, acidic soil, and notable heat stress.

Abundant Rain and Warm Growing Days

The county receives 58.9 inches of annual precipitation, which is nearly 9 inches higher than the ideal upper limit for most turfgrasses. With 4,522 growing degree days and 27 extreme heat days annually, the local climate supports rapid growth but requires careful monitoring for fungal issues. The typical growing season starts after the last spring frost on March 31.

Managing Highly Acidic Loam Soils

Hamilton’s soil pH is notably low at 4.99, far below the ideal 6.0 to 7.0 range for healthy lawns. While the loam texture and well-drained classification are beneficial for root health, heavy lime applications are likely necessary to balance the acidity. The soil is composed of roughly 18% clay and 30% sand, providing a stable foundation if chemically adjusted.

Battling Severe Drought in Chattanooga

Despite the high average rainfall, the county experienced 26 weeks in drought over the past year, with over half the area hitting severe levels. Currently, 100% of the county is abnormally dry, making deep, infrequent watering essential for survival. Turf owners should prioritize moisture retention to combat these cyclical dry spells.

Your Strategy for Zone 8a Success

Warm-season grasses like Bermuda or Zoysia thrive in this Zone 8a climate and handle the 4,500+ growing degree days well. Aim to establish new sod or seed after the last frost in late March but before the summer heat peaks in July. With the first frost typically arriving November 6, the long autumn provides a good window for late-season soil maintenance.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hamilton County's county score?
Hamilton County, Tennessee has a composite county score of 35.7 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 Hamilton County rank among counties in Tennessee?
Hamilton County ranks #92 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 Hamilton County, Tennessee?
The median annual property tax in Hamilton County is $1,888, with an effective tax rate of 0.67%. This earns Hamilton County a tax score of 66.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Hamilton County?
The median household income in Hamilton County, Tennessee is $72,568 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Hamilton County earns an income score of 72.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Hamilton County, Tennessee a good place to live?
Hamilton County scores 35.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #92 in Tennessee. The best way to evaluate Hamilton 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 Hamilton 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.