CountyScore

Hamilton County

Tennessee · TN

#89 in Tennessee
64.7
County Score

County Report Card

About Hamilton County, Tennessee

Hamilton outpaces national livability median

Hamilton County scores 70.5 on the CountyScore index, significantly above the national median of 50.0 and placing it in the upper half of American counties. This means Hamilton residents enjoy livability advantages that set them apart from the typical U.S. county.

Slightly below Tennessee's county average

With a score of 70.5, Hamilton ranks below Tennessee's state average of 76.3, indicating room for improvement relative to higher-scoring peers within the state. Among Tennessee's counties, Hamilton performs solidly but not at the top tier.

Tax efficiency is Hamilton's standout strength

Hamilton County excels in tax burden with a score of 83.4 and an effective tax rate of just 0.669%, making it attractive for tax-conscious households. Housing affordability scores 70.7, though above-average median home values of $282,100 reflect the county's more developed character compared to rural counterparts.

Income levels lag behind national peers

The income score of 30.8 is a notable weakness, with median household income at $72,568—below what higher-scoring counties typically achieve. Additional dimensions like safety, health, schools, and water quality are not yet available, limiting a complete livability picture.

Built for tax-conscious professionals

Hamilton County suits households prioritizing low tax burden and moderate housing costs, especially those with professional incomes seeking urban or suburban amenities. It's less ideal for those seeking the highest wage growth or those needing complete transparency on schools and public safety before deciding.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax83.4Cost70.7SafetyComing SoonHealth68.6SchoolsComing SoonIncome30.8Risk6.7WaterComing Soon
🏛83.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠70.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼30.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤68.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡6.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Hamilton County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Amador County
California
64.7
Median income: $81,526
Colusa County
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64.7
Median income: $75,149
Mono County
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64.7
Median income: $86,953
Bartow County
Georgia
64.7
Median income: $79,431
Clinton County
Iowa
64.7
Median income: $65,177

Deep Dives

Hamilton County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS — informational only.