countyscore
59.5
County Score
Disaster Risk 86.9Water Quality 86Cost of Living 85

County Report Card

About Houston County, Tennessee

Outperforming the National Average

Houston County secures a composite score of 59.6, comfortably exceeding the national median of 50.0. This performance suggests a high quality of life relative to the rest of the United States.

A Top Performer in Tennessee

Ranking well above the state average of 51.3, Houston County stands out as one of Tennessee's more livable rural areas. Its 59.6 score highlights a competitive advantage in cost and safety.

Resilience and High Affordability

A remarkable environmental risk score of 86.9 and a cost score of 85.0 define this county's strengths. Median home values sit at an accessible $150,100, making it one of the most affordable spots in the region.

Limited Income Potential and Healthcare

The county struggles with economic opportunity, marked by a low income score of 24.0 and a median household income of $54,475. Additionally, the health score of 21.7 points to a need for better medical services.

Ideal for Retirees and Low-Risk Living

Houston County is perfect for those seeking a quiet, safe, and highly affordable environment. It is particularly well-suited for households with stable outside income who prioritize low environmental risk.

Score breakdown

Tax77.5Cost85Safety59.9Health21.7Schools43.3Income24Risk86.9Water86Weather64.6
🏛77.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠85
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼24
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡59.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤21.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓43.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡86.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤64.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨35.9
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱42.3
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 →
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Houston County?

Many homeowners in Houston County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

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 Houston County with Pendleton County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Pendleton County
Kentucky
Median income: $66,601
59.5
Chippewa County
Minnesota
Median income: $69,192
59.5
Lewis County
New York
Median income: $68,329
59.5
Unicoi County
Tennessee
Median income: $50,381
59.5
Franklin County
Idaho
Median income: $65,991
59.6
Perry County
Indiana
Median income: $61,099
59.4
Decatur County
Iowa
Median income: $57,146
59.4
Doniphan County
Kansas
Median income: $72,833
59.6

Nearby counties

Stewart County
Tennessee
59.9
Humphreys County
Tennessee
52.2
Benton County
Tennessee
54.1
Dickson County
Tennessee
48.2
Montgomery County
Tennessee
37.4
Henry County
Tennessee
53.6
Calloway County
Kentucky
55
Cheatham County
Tennessee
46.5

Deep Dives

Houston County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Houston County

via TaxByCounty

Houston County taxes rank very low

Houston County's 0.574% effective tax rate places it in the bottom 25% nationally, well below the 0.71% national median. Homeowners pay just $861 annually—less than one-third the national median property tax of $2,690.

Slightly above Tennessee average

At 0.574%, Houston County edges above Tennessee's 0.511% state average, putting it slightly above the median among the state's 95 counties. The county's median tax of $861 runs $155 below the state average of $1,016.

Middle ground in the region

Houston County's rate of 0.574% sits between Jackson County's 0.496% and Hickman County's 0.567%, making it moderate for the area. Only Lake County's exceptional 0.708% rate significantly exceeds Houston's burden in this rural cluster.

What your $150,100 home costs

The typical homeowner in Houston County with a median-valued property pays about $861 annually in property taxes. With mortgage interest and insurance factored in, the estimated annual tax obligation rises to approximately $986.

Appeal if you're overassessed

Many Houston County property owners pay taxes on inflated assessments. A free appeal to your county assessor can challenge your property's assessed value—potentially lowering your bill by hundreds of dollars annually.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Houston County

via CostByCounty

Houston rents are remarkably affordable nationally

Houston County's 15.1% rent-to-income ratio ranks well below the national benchmark, making it one of Tennessee's most affordable rental markets. With a median household income of $54,475 and median rent of just $685/month, housing remains comfortably within reach for most renters.

Houston leads Tennessee affordability rankings

At 15.1%, Houston County's rent-to-income ratio outpaces Tennessee's 17.6% state average by more than 2.5 percentage points. This positions Houston among the state's most affordable counties, offering renters genuine relief from housing cost pressures.

Among the cheapest in rural East Tennessee

Houston's $685 monthly rent is the lowest among its peer rural counties—$192 below Hickman, $145 below Humphreys, and $115 below Jefferson. The 15.1% rent-to-income ratio edges out even Johnson County's 14.7%, making Houston a standout for budget-conscious renters.

Renters and homeowners both pay less

Houston renters allocate just 15.1% of the $54,475 median income to rent ($685/month), while homeowners invest 13.5% in monthly ownership costs ($612/month). The $150,100 median home value is the lowest in the region, requiring less than three years of gross household income to purchase.

Houston offers Tennessee's best rental deals

If affordability is your priority, Houston County delivers Tennessee's lowest rent-to-income ratio and sub-$700 median rent. Relocate here to pocket savings compared to every neighboring county while accessing a tight-knit rural community.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Houston County

via IncomeByCounty

Houston lags far behind national median

Houston County's median household income of $54,475 falls 27.1% short of the U.S. median of $74,755, marking one of the steeper income gaps in the nation. This disparity reflects limited job diversity and wage stagnation in smaller rural economies.

Among Tennessee's lowest-income counties

At $54,475, Houston ranks below Tennessee's state average of $58,994 and sits among the lower 30% of the state's counties by median household income. Per capita income of $30,169 also falls short of the state's $31,458 average.

Lowest income in immediate area

Houston County's $54,475 median income trails nearby Hickman County ($57,223) and Humphreys County ($59,333), positioning it as the income laggard in this rural cluster. Only Jackson County's $41,475 falls further below.

Housing costs well-managed

Houston County's 15.1% rent-to-income ratio is among the best in the state, meaning renters spend just over one-seventh of earnings on housing. The median home value of $150,100 is notably affordable relative to local incomes.

Leverage affordability for savings

Houston's low cost of living—especially housing—offers residents a rare advantage: the ability to save more despite lower wages. Even modest contributions to emergency funds and retirement accounts compound over time and build long-term security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Houston County

via CrimeByCounty

Exceptional Safety in Houston County

Houston County boasts an impressive safety score of 98.5. Its total crime rate of 920.9 per 100,000 is less than half the national average of 2,385.5.

A Top Performer in Tennessee

Surpassing the Tennessee average safety score of 97.2, Houston County ranks as one of the more secure areas in the state. Local law enforcement maintains an environment significantly safer than the typical Tennessee county.

Leading Regional Safety Efforts

The county's crime rate is nearly 40% lower than neighboring Humphreys County. This makes Houston a regional leader in public safety metrics.

Understanding the Local Crime Mix

Property crime is very low at 702.8 per 100,000, and the violent crime rate is just 218.1. These numbers translate to a very low probability of encountering crime in daily life.

Keep Houston County Safe

Even in high-safety areas, basic precautions like smart doorbells add an extra layer of defense. Community watch programs help maintain these impressively low statistics.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Houston County

via HealthByCounty

Houston County's health trails national benchmarks

Houston County residents have a life expectancy of 70.9 years, nearly 4 years below the U.S. average of 74.5 years. Over one in five residents (22.1%) report poor or fair health, compared to 17.8% nationally. These gaps reflect broader health challenges affecting the county.

Houston ranks 73rd in Tennessee health outcomes

At 70.9 years, Houston County's life expectancy falls 1.5 years short of Tennessee's 72.4-year state average. The county's 22.1% poor/fair health rate exceeds the state average by 4.1 percentage points. Houston sits in the lower-to-middle range of county health rankings statewide.

Mixed health metrics within the region

Houston County's 70.9-year life expectancy edges out Hickman County (69.9 years) but trails Humphreys County (71.5 years). Its uninsured rate of 13.0% is nearly identical to Hickman's 13.3%, suggesting shared healthcare access barriers. However, Houston boasts 298 mental health providers per 100K—far exceeding regional peers.

Uninsured rate compounds healthcare access gaps

More than one in eight Houston County residents (13.0%) lack health insurance, making preventive care and treatment challenging for thousands. With 24 primary care providers per 100K, the county has slightly better access than Hickman but still lags state leaders like Knox County. The county's strong mental health capacity (298 per 100K) offers a bright spot.

Explore coverage options that fit your needs

If cost is keeping you uninsured, Tennessee Marketplace plans and Medicaid may offer affordable alternatives. Visit healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 to check eligibility and compare plans designed for your family's budget. Getting covered is the first step to better health.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Houston County

via SchoolsByCounty

Education in the Heart of Middle Tennessee

Houston County manages a compact educational system consisting of 6 public schools that serve 1,281 students. The landscape features two elementary schools, one middle school, and three high schools under a single district administration. This small footprint ensures that education remains a central, visible part of the local community.

Competitive Performance on a Lean Budget

The county maintains a solid 92.0% graduation rate, significantly higher than the national average of 87.0%. Per-pupil spending sits at $6,236, which aligns closely with the Tennessee state average of $6,215. With a school score of 52.9, Houston County demonstrates its ability to deliver results that nearly match state benchmarks despite limited funding.

A Single District Serving All Students

Houston County Schools serves as the sole provider of public education for the area's 1,281 students. The district currently operates with zero charter schools, maintaining a traditional public education model for all residents. This structure focuses resources on the existing six campuses to serve the county's growing population.

Quiet Rural Schools and Virtual Options

The county features an entirely rural school landscape with an average school size of 256 students. Erin Elementary is the largest campus with 388 students, providing a stark contrast to the Houston County Virtual Academy, which serves just 7 students. This mix of traditional and specialized settings allows for diverse learning environments in a small-town atmosphere.

Settle Near High-Performing Rural Schools

Houston County offers a unique opportunity for families seeking a small, rural school environment with graduation rates that beat the national average. Homebuyers often target properties near Erin Elementary or Houston County High to stay connected to the community's educational hub. Consider the value of a close-knit school district when choosing your next Tennessee home.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Houston County

via RiskByCounty

Houston County among safest in nation

Houston County's composite risk score of 13.10 ranks it in the very low category—significantly below Tennessee's state average of 52.45 and among the lowest-risk counties nationally. This exceptional rating reflects minimal exposure to most major natural hazards.

Lowest-risk county in Tennessee

With a score of 13.10, Houston County ranks as one of Tennessee's safest counties for natural disaster exposure. The county substantially beats the state average of 52.45, offering residents considerably lower overall risk compared to peers statewide.

Far safer than Jackson County

Houston County (13.10) significantly outperforms Jackson County (22.52), a neighboring region with roughly double the composite risk. Both share low wildfire risk, but Houston's tornado exposure at 45.87 remains the lowest among its regional peers.

Earthquakes pose modest concern

Houston County's greatest natural hazard exposure comes from earthquake risk at 72.33, though this remains well-controlled overall. Tornado risk (45.87) and flood risk (13.99) are both low, while wildfire risk is minimal at just 2.96.

Standard coverage generally sufficient

Houston County's low risk profile means standard homeowners insurance provides solid protection for most residents. However, a separate earthquake policy is still recommended given the county's moderate seismic exposure of 72.33.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Houston County

via WeatherByCounty

Warmth above the national median

Houston County maintains an average temperature of 58.4°F, which is warmer than the majority of the United States. Its 54.8 inches of annual rain reflects the high-moisture climate of the Southeast.

Matches state temperature trends

Houston County is slightly warmer than the Tennessee average of 58.1°F. Its precipitation levels are nearly identical to the state norm of 55.9 inches, making it a climate representative for the region.

Consistent with its neighbors

The county shares an identical 58.4°F annual average with Hickman County to the south. Both counties experience similar July averages in the upper 70s, providing a consistent regional climate.

Hot summers and cold spells

Houston County sees 42 days of extreme heat above 90°F, creating a demanding summer season. Winters are chilly with a January average of 36.4°F, though specific snowfall totals are not recorded.

Focus on summer endurance

The 42 days of extreme heat make shade and indoor cooling essential for resident safety. Given the 54.8 inches of rain, waterproof gear and home drainage systems are year-round necessities.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Houston County

via SoilByCounty

The Ultisols of Houston County

Houston County is dominated by Ultisols, which are highly weathered forest soils common across the American South. The average pH of 5.31 is nearly identical to the state average but remains significantly more acidic than the national 6.5 median.

Silt loam provides easy workability

The dominant silt loam texture comes from a blend of 57.4% silt, 20.0% clay, and 19.1% sand. This composition offers a balanced structure that is easier to plow than heavy clay while retaining more nutrients than sandy soils.

Strong water retention despite lower organics

Organic matter levels reach 1.80%, which is lower than the Tennessee average of 2.44%. Despite this, the soil maintains an available water capacity of 0.174 in/in, providing better-than-average hydration for local crops.

Moderately well-drained silt lands

These soils are classified as moderately well-drained and belong to hydrologic group C. This means they have a slow rate of water transmission, which is suitable for many crops but may require drainage solutions for construction.

Abundant options for Zone 7b

Houston County's climate and soil are perfect for timber, pasture, and acid-loving berries. With a little compost to boost organic matter, you can easily establish a productive backyard orchard.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Houston County

via LawnByCounty

Challenging Turf Conditions in Houston

Maintaining a lawn in Houston County is a challenge, reflected in a difficulty score of 42.3. This score sits well below both the national median and the Tennessee state average of 48.0.

Intense Heat and High Precipitation

The county experiences 42 extreme heat days annually, exceeding the state average and stressing cool-season grasses. High precipitation of 54.8 inches provides plenty of moisture, though it exceeds the ideal range for many turf species.

Silt Loams and Acidic pH

Silt loam soil here provides moderate drainage but suffers from a very acidic pH of 5.31. To reach the ideal 6.0-7.0 range for healthy growth, most lawns will require significant lime applications to neutralize the soil.

Managing Dryness in Houston

Currently, 100% of the county is abnormally dry after 19 weeks of drought conditions over the past year. Efficient irrigation and drought-tolerant grass selections are vital during these periods to prevent turf dormancy.

Optimal Planting for Zone 7b

Tall Fescue or Zoysia are robust choices for this climate, with the best planting window opening after April 7. Aim to have new growth established well before the first fall frost arrives around November 3.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Houston County's county score?
Houston County, Tennessee has a composite county score of 59.5 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 Houston County rank among counties in Tennessee?
Houston County ranks #17 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 Houston County, Tennessee?
The median annual property tax in Houston County is $861, with an effective tax rate of 0.57%. This earns Houston County a tax score of 77.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Houston County?
The median household income in Houston County, Tennessee is $54,475 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Houston County earns an income score of 24/100 on CountyScore.
Is Houston County, Tennessee a good place to live?
Houston County scores 59.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #17 in Tennessee. The best way to evaluate Houston 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 Houston 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.