Houston County's composite score of 78.1 is nearly 28 points above the national median of 50.0, marking it as a stronger-than-average place to live across the U.S. This advantage reflects consistently favorable conditions on tax and housing cost fronts.
2 / 5
Outperforms most Tennessee counties
With a score of 78.1, Houston County exceeds Tennessee's average composite score of 76.3 by nearly 2 points. This positions it among the better-performing counties statewide.
3 / 5
Most affordable rents in survey group
Houston County boasts a cost score of 86.9 and the lowest median gross rent of any county reviewed at just $685/month, alongside a tax score of 86.1 and minimal effective tax rate of 0.574%. These dual affordability strengths make it exceptionally attractive for renters and cost-conscious households.
4 / 5
Income growth potential is limited
The income score of 19.0 reflects a median household income of $54,475, among the lowest in the group. Safety, health, schools, and other quality-of-life dimensions lack published data, leaving gaps in the livability picture.
5 / 5
Ideal for renters seeking deep affordability
Houston County is built for renters and low-income households seeking the lowest possible housing costs without sacrificing tax efficiency. It excels as an affordability destination but offers limited pathways for income growth.
Houston County's composite score of 78.1 is nearly 28 points above the national median of 50.0, marking it as a stronger-than-average place to live across the U.S. This advantage reflects consistently favorable conditions on tax and housing cost fronts.
Outperforms most Tennessee counties
With a score of 78.1, Houston County exceeds Tennessee's average composite score of 76.3 by nearly 2 points. This positions it among the better-performing counties statewide.
Most affordable rents in survey group
Houston County boasts a cost score of 86.9 and the lowest median gross rent of any county reviewed at just $685/month, alongside a tax score of 86.1 and minimal effective tax rate of 0.574%. These dual affordability strengths make it exceptionally attractive for renters and cost-conscious households.
Income growth potential is limited
The income score of 19.0 reflects a median household income of $54,475, among the lowest in the group. Safety, health, schools, and other quality-of-life dimensions lack published data, leaving gaps in the livability picture.
Ideal for renters seeking deep affordability
Houston County is built for renters and low-income households seeking the lowest possible housing costs without sacrificing tax efficiency. It excels as an affordability destination but offers limited pathways for income growth.
Score breakdown
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🏛86.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.