52.2
County Score
Property Tax 88.1Water Quality 86Weather & Climate 69.5

County Report Card

About Humphreys County, Tennessee

Slightly Above the National Baseline

Humphreys County holds a composite score of 52.2, positioning it just above the national median of 50.0. It offers a balanced lifestyle that aligns closely with typical American county performance.

Outpacing the Tennessee Average

At 52.2, the county edges out the Tennessee state average of 51.3. It maintains a solid middle-ground position within the state's ranking of 95 counties.

Excellent Tax Climate and Resources

A tax score of 88.1 is the county's standout feature, supported by an effective tax rate of only 0.479%. High water quality with a score of 86.0 further enhances its profile for resource reliability.

Healthcare and Safety Gaps

The county's lowest marks are in health (20.5) and safety (35.7). These scores suggest that while the cost of living is manageable, residents may face longer wait times for specialized care.

Best for Thrifty Homeowners

This county is a strong fit for families looking for a low-tax environment and affordable median home values of $186,900. It offers a stable, standard quality of life for those not requiring intensive urban services.

Score breakdown

Tax88.1Cost64.2Safety35.7Health20.5Schools49.1Income36.9Risk51.8Water86Weather69.5
🏛88.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠64.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼36.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡35.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
20.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓49.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
51.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤69.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨36.5
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱41.9
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

Humphreys County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Humphreys County

via TaxByCounty

Humphreys ranks among the lowest

Humphreys County's 0.479% effective tax rate places it in the bottom 15% of U.S. counties, significantly below the national median of 0.71%. Annual property taxes of $895 on a median home represent just one-third the national median bill of $2,690.

Below Tennessee's state average

At 0.479%, Humphreys County ranks below Tennessee's 0.511% state average, placing it among the lower-taxed counties statewide. The median annual tax of $895 runs $121 below the state average of $1,016.

Among the lightest-taxed neighbors

Humphreys County's 0.479% rate is the lowest among its immediate neighbors, beating Jackson County (0.496%), Houston County (0.574%), and Hickman County (0.567%). Only within the broader region does Lake County's 0.708% rate exceed Humphreys considerably.

What your $186,900 home costs

The median Humphreys County homeowner pays approximately $895 annually on their property tax bill. Including mortgage-related costs, that total rises to about $989 per year.

Consider appealing your assessment

Even in lower-tax counties, reassessments can be incorrect. Humphreys County residents can file a free appeal with the assessor if they believe their property's value is too high.

Cost of Living in Humphreys County

via CostByCounty

Humphreys rents sit comfortably below national median

Humphreys County residents spend 16.8% of income on rent, modestly below the national average of around 17%. At $830/month rent and $59,333 median household income, the county offers steady rental affordability slightly better than the national norm.

Better than Tennessee average, middle tier overall

Humphreys's 16.8% rent-to-income ratio sits below Tennessee's 17.6% state average, placing it in the state's more affordable half. The median rent of $830 remains close to the state average of $860, reflecting fairly typical rural Tennessee housing costs.

Moderate costs, outpaced by Houston and Johnson

Humphreys's $830 rent falls between Houston County ($685) and Hickman County ($877), while its 16.8% ratio trails both Johnson (14.7%) and Houston (15.1%). Compared to Jefferson County's higher costs, Humphreys offers a middle ground for rural renters.

Rent consumes 16.8%, ownership costs 13.7%

Renters in Humphreys dedicate 16.8% of the $59,333 median income to $830/month rent, while homeowners invest 13.7% in monthly owner costs ($679/month). The $186,900 median home value requires about 3.1 years of gross household income, a reasonable hurdle for buyers.

Humphreys balances affordability and rural living

Moving to Humphreys puts you in Tennessee's middle tier for housing costs—cheaper than Knox or Jefferson, but not quite as low as Houston or Johnson. This county suits those seeking solid rural affordability without extreme trade-offs in housing selection.

Income & Jobs in Humphreys County

via IncomeByCounty

Humphreys income trails U.S. by 20.7%

Humphreys County's median household income of $59,333 falls short of the national median of $74,755, a gap of $15,422. This reflects nationwide trends favoring metro and high-skill employment centers over rural counties.

Slightly above Tennessee's state median

At $59,333, Humphreys exceeds Tennessee's state average of $58,994 by just $339, placing it near the statewide middle for county income rankings. Per capita income of $30,868 slightly trails the state's $31,458 average.

Upper end of rural income cluster

Humphreys County's $59,333 ranks highest among its immediate rural neighbors, outpacing Hickman ($57,223), Houston ($54,475), and Jackson ($41,475). This modest advantage reflects slightly stronger agricultural and small-business activity.

Housing costs stay reasonable

At 16.8%, Humphreys' rent-to-income ratio indicates housing is affordable, consuming less than one-sixth of typical household earnings. The median home value of $186,900 aligns well with local income levels.

Position yourself for advancement

Humphreys residents with stable employment should prioritize emergency savings and education investments to break income stagnation trends. Professional certifications, skill development, and entrepreneurship can unlock higher earning potential in rural markets.

Safety in Humphreys County

via CrimeByCounty

Humphreys County National Safety Comparison

Humphreys County holds a strong safety score of 97.6. The total crime rate of 1,492.2 per 100,000 remains well below the national mark of 2,385.5.

Outperforming the State Average

The county ranks above the Tennessee state average safety score of 97.2. Local statistics show a safer environment than many neighboring districts in the region.

Safety Levels Near Humphreys

While Humphreys is safer than Hickman, it sees more violent crime than Houston County. It represents a middle ground for safety in Western Middle Tennessee.

Analyzing Violent and Property Crimes

The property crime rate is 1,035.1 per 100,000, but violent crime is higher than the national average at 457.1. Law enforcement focuses on addressing these violent incidents while maintaining low property theft.

Deterring Local Property Crimes

Visible security cameras can discourage property crimes which make up the bulk of local incidents. Staying informed through local police alerts keeps the community vigilant and safe.

Health in Humphreys County

via HealthByCounty

Humphreys County lags U.S. life expectancy by 3 years

Humphreys County's 71.5-year life expectancy falls roughly 3 years below the national average of 74.5 years. Nearly one in four residents (24.0%) report poor or fair health, significantly exceeding the 17.8% national benchmark. These disparities underscore stubborn health challenges in the county.

Ranking 65th among Tennessee counties

Humphreys County's 71.5-year life expectancy sits 0.9 years below Tennessee's 72.4-year state average. At 24.0%, the county's poor/fair health rate is among the worst in the state, exceeding the average by 5.9 percentage points. This places Humphreys in the lower tier statewide.

Worst health outcomes in the immediate region

Humphreys County's 24.0% poor/fair health rate is the highest among neighboring counties, surpassing Houston (22.1%) and Hickman (22.2%). Its life expectancy of 71.5 years lags Jefferson County's 72.9 years but exceeds Hickman's 69.9 years. The county's 12.5% uninsured rate is better than neighbors but access to primary care (16 per 100K) is strained.

Provider shortage compounds healthcare challenges

One in eight Humphreys County residents (12.5%) lack health insurance, leaving them vulnerable to medical debt and delayed care. With just 16 primary care providers per 100K—among the lowest in the region—many residents struggle to find timely appointments. Limited mental health capacity (52 per 100K) adds to access barriers.

Affordable coverage is available to you

Don't let lack of insurance prevent you from seeking care—Tennessee offers multiple pathways to coverage. Visit healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 to explore Marketplace plans and check Medicaid eligibility based on your income. One call could transform your family's health security.

Schools in Humphreys County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Comprehensive Rural School Network

Humphreys County supports 2,693 students through a network of 6 public schools. The infrastructure is composed of three elementary schools, one middle school, and two high schools. All schools are managed by the Humphreys County district, providing a consistent educational experience from kindergarten through graduation.

Leading the Way in Graduation Rates

With a 95.0% graduation rate, Humphreys County outperforms both the state average of 93.3% and the national average of 87.0%. The county achieves these results with a per-pupil expenditure of $5,839, which is lower than the state average of $6,215. This efficiency is reflected in a school score of 53.7, placing the county slightly ahead of the Tennessee state median.

Focused Growth in Humphreys County Schools

The Humphreys County district oversees the education of all 2,693 students in the region across 6 campuses. No charter schools currently operate here, meaning the district is the primary architect of the local academic curriculum. This centralized approach ensures that resources are concentrated on improving outcomes for every enrolled student.

A Blend of Town and Country Schools

The school landscape is a mix of four rural schools and two schools located in town settings, creating a diverse geographic feel. Average school size is 449 students, with Mc Ewen High School being the largest at 524 students. In contrast, Lakeview Elementary serves a smaller group of 381 students, offering a slightly more intimate primary education.

Build Your Future in a High-Achieving District

Humphreys County is an attractive destination for families who value high graduation rates and a mix of rural and town living. Homes near Mc Ewen High or Waverly Central High are popular choices for those prioritizing proximity to the county's largest educational centers. Let school performance data guide your next real estate investment in this growing area.

Disaster Risk in Humphreys County

via RiskByCounty

Humphreys sits just below state average

Humphreys County scores 48.25 on the composite risk scale, placing it slightly below Tennessee's state average of 52.45 and in the relatively low category nationally. This positioning reflects moderate, balanced hazard exposure across multiple disaster types.

Moderate risk among Tennessee counties

Humphreys County ranks in the middle tier of Tennessee's 95 counties with a score of 48.25, just beneath the state average. The county faces more natural hazard exposure than Houston or Jackson counties but significantly less than high-risk areas like Knox County.

Slightly riskier than Hickman County

Humphreys County (48.25) edges above Hickman County (47.17), its neighbor to the west, with notably higher hurricane risk (41.84 vs. 29.50) and earthquake risk (84.80 vs. 82.22). Both counties share similar tornado exposure in the low-80s range.

Earthquakes and tornadoes dominate

Humphreys County faces significant earthquake risk (84.80) and tornado risk (74.62), both well above the national average and requiring serious preparedness planning. Flood risk remains moderate at 45.99, while wildfire exposure stays low at 10.78.

Bundle coverage for multiple hazards

Homeowners in Humphreys County should verify tornado and wind coverage in their policies while adding separate earthquake protection given the county's 84.80 earthquake score. Multi-hazard preparedness—including safe rooms and emergency supplies—is essential for this county's risk profile.

Weather & Climate in Humphreys County

via WeatherByCounty

Warmer than the national average

Humphreys County maintains an average annual temperature of 58.9°F, which sits significantly higher than the national median. This humid subtropical climate experiences mild year-round conditions compared to the interior United States.

Above average warmth for Tennessee

The county's 58.9°F annual average exceeds the Tennessee state average of 58.1°F. It remains one of the warmer mid-state regions, driven by higher-than-average winter temperatures that stay near 39.5°F.

Humid conditions along the Tennessee River

Humphreys County shares a similar temperature profile with its neighbors, though it stays warmer than higher-elevation counties to the east. While annual precipitation data is limited, the proximity to the river influences local humidity levels.

Hot summers and consistent heat

Residents face 36 days per year with temperatures reaching at least 90°F, concentrated during the 76.8°F summer average. Winters are relatively mild, with January averages holding at 36.5°F and few extreme cold spells.

Preparing for summer heat waves

Efficient HVAC systems are essential here to manage over a month of extreme heat days. Local residents should also monitor flood alerts, as the region lacks consistent snowfall but faces significant seasonal humidity.

Soil Quality in Humphreys County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic soils of the Western Highland Rim

Humphreys County records a soil pH of 5.25, placing it slightly below the Tennessee state average of 5.35. This acidic profile is common for the region, though it sits a full point below the national median of 6.5.

Balanced silt and sand mix

The soil contains 54.7% silt, 22.1% sand, and 19.9% clay, creating a medium-textured profile. This blend allows for decent drainage while the silt component ensures the ground doesn't dry out too quickly.

Solid organic matter and water storage

Organic matter stands at 2.08%, which exceeds the national average of 2.0% but trails the state's 2.44% mark. The available water capacity of 0.173 in/in is slightly higher than the state average, indicating good drought resilience.

Local hydrology and landscape

While specific drainage classes are unclassified in the primary data, the soil composition suggests steady water movement. The mix of sand and silt typically prevents the severe waterlogging seen in heavier clay counties.

Success in Zone 7b

In Zone 7b, Humphreys County gardeners can thrive with tomatoes, peppers, and various fruit trees. Focus on adding organic mulch to maintain the soil's natural water-holding strengths.

Lawn Care in Humphreys County

via LawnByCounty

Rigorous Lawn Care Requirements

With a score of 41.9, Humphreys County is one of the more difficult places in the state to maintain a healthy lawn. This score falls significantly short of the 50.0 national average, requiring extra effort from local homeowners.

Long Seasons and Typical Heat

The area faces 36 extreme heat days per year, matching the Tennessee state average. While local precipitation data is currently limited, the 4,628 growing degree days indicate a robust season for warm-season growth.

Adapting to Acidic Soil Profiles

Soil here is quite acidic with a pH of 5.25, necessitating regular testing and corrective amendments. The texture is a balanced mix of clay and sand, though local drainage classes vary across the county.

Protecting Lawns During Dry Spells

Humphreys faced 22 weeks of drought over the past year, and 100% of the county currently remains abnormally dry. Mulching and maintaining a higher mowing height can help your lawn retain precious soil moisture during these stretches.

Establishing Growth After Frost

Hardy grasses like Bermuda are well-suited for the long growing season that begins after the April 2 frost. Late spring is the optimal time for sodding to ensure the turf is mature before the first fall frost on November 4.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Humphreys County's county score?
Humphreys County, Tennessee has a composite county score of 52.2 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 Humphreys County rank among counties in Tennessee?
Humphreys County ranks #45 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 Humphreys County, Tennessee?
The median annual property tax in Humphreys County is $895, with an effective tax rate of 0.48%. This earns Humphreys County a tax score of 88.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Humphreys County?
The median household income in Humphreys County, Tennessee is $59,333 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Humphreys County earns an income score of 36.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Humphreys County, Tennessee a good place to live?
Humphreys County scores 52.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #45 in Tennessee. The best way to evaluate Humphreys 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 Humphreys County with other counties side by side.