CountyScore

Jefferson County

Tennessee · TN

#29 in Tennessee
71.9
County Score

County Report Card

About Jefferson County, Tennessee

Strong livability score above national norms

Jefferson County's composite score of 76.9 is nearly 27 points above the national median of 50.0, indicating a county with solid livability across measured dimensions. This advantage reflects a balanced strength in taxes, housing, and household income.

Outperforms Tennessee average slightly

With a score of 76.9, Jefferson County exceeds Tennessee's state average composite score of 76.3 by 0.6 points, placing it in the stronger half of Tennessee counties.

Highest income and lowest tax burden

Jefferson County scores 24.6 on income with a median household income of $63,084—highest in the group—and achieves a tax score of 89.0 with just 0.471% effective tax rate. This combination of strong earnings and low taxes creates genuine household wealth potential.

Housing costs rising relative to income

While the cost score of 80.9 is solid, median home values of $210,000 and rent of $880/month are higher than most peers, potentially reducing affordability for lower-income residents. Safety, health, schools, and other quality-of-life metrics remain unmeasured.

Ideal for professionals seeking balance

Jefferson County appeals to working professionals and established families seeking higher incomes, manageable taxes, and moderate housing costs in a balanced package. It represents the strongest wage-growth opportunity in the survey group.

Score breakdown

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

Tax89Cost80.9SafetyComing SoonHealth64SchoolsComing SoonIncome24.6Risk55.1WaterComing Soon
🏛89
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠80.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼24.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤64
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡55.1
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 Jefferson County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Izard County
Arkansas
71.9
Median income: $47,728
Clear Creek County
Colorado
71.9
Median income: $96,667
Glascock County
Georgia
71.9
Median income: $55,250
Montgomery County
Indiana
71.9
Median income: $66,571
Randolph County
Indiana
71.9
Median income: $61,121

Deep Dives

Jefferson County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Jefferson County

via TaxByCounty

Jefferson's taxes are well below average

Jefferson County's 0.471% effective tax rate ranks in the bottom 15% nationally, far below the 0.71% national median. At $990 annually, the median property tax bill is only one-third the national median of $2,690.

Among Tennessee's lowest-taxed

Jefferson County's 0.471% rate sits below Tennessee's 0.511% state average, placing it firmly in the lower-tax tier of the state's 95 counties. The median tax of $990 runs just $26 below the state average of $1,016.

Lower taxes than most neighbors

At 0.471%, Jefferson County's rate is lower than Hickman County (0.567%), Houston County (0.574%), and far below Lake County (0.708%). Only Humphreys County (0.479%) and Jackson County (0.496%) approach Jefferson's relatively light tax burden.

What your $210,000 home costs

Jefferson County homeowners with the median-valued property pay approximately $990 annually in property taxes. Mortgage-related costs bring the total to around $982 per year for financed properties.

Appeal if your assessment seems high

Jefferson County residents can challenge their property assessments for free through the county assessor's office. Overassessments are common, and an appeal could save hundreds annually.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Jefferson County

via CostByCounty

Jefferson rents marginally above national average

Jefferson County's 16.7% rent-to-income ratio sits just below the national benchmark, with a median rent of $880/month supported by a solid median household income of $63,084. This balance places Jefferson in the national middle tier for rental affordability.

Slightly better than Tennessee's state average

Jefferson's 16.7% rent-to-income ratio edges below Tennessee's 17.6% state average, positioning the county just above the middle of the state's affordability spectrum. Median rent of $880 exceeds the state average by $20, but stronger incomes ($63,084) keep the burden manageable.

Higher rent, but better income than most peers

Jefferson's $880 median rent is the highest in the region, but its $63,084 median income also leads most neighbors except Knox County. The 16.7% ratio outpaces Hickman (18.4%) and comes close to Houston (15.1%), reflecting Jefferson's positioning as a more prosperous rural area.

Balanced burden across renters and owners

Renters in Jefferson dedicate 16.7% of the $63,084 median income to $880/month rent, while homeowners invest 14.6% in monthly ownership costs ($767/month). The $210,000 median home value represents 3.3 years of gross household income, requiring modest savings for entry but offering stability once purchased.

Jefferson combines higher income with moderate costs

Jefferson County suits those seeking slightly higher rent in exchange for stronger local wages and a more prosperous county profile. Compare its $880 rent against Houston or Johnson County savings to decide whether Jefferson's economic base justifies the premium.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Jefferson County

via IncomeByCounty

Jefferson approaches national income parity

Jefferson County's median household income of $63,084 trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by just 15.6%, a notably smaller gap than most Tennessee rural counties. This reflects stronger local employment and wage structures.

Top income earner in its region

At $63,084, Jefferson ranks well above Tennessee's state average of $58,994, placing it in the upper third of the state's counties by median household income. Per capita income of $34,953 also exceeds the state's $31,458 average by 11.1%.

Clear income leader among peers

Jefferson County's $63,084 outpaces all regional neighbors: Humphreys ($59,333), Hickman ($57,223), Houston ($54,475), and Jackson ($41,475). This leadership reflects better-diversified employment and stronger manufacturing and service sectors.

Housing affordability well-maintained

At 16.7%, Jefferson's rent-to-income ratio remains healthy, with housing consuming less than one-sixth of household earnings. The median home value of $210,000 is accessible to residents with stable, above-average incomes.

Invest surplus income strategically

Jefferson County households earning above regional averages should maximize retirement contributions and diversify investments. Working with a financial advisor to balance home equity, stocks, and bonds can accelerate wealth accumulation over decades.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Jefferson County

via HealthByCounty

Jefferson County exceeds national health benchmarks

Jefferson County residents enjoy a life expectancy of 72.9 years, just 1.6 years below the U.S. average of 74.5 years. Only 19.1% report poor or fair health, compared to the national rate of 17.8%—the second-best outcome among county peers. Jefferson stands out as a regional health leader.

Jefferson ranks 15th in Tennessee health outcomes

At 72.9 years, Jefferson County's life expectancy exceeds Tennessee's 72.4-year state average by 0.5 years, ranking it above-average statewide. The county's 19.1% poor/fair health rate matches the state average closely, positioning Jefferson in the upper tier of county health rankings. Jefferson residents enjoy better health outcomes than most state peers.

Clear health advantage over neighboring counties

Jefferson County's 72.9-year life expectancy leads the region, surpassing all neighbors including Houston (70.9 years), Humphreys (71.5 years), and Jackson (71.9 years). Its 12.0% uninsured rate is the lowest in the region, and primary care access of 45 per 100K exceeds most peers. Jefferson's 64 mental health providers per 100K also compares favorably regionally.

Strong provider access supports community health

At 12.0%, Jefferson County's uninsured rate is the region's lowest, meaning most residents can access needed care. With 45 primary care providers per 100K—well above the regional average—residents enjoy shorter wait times and better preventive care access. Mental health support at 64 providers per 100K further strengthens the healthcare infrastructure.

Ensure your family's coverage is current

Even in healthy Jefferson County, the uninsured face gaps in care. If you're among the 12% without coverage, visit healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 to confirm your eligibility and explore affordable Marketplace plans. Staying covered protects your family's health and finances.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Jefferson County

via RiskByCounty

Jefferson ranks slightly below state

Jefferson County scores 44.88 on the composite risk scale, placing it just below Tennessee's state average of 52.45 in the relatively low category. This positioning reflects meaningful but manageable natural hazard exposure concentrated in specific disaster types.

Lower-risk Tennessee county

With a score of 44.88, Jefferson County ranks below the state average of 52.45 among Tennessee's 95 counties. The county experiences moderate hazard exposure but performs better than many high-risk peers, particularly in the eastern region.

Higher risk than Hickman nearby

Jefferson County (44.88) scores slightly below neighbor Hickman County (47.17), but shows notably higher flood risk (56.77 vs. 46.79) and wildfire risk (42.91 vs. 11.96). Both counties face similar earthquake threats in the low-80s range.

Flood and wildfire lead concerns

Jefferson County faces outsized flood risk at 56.77 and wildfire risk at 42.91, both significantly higher than many peers and representing the county's primary hazards. Earthquake risk (82.60) and tornado risk (59.64) also exceed national averages, requiring comprehensive preparedness.

Prioritize flood and fire coverage

Given Jefferson County's flood risk score of 56.77 and wildfire exposure of 42.91, homeowners should verify these hazards are covered or obtain separate flood and wildfire policies. Standard homeowners insurance excludes flood damage, making a standalone flood policy essential in this county.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

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