countyscore
53.8
County Score
Property Tax 88.7Water Quality 86Weather & Climate 65.8

County Report Card

About Jefferson County, Tennessee

Strong National Standing

Jefferson County reaches a composite score of 53.8, placing it well above the national median of 50.0. It ranks favorably as a stable community with several competitive dimensions.

Exceeding the Tennessee Standard

With a score of 53.8, Jefferson County outperforms the Tennessee state average of 51.3. It serves as a solid example of a county balancing growth with tax efficiency.

Low Tax Burden and Clean Water

The county boasts a 88.7 tax score, the result of a very low 0.471% effective tax rate. Water quality is also a major asset, matching the high state benchmark of 86.0.

Healthcare Access and Safety Concerns

Health and safety are the primary areas for improvement, scoring 35.6 and 39.2 respectively. These metrics suggest that social services and emergency response may be stretched.

Great for Middle-Income Families

Jefferson County is a prime choice for families earning near the $63,084 median who want to keep more of their paycheck. It offers a balanced rural-suburban lifestyle with high resource quality.

2040608010088.75239.235.651.648.455.18665.8Tax88.7Cost52Safety39.2Health35.6Schools51.6Income48.4Risk55.1Water86Weather65.853.8/100
This county
National avg
2 above average2 below average

Jefferson County DNA

Foverall

How Jefferson County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Jefferson County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Property Tax (88.7/100) but notably weak in Safety (39.2/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
88.7+36.7
Cost
52
Safety
39.2-15.799999999999997
Health
35.6-14.399999999999999
Schools
51.6
Income
48.4
Risk
55.1+8.100000000000001
Water
86+28
Weather
65.8+9.799999999999997
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$210,000

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$880/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$210,000/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$35,200/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.3x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $63,084/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

34.0

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

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
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Nearby counties

Grainger County
Tennessee
60.6
Hamblen County
Tennessee
46.5
Sevier County
Tennessee
46.8
Union County
Tennessee
54.6
Cocke County
Tennessee
43.9
Knox County
Tennessee
40.8
Claiborne County
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64.5
Hancock County
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59.9

Deep Dives

Jefferson County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 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

Safety in Jefferson County

via CrimeByCounty

Jefferson County Safety Overview

Jefferson County achieves a safety score of 97.8, reflecting a secure community. Its total crime rate of 1,383.2 per 100,000 is much lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Safe Haven in East Tennessee

This score puts the county ahead of the Tennessee state average of 97.2. It maintains a better safety profile than many of its larger counterparts in East Tennessee.

Comparison with Urban Neighbors

Jefferson County is significantly safer than nearby Knox County, which has twice the crime rate. It offers a quieter alternative for those working in the Knoxville metro area.

Focusing on Property Safety

Property crime sits at 1,134.2 per 100,000, while the violent crime rate is a low 249.0. This indicates that most local issues involve property rather than personal safety.

Securing Your East Tennessee Property

Securing garage doors and entry points is a smart way to prevent property theft. Routine safety checks on home locks can keep these crime numbers trending downward.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Jefferson County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Diverse and Expanding School System

Jefferson County supports a large student population of 6,995 across 14 public schools. The infrastructure is robust, featuring eight elementary schools, two middle schools, and two high schools. This extensive network provides families with multiple options for primary and secondary education within a single district.

Exceptional Graduation Rates and Performance

Jefferson County excels academically with a 96.0% graduation rate, significantly higher than the state average of 93.3%. The county achieves this high success rate with a per-pupil expenditure of $5,833, which is below the state average of $6,215. A school score of 54.2 confirms that the county is effectively translating its resources into strong student outcomes.

One District, Fourteen Distinct Campuses

The Jefferson County school district manages all 6,995 students and does not host any charter schools. This traditional district model provides a broad range of programs across its 14 campuses. The scale of the district allows for specialized resources that smaller neighbors might not offer.

A Mix of Rural, Town, and Suburban Settings

The county offers a varied school landscape with seven rural schools, six town-based schools, and one suburban campus. Average school size is 583 students, but Jefferson Co High School stands out as a major hub with 2,054 students. In contrast, Dandridge Elementary provides a more typical primary school feel with 530 students.

Find Your Home in a Top-Performing District

With one of the highest graduation rates in the region, Jefferson County is a premier choice for families prioritizing education. Homes near high-performing schools like White Pine Elementary or the massive Jefferson County High are highly sought after. Use school performance as your guide to finding the best investment in this diverse Tennessee county.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Water Quality in Jefferson County

via WaterByCounty

Jefferson County maintains Excellent Drinking Water Standards

The county earns an 'A' grade with zero health-related drinking water violations in the last five years. Compared to the state average violation rate of 34.6 per 100,000, Jefferson County's 0.0 rate shows superior regulatory performance. Public water systems here consistently meet or exceed Safe Drinking Water Act requirements.

Watershed Impairments Exceed State Averages

Approximately 37.5% of assessed water bodies are impaired, which is higher than the Tennessee average of 30.2%. The 2022 reporting cycle names E. coli, siltation, and nitrates as the primary pollutants for the 15 impaired sites. Protecting these waters requires addressing runoff from both urban and agricultural sources.

Monitoring Records Focus on Metals and Nutrients

A network of 15 monitoring sites has logged 2,413 measurements over the past five years. Analysts prioritize testing for physical properties, metals, and nutrients to track environmental health. This data is critical for managing the 37.5% of water bodies currently failing federal standards.

No Active USGS Streamgages in Jefferson County

There are currently no active USGS streamgages in Jefferson County providing live flow data to the federal NWIS system. Without real-time flow monitoring, officials rely more heavily on stationary sampling and drinking water compliance records. This lack of live data makes it difficult to track sudden changes in stream volume.

Guard Against High Nitrate and Sediment Levels

Residents should be aware that nearly 38% of local streams are impaired by nitrates and E. coli. While the tap water grade is a perfect 'A', protecting the source water from further degradation is vital. Property owners can help by reducing fertilizer use and maintaining natural buffers along streams.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Jefferson County

via WeatherByCounty

A mild East Tennessee climate

Jefferson County features an annual average temperature of 55.9°F, which is very close to the national climate median. This makes the region cooler and more temperate than much of the Deep South.

Among Tennessee's cooler counties

With an average of 55.9°F, Jefferson County is significantly cooler than the Tennessee state average of 58.1°F. Its location in the Appalachian Valley provides relief from the more intense heat found in West Tennessee.

Drier than the state average

The county receives 48.5 inches of rain annually, which is nearly 7 inches less than the state average. This drier profile distinguishes it from the wetter counties located further west on the Highland Rim.

Temperate summers and mild winters

Extreme heat is less common here, with only 24 days reaching 90°F each year. Winter brings a modest 3.0 inches of snowfall and an average December-to-February temperature of 37.9°F.

Ideal for outdoor recreation

Lower humidity and fewer extreme heat days make this county excellent for outdoor activities during the 73.7°F average summer. Homeowners should plan for occasional winter freezes, though heavy snow accumulation is rare.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Jefferson County

via SoilByCounty

Jefferson’s Inceptisol foundations

Jefferson County features Inceptisols, which are relatively young soils with some degree of developmental weathering. The pH of 5.42 is slightly more alkaline than the state average but remains below the 6.5 national median.

Silt loam with a sandy touch

The dominant texture is silt loam, created by 49.9% silt, 27.4% sand, and 22.8% clay. This mix has more sand than neighboring counties, which can slightly improve drainage and aeration for root systems.

Lower water capacity and organics

Organic matter is lower than average at 1.62%, compared to the state's 2.44%. Additionally, the available water capacity of 0.166 in/in sits below the state average of 0.171, meaning these soils may dry out faster during August heat.

Moderately well-drained landscapes

The county's soil is moderately well-drained and falls into hydrologic group C. This classification implies a slow rate of water infiltration, making it important to manage runoff in sloped areas.

Garden prep in Zone 7b

Jefferson County's 7b zone is perfect for sweet potatoes and beans. Because the water capacity is slightly lower, mulching your garden beds is essential to keep moisture where your plants need it.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Jefferson County

via LawnByCounty

Easy Lawn Care in Jefferson

Jefferson County boasts a high lawn difficulty score of 64.6, making it one of the easiest places in Tennessee to maintain turf. This score is significantly higher than both the national average and the state average of 48.0.

Mild Summers and Ideal Rain

Homeowners benefit from a milder climate with only 24 extreme heat days, well below the state average of 36. Annual precipitation of 48.5 inches falls perfectly within the ideal 30-50 inch range for healthy grass.

Managing Silt Loam Foundations

Silt loam soil and moderately well-drained conditions provide a solid foundation for turf growth. However, the pH of 5.42 is low, so adding lime is often necessary to reach the preferred 6.0-7.0 level.

Monitoring Dry Conditions

Despite the high lawn score, 100% of the county is currently abnormally dry after 8 weeks of drought last year. Residents should monitor soil moisture closely during these dry spells to protect their well-established turf.

Maximizing the Growing Window

Zone 7b supports many grasses, but the early October 17 frost means the fall growing window is shorter than neighboring counties. Plant new seeds in the spring after the April 24 frost to maximize established growing time.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Jefferson County's county score?
Jefferson County, Tennessee has a composite county score of 53.8 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 Jefferson County rank among counties in Tennessee?
Jefferson County ranks #34 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 Jefferson County, Tennessee?
The median annual property tax in Jefferson County is $990, with an effective tax rate of 0.47%. This earns Jefferson County a tax score of 88.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Jefferson County?
The median household income in Jefferson County, Tennessee is $63,084 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Jefferson County earns an income score of 48.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Jefferson County, Tennessee a good place to live?
Jefferson County scores 53.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #34 in Tennessee. The best way to evaluate Jefferson 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 Jefferson County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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