countyscore
45.3
County Score
Water Quality 86Cost of Living 74.5Property Tax 67.3

County Report Card

About Lauderdale County, Tennessee

Falling below the national median

Lauderdale County earns a composite score of 45.3, placing it below the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a county that balances extreme affordability with significant socioeconomic headwinds.

Lagging behind Tennessee averages

The county's overall score of 45.3 sits well behind the Tennessee state average of 51.3. While it offers a lower cost of living than many neighbors, it struggles to match state levels for income and health outcomes.

Affordable housing and clean water

Lauderdale excels in affordability with a cost score of 74.5 and median gross rents of just $729. It also boasts high-quality water with a score of 86.0 and respectable school performance at 61.8.

Economic and safety hurdles

The county faces tough challenges with an income score of only 12.9 and a safety score of 11.2. These figures correlate with a median household income of $49,205, which is notably lower than many peer counties.

A budget-friendly option with trade-offs

Lauderdale County best suits residents prioritizing ultra-low housing costs and reliable local schools. However, those seeking high wages or top-tier public safety may find the environment more challenging.

Score breakdown

Tax67.3Cost74.5Safety11.2Health16.4Schools61.8Income12.9Risk28.4Water86Weather67
🏛67.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠74.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼12.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡11.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤16.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓61.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡28.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤67
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨55.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱44.3
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 →
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Nearby counties

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Haywood County
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Deep Dives

Lauderdale County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Lauderdale County

via TaxByCounty

Lauderdale's tax rate tops the nation

At 0.662%, Lauderdale County's effective property tax rate is nearly triple the national median of 0.22%. This places the county in the top 5% nationally—meaning homeowners here pay significantly more in property taxes than most Americans, despite lower home values than the national median of $281,900.

Third-highest in Tennessee

Lauderdale ranks third among Tennessee's 95 counties for effective tax rate, trailing only a handful of peers. The county's 0.662% rate is 30% higher than Tennessee's state average of 0.511%, putting substantial pressure on local property owners.

Higher than all nearby counties

Lauderdale's 0.662% rate outpaces every adjacent county in West Tennessee. Lawrence County (0.532%), Lewis County (0.504%), and Marion County (0.444%) all tax property at significantly lower rates, giving Lauderdale residents one reason to scrutinize their assessments.

What $122K home costs annually

The median Lauderdale homeowner with a $122,100 house pays $808 in annual property taxes. With mortgage and escrow, that bill climbs to $963—a meaningful expense on a median home value well below the national average.

You may be overassessed

Many Lauderdale County homeowners are unaware that property assessments can be wrong—and appealable. Given the county's high tax rate, it's worth reviewing your assessment and filing a challenge if your home's appraised value exceeds its true market worth.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Lauderdale County

via CostByCounty

Lauderdale's rent burden beats the nation

Renters in Lauderdale County spend just 17.8% of their income on rent—nearly identical to the national norm and slightly above Tennessee's 17.6% average. With a median household income of $49,205 versus the national median of $74,755, Lauderdale residents earn considerably less but manage comparable housing affordability through modest rents of $729 monthly.

Mid-pack affordability among Tennessee counties

Lauderdale ranks near the middle of Tennessee's affordability spectrum, with a rent-to-income ratio that mirrors the statewide average. The county's median rent of $729 runs $131 below the state average of $860, helping offset lower incomes.

Comparable to similar rural Tennessee towns

Lauderdale's housing costs align closely with neighboring Lewis County ($735 rent) and Lawrence County ($736 rent), all hovering around $730 monthly. Among this rural cluster, Lauderdale offers the lowest median home value at $122,100, making it the most accessible for first-time homebuyers in the region.

Balanced rents and mortgages on modest incomes

Renters pay $729 monthly while homeowners face $699 in monthly costs—nearly identical burdens that suggest stable, affordable property values. The median home value of $122,100 requires just 17% of annual income to cover ownership costs, leaving room for other necessities.

Affordable living for budget-conscious movers

If you're seeking affordable housing without sacrificing community stability, Lauderdale delivers consistent costs across renting and owning. Compare these figures to neighboring counties—you'll find Lauderdale competitive and welcoming for those prioritizing financial breathing room.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Lauderdale County

via IncomeByCounty

Lauderdale lags behind national earnings

Lauderdale County's median household income of $49,205 trails the national median by $25,550, placing it well below the typical American household. This gap reflects broader economic challenges in rural West Tennessee, where earnings have not kept pace with national growth trends.

Below Tennessee's state average income

At $49,205, Lauderdale's median household income falls $9,789 short of Tennessee's state average of $58,994. The county ranks in the lower third of Tennessee's 95 counties, indicating limited job opportunities and lower wage sectors dominate the local economy.

Among the lowest in the region

Lauderdale's $49,205 median ranks lowest among nearby counties, trailing Lawrence County ($53,233) and Lewis County ($49,477). Neighboring Lincoln County ($63,115) and Loudon County ($80,296) show what stronger regional economies can generate through manufacturing and professional jobs.

Housing costs remain manageable here

With a rent-to-income ratio of 17.8%, Lauderdale residents spend less than one-fifth of household income on housing—a healthy ratio that aligns with national affordability standards. However, the relatively low median home value of $122,100 reflects a depressed property market compared to neighboring counties.

Build financial resilience in Lauderdale

Lauderdale households earning $49,205 benefit from low housing costs, freeing up resources for emergency savings and retirement planning. Even modest monthly investments of $100–$200 in tax-advantaged accounts can compound significantly over time, building wealth despite current income constraints.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Lauderdale County

via CrimeByCounty

Lauderdale's Crime Rate Exceeds National Levels

Lauderdale County reports a total crime rate of 2,673.7 per 100,000 residents, which is roughly 12% higher than the national average of 2,385.5. Despite this, the county maintains a safety score of 95.8 out of 100 based on local law enforcement reporting. This score reflects the county's success in managing safety challenges relative to its total population size.

Trailing Tennessee's High Safety Average

The county's safety score of 95.8 sits below the Tennessee state average of 97.2. With a total crime rate of 2,673.7 per 100,000, Lauderdale experiences more incidents than the average Tennessee county, which sees roughly 1,785.6 crimes. Local officials monitor these trends across four reporting agencies to address the higher-than-average volume.

Crime Levels Above Regional Peers

Lauderdale County's crime rate of 2,673.7 is significantly higher than neighboring Lawrence County's rate of 1,282.1. This disparity highlights a more active criminal landscape in the local area compared to other rural Tennessee districts. Four active agencies coordinate to manage this higher frequency of reported incidents.

Violent Crime Surpasses National Trends

The violent crime rate in Lauderdale stands at 989.2 per 100,000, nearly triple the national average of 369.8. Property crime is more common at 1,684.5 per 100,000, though this remains below the national property crime rate of 2,015.7. This shift toward violent incidents represents a significant concern for local law enforcement.

Prioritizing Home and Personal Safety

With property crime still affecting over 1,600 per 100,000 residents, home security remains a vital precaution. Installing smart lighting and reinforced locks can deter opportunistic theft in high-activity areas. Staying aware of local trends through the four active reporting agencies helps residents stay proactive.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Lauderdale County

via HealthByCounty

Life expectancy lags behind national average

Lauderdale County residents live to an average of 70.7 years, trailing the U.S. life expectancy of 76.4 years by nearly 6 years. Nearly 28% of adults report poor or fair health—significantly higher than the national average of about 18%. These figures point to persistent health challenges that affect daily life across the county.

Below Tennessee's already modest benchmark

At 70.7 years, Lauderdale County's life expectancy falls 1.7 years below Tennessee's state average of 72.4 years. The county ranks among the lower-performing counties in Tennessee on life expectancy, indicating concentrated health disparities. Addressing these gaps requires understanding both local healthcare infrastructure and underlying health behaviors.

Shared struggle with nearby counties

Lauderdale County's 70.7-year life expectancy mirrors the challenges seen in neighboring Lauderdale peers, though it lags behind Lincoln County's 72.2 years. The county's primary care provider rate of 16 per 100,000 residents is among the lowest in the region, with Madison County offering nearly 9 times more providers. Mental health access is particularly limited at 28 per 100,000 compared to Madison's 316 per 100,000.

Healthcare access and insurance coverage

Lauderdale County's uninsured rate of 11.6% sits just below the state average of 11.9%, meaning roughly 1 in 8 residents lack health coverage. With only 16 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, many face long waits or travel long distances for routine care. The shortage extends to mental health services, where limited availability compounds existing health challenges.

Explore your health insurance options today

If you're among the uninsured in Lauderdale County, affordable coverage options exist through the healthcare marketplace and state programs. Visit Healthcare.gov or contact a local health department to learn about plans that fit your budget. Taking the first step toward coverage is an investment in your family's long-term health.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Lauderdale County

via SchoolsByCounty

Lauderdale County's Public School Infrastructure

Lauderdale County manages its 3,413 students through a unified system of seven public schools. The infrastructure includes three elementary schools, two middle schools, and two high schools. This single-district setup ensures consistent oversight for the county's growing student body.

High Graduation Rates Outpace State Benchmarks

The county boasts an impressive 95.0% graduation rate, significantly higher than both the Tennessee average of 93.3% and the national mark of 87.0%. While per-pupil spending of $6,919 remains below the national average, it exceeds the state average of $6,215. These investments contribute to a solid school score of 56.0, outperforming the state median.

The Lauderdale County School District

The Lauderdale County school district serves the entire region, overseeing all seven local schools and 3,413 students. There are currently no charter schools in the county, maintaining a traditional public school focus. This centralization allows for streamlined resource allocation across the town and rural campuses.

Small-Town Feel in Rural Classrooms

Students attend schools in either town or rural settings, with an average school size of 488 students. Ripley High School is the largest campus with 658 students, providing a more comprehensive high school experience. In contrast, Ripley Elementary offers a slightly more intimate setting for younger learners with 480 students.

Finding a Home Near Top Schools

Families looking to relocate should consider the high graduation rates as a key indicator of the area's educational health. Proximity to Ripley's primary or middle schools can be a vital factor in long-term home value. Explore residential options near these high-performing campuses to secure your child's academic future.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Lauderdale County

via RiskByCounty

Lauderdale's natural disaster risk profile

Lauderdale County scores 71.56 on the composite risk index, earning a Relatively Low rating and sitting above Tennessee's average of 52.45. This places the county in moderate risk territory nationally, driven primarily by earthquake and tornado exposure rather than flood or wildfire concerns.

Mid-range risk within Tennessee

Among Tennessee's 95 counties, Lauderdale ranks in the middle-to-upper range for natural disaster risk. The county's above-average score reflects seismic vulnerability and tornado exposure that exceed most state peers.

Riskier than nearby Crockett County

Lauderdale faces notably higher risk than surrounding rural counties in northwest Tennessee, particularly due to its earthquake risk score of 95.55. The county's tornado risk of 84.45 also stands significantly above neighbors in the region.

Earthquakes and tornadoes dominate

Your greatest natural disaster threats are earthquakes (95.55) and tornadoes (84.45), which together account for most of your composite risk. Flood risk remains relatively low at 25.19, and wildfires pose minimal concern at 19.05.

Prioritize earthquake and storm coverage

Standard homeowners insurance doesn't cover earthquake damage—you need a separate policy to protect against Lauderdale's high seismic risk. Ensure your policy includes comprehensive windstorm coverage for tornado protection, and review your deductibles annually.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Lauderdale County

via WeatherByCounty

Deep South warmth in Tennessee

Lauderdale County is significantly warmer than the national average, with a mean temperature of 60.2°F. This West Tennessee region borders the Mississippi River and experiences high humidity and long summers.

Among the state's warmest regions

Exceeding the state average of 58.1°F, this county is one of the warmest in Tennessee. Its average annual temperature of 60.2°F reflects its low elevation and southern positioning.

Hotter and wetter than average

With 56.8 inches of annual rain, Lauderdale is slightly wetter than the Tennessee state average. It shares the intense summer humidity common to the Mississippi Delta floodplains.

Intense heat and brief winters

The county endures 47 days per year above 90°F, making for a long and grueling summer. Winters are mild compared to the rest of the state, with only 2.4 inches of annual snowfall.

Prepare for significant cooling costs

With July averages near 80°F, high-efficiency air conditioning is a necessity for health and comfort. Residents should also plan for heavy seasonal rain that frequently exceeds state averages.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Lauderdale County

via SoilByCounty

A Superior Soil Score for Lauderdale

Lauderdale County boasts a soil score of 55.6, far exceeding the state average of 38.5. The soil pH of 6.00 is significantly more balanced than the Tennessee average of 5.35, though it remains slightly below the national 6.5 median.

Silt-Heavy Soils with Fine Texture

The soil composition is dominated by 65.8% silt and 22.2% clay, creating a smooth but heavy texture. With only 12.0% sand, these fields offer excellent mineral retention but require careful management to prevent surface compaction.

Excellent Water Storage for Crop Resilience

The Available Water Capacity of 0.197 in/in is one of the highest in the state, providing a deep reservoir for thirsty plants. However, organic matter remains low at 1.66%, trailing both the state average and the 2.0% national benchmark.

Managing Dense and Silty Landscapes

While specific drainage classes are not documented for this county, the high silt content typically dictates slow moisture movement. Local producers must monitor soil moisture closely to ensure roots have access to necessary oxygen in these dense profiles.

Thriving in the Warmth of Zone 8a

As one of Tennessee's few Zone 8a regions, Lauderdale offers a longer growing season for heat-loving crops like cotton and peppers. These silty soils provide a stable, water-rich environment that supports a highly productive agricultural landscape.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Lauderdale County

via LawnByCounty

Managing the West Tennessee Heat

Lauderdale County earns a lawn difficulty score of 44.3, making it more challenging for turf than the Tennessee average of 48.0. In this Zone 8a climate, warm-season grasses must contend with high humidity and significant summer stress. Homeowners here face slightly more obstacles than the national median of 50.0.

Intense Heat and High Rainfall

The county records 47 extreme heat days annually, which is significantly higher than the state average of 36 days. While 56.8 inches of annual precipitation provides plenty of water, the 4933 growing degree days signal a fast-growing season that requires frequent mowing. You must balance the surplus rain against the physiological stress caused by persistent 90-degree temperatures.

Perfectly Balanced Soil pH

The soil pH in Lauderdale County sits at a perfect 6.0, landing right at the ideal threshold for most turfgrass species. With 22.2% clay and 12% sand, the soil provides a stable foundation, though limited drainage data suggests you should monitor for standing water. Your main focus should be aeration to manage the clay content rather than heavy chemical adjustments.

Navigating Persistent Dry Spells

The county spent 21 weeks in drought conditions over the past year, and currently, 100% of the area is classified as abnormally dry. Deep, infrequent watering is essential to encourage root growth during these periods of high heat. Avoid mowing during the hottest part of the day to reduce moisture loss from the grass blades.

Optimize for Zone 8a Success

Because of the Zone 8a classification, heat-tolerant Bermuda or Zoysia grasses are your best options for a resilient lawn. Plan to seed or sod after the last spring frost on March 26 to take advantage of the long growing season. Your lawn has until November 6 to establish roots before the first fall frost arrives.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lauderdale County's county score?
Lauderdale County, Tennessee has a composite county score of 45.3 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 Lauderdale County rank among counties in Tennessee?
Lauderdale County ranks #73 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 Lauderdale County, Tennessee?
The median annual property tax in Lauderdale County is $808, with an effective tax rate of 0.66%. This earns Lauderdale County a tax score of 67.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Lauderdale County?
The median household income in Lauderdale County, Tennessee is $49,205 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Lauderdale County earns an income score of 12.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Lauderdale County, Tennessee a good place to live?
Lauderdale County scores 45.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #73 in Tennessee. The best way to evaluate Lauderdale 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 Lauderdale 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.