countyscore
53.8
County Score
Water Quality 86Property Tax 82.7Cost of Living 74.2

County Report Card

About Lawrence County, Tennessee

Outperforming the national baseline

With a composite score of 53.8, Lawrence County ranks above the national median of 50.0. This indicates a quality of life that exceeds the typical American county experience.

A competitive Tennessee performer

Lawrence County outpaces the Tennessee state average composite score of 51.3. It maintains this edge by combining low taxes and affordable home values of approximately $176,700.

Low taxes and high affordability

The county shines with a tax score of 82.7 and a cost score of 74.2, driven by an effective tax rate of just 0.532%. Residents also benefit from a very strong water quality score of 86.0.

Room to improve health and income

Despite low costs, the income score sits at 21.2 and the health score at 22.4. These metrics suggest that while living is cheap, access to high-paying jobs and specialized healthcare is limited.

Perfect for the cost-conscious family

Lawrence County is an ideal fit for families looking for a low-tax environment where their dollar stretches further. It offers a balanced lifestyle for those who value fiscal stability over urban amenities.

2040608010082.774.243.222.450.921.230.48669.6Tax82.7Cost74.2Safety43.2Health22.4Schools50.9Income21.2Risk30.4Water86Weather69.653.8/100
This county
National avg
4 above average4 below average

Lawrence County DNA

Foverall

How Lawrence County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Lawrence County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Property Tax (82.7/100) but notably weak in Income (21.2/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
82.7+30.700000000000003
Cost
74.2+26.200000000000003
Safety
43.2-11.799999999999997
Health
22.4-27.6
Schools
50.9
Income
21.2-29.8
Risk
30.4-16.6
Water
86+28
Weather
69.6+13.599999999999994
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$176,700

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$736/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$176,700/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$29,440/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.3x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $53,233/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

8.9

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

Giles County
Tennessee
50.7
Lewis County
Tennessee
52.7
Wayne County
Tennessee
61.4
Maury County
Tennessee
40.7
Lauderdale County
Alabama
53.8
Limestone County
Alabama
42.9
Hickman County
Tennessee
45.5
Perry County
Tennessee
68.2

Deep Dives

Lawrence County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Lawrence County

via TaxByCounty

Lawrence taxes modestly below U.S. average

Lawrence County's effective tax rate of 0.532% sits comfortably below the national median of 0.22%—placing it in the lower-to-middle tier nationally. Yet the county's median tax bill of $940 suggests the rate applies to homes valued significantly below the national median of $281,900.

Middle of Tennessee's tax pack

Lawrence ranks around the midpoint among Tennessee counties for effective tax rate, slightly above the state average of 0.511%. The county's 0.532% rate reflects a balanced approach compared to higher-taxing peers like Lauderdale County.

Moderate compared to the region

Lawrence County's 0.532% rate falls between neighbors Marion County (0.444%) and Lauderdale County (0.662%), positioning it as a moderate-tax community in West Tennessee. The county's approach mirrors nearby Lewis County at 0.504%.

Median tax on $177K home

Lawrence County homeowners with a median-value property worth $176,700 pay $940 annually in property tax. That's slightly lower than the state average tax bill of $1,016, reflecting the county's measured rate despite moderate home values.

Assessment review protects your wallet

Lawrence County residents should verify their home's assessed value against recent comparable sales and property records. Even small overassessments accumulate over time, making an appeal worth the effort.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Lawrence County

via CostByCounty

Lawrence offers solid affordability below national standard

With a rent-to-income ratio of 16.6%, Lawrence County beats both the national average and Tennessee's 17.6% state benchmark—a rare advantage for a rural county. Residents earning $53,233 annually spend just $736 monthly on rent, leaving more income for savings and essentials than national averages suggest.

Best-in-class affordability statewide

Lawrence ranks among Tennessee's most affordable counties, with a rent-to-income ratio that undercuts the state average by a full percentage point. This advantage reflects both modest housing costs and stable local incomes relative to the broader state picture.

Slightly pricier but more spacious than Lauderdale

Lawrence's $736 rent runs $7 higher than Lauderdale County to the north but $124 below the state average, positioning it as the sweet spot in the regional affordability tier. Homes here value at $176,700—$54,600 more than Lauderdale—suggesting better property investment potential.

Owner costs match rental affordability

Renters spend $736 monthly while homeowners pay $695—a rare reversal where ownership costs less than renting. This $41 monthly savings for owners makes Lawrence attractive for those ready to build equity on modest incomes of $53,233.

Smart choice for renters ready to own

Lawrence County's below-average rent-to-income ratio combined with lower ownership costs creates an ideal transition point for renters seeking homeownership. The higher median home value ($176,700) signals solid property appreciation potential compared to cheaper rural neighbors.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Lawrence County

via IncomeByCounty

Lawrence County earns below the nation

Lawrence County's median household income of $53,233 falls $21,522 short of the U.S. median of $74,755, placing it in the bottom 30% of American counties. Despite this gap, Lawrence performs better than many neighboring rural Tennessee counties in absolute earnings.

Middle-tier income within Tennessee

At $53,233, Lawrence County's median household income sits $5,761 below Tennessee's state average of $58,994, ranking it in the lower-middle tier statewide. The county's economy appears more diversified than its western neighbors, supporting slightly higher earning potential.

Better off than Lauderdale, trails Lincoln

Lawrence County's $53,233 median exceeds Lauderdale County ($49,205) but lags Lincoln County ($63,115) and significantly trails Loudon County ($80,296). The county occupies a middle ground in the regional income hierarchy, suggesting moderate job market strength.

Affordable housing supports financial health

Lawrence County's 16.6% rent-to-income ratio is among the region's best, meaning households dedicate just over one-sixth of income to rent. The median home value of $176,700 is accessible to households earning $53,233, allowing for realistic homeownership pathways.

Invest surplus income for long-term gain

Lawrence households with $53,233 annual income and favorable housing costs can prioritize retirement and investment accounts. Contributing to employer 401(k) plans or IRAs—even at modest levels—positions families to build meaningful wealth and achieve financial security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Lawrence County

via CrimeByCounty

Lawrence County Outperforms National Safety Benchmarks

Lawrence County maintains an impressive safety score of 98.0 out of 100. Its total crime rate of 1,282.1 per 100,000 is nearly half the national average of 2,385.5. These figures establish the county as a notably secure environment for its residents.

A Leader in Tennessee Public Safety

With a safety score of 98.0, Lawrence County ranks above the Tennessee state average of 97.2. The county's total crime rate of 1,282.1 is significantly lower than the state average of 1,785.6. Six different reporting agencies cooperate to maintain this high standard of security across the region.

Highly Competitive Safety Among Neighbors

Lawrence County's crime rate of 1,282.1 per 100,000 makes it safer than neighboring Lewis County, which reports 1,361.1. It also maintains a higher safety score than Lauderdale County, which sits at 95.8. This consistent performance makes Lawrence a regional leader in crime prevention.

Property Offenses Outnumber Violent Incidents

The violent crime rate in Lawrence is 196.0 per 100,000, which is well below the national rate of 369.8. Property crime accounts for the majority of local offenses at 1,086.1 per 100,000 residents. While property crime is the primary concern, it still remains roughly 46% lower than the national average.

Maintaining Security in Quiet Communities

Low crime rates offer peace of mind, but residents should remain vigilant against the 1,086.1 property crimes per 100,000. Basic measures like motion-activated cameras and deadbolt locks provide an effective secondary layer of defense. Community watch programs further strengthen the efforts of the six local reporting agencies.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Lawrence County

via SchoolsByCounty

Education Across Lawrence County

Lawrence County operates 14 public schools serving a total enrollment of 7,032 students. The landscape consists of eight elementary schools, one middle school, and four high schools, alongside one specialized facility. All operations fall under a single, cohesive school district.

Exceptional Graduation Outcomes with Efficient Spending

The county achieves a 95.0% graduation rate, which beats the national average of 87.0% by a wide margin. Education is delivered efficiently at $6,009 per pupil, slightly under the state average of $6,215. The composite school score of 54.0 places the county just above the Tennessee state average of 53.6.

Single District Stability

The Lawrence County school district manages the education of all 7,032 students in the area. No charter schools operate in the county, meaning 100% of students attend traditional district-run campuses. This model provides a uniform educational experience across the county's varied geography.

A Blend of Rural and Town Life

The school system features a mix of eight rural and six town locales, offering diverse environments for students. Lawrence Co High School is the largest in the county with 1,143 students, while South Lawrence Elementary maintains a smaller community feel with 540 students. The average campus size across the district is 541 students.

Investing in Homes and Schools

Lawrence County offers a stable environment for families who prioritize public school performance in their home search. With graduation rates that exceed state norms, the area provides a strong foundation for young learners. Consider looking for properties near the Summertown or Lawrenceburg campuses for easy school access.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Lawrence County

via RiskByCounty

Lawrence County faces above-average risk

Lawrence County scores 69.66 on the composite risk index with a Relatively Low rating, but this sits 17.2 points above Tennessee's average of 52.45. The county's risk profile is shaped by significant tornado and flood exposure.

Upper-middle risk tier in Tennessee

Lawrence County ranks among the higher-risk counties in Tennessee, placing it above roughly 60% of the state's other counties. Its tornado risk of 91.28 is particularly notable compared to state peers.

Highest risk in south-central cluster

Lawrence County's risk profile exceeds neighboring Maury and Giles counties, primarily due to elevated tornado (91.28) and flood (56.93) risks. Only Madison County to the north poses comparable threat levels in the immediate region.

Tornadoes and flooding are primary threats

Tornadoes represent your most significant natural disaster risk at 91.28, followed by flood hazard at 56.93—both well above state averages. Earthquake risk of 89.15 adds a third dimension of vulnerability often overlooked in this region.

Get flood insurance and storm coverage

Flood insurance is essential in Lawrence County due to your 56.93 flood risk score; standard homeowners policies exclude water damage. Verify your windstorm and hail coverage is adequate to handle severe tornado-season weather.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Lawrence County

via WaterByCounty

Lawrence County Maintains Top Quality Standards

Lawrence County holds a pristine 'A' grade for drinking water with zero health violations over the past five years. This perfect record outpaces the state average violation rate of 34.6 per 100,000 people. The data confirms that local water systems are operating with high reliability under federal standards.

Watershed Health Surpasses State Averages

Only 20.6% of assessed water bodies in Lawrence County are impaired, performing better than the Tennessee state average of 30.2%. The 2022 reporting cycle identified 21 impaired streams out of 102 assessed, citing vegetative cover loss and E. coli as primary issues. This indicates relatively strong natural protection for the county’s vast network of streams.

Extensive Biological and Physical Monitoring

Water quality experts monitor 42 sites throughout the county, yielding 6,502 results over the last five years. Most measurements focus on biological health and nutrient levels to track ecosystem stability. This active data collection ensures a comprehensive view of how land use affects water quality.

Shoal Creek Flow Runs Below Typical

The USGS gauge on Shoal Creek at Iron City currently records a discharge of 308 cfs. This volume represents only 48% of the long-term mean, indicating significantly drier-than-normal conditions for this drainage area. Lower flows can lead to higher concentrations of pollutants and warmer water temperatures.

Manage Runoff During Low Flow Conditions

With Shoal Creek flowing at less than half its typical volume, pollutants like E. coli may become more concentrated. Residents can protect water sources by maintaining stream-side vegetation to prevent bank erosion. Since drinking water compliance is excellent, focus your efforts on protecting the 21 impaired local stream segments.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Lawrence County

via WeatherByCounty

Warm and wet Southern climate

Lawrence County’s annual average temperature of 58.8°F is well above the national median. Located on the southern border, it experiences a climate characterized by high rainfall and prolonged warmth.

Warmer than the state average

At 58.8°F, the county is warmer than the Tennessee average of 58.1°F. It also receives 58.8 inches of rain annually, making it significantly wetter than the typical Tennessee county.

High precipitation on the border

Lawrence County sees nearly 3 inches more rain per year than the state average of 55.9 inches. This high precipitation combined with 35 days of 90°F heat creates very humid summer conditions.

Consistent heat and mild winters

Summer temperatures average 76.3°F, but July often peaks at a sweltering 77.7°F. Winters are among the mildest in the state, with a December-to-February average of 40.6°F.

Manage moisture and heat

The combination of high rainfall and 35 extreme heat days makes dehumidification and cooling top priorities for homeowners. Proper drainage is also essential given the nearly 60 inches of annual rain.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Lawrence County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Alfisols on the Highland Rim

Lawrence County features Alfisols with a pH of 5.15, which is more acidic than the state average of 5.35. This acidity is a defining trait, as it sits well below the national median of 6.5 and often requires lime to support varied crops.

The Balance of Silt Loam

The dominant silt loam texture consists of 57.0% silt and 21.1% sand, offering a favorable balance of workability and structure. The 20.4% clay content helps the soil hold onto nutrients while still allowing for adequate root penetration.

Building Organic Matter and Moisture

Organic matter levels reach 1.75%, which falls below the 2.44% Tennessee average and the 2.0% national benchmark. With an Available Water Capacity of 0.162 in/in, these soils hold slightly less water than the state norm, making irrigation planning important.

Reliable and Well-Drained Acreage

The soil is classified as well-drained and belongs to Hydrologic Group B, facilitating steady water infiltration across the county. This characteristic makes the land highly suitable for both row crops and residential building projects.

Garden Success in Zone 7b

Situated in Hardiness Zone 7b, Lawrence County is ideal for growing staples like corn, soybeans, and hearty root vegetables. Start your garden by adding organic compost to boost the relatively low fertility and improve the soil's natural structure.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Lawrence County

via LawnByCounty

Overcoming Difficult Lawn Conditions

With a lawn difficulty score of 36.7, Lawrence County is one of the more challenging places in Tennessee to maintain a lush yard. This score is significantly lower than the national median of 50.0, indicating that local conditions require extra effort. Gardeners in this Zone 7b region must manage acidic soil and high rainfall to keep grass healthy.

Heavy Rain and Moderate Heat

Lawrence County receives 58.8 inches of annual precipitation, which exceeds the state average and the ideal lawn range of 30-50 inches. Despite the high rainfall, 35 extreme heat days each year can quickly dry out the surface. The 4476 growing degree days suggest a standard mowing frequency, but the rain often makes scheduling difficult.

Tackling Highly Acidic Soil

The soil pH here is quite low at 5.15, which is well below the ideal range of 6.0 to 7.0 for most grasses. This silt loam soil is well-drained, but the acidity can prevent grass from absorbing essential nutrients. Applying lime is a critical first step for most homeowners in this county to balance the soil chemistry.

Long Drought Stretches

The county experienced 25 weeks of drought over the last year, which is nearly half of the entire year. With 100% of the county currently abnormally dry, consistent supplemental watering is necessary during the summer months. Target early morning irrigation to maximize absorption and minimize evaporation losses.

Prepare for an April Start

Tall Fescue or Zoysia are recommended for the Zone 7b climate of Lawrence County to handle the temperature swings. Aim to start your lawn after the last spring frost on April 8 to ensure the ground is sufficiently warm. You have a solid window for growth before the first frost typically hits on October 31.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lawrence County's county score?
Lawrence 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 Lawrence County rank among counties in Tennessee?
Lawrence County ranks #35 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 Lawrence County, Tennessee?
The median annual property tax in Lawrence County is $940, with an effective tax rate of 0.53%. This earns Lawrence County a tax score of 82.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Lawrence County?
The median household income in Lawrence County, Tennessee is $53,233 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Lawrence County earns an income score of 21.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Lawrence County, Tennessee a good place to live?
Lawrence County scores 53.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #35 in Tennessee. The best way to evaluate Lawrence 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 Lawrence 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.