countyscore
52.7
County Score
Disaster Risk 86.1Water Quality 86Property Tax 85.3

County Report Card

About Lewis County, Tennessee

Steady performance above national average

Lewis County earns a composite score of 52.7, comfortably beating the national median of 50.0. This makes it a reliable choice for residents seeking a standard of living above the U.S. midpoint.

Beating the Tennessee state average

The county's score of 52.7 sits higher than the Tennessee state average of 51.3. This performance is largely anchored by exceptional scores in environmental risk and tax policy.

Low risk and low taxes

Lewis County is remarkably resilient with a risk score of 86.1 and a tax score of 85.3. An effective tax rate of 0.504% ensures that homeowners keep more of their earnings.

Low earnings and health scores

The county's main weaknesses are its income score of 13.3 and health score of 13.7. With a median household income of $49,477, local economic growth remains a primary area for development.

A sanctuary for remote workers

Lewis County is best for retirees or remote workers who don't rely on the local job market. It offers a secure, low-tax lifestyle in a geographically stable area.

Score breakdown

Tax85.3Cost73.7Safety40.3Health13.7Schools41.1Income13.3Risk86.1Water86Weather73.5
🏛85.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠73.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼13.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡40.3
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤13.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓41.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡86.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤73.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨35.2
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱45.7
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

Hickman County
Tennessee
45.5
Lawrence County
Tennessee
53.8
Maury County
Tennessee
40.7
Perry County
Tennessee
68.2
Wayne County
Tennessee
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Giles County
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Decatur County
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Humphreys County
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52.2

Deep Dives

Lewis County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Lewis County

via TaxByCounty

Lewis keeps taxes below national median

At 0.504%, Lewis County's effective tax rate sits firmly below the national median of 0.22%, placing it in the lower half nationally. The county achieves this while maintaining a median home value of $157,800, well below the U.S. median of $281,900.

Slightly below Tennessee average

Lewis County ranks near the middle of Tennessee's 95 counties, with an effective rate of 0.504% that's fractionally below the state average of 0.511%. This modest difference means Lewis homeowners enjoy a minor tax advantage over many state peers.

Competitive with nearby counties

Lewis County's 0.504% rate is virtually tied with Lawrence County (0.532%) and lower than Lauderdale County (0.662%) to the west. The county offers a reasonable tax environment compared to its regional peers.

Median tax on $158K home

Lewis County homeowners pay approximately $795 annually on a median-value home worth $157,800. This bill is notably lower than Tennessee's state average tax of $1,016, reflecting both modest home values and a restrained tax rate.

Still worth checking your assessment

Even in lower-tax counties, property assessments sometimes overstate home values based on outdated comparables or administrative error. Lewis County residents should request a reassessment review if they suspect their home is overvalued.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Lewis County

via CostByCounty

Lewis matches national housing affordability norms

At 17.8% of income spent on rent, Lewis County residents shoulder slightly more burden than the national average but nearly match Tennessee's 17.6% state ratio. The median income of $49,477 is significantly below the national $74,755, yet modest rents of $735 monthly keep affordability reasonable.

Middle-tier affordability in Tennessee rankings

Lewis ranks near the state average for housing burden, with a rent-to-income ratio of 17.8% that sits just above Tennessee's 17.6% benchmark. The county maintains this balance through low rents that offset below-average incomes.

Nearly identical to Lauderdale and Lawrence peers

Lewis's $735 rent sits just $1 below Lawrence and $6 below Lauderdale, cementing this rural cluster as Tennessee's most uniformly affordable region. However, Lewis's median home value of $157,800 positions it between the two neighbors, offering mid-range property investment.

Rents and mortgages remain tightly aligned

Monthly rent at $735 nearly mirrors the $701 homeowner cost, with housing consuming roughly 18% of the typical $49,477 annual household income. This modest burden leaves room for other expenses in a county where affordability is the primary economic advantage.

Rock-bottom housing for rural lifestyle seekers

Lewis County delivers among Tennessee's cheapest rental and ownership options without sacrificing regional stability or growth. If you value affordability over urban amenities, Lewis competes favorably with Lauderdale and Lawrence for cost-conscious relocators.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Lewis County

via IncomeByCounty

Lewis County income significantly below U.S.

Lewis County's median household income of $49,477 trails the national median of $74,755 by $25,278, reflecting the economic realities of rural middle Tennessee. The county ranks in the bottom quartile nationally despite a per capita income of $29,149.

Lowest-earning county in this analysis

At $49,477, Lewis County ties with Lauderdale for the lowest median household income among these eight counties, sitting $9,517 below Tennessee's state average. The county's economy appears constrained by limited employment diversity and wage-paying industries.

Among the region's lower-income counties

Lewis County's $49,477 median ranks near the bottom of neighboring counties, exceeded by Lawrence ($53,233), Lincoln ($63,115), and significantly below Loudon ($80,296). Only Lauderdale County ($49,205) shows comparable income levels in this grouping.

Housing affordability eases budget strain

Lewis County's 17.8% rent-to-income ratio mirrors Lauderdale's, keeping housing costs within healthy affordability limits despite lower median income. The median home value of $157,800 remains attainable for local households, though slower appreciation may limit wealth-building through homeownership.

Maximize savings despite modest earnings

Lewis County households earning $49,477 can leverage low housing costs to build emergency funds and retirement savings. Starting with automatic transfers to high-yield savings accounts ensures consistent wealth accumulation without relying on discretionary income.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Lewis County

via CrimeByCounty

Lewis County Boasts High Safety Score

Lewis County earns a safety score of 97.9, indicating a very secure living environment compared to national trends. The total crime rate of 1,361.1 per 100,000 is roughly 43% lower than the national average of 2,385.5. Residents benefit from significantly lower crime frequency than the typical American community.

Exceeding Tennessee's Average Safety Standards

The county's safety score of 97.9 beats the Tennessee state average of 97.2. Its total crime rate of 1,361.1 per 100,000 is also much lower than the statewide average of 1,785.6. Two reporting agencies manage the county's public safety, maintaining a strong track record of low incident rates.

Regional Comparison Shows Low Crime

Lewis County's crime rate of 1,361.1 per 100,000 is slightly higher than neighboring Lawrence County's 1,282.1, yet both remain very safe. Compared to Lauderdale County's 2,673.7, Lewis County offers a much more tranquil environment. The data highlights a stable safety profile across this part of Tennessee.

Violent Crime Remains Exceptionally Low

Violent crime in Lewis County occurs at a rate of 182.0 per 100,000, less than half the national average of 369.8. Property crime is more prevalent at 1,179.1 per 100,000, though this is still well below the national level of 2,015.7. Most reported incidents involve theft or property damage rather than physical harm.

Safeguarding Property in Lewis County

Since property crime makes up the bulk of local incidents, securing entry points and garages is a smart move. Simple deterrents like alarm systems can further reduce the already low risk of burglary. Cooperation with the two local reporting agencies helps keep neighborhood crime rates at these impressively low levels.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Lewis County

via HealthByCounty

Life expectancy trails national standard by four years

Lewis County residents live an average of 71.5 years, compared to the U.S. life expectancy of 76.4 years—a gap of 4.9 years. About 26% of adults report poor or fair health, well above the national average of 18%. These health disparities reflect challenges in accessing preventive care and managing chronic conditions.

Below Tennessee average despite rural character

Lewis County's life expectancy of 71.5 years falls 0.9 years below Tennessee's 72.4-year state average. The county's 26.4% poor/fair health rate ranks in the lower half of Tennessee counties, indicating concentrated health challenges. Rural geography compounds barriers to healthcare access that affect long-term health outcomes.

Limited provider access across all specialties

Lewis County's 16 primary care providers per 100,000 residents matches the lowest rate in this region, alongside Lauderdale County. Mental health provider availability at 46 per 100,000 is moderate but trails Lawrence County's 95 per 100,000 significantly. These shortages mean residents often travel considerable distances for specialized care.

High uninsured rate strains healthcare access

Lewis County's uninsured rate of 14.4% is the highest among these eight counties and exceeds Tennessee's average of 11.9% by 2.5 percentage points. With only 16 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, even insured patients face long waits for appointments. The combination of limited coverage and limited providers creates significant barriers to timely care.

Take control with affordable health coverage

In Lewis County, nearly 1 in 7 residents lack health insurance—a situation that leaves families financially vulnerable. Check Healthcare.gov to see if you qualify for subsidized plans or Medicaid coverage that fits your budget. Coverage opens the door to preventive care that keeps you and your family healthier.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Lewis County

via SchoolsByCounty

Lewis County's Focused School System

Lewis County maintains a streamlined education system with four total public schools serving 1,698 students. The county provides two elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school. This compact infrastructure is managed by a single school district for the entire county.

Solid Performance and Regional Benchmarks

The graduation rate stands at 92.0%, which is well above the national average of 87.0% but slightly under the Tennessee average. The county spends $6,032 per student, maintaining a cost-efficient model compared to the $13,000 national benchmark. Currently, the county holds a school score of 52.5, which is competitive within the state.

The Lewis County School District

The Lewis County district oversees all 1,698 students in the county's public system. There are no charter schools, ensuring that all local resources remain focused on the four core traditional schools. This centralization fosters a close-knit community where administrators can focus on individual student needs.

Intimate Campus Settings

Schooling in Lewis County primarily takes place in town settings, with three of the four schools located in centralized areas. The average school size is 425 students, ensuring kids don't get lost in the crowd. Lewis County Elementary is the largest campus with 521 students, while the Intermediate School is the smallest with 352.

Home Buying for Education

The small scale of the Lewis County school system makes it an attractive choice for families seeking a personalized education. Finding a home here means being part of a community where the local high school and elementary schools are central landmarks. School quality remains a reliable driver for property values in this Tennessee region.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Lewis County

via RiskByCounty

Lewis County enjoys very low risk

Lewis County scores just 13.93 on the composite risk index—the lowest among these eight counties—earning a Very Low rating. At less than 27% of Tennessee's average of 52.45, Lewis is among the safest counties in the state for natural disasters.

Tennessee's safest natural disaster zone

Lewis County ranks among the lowest-risk counties statewide for composite natural disaster exposure. Its very low rating reflects minimal flood, wildfire, and hurricane threats compared to nearly all other Tennessee counties.

Significantly safer than surrounding areas

Lewis County's risk profile is dramatically lower than all adjacent counties, including Lawrence (69.66) and Lincoln (58.91) to the north and south. The county enjoys a meaningful safety advantage in central Tennessee.

Tornadoes pose modest concern

Even Lewis County's highest risk—tornadoes at 59.19—falls well below state and regional norms. Flood risk (13.33) and wildfire risk (9.38) are minimal, making this one of Tennessee's most naturally secure counties.

Standard coverage meets your needs

A standard homeowners policy is typically sufficient for Lewis County's low natural disaster risk profile. You may skip earthquake and flood insurance unless you have specific property vulnerabilities, allowing you to allocate resources to other protection priorities.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Lewis County

via WeatherByCounty

A mild subtropical interior climate

Lewis County maintains an annual average temperature of 58.4°F, which is notably warmer than the national median. This climate is typical for the interior South, featuring long growing seasons and mild winters.

Typical Tennessee temperature profile

Lewis County stays just above the state average of 58.1°F with its 58.4°F annual mean. However, it receives 57.1 inches of rain, making it wetter than the average Tennessee locale.

Moderate heat compared to neighbors

While neighboring counties may see more extreme spikes, Lewis County averages 26 days of 90°F heat per year. This is significantly lower than some West Tennessee counties that see nearly double that amount.

Warm summers and wet winters

The summer average of 75.9°F is moderated by the region's 57.1 inches of annual precipitation. Winters are soft, with January temperatures averaging 37.8°F and very little recorded snowfall.

Rain gear and cooling systems

With precipitation levels exceeding the state average, residents should prioritize roof and gutter maintenance. The 26 days of extreme heat also require reliable air conditioning through the peak of July.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Lewis County

via SoilByCounty

Challenging Acidity in Lewis Soils

The soil in Lewis County has a pH of 5.26, making it slightly more acidic than the state average of 5.35. This profile is significantly more acidic than the 6.5 national median, which can limit the availability of key nutrients for plants.

Smooth Textures with Low Sand

A composition of 61.4% silt and 18.2% clay provides a smooth, fine-textured earth that holds moisture well. The 20.4% sand content adds a moderate amount of aeration, though the high silt levels can lead to surface crusting after rain.

Steady Water Storage Potential

The Available Water Capacity of 0.173 in/in sits just above the Tennessee state average, providing reliable moisture for local flora. However, the organic matter content of 1.87% is below the state average of 2.44%, indicating a need for soil enrichment.

Understanding Silt-Driven Moisture

Formal drainage and hydrologic data are limited for this county’s profile, but the high silt concentration suggests moderate water movement. Gardeners should focus on improving surface drainage to prevent water from pooling in low-lying spots.

Planting for Success in Zone 7b

In Hardiness Zone 7b, the silty soils are well-suited for temperate crops like potatoes and fruit trees that enjoy steady moisture. Enriching your soil with organic mulch will help overcome low organic matter and keep your garden productive year-round.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Lewis County

via LawnByCounty

Moderate Lawn Challenges in Zone 7b

Lewis County has a lawn difficulty score of 45.7, sitting just below the Tennessee state average of 48.0. Maintaining a lawn here is slightly more difficult than the national average due to specific soil and moisture hurdles. However, the Zone 7b climate is suitable for a variety of popular transition-zone grasses.

High Rainfall and Managed Heat

Annual precipitation reaches 57.1 inches, surpassing the national ideal of 50 inches and requiring good drainage to prevent rot. The county sees only 26 extreme heat days, which is lower than the state average of 36, providing some relief for cool-season grasses. Mowing schedules stay busy with 4430 growing degree days pushing steady foliage production.

Managing Low pH Levels

The local soil pH is 5.26, indicating acidic conditions that may stunt grass growth without intervention. While the 18.2% clay and 20.4% sand provide a decent texture, the acidity remains the primary barrier to a healthy lawn. You will likely need to incorporate lime to raise the pH into the preferred 6.0 to 7.0 range.

Addressing Dry Conditions

Lewis County faced 17 weeks in drought over the last year, and the entire area currently sits in a D0 abnormally dry state. Even with high annual rain, these dry spells can stress lawns that aren't established with deep roots. Focus on mulch-mowing to return moisture and nitrogen back to the soil during these periods.

Seeding for the Transition Zone

Tall Fescue is a great choice for this region because it can handle the 26 days of heat while surviving the winters. Schedule your planting after the last frost on April 5 but before the summer heat intensifies. Your grass needs to be well-established before the first fall frost arrives around November 1.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lewis County's county score?
Lewis County, Tennessee has a composite county score of 52.7 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 Lewis County rank among counties in Tennessee?
Lewis County ranks #44 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 Lewis County, Tennessee?
The median annual property tax in Lewis County is $795, with an effective tax rate of 0.50%. This earns Lewis County a tax score of 85.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Lewis County?
The median household income in Lewis County, Tennessee is $49,477 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Lewis County earns an income score of 13.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Lewis County, Tennessee a good place to live?
Lewis County scores 52.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #44 in Tennessee. The best way to evaluate Lewis 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 Lewis County with other counties side by side.

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