CountyScore

Lincoln County

Tennessee · TN

#36 in Tennessee
71.3
County Score

County Report Card

About Lincoln County, Tennessee

Top-Tier Livability Nationwide

Lincoln County scores 77.8 on the composite index, 56% above the national median of 50.0. The county ranks among the best-performing counties across the United States for livability.

Tennessee's Strongest in This Group

Lincoln County leads these eight counties with a composite score of 77.8, exceeding Tennessee's state average of 76.3. The county ranks in the top tier of livability among Tennessee's 95 counties.

Highest Income Plus Excellent Tax Rate

Lincoln County stands out with the highest income score (24.6) among these eight counties, reflecting a median household income of $63,115—a 28% premium over Lauderdale County. A tax score of 88.9 and minimal 0.474% effective tax rate round out exceptional fiscal conditions.

Housing Costs Rising with Income Growth

The cost score of 82.7, while strong, is the lowest in this cohort, with median home values at $209,100 reflecting the county's income advantage. Safety, health, school quality, and environmental data are not yet available.

Ideal for Affluent Families Seeking Balance

Lincoln County attracts higher-earning families seeking low taxes, reasonable housing relative to income, and a prosperous county economy. The combination of strong incomes and fiscal efficiency makes it Tennessee's best choice among these eight counties for families prioritizing economic stability.

Score breakdown

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

Tax88.9Cost82.7SafetyComing SoonHealth64.1SchoolsComing SoonIncome24.6Risk41.1WaterComing Soon
🏛88.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠82.7
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
❤64.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡41.1
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 Lincoln County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Barbour County
Alabama
71.3
Median income: $44,290
Marengo County
Alabama
71.3
Median income: $44,205
Clark County
Arkansas
71.3
Median income: $50,985
Jefferson County
Florida
71.3
Median income: $56,984
Lafayette County
Florida
71.3
Median income: $60,692

Deep Dives

Lincoln County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Lincoln County

via TaxByCounty

Lincoln ranks among lowest-tax counties

Lincoln County's effective tax rate of 0.474% ranks in the lowest tier nationally, well below the U.S. median of 0.22%. Despite higher-than-average home values at $209,100, the county keeps tax bills modest at $991 annually.

Well below Tennessee average

Lincoln County boasts one of Tennessee's lowest effective tax rates at 0.474%—nearly 7% below the state average of 0.511%. This positions the county as a tax-friendly destination within the state.

Among the lowest in the region

Lincoln's 0.474% rate is one of the lowest among its peers, outpacing Marion County (0.444%) and significantly lower than Lauderdale County (0.662%). The county offers substantial tax relief for homeowners in Middle Tennessee.

Under $1,000 on $209K median home

Lincoln County homeowners with the median-value property of $209,100 pay $991 annually—just shy of the state average bill despite moderately valued homes. This favorable rate makes Lincoln attractive for budget-conscious homebuyers.

Appeal if your assessment seems high

Even in low-tax counties, overassessments happen and are worth challenging. Lincoln County residents should ensure their assessed value reflects true market conditions, not inflated county appraisals.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Lincoln County

via CostByCounty

Lincoln County: Affluent and affordably housed

Lincoln County's rent-to-income ratio of 14.9% ranks among the nation's most affordable, well below both the national average and Tennessee's 17.6% state benchmark. With a median income of $63,115—closer to the national average than most rural Tennessee counties—residents enjoy genuine housing security.

Best-affordability county in Tennessee sample

Lincoln ranks at the top tier of Tennessee counties for housing affordability, with a rent-to-income ratio that dramatically undercuts the state average of 17.6%. The county's higher median income of $63,115 combined with reasonable rents creates the strongest financial position in this eight-county comparison.

Wealthier than surrounding rural counties

Lincoln's $63,115 median income and $782 rent place it firmly above the Lauderdale-Lawrence-Lewis cluster to the north, offering more financial stability. The median home value of $209,100 reflects stronger property appreciation potential than the poorer neighbors.

Lowest housing burden among eight counties

Renters pay $782 monthly while homeowners spend $766—nearly equal costs that consume just 14.9% and 14.5% of income respectively. This leaves residents substantially more discretionary income than their peers in rural Tennessee, supporting a higher quality of life.

Affordable small-town living with stronger incomes

Lincoln County offers the rare combination of genuine small-town affordability and above-average household incomes, making it ideal for relocators seeking balance. If you want rural authenticity without financial stress, Lincoln outpaces its neighbors on every affordability metric.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Lincoln County

via IncomeByCounty

Lincoln County closes the income gap

Lincoln County's median household income of $63,115 trails the national median of $74,755 by $11,640—a narrower gap than most rural Tennessee counties. The county's per capita income of $34,761 suggests a more educated, professional workforce than neighboring rural areas.

Above Tennessee's state income average

At $63,115, Lincoln County's median household income exceeds Tennessee's state average of $58,994 by $4,121, ranking it in the upper-middle tier statewide. This performance reflects a stronger local economy with manufacturing, education, and government employment.

Strong performer among peer counties

Lincoln County's $63,115 median significantly outpaces the lower-income western counties (Lauderdale, Lawrence, Lewis) and holds its own against Madison and Marion. Only Loudon County ($80,296) substantially exceeds Lincoln's earnings in this regional grouping.

Excellent affordability supports wealth building

Lincoln County's 14.9% rent-to-income ratio is among the region's best, freeing significant household resources for savings and investment. With a median home value of $209,100, homeownership remains realistic for dual-income households earning the county median.

Lincoln households can accelerate wealth creation

With $63,115 median income and strong housing affordability, Lincoln County families have meaningful capacity to invest in retirement, education, and home equity. A household saving just $200–$300 monthly can accumulate over $100,000 in a traditional IRA or 401(k) within two decades.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Lincoln County

via HealthByCounty

Life expectancy near national average locally

Lincoln County residents live an average of 72.2 years, remaining within 4.2 years of the U.S. life expectancy of 76.4 years. Only 19.3% of adults report poor or fair health—the lowest rate among the eight-county sample and well below the national average of about 18%. This positions Lincoln County as a relative health performer in the region.

Nearly matches Tennessee's state average

At 72.2 years, Lincoln County's life expectancy nearly aligns with Tennessee's state average of 72.4 years, falling just 0.2 years short. The 19.3% poor/fair health rate is the healthiest in this county cluster and reflects stronger overall population health. Lincoln County stands among Tennessee's better-performing counties on these key metrics.

Strong provider access supports better outcomes

Lincoln County provides 42 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, well above neighbors like Lauderdale and Lewis counties' 16 per 100K. Mental health provider availability at 39 per 100,000 is solid and supports mental healthcare access. This combination of adequate providers and better health outcomes suggests a functional healthcare system.

Low uninsured rate and good provider supply

Lincoln County's uninsured rate of 11.1% is the lowest among these eight counties and below Tennessee's state average of 11.9%. With 42 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, most residents can access routine care relatively easily. This combination of coverage and access helps explain the county's stronger health outcomes.

Maintain your health with consistent coverage

Even in Lincoln County's relatively healthy environment, maintaining health insurance ensures you can access preventive care year-round. If you're among the 11% of residents without coverage, Healthcare.gov offers affordable options in minutes. Consistent coverage supports the long-term health that Lincoln County is building.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Lincoln County

via RiskByCounty

Lincoln County faces moderate risk

Lincoln County scores 58.91 on the composite risk index with a Relatively Low rating, but this exceeds Tennessee's average of 52.45 by 6.5 points. The county's risk is distributed across tornado, flood, and earthquake hazards.

Middle-of-pack risk in Tennessee

Lincoln County ranks near the median among Tennessee's counties for natural disaster risk. Its composite score places it slightly above average relative to state peers, driven by solid tornado and flood exposure.

Similar risk to Lawrence and Marion

Lincoln County's 58.91 score closely mirrors Lawrence (69.66) and Marion (58.24) counties to the north, making this a moderately consistent risk zone in south-central Tennessee. All three counties face meaningful tornado and flood threats.

Tornadoes and floods pose real threats

Tornadoes are your primary risk at 85.56, followed closely by flood exposure at 57.00—both above state averages. Earthquakes also register notable concern at 80.44, creating a three-tiered hazard landscape.

Combine flood and storm insurance

Flood insurance is important for Lincoln County given its 57.00 flood risk; obtain a separate policy through the National Flood Insurance Program. Ensure comprehensive windstorm and hail coverage rounds out your tornado protection.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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