Marshall County

Tennessee · TN

#49 in Tennessee
70.4
County Score

County Report Card

About Marshall County, Tennessee

Marshall County scores well nationally

With a composite score of 75.4, Marshall County ranks well above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top half of U.S. counties. This 50+ point advantage reflects particularly strong performance in tax and housing affordability relative to national standards.

Slightly below Tennessee average

Marshall County's 75.4 score falls just below Tennessee's state average of 76.3, placing it in the middle tier among the state's counties. The narrow 0.9-point gap suggests comparable livability to most of its peers statewide.

Excels in taxes and housing

Marshall County shines in tax burden with a score of 87.0 and an effective tax rate of just 0.542%, combined with solid affordability at 78.2 with median home values around $246,100. Median household income of $70,829 provides reasonable earning power for the cost of living in the area.

Income growth lags behind peers

The county's income score of 29.6 represents a notable weakness, significantly trailing state averages and limiting long-term wealth building for residents. Data on safety, health, schools, and water quality remain unavailable, leaving gaps in the full livability picture.

Best for budget-conscious families

Marshall County suits families and retirees prioritizing low taxes and affordable housing over high incomes and urban amenities. The combination of tax efficiency and reasonable housing costs creates a stable foundation, though limited income growth may challenge those seeking significant career advancement.

Score breakdown

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

Tax87Cost78.2SafetyComing SoonHealth62.3SchoolsComing SoonIncome29.6Risk54.6WaterComing Soon
🏛87
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠78.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼29.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
62.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
54.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Deep Dives

Marshall County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Marshall County

via TaxByCounty

Marshall County taxes far below national average

Homeowners here pay an effective rate of 0.542%, nearly half the national median of 0.96%, placing Marshall County in the bottom 20% of U.S. counties by tax burden. The median property tax of $1,334 is less than half the national median of $2,690, even though home values are comparable to the nation.

Slightly above Tennessee average

Marshall County's 0.542% effective rate runs 6% higher than Tennessee's state average of 0.511%, ranking it in the middle tier statewide. The median tax bill of $1,334 exceeds the state median by $318, reflecting the county's moderate tax burden.

Mid-range among regional peers

Marshall County sits between Moore County (0.483%) and Montgomery County (0.673%) in tax rates, offering a moderate balance for the region. Its $1,334 median tax is higher than McNairy County's $589 but lower than Maury County's $1,476.

Median home costs about $1,334 yearly

On a typical Marshall County home worth $246,100, you'll pay approximately $1,334 in annual property taxes. That's roughly $111 per month—a manageable burden compared to most American counties.

Check if your home is overassessed

Many Tennessee homeowners discover their properties are valued higher than market reality, leading to inflated tax bills. Appealing your assessment costs nothing and could lower your tax obligation significantly—it's worth checking in Marshall County.

Cost of Living in Marshall County

via CostByCounty

Marshall rents eat up less than national share

Renters in Marshall County spend 15.7% of their income on housing, well below the national benchmark of roughly 18%. The median household income of $70,829 is slightly below the national average of $74,755, yet housing costs remain manageable.

Marshall outperforms most Tennessee counties

Marshall County's 15.7% rent-to-income ratio ranks better than Tennessee's state average of 17.6%, placing it in the more affordable half of the state's counties. This favorable position reflects both competitive rents and solid local incomes.

More affordable than nearby Maury County

Marshall's median rent of $924 is 23% lower than Maury County's $1,206, though both counties sit in the same region. Marshall households also benefit from lower homeownership costs: $885 monthly versus Maury's $1,103.

Housing costs split evenly for owners and renters

Renters pay $924 monthly while owners spend $885, both pulling from a median household income of $70,829. Together, these costs consume roughly 26% of household income when averaged across both groups.

Marshall offers solid affordability for renters

If you're relocating and prioritize manageable rents, Marshall County delivers competitive rates and a favorable rent-to-income ratio. Compare this stability against higher-cost neighbors like Maury and Montgomery counties in your relocation decision.

Income & Jobs in Marshall County

via IncomeByCounty

Marshall County earns above the national median

Marshall County's median household income of $70,829 falls just below the national median of $74,755, placing it in the upper-middle income tier nationally. The county's per capita income of $35,984 also outpaces the state average of $31,458 by 14%, signaling stronger earning power across the county.

Top earner among Tennessee counties

Marshall County ranks well above the Tennessee state average of $58,994, earning $11,835 more per household annually. This 20% advantage over the state average positions Marshall as one of Tennessee's stronger income communities.

Outearning similar rural Tennessee counties

Marshall County's $70,829 median income beats neighboring McMinn County ($59,674) and McNairy County ($50,714) by significant margins. Compared to Maury County ($74,162) and Montgomery County ($72,365), Marshall remains competitive in the region's income hierarchy.

Housing costs are very manageable here

With a rent-to-income ratio of 15.7%, Marshall County households spend well below the 30% affordability threshold, keeping housing costs firmly under control. A median home value of $246,100 remains accessible for households earning the county median, supporting long-term wealth building through homeownership.

Build on Marshall's income advantage

Marshall County's above-average incomes and affordable housing create an ideal foundation for savings and investment. Consider maximizing retirement accounts, exploring homeownership opportunities before appreciation accelerates, and consulting a financial advisor to lock in gains during this strong earnings period.

Health in Marshall County

via HealthByCounty

Marshall County Outpaces National Health

Marshall County residents live to 73.6 years on average, nearly a year longer than the U.S. average of 72.8 years. Yet one in four Marshall County residents (23.1%) report poor or fair health, slightly above the national average of 21%, signaling health challenges persist despite longevity gains.

Health Advantage Over Tennessee

Marshall County ranks well within Tennessee, with a life expectancy of 73.6 years—1.2 years above the state average of 72.4 years. The county's uninsured rate of 10.7% also beats Tennessee's 11.9% state average, giving residents better baseline coverage.

Stronger Than Surrounding Counties

Marshall County's 73.6-year life expectancy leads its neighbors: McMinn County (71.3), McNairy County (70.3), and Monroe County (70.8) all lag behind. With 17 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, Marshall falls short of Maury County's 49 per 100K, highlighting a gap in preventive care access.

Mental Health Support Available

Marshall County's 73 mental health providers per 100,000 residents offer solid psychiatric support compared to many rural Tennessee counties. The 10.7% uninsured rate means roughly 1 in 10 residents still lack coverage, and with just 17 primary care doctors per 100K, many face long waits for routine care.

Check Your Health Insurance Options

If you're among the 10.7% of Marshall County residents without insurance, open enrollment through the Tennessee Marketplace or Medicaid could provide affordable coverage. Visit healthcare.gov or your county health department to explore plans that fit your budget and health needs.

Disaster Risk in Marshall County

via RiskByCounty

Marshall County's moderate risk profile

Marshall County's composite risk score of 45.42 places it below Tennessee's state average of 52.45, indicating relatively low overall disaster risk. This rating suggests the county faces fewer compounded hazards compared to the typical U.S. county, though localized risks remain worth monitoring.

Below average risk in Tennessee

Among Tennessee's counties, Marshall County ranks in the lower half for composite disaster risk at 45.42, considerably safer than high-risk peers like Montgomery County. Its risk profile is driven more by seismic and tornado exposure than by flood or wildfire concerns.

Safer than surrounding counties

Marshall County's risk score of 45.42 is notably lower than neighboring Maury County (79.29) and McMinn County (60.24), making it one of the quieter regions in its part of the state. Adjacent McNairy County (50.54) poses slightly higher risk, while Marshall remains a relative refuge.

Earthquakes and tornadoes loom largest

Marshall County faces its highest earthquake risk at 75.80 and tornado risk at 76.24—both well above the state baseline. While flood risk (49.75) and wildfire risk (20.83) remain manageable, the combination of seismic and severe weather events deserves preparation and awareness.

Secure coverage for seismic and wind events

Given Marshall County's elevated earthquake and tornado exposure, homeowners should ensure their policies include earthquake coverage and verify wind/hail protections. Standard homeowners insurance typically excludes earthquakes, making a separate policy a smart investment in this county.

ByCounty Network

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