countyscore
49.5
County Score
Water Quality 86Property Tax 81.3Income & Jobs 68.4

County Report Card

About Marshall County, Tennessee

Marshall County Aligns with the National Median

With a composite score of 49.5, Marshall County sits almost exactly at the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a balanced middle-of-the-road profile compared to over 3,000 counties across the United States.

Slightly Below the Tennessee State Average

Marshall County trails the Tennessee state average composite score of 51.3 by nearly two points. While it is competitive, it ranks in the middle tier of counties within the Volunteer State.

Exceptional Water Quality and Tax Advantages

The county boasts a remarkable water score of 86.0 and a strong tax score of 81.3. Residents benefit from an efficient effective tax rate of just 0.542% while earning a median household income of $70,829.

Healthcare Access and Safety are Priorities

Healthcare outcomes remain a significant challenge with a health score of 32.0, well below other dimensions. Safety and school scores also lag at 39.0 and 44.1 respectively, suggesting areas where local infrastructure could improve.

A Fit for Tax-Conscious Commuters

This county is ideal for middle-income families who prioritize low property taxes and manageable housing costs, where the median rent is $924. It suits those who may look toward neighboring areas for specialized health services or private schooling options.

Score breakdown

Tax81.3Cost40.2Safety39Health32Schools44.1Income68.4Risk54.6Water86Weather61.1
🏛81.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠40.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼68.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡39
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤32
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓44.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡54.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤61.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨43.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱45
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

Bedford County
Tennessee
40.8
Lincoln County
Tennessee
55.5
Maury County
Tennessee
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Moore County
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Giles County
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Rutherford County
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Williamson County
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Deep Dives

Marshall County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

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.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Marshall County

via CrimeByCounty

Marshall County Outperforms National Safety Benchmarks

Marshall County maintains a total crime rate of 1,388.6 per 100,000 residents, which is significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5. The county earns an impressive safety score of 97.8, marking it as a secure community compared to the rest of the country.

A Top Performer in Tennessee Safety

With a safety score of 97.8, Marshall County exceeds the Tennessee state average of 97.2. This performance suggests the county is one of the more stable regions in the state regarding public safety.

Safer than Its Northern Neighbors

Marshall County is substantially safer than neighboring Maury County, where the crime rate reaches 2,316.6 per 100,000. Marshall residents experience nearly 40% less total crime than those in the Maury area.

Property Crimes Drive Most Local Incidents

Property crime accounts for 1,029.9 incidents per 100,000, while the violent crime rate remains low at 358.7. These figures translate to a peaceful environment where violent offenses are below the national average of 369.8.

Preserving Your Piece of Marshall County

While safety scores are high, residents should remain proactive by securing homes and outbuildings. Simple measures like motion-sensor lighting can deter property crime in more rural areas.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

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.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Marshall County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Consolidated Rural Education Framework

Marshall County operates a focused network of 10 public schools serving 5,406 students under a single unified district. The infrastructure is evenly balanced with four elementary schools, three middle schools, and three high schools providing a clear path from kindergarten to graduation.

High Graduation Rates with Efficient Spending

The county achieves an impressive 94.0% graduation rate, surpassing both the Tennessee state average of 93.3% and the national benchmark of 87.0%. While per-pupil expenditure of $5,608 is lower than the state average, the 52.6 school score indicates performance that remains competitive with the state median.

One District Leading the Way

The Marshall County school district manages all 5,406 students in the region across its 10 campuses. There are currently no charter schools in the county, meaning public education is centrally managed through traditional district-run facilities.

Rural Roots and Mid-Sized Campuses

With six rural schools and four town-based campuses, the local education experience is defined by small-town accessibility and open spaces. Marshall Co High School is the largest campus with 815 students, while Oak Grove Elementary offers a more intimate setting with 471 students.

Settle Near Top-Tier Graduation Rates

Families looking for high-achieving rural schools often target homes near Chapel Hill or Lewisburg to access these high-performing districts. School quality remains a primary driver for home values in this growing corridor between Nashville and Huntsville.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Marshall County

via WeatherByCounty

Consistent Warmth in Central Tennessee

Marshall County averages 59.0°F annually, several degrees warmer than the national median. It receives 56.1 inches of precipitation, fitting the profile of a fertile, humid subtropical environment.

Mirroring Tennessee's Core Climate

Marshall's 59.0°F annual temperature and 56.1 inches of rain are nearly identical to the Tennessee state averages of 58.1°F and 55.9 inches. This makes it an ideal benchmark for Middle Tennessee weather.

Higher Heat Intensity Than Neighbors

With 58 extreme heat days, Marshall is hotter than nearby Loudon and Lincoln counties during the summer. However, it sees almost no snow, with an annual average of just 0.9 inches.

A Long Summer and Little Snow

July averages 78.8°F, but the real story is the 58 days of extreme heat over 90°F. Winter remains dry and mild, with a January average of 38.3°F and less than an inch of snow per year.

Focusing on Heat and Water Storage

With 58 days of extreme heat, high-efficiency cooling is critical for home comfort and safety. The near-total lack of snow means residents can focus their seasonal maintenance on heat prep and summer storm drainage.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Marshall County

via SoilByCounty

Slightly acidic but above state average pH

Marshall County's soil maintains a pH of 5.61, which is more alkaline than the Tennessee state average of 5.35 but remains below the national median of 6.5. While taxonomic data is currently unavailable, the county's respectable soil score of 43.6 suggests a solid foundation for agriculture.

A silt-dominant mix for Marshall soils

The soil composition features 54.0% silt and 23.8% clay, creating a heavy texture that retains moisture well. With 19.3% sand, the mix offers moderate workability but requires careful management to avoid compaction during wet seasons.

Strong water retention despite lower organic matter

The organic matter content sits at 1.96%, falling below the state average of 2.44%. However, the available water capacity of 0.173 in/in exceeds the state benchmark, ensuring crops have reliable access to moisture during dry spells.

Managing water in Marshall's silty terrain

While specific drainage classes are not currently recorded for this county, the high silt content typically suggests slow to moderate permeability. Farmers and builders should monitor local water tables, as the heavy composition can lead to ponding after heavy Tennessee rains.

Productive growing in Hardiness Zone 7b

Marshall County sits in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b, where the silty soil supports successful yields of corn, soybeans, and winter wheat. This environment is perfect for home gardeners to start a vegetable patch with hardy brassicas or summer nightshades.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Marshall County

via LawnByCounty

Managing Marshall County's Mid-Range Lawn Difficulty

Marshall County earns a lawn difficulty score of 45.0, sitting just below the Tennessee average of 48.0 and the national median of 50.0. As a Hardiness Zone 7b region, it offers a moderate environment that still requires attentive seasonal care.

High Heat and Heavy Rain Define Growth

With 58 extreme heat days per year, local grass faces significant stress compared to the state average of 36 days. The 56.1 inches of annual precipitation exceeds the ideal 30-50 inch range, requiring careful drainage management to prevent root rot.

Amending Acidic Soil for Better Turf

The local soil pH of 5.61 is more acidic than the ideal 6.0-7.0 range for most turfgrasses. With 23.8% clay and 19.3% sand, homeowners typically need to apply lime regularly to balance the soil chemistry for nutrient uptake.

Battling Dry Spells in Middle Tennessee

The county spent 14 weeks in drought over the last year, and currently, 100% of the area is abnormally dry. Deep watering once or twice a week is more effective than daily light sprinkles for building resilient root systems.

Timing Your Turf for Zone 7b Success

Bermudagrass and Tall Fescue are top choices for this climate, provided they are established after the last frost on April 14. Ensure your lawn is fully prepared before the first fall frost arrives around October 22.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Marshall County's county score?
Marshall County, Tennessee has a composite county score of 49.5 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 Marshall County rank among counties in Tennessee?
Marshall County ranks #60 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 Marshall County, Tennessee?
The median annual property tax in Marshall County is $1,334, with an effective tax rate of 0.54%. This earns Marshall County a tax score of 81.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Marshall County?
The median household income in Marshall County, Tennessee is $70,829 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Marshall County earns an income score of 68.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Marshall County, Tennessee a good place to live?
Marshall County scores 49.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #60 in Tennessee. The best way to evaluate Marshall 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 Marshall 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.