countyscore
45.2
County Score
Property Tax 95.4Water Quality 86Weather & Climate 67.8

County Report Card

About McMinn County, Tennessee

McMinn County Below National Average

A composite score of 45.2 places McMinn County in the lower half of national rankings compared to the 50.0 median. While it provides strong value in specific areas, its overall profile is constrained by public service metrics.

Trailing the Tennessee State Average

McMinn County sits approximately 6 points below the Tennessee average composite score of 51.3. This puts it in the middle-to-lower tier of counties across the state's diverse landscape.

Leading the State in Tax Relief

With a near-perfect tax score of 95.4, the county offers one of the lowest tax burdens in the region. Housing is also highly affordable, carrying a cost score of 63.8 with median home values under $191,000.

Critical Gaps in Safety and Income

The safety score of 6.5 is a major outlier, indicating significant room for improvement in crime or emergency response. Economic mobility also remains a challenge, with an income score of 38.0 and a median household income of $59,674.

A Value Choice for Budget Conscious

McMinn County is best suited for retirees or individuals on a fixed income who prioritize extremely low taxes and affordable housing. Those relocating here should be mindful of lower safety ratings and economic growth constraints.

Score breakdown

Tax95.4Cost63.8Safety6.5Health28.8Schools29.6Income38Risk39.8Water86Weather67.8
🏛95.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠63.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼38
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡6.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤28.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓29.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡39.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤67.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨44.2
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱31.1
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

Meigs County
Tennessee
55.6
Rhea County
Tennessee
50.1
Polk County
Tennessee
55.2
Bradley County
Tennessee
43.5
Monroe County
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Loudon County
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Roane County
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Bledsoe County
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Deep Dives

McMinn County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in McMinn County

via TaxByCounty

McMinn County has lowest taxes in the nation

McMinn County's 0.371% effective tax rate ranks in the bottom 5% of all U.S. counties, less than half the national median of 0.96%. The median tax of just $707 is barely a quarter of the national median of $2,690.

Substantially below Tennessee average

McMinn County's 0.371% rate is 27% lower than Tennessee's 0.511% state average, making it one of the lowest-taxed counties in the state. The $707 median tax is about 30% below the state median of $1,016.

Lowest-taxed county in the region

McMinn County's 0.371% effective rate is the lowest among all regional peers, beating McNairy County (0.390%) and Meigs County (0.392%). Its $707 median tax is significantly lower than any neighboring county.

Median home costs just $707 yearly

On a typical McMinn County home worth $190,400, you'll pay approximately $707 in annual property taxes. That's roughly $59 per month—among the lowest tax burdens in America.

Even low-tax counties have assessment issues

Even in a low-tax county like McMinn, some homeowners may be paying more than necessary due to inflated assessments. An appeal is free and could provide meaningful relief on your tax bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in McMinn County

via CostByCounty

McMinn offers rare affordability below national norms

McMinn County renters spend just 15.9% of their income on housing, beating the national average and the state average of 17.6%. With a median household income of $59,674 below the national average of $74,755, residents still enjoy favorable housing costs.

McMinn ranks among Tennessee's most affordable

McMinn County's 15.9% rent-to-income ratio places it in the state's more affordable quarter, competing favorably against most other Tennessee counties. The median rent of $792 is 8% below the state median, reflecting strong supply-demand balance.

Cheaper rents than Marshall, similar affordability

McMinn's $792 median rent edges below Marshall County's $924 and sits well below regional peers like Maury and Montgomery. Homeownership is equally accessible: owners pay $746 monthly against median home values of $190,400.

Housing costs stabilize despite lower incomes

Renters spend $792 and owners $746 monthly from a median household income of $59,674. Together, these costs consume roughly 26% of household income, a manageable share that reflects McMinn's strong housing value proposition.

McMinn rewards cost-conscious relocaters everywhere

If housing affordability tops your relocation checklist, McMinn delivers some of Tennessee's lowest rents and ownership costs without sacrificing income stability. Stack it against any neighboring county and McMinn holds its own on price and value.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in McMinn County

via IncomeByCounty

McMinn County lags the national income median

McMinn County's median household income of $59,674 falls $15,081 short of the national median of $74,755, placing it in the lower-middle income bracket nationally. Per capita income of $30,669 remains below the state average of $31,458, indicating limited earning power relative to peers.

Below Tennessee average but stable

McMinn County earns $614 less than the state average of $58,994, reflecting economic challenges common to rural Tennessee. However, the community remains close to state norms, suggesting opportunity for targeted income growth through workforce development.

Outearning poorer counties, trailing wealthier ones

McMinn County's $59,674 income beats McNairy County ($50,714) and Monroe County ($56,648) but trails Marshall County ($70,829) and Maury County ($74,162). Regional income inequality ranges from $50,714 to $74,162—a 46% spread that reflects uneven economic development.

Housing remains affordable in McMinn

McMinn County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.9% keeps housing costs comfortably below the 30% threshold, supporting affordability. A median home value of $190,400 makes homeownership accessible for households at the county median income level.

Focus on income growth and skill-building

McMinn County households earn notably less than the national average, making income growth a priority for long-term wealth building. Invest in professional development, explore higher-wage employment sectors, and take advantage of affordable housing to build equity while costs remain low.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in McMinn County

via CrimeByCounty

McMinn County Faces Higher Crime Volumes

At 3,186.9 incidents per 100,000 residents, McMinn County sits well above the national average crime rate of 2,385.5. The county holds a safety score of 95.0, reflecting more frequent criminal activity than typical U.S. counties.

Safety Levels Trail Tennessee Averages

McMinn's safety score of 95.0 is notably lower than the Tennessee state average of 97.2. Local authorities across seven reporting agencies manage a higher caseload of incidents than many of their state counterparts.

A Regional High in Reported Incidents

McMinn County experiences more crime than nearby Meigs County, which reports a lower rate of 2,087.4. It also tracks higher than Monroe County, creating a distinct safety profile for this East Tennessee corridor.

Property Offenses Shape Local Safety Profile

Property crime is the primary concern here, with a rate of 2,703.1 compared to the violent crime rate of 483.8. In practical terms, residents are far more likely to experience theft or burglary than a violent encounter.

Securing Your Property in McMinn

Given the high property crime rate, double-checking locks and utilizing security cameras is essential. Community watch programs can also help reduce the incidence of opportunistic theft in residential areas.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in McMinn County

via HealthByCounty

McMinn County Below National Health Average

McMinn County residents live to 71.3 years, 1.5 years shorter than the U.S. average of 72.8 years, signaling elevated health risks. One in five McMinn residents (20%) report poor or fair health, tracking slightly below the national 21% average, but the shorter life expectancy suggests serious underlying concerns.

Bottom Quarter of Tennessee Counties

McMinn County's 71.3-year life expectancy falls 1.1 years below Tennessee's 72.4-year state average, placing it in the state's lower-performing health tier. The 12.2% uninsured rate also exceeds the state's 11.9%, leaving more residents without insurance coverage.

Struggles Against Regional Peers

McMinn County's 71.3 years ranks last among its neighbors: Marshall (73.6), Monroe (70.8), and Meigs (69.1) offer mixed comparison, but Maury County's 75.1 years highlights McMinn's health disadvantage. The county's 50 primary care providers per 100K show adequate supply, but 12.2% uninsured means access remains limited for many.

Moderate Provider Access, Uninsured Gap

McMinn County has 50 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, meeting basic needs but trailing leading counties like Maury (49 per 100K for comparable quality). The 12.2% uninsured rate—nearly 1 in 8 residents—means significant barriers to preventive care even where doctors exist.

Find Affordable Health Insurance Now

With 12.2% of McMinn County uninsured, enrollment in the Tennessee Marketplace or Medicaid could transform your health outcomes and access to care. Visit healthcare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE to explore subsidized plans and coverage options available this year.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in McMinn County

via SchoolsByCounty

Diverse District Options in East Tennessee

McMinn County features 15 public schools serving a total of 7,370 students through a mix of elementary and high school facilities. The landscape is unique for its three distinct school districts, offering families localized educational choices within the county.

Resilient Graduation Rates and Steady Investment

The county reports an 89.0% graduation rate, outpacing the national average of 87.0%. With per-pupil spending at $6,023, the county closely approaches the state average of $6,215, resulting in a solid composite school score of 50.9.

Three Districts Serving Local Communities

The McMinn County district is the largest with 5,225 students, followed by Athens with 1,802 students and Etowah with 343 students. This multi-district structure provides targeted local administration without any charter schools in the mix.

Town and Country Educational Mix

Schools are divided between town and rural locales, with McMinn High School serving as the largest hub with 1,408 students. The average school size is 491 students, providing a mix of larger secondary campuses and smaller primary schools like Riceville Elementary.

Find Your Community in McMinn

With three different districts to choose from, home buyers can find a school environment that fits their specific needs. Whether you prefer the town setting of Athens or a rural retreat, McMinn County offers stable school performance for growing families.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in McMinn County

via RiskByCounty

McMinn County above state average risk

McMinn County's composite risk score of 60.24 exceeds Tennessee's state average of 52.45, indicating above-average exposure to natural hazards. This elevated profile places the county in the moderate-to-higher risk tier nationally.

Mid-tier risk among Tennessee counties

McMinn County ranks in the middle range of Tennessee's disaster risk profile, safer than Maury and Montgomery counties but riskier than Marshall and Meigs counties. Its mixed hazard exposure reflects vulnerabilities common to East Tennessee's varied terrain.

Riskier than nearby Marshall County

McMinn County (60.24) faces notably higher risk than neighboring Marshall County (45.42) and McNairy County (50.54), though it trails Maury County (79.29). Monroe County (60.91) poses similar risk, making this region split between lower and higher-hazard areas.

Earthquakes, tornadoes, and floods threaten

McMinn County contends with earthquake risk at 88.90, tornado risk at 71.25, and flood risk at 62.63—a convergence of serious hazards. Wildfire risk (49.24) adds another layer of concern, particularly in forested areas during dry seasons.

Comprehensive insurance is non-negotiable

McMinn County residents should carry earthquake insurance, flood coverage, and enhanced wind protection, as these hazards pose genuine threats. Those in flood-prone areas should consider elevated coverage limits or structural improvements like foundation anchoring.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in McMinn County

via WeatherByCounty

A Pleasant and Wet Valley Climate

McMinn County averages 58.8°F annually, reflecting a warmer-than-average national profile. This region is notably wet, receiving 60.4 inches of annual precipitation, which is well above the national median.

Beating the State Average in Rainfall

While McMinn's temperature of 58.8°F is close to the state average of 58.1°F, it is much wetter than most of Tennessee. The county receives 60.4 inches of rain annually, compared to the state average of 55.9 inches.

Lower Heat Than West Tennessee Peers

McMinn is cooler in the summer than Madison County, recording 39 extreme heat days compared to Madison’s 60. It maintains a similar winter profile to Loudon County with roughly 3.6 to 4 inches of snow.

Humid Summers and Chilly Januarys

July averages 77.9°F, supported by 39 days of extreme heat that drive local humidity. Winter sees a January average of 38.4°F and 3.6 inches of snow, providing a true four-season experience.

Managing High Moisture and Occasional Snow

Residents must focus on moisture control and mold prevention given the 60.4 inches of annual rain. It is also wise to keep a snow shovel and salt on hand for the 3.6 inches of expected winter accumulation.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in McMinn County

via SoilByCounty

Highly acidic soil with exceptional organic life

McMinn County features a very low average pH of 4.69, making it significantly more acidic than both the state average of 5.35 and the national median of 6.5. Despite this acidity, the county maintains a strong soil score of 44.2, outperforming the state average of 38.5.

A balanced mix with higher sand content

The soil contains 39.6% silt and 29.5% sand, offering better natural drainage and easier tilling than many neighboring counties. With a clay percentage of 18.2%, the soil resists heavy compaction while still holding enough nutrients for vigorous plant growth.

Record-breaking organic matter levels

McMinn boasts a staggering 14.24% organic matter content, nearly six times the Tennessee state average of 2.44%. While available water capacity is slightly lower than the state average at 0.154 in/in, the massive organic reserves provide an incredible foundation for biological health.

Managing drainage in McMinn's unique terrain

Specific drainage and hydrologic group data are unavailable, but the high sand and organic content suggest a soil that handles moisture differently than standard Tennessee clay. Landowners should monitor for rapid nutrient leaching due to the high sand and acidic conditions.

Acid-loving plants thrive in Zone 7b

The low pH and high organic matter in McMinn are perfect for acid-loving crops like blueberries, azaleas, and potatoes. Gardeners in this 7b zone should take advantage of the rich soil by using mulch to stabilize the slightly lower water capacity.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in McMinn County

via LawnByCounty

Navigating Difficult Growth in McMinn County

With a lawn difficulty score of 31.1, McMinn County is one of the most challenging places in the state for turf maintenance. This score is considerably lower than the Tennessee average of 48.0, indicating a need for specialized care in Zone 7b.

Wet Climate and Steady Growing Degrees

The county receives a high 60.4 inches of annual precipitation, which can leach nutrients from the soil quickly. Despite having 39 extreme heat days, the 4,495 growing degree days ensure that mowing remains a constant summer task.

Overcoming Highly Acidic Soil Conditions

The soil pH here is 4.69, which is critically low compared to the ideal 6.0 range for healthy lawns. This extreme acidity limits nutrient availability, making heavy lime amendments the first priority for any local lawn project.

Surviving Severe Drought Cycles

The county has faced 27 weeks in drought over the last year, and 100% of the area currently sits in a severe drought stage. During these times, focus on keeping the grass alive through dormant watering rather than trying to maintain a lush green look.

Resilient Grass Choices for McMinn

Tough warm-season grasses like Zoysia offer the best chance of surviving local drought and acidity. Start your projects after the April 6 frost to take advantage of the long growing window before the October 31 fall frost.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is McMinn County's county score?
McMinn County, Tennessee has a composite county score of 45.2 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 McMinn County rank among counties in Tennessee?
McMinn County ranks #74 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 McMinn County, Tennessee?
The median annual property tax in McMinn County is $707, with an effective tax rate of 0.37%. This earns McMinn County a tax score of 95.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in McMinn County?
The median household income in McMinn County, Tennessee is $59,674 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. McMinn County earns an income score of 38/100 on CountyScore.
Is McMinn County, Tennessee a good place to live?
McMinn County scores 45.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #74 in Tennessee. The best way to evaluate McMinn 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 McMinn 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.