CountyScore

McNairy County

Tennessee · TN

#34 in Tennessee
71.4
County Score

County Report Card

About McNairy County, Tennessee

McNairy County ranks highest nationally

McNairy County's composite score of 79.6 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by nearly 30 points, placing it among the strongest counties nationwide. This exceptional ranking reflects standout value across tax and housing dimensions.

Best-ranked in this Tennessee group

McNairy County's 79.6 score edges out Tennessee's state average of 76.3 by 3.3 points, placing it among the state's highest-performing counties. This top-tier position indicates superior livability compared to typical Tennessee communities.

Unmatched affordability and low taxes

McNairy County boasts the best affordability score at 86.7 with median home values of just $151,100 and rents at $706 monthly, combined with a tax score of 91.3 and 0.390% effective tax rate. This exceptional combination delivers maximum value for budget-conscious residents.

Lowest income level constrains growth

The county's income score of 16.5 is the lowest in this group, with median household income of $50,714 significantly trailing peers and state averages. Limited data on safety, health, and schools leaves important livability factors unmeasured.

Best for ultra-budget-conscious households

McNairy County suits retirees on fixed incomes, remote workers, and families seeking the absolute lowest cost of living in Tennessee. The exceptional affordability and minimal taxes create comfortable circumstances on lower incomes, though limited wage growth may constrain those seeking career advancement.

Score breakdown

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

Tax91.3Cost86.7SafetyComing SoonHealth56.7SchoolsComing SoonIncome16.5Risk49.5WaterComing Soon
🏛91.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠86.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼16.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤56.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡49.5
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 McNairy County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Tallapoosa County
Alabama
71.4
Median income: $57,185
Van Buren County
Arkansas
71.4
Median income: $47,266
Audubon County
Iowa
71.4
Median income: $54,152
Butler County
Iowa
71.4
Median income: $69,651
Jones County
Iowa
71.4
Median income: $73,071

Deep Dives

McNairy County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in McNairy County

via TaxByCounty

McNairy County taxes rank among America's lowest

McNairy County's 0.390% effective tax rate places it in the bottom 10% nationally, less than half the U.S. median of 0.96%. The $589 median property tax is only 22% of the national median of $2,690.

Well below Tennessee state average

McNairy County's 0.390% rate is 24% lower than Tennessee's 0.511% average, ranking it near the bottom statewide. The $589 median tax falls 42% below the state median of $1,016.

Second-lowest taxes in the region

McNairy County's 0.390% rate ranks second-lowest regionally, just above McMinn County's 0.371% but below Meigs County (0.392%). Its $589 median tax is the lowest dollar amount among all neighboring counties.

Median home costs just $589 yearly

On a typical McNairy County home worth $151,100, you'll pay approximately $589 in annual property taxes. That's roughly $49 per month—among the most affordable in America.

Appeal your assessment if overvalued

Even in counties with minimal tax burdens, overassessment happens and appeals are free to file. McNairy County homeowners should verify their assessments aren't inflating their already-low bills unnecessarily.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in McNairy County

via CostByCounty

McNairy stretches budgets but keeps costs low

McNairy County renters spend 16.7% of income on housing—competitive with national norms and close to the state average of 17.6%. However, the median household income of $50,714 lags the national average by $24,041, making even affordable rents a larger budget burden.

McNairy holds middle ground in state rankings

McNairy County's 16.7% rent-to-income ratio sits just below Tennessee's state average of 17.6%, placing it slightly above the middle of the pack. The $706 median rent is 18% below the state median, supporting this favorable position.

Cheapest rents in its region, lowest incomes too

McNairy's $706 median rent is the lowest among regional peers, undercutting even McMinn County's $792 and Marshall's $924. This affordability reflects limited urban development, though it correlates with lower job market diversity and incomes across the county.

Lowest costs in the region but income challenges remain

Renters pay just $706 and owners $600 monthly—the cheapest housing in this county cluster—from a median household income of $50,714. Housing costs consume roughly 25% of household income, manageable percentages that mask underlying income vulnerability.

McNairy rewards retirees and remote workers seeking value

McNairy's rock-bottom housing costs make it ideal for fixed-income households or remote workers relocating from high-cost metros. If you're price-sensitive and don't depend on local wages, McNairy's rental and ownership markets offer unmatched regional value.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in McNairy County

via IncomeByCounty

McNairy County faces significant income gap

McNairy County's median household income of $50,714 trails the national median of $74,755 by $24,041—a 32% shortfall that ranks it among America's lower-income counties. Per capita income of $26,747 falls well below the state average of $31,458, indicating economic stress across the community.

Lowest-earning county in Tennessee sample

McNairy County earns $8,280 less than the Tennessee state average of $58,994, making it one of the state's lowest-income communities. This 14% gap signals limited employment opportunities and lower skill-wage alignment in the local economy.

Struggling compared to surrounding counties

McNairy County's $50,714 median income is $9,960 below McMinn County ($59,674) and $19,451 below Marshall County ($70,829). The gap to the region's leader, Maury County ($74,162), reaches $23,448—making McNairy the region's most economically challenged community.

Housing affordable despite low incomes

McNairy County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.7% keeps housing costs manageable and below the 30% affordability ceiling. A median home value of $151,100—the lowest in the region—ensures that homeownership remains within reach for households earning the county median.

Prioritize earning potential and asset building

McNairy County's significantly below-average incomes require intentional wealth-building strategies to close the financial gap. Consider skills-based training in high-demand fields, remote work opportunities from outside employers, and maximize your position in affordable housing to build equity.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in McNairy County

via HealthByCounty

McNairy County Faces Serious Health Crisis

McNairy County residents live to just 70.3 years, 2.5 years shorter than the U.S. average of 72.8 years, marking some of the worst longevity in America. With 23.8% reporting poor or fair health—well above the national 21% average—and 13% uninsured, the county faces compounding health emergencies.

Lowest Life Expectancy in Tennessee

McNairy County ranks among Tennessee's worst performers with a 70.3-year life expectancy, 2.1 years below the state average of 72.4 years. At 13% uninsured, the county also exceeds Tennessee's 11.9% state average, leaving residents with both shorter lives and less insurance protection.

Worst Health Outcomes in Region

McNairy County's 70.3 years represents the lowest life expectancy among peers: Marshall (73.6), McMinn (71.3), and Monroe (70.8) all outperform McNairy. The 13% uninsured rate and 43 primary care providers per 100K suggest systemic gaps in both coverage and provider infrastructure.

Critical Uninsured Crisis Compounds Problems

McNairy County's 13% uninsured rate—the highest among comparison counties—means 1 in 8 residents lack health coverage, driving delayed care and worse outcomes. With 43 primary care providers per 100K and 138 mental health providers, supply exists, but lack of insurance prevents many from accessing it.

Urgent: Get Health Coverage Today

McNairy County's 13% uninsured rate demands immediate action—enrolling in Medicaid or a Marketplace plan could save your life. Contact your county health department or visit healthcare.gov to explore free or low-cost coverage options available now.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in McNairy County

via RiskByCounty

McNairy County near state average risk

McNairy County's composite risk score of 50.54 closely mirrors Tennessee's state average of 52.45, placing it squarely in the relatively low-to-moderate hazard range. This balanced profile suggests moderate but not extreme disaster vulnerability.

Average risk profile for Tennessee

McNairy County's risk score positions it near the middle of Tennessee's county rankings, with many counties above and below its exposure level. Its hazard mix reflects the state's typical vulnerability pattern without extreme concentration in any single threat.

Less risky than Maury, more than Marshall

McNairy County (50.54) ranks below high-risk neighbors like Maury County (79.29) and Monroe County (60.91), but slightly higher than Marshall County (45.42). Its risk profile places it comfortably in the middle ground of the region.

Earthquake and hurricane risks stand out

McNairy County faces its highest hazard exposure from earthquakes at 90.27 and hurricanes at 57.28, reflecting the county's seismic vulnerability and distance-based storm exposure. Tornado risk (60.27) and flood risk (33.30) complete a moderate but diverse threat landscape.

Prioritize earthquake and wind coverage

McNairy County residents should ensure earthquake insurance is part of their protection strategy, given the county's 90.27 seismic risk score. Wind and hurricane coverage, while less critical than in coastal areas, should be included in comprehensive homeowners policies.

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.