countyscore
55.6
County Score
Property Tax 94.3Disaster Risk 87.3Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About Meigs County, Tennessee

Meigs County Scores Above National Median

Meigs County delivers a composite score of 55.6, placing it solidly above the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a high standard of living for its size and rural character.

Ranking Above the Tennessee State Average

The county's 55.6 composite score is significantly higher than the Tennessee average of 51.3. It ranks among the more desirable rural counties in the state due to its risk profile and tax structure.

Resilient Environment and Low Taxes

The county shines with a risk score of 87.3, indicating high resilience to environmental hazards, and a tax score of 94.3. Affordable housing further boosts the profile with a cost score of 70.3 and a median home value of $185,500.

Safety and Economic Development Needs

Public safety is a primary concern with a score of 19.9, the lowest for the county. Economic indicators also trail, with an income score of 33.9 and a median household income of $58,395.

Ideal for Quiet, Low-Risk Living

Meigs County is an excellent fit for those seeking a safe haven from natural disasters and high taxes in a rural setting. It appeals most to self-employed individuals or retirees who do not rely on local job markets.

2040608010094.370.319.931.859.833.987.38662.9Tax94.3Cost70.3Safety19.9Health31.8Schools59.8Income33.9Risk87.3Water86Weather62.955.6/100
This county
National avg
4 above average3 below average

Meigs County DNA

Foverall

How Meigs County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Meigs County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Property Tax (94.3/100) but notably weak in Safety (19.9/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
94.3+42.3
Cost
70.3+22.299999999999997
Safety
19.9-35.1
Health
31.8-18.2
Schools
59.8
Income
33.9-17.1
Risk
87.3+40.3
Water
86+28
Weather
62.9
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$185,500

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$845/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$185,500/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$33,800/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.2x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $58,395/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

7.6

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Nearby counties

Rhea County
Tennessee
50.1
McMinn County
Tennessee
45.2
Bledsoe County
Tennessee
60.4
Bradley County
Tennessee
43.5
Roane County
Tennessee
53
Hamilton County
Tennessee
35.7
Polk County
Tennessee
55.2
Cumberland County
Tennessee
51.2

Deep Dives

Meigs County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Meigs County

via TaxByCounty

Meigs County taxes rank exceptionally low

Meigs County's 0.392% effective tax rate places it in the bottom 10% of U.S. counties, less than half the national median of 0.96%. The $727 median property tax is only 27% of the national median of $2,690.

Significantly below Tennessee average

Meigs County's 0.392% rate is 23% lower than Tennessee's 0.511% state average, ranking it among the lowest-taxed counties statewide. The $727 median tax is 28% below the state median of $1,016.

Competitive with lowest-tax peers

Meigs County's 0.392% rate is virtually identical to McNairy County (0.390%) and just above McMinn County (0.371%), placing it among the region's most tax-friendly counties. Its $727 median tax is comparable to the regional low-tax cohort.

Median home costs about $727 yearly

On a typical Meigs County home worth $185,500, you'll pay approximately $727 in annual property taxes. That's roughly $61 per month—a minimal burden compared to most American counties.

Check your assessment for accuracy

Property overassessment affects homeowners even in low-tax counties like Meigs, and filing an appeal is completely free. Verifying your home's assessed value could help you capture additional savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Meigs County

via CostByCounty

Meigs matches state averages, beats national norms

Meigs County renters spend 17.4% of their income on housing, slightly below Tennessee's state average of 17.6% and well below national norms. The median household income of $58,395 falls below national averages, yet housing costs remain proportionally affordable.

Meigs sits at the state's affordability waterline

With a 17.4% rent-to-income ratio, Meigs County ranks nearly at Tennessee's state average of 17.6%, placing it in the middle of the state's affordability spectrum. The median rent of $845 is competitive with neighboring counties and 2% below the state median.

Balanced position between cheaper and pricier peers

Meigs' $845 median rent sits between McMinn County's $792 and Monroe County's $699—wait, actually Monroe is cheaper—reflecting mixed housing markets in this region. Ownership costs of $564 are among the lowest regionally, making Meigs attractive for buyers despite modest rental appeal.

Ownership stands out as real value proposition

Renters pay $845 while owners pay just $564 monthly from a median household income of $58,395. This 33% gap between rental and ownership costs suggests strong homeownership value, with owner costs consuming only 12% of household income.

Meigs appeals most to aspiring homeowners

If you're ready to buy, Meigs County's low monthly ownership costs ($564) and median home values ($185,500) offer exceptional value for budget-conscious relocaters. Renters may find more competitive rates in neighboring Monroe or McMinn counties.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Meigs County

via IncomeByCounty

Meigs County trails the national income median

Meigs County's median household income of $58,395 falls $16,360 short of the national median of $74,755, placing it in the lower-middle income category. Per capita income of $30,197 also lags the state average of $31,458 by 4%, indicating limited earning power across the county.

Below state average in household earnings

Meigs County earns $599 less than the Tennessee state average of $58,994, placing it just barely below the state norm. While close to state averages, the county still signals economic challenges requiring workforce development and employment diversification.

Middling income among region's counties

Meigs County's $58,395 income positions it near the regional midpoint—above McNairy County ($50,714) and Monroe County ($56,648) but well below Marshall County ($70,829). The county faces moderate income pressure compared to wealthier neighbors like Maury and Montgomery counties.

Housing costs require careful budgeting

Meigs County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.4% puts housing costs above typical comfort levels, signaling budget strain for median-income households. A median home value of $185,500 remains relatively accessible, though down payments and monthly obligations require disciplined financial planning.

Build wealth through deliberate planning

With incomes below both state and national averages, Meigs County residents should prioritize budgeting and savings discipline. Consider first-time homebuyer programs to leverage affordable property values, explore employer retirement matching, and seek higher-wage employment paths to accelerate wealth accumulation.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Meigs County

via CrimeByCounty

Total Crime Stays Below National Average

Meigs County sees 2,087.4 total crimes per 100,000 residents, keeping it safer than the national average of 2,385.5. The county's safety score of 96.7 reflects a generally secure rural environment.

Safety Score Consistent with State Trends

At 96.7, Meigs County is just a fraction below the state average safety score of 97.2. Two reporting agencies provide the data that shapes this profile of a typical Tennessee rural community.

Comparing Meigs to Nearby Counties

Meigs is significantly safer than neighboring McMinn County, which struggles with a much higher rate of 3,186.9. It closely mirrors Monroe County’s safety profile, making it a competitive choice for the area.

Violent Crime Rate Requires Attention

While property crime is lower than the national average at 1,503.2, the violent crime rate of 584.2 exceeds both state and national norms. This suggests that while theft is less common, reported violent incidents are more frequent per capita.

Rural Security and Personal Safety

Residents should focus on home security to keep property crime rates low, especially in isolated areas. Motion-activated lights and strong locks serve as effective deterrents against opportunistic intruders.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Meigs County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Close-Knit Rural School System

Meigs County features a streamlined education system with just four schools serving 1,751 students. The infrastructure includes two elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school, ensuring a tight-knit community feel for every grade level.

Leading the State in Graduation Rates

Meigs County achieves an elite 97.0% graduation rate, which is one of the highest in the state and far above the 87.0% national average. A school score of 55.8 reflects high quality, supported by a per-pupil expenditure of $6,369.

Single District Total Focus

All 1,751 students are served by the Meigs County school district, which maintains a 100% traditional public school model. With no charter schools, the district focuses its entire $6,369 per-pupil investment into its four core campuses.

Purely Rural Educational Experience

Every school in Meigs County is classified as rural, offering students a consistent environment throughout their education. Meigs County High School is the largest campus with 538 students, maintaining a manageable and personal learning atmosphere.

Peaceful Living with Exceptional Schools

Families seeking a quiet lifestyle without sacrificing school quality find Meigs County to be a hidden gem. With a near-perfect graduation rate, the area is increasingly attractive to home buyers looking for long-term educational stability.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Meigs County

via RiskByCounty

Meigs County among Tennessee's safest

Meigs County's composite risk score of 12.72 ranks it among the very safest counties in Tennessee, far below the state average of 52.45. This exceptionally low profile reflects minimal overlap of natural disaster hazards relative to national norms.

One of Tennessee's lowest-risk counties

Meigs County ranks near the bottom of Tennessee's disaster risk spectrum, competing with Moore County as the state's safest communities. Its risk score of 12.72 places it in the "very low" category with minimal hazard exposure statewide.

By far the safest in its region

Meigs County (12.72) stands dramatically safer than neighboring McMinn County (60.24) and Monroe County (60.91), representing a rare pocket of low-risk real estate. This exceptional safety profile distinguishes it sharply from surrounding counties.

Earthquake is the only moderate concern

Meigs County's earthquake risk at 65.62 is its highest exposure, though still moderate by state standards; all other hazards score well below state averages. Tornado risk (35.56), flood risk (21.28), and wildfire risk (32.25) remain manageable.

Focus earthquake coverage; standard policies suffice

Meigs County residents can likely rely on standard homeowners insurance for most hazards, but should add earthquake coverage given the moderate seismic exposure. The county's overall low-risk status means fewer specialized policies are needed compared to higher-hazard areas.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Meigs County

via WaterByCounty

Perfect Compliance Grade for Meigs County

Meigs County maintains a Grade A for drinking water, reporting zero health violations in the past five years. Its 0.0 violation rate per 100,000 residents is much lower than the state average of 34.6.

Significant Watershed Impairment in Meigs

Over 69% of the 39 assessed water bodies fail to meet Clean Water Act standards, more than double the state average. E. coli and loss of riparian vegetation are the top drivers of these impairments.

Focused Monitoring on Nutrient Levels

Environmental agencies maintain 28 monitoring sites, recording 3,377 measurements over a five-year span. Efforts are largely centered on nutrient and physical properties to track the health of local creeks.

Sewee Creek Flow is Critically Low

Sewee Creek near Decatur shows a current discharge of 28 cfs, which is only 15% of its 194 cfs long-term mean. This low flow suggests that pollutants may be more concentrated in the current stream volume.

Managing High Bacteria Risks locally

With nearly 70% of waters impaired by E. coli, residents should use caution around surface water. Protecting the remaining stream-side vegetation is essential for filtering runoff and reducing bacteria levels.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Meigs County

via WeatherByCounty

Temperate Conditions Above National Averages

Meigs County has an annual average temperature of 58.4°F, which is warmer than the national median of 55°F. The region experiences a humid temperate climate with distinct seasonal shifts.

In Line With Tennessee State Norms

Meigs County's average temperature of 58.4°F is nearly identical to the Tennessee state average of 58.1°F. It represents the quintessential Middle Tennessee climate profile.

Damp Conditions Compared to the State

The county receives 57.6 inches of rain annually, which is slightly higher than the state average of 55.9 inches. While it is cooler than McNairy, it is significantly warmer than Morgan County to its north.

Hot Summers and Occasional Winter Flurries

The county sees 46 extreme heat days annually and a July average of 78.0°F. Winter brings a modest 3.3 inches of snow, providing occasional coverage without long-term accumulation.

Prepare for Humidity and Variable Winters

Dehumidifiers are helpful during the 46 days of extreme heat to maintain indoor comfort. Residents should also keep a snow shovel handy for the occasional three-inch winter events.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Meigs County

via SoilByCounty

Strong soil health and high acidity

Meigs County earns a high soil score of 50.2, significantly outperforming the state average of 38.5. The pH level sits at 5.25, which is more acidic than the national median of 6.5 but typical for the Tennessee Valley.

A balanced texture for diverse use

The soil consists of 44.6% silt, 28.7% sand, and 20.3% clay. This well-balanced distribution provides a stable structure that resists erosion while remaining easy enough to work for both farming and gardening.

Exceptional organic matter for Meigs growers

Meigs County stands out with 6.54% organic matter, nearly triple the state average of 2.44%. Combined with an available water capacity of 0.171 in/in—matching the state average—this soil offers superior nutrient cycling and biological resilience.

Hydrology in a high-organic landscape

Official drainage classifications are missing for Meigs, but the high organic matter typically improves soil structure and infiltration. Landowners should find that their soil holds onto moisture effectively without becoming as easily waterlogged as pure clay soils.

Abundant potential in Zone 7b

The rich organic reserves in Meigs County make it a premier spot for heirloom vegetables and high-yield gardens in Zone 7b. Residents are encouraged to start a garden, as the soil's natural fertility provides a significant head start for most crops.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Meigs County

via LawnByCounty

Meigs County Lawn Difficulty Breakdown

Meigs County scores a 36.6 on the lawn difficulty scale, placing it well below the state average of 48.0. Maintaining a healthy lawn in this Zone 7b region requires navigating significant climate and soil hurdles.

High Rainfall and Steady Summer Heat

The area receives 57.6 inches of annual precipitation, which is nearly 8 inches more than the ideal upper limit for lawns. Combined with 46 extreme heat days, this creates a humid environment where fungal diseases can easily take hold.

Addressing Nutrient Locks in Acidic Soil

The soil pH of 5.25 is significantly lower than the ideal 6.0 to 7.0 range, which can lock up essential nutrients. Homeowners should focus on soil testing and applying lime to ensure the 20.3% clay content doesn't become too compacted.

Enduring Severe Drought Challenges

Over the past year, Meigs County has spent 26 weeks in drought, with 98.3% of the area currently in severe drought. Prioritizing water for new plantings and letting established grass go dormant is often the best strategy.

Capitalizing on the Zone 7b Window

Bermudagrass and Fescue mixtures work well here once the danger of the April 10 frost has passed. Be sure to finalize your lawn care tasks before the first fall frost, which typically arrives on October 27.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Meigs County's county score?
Meigs County, Tennessee has a composite county score of 55.6 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 Meigs County rank among counties in Tennessee?
Meigs County ranks #24 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 Meigs County, Tennessee?
The median annual property tax in Meigs County is $727, with an effective tax rate of 0.39%. This earns Meigs County a tax score of 94.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Meigs County?
The median household income in Meigs County, Tennessee is $58,395 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Meigs County earns an income score of 33.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Meigs County, Tennessee a good place to live?
Meigs County scores 55.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #24 in Tennessee. The best way to evaluate Meigs 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 Meigs County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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