countyscore
51.9
County Score
Property Tax 90.9Cost of Living 82.8Weather & Climate 62.3

County Report Card

About Monroe County, Tennessee

Monroe County Slightly Bests the Median

Monroe County earns a composite score of 51.9, placing it just above the national median of 50.0. This indicates a quality of life that is competitive with many suburban and rural areas across the country.

Competitive Within the State of Tennessee

The county sits slightly above the Tennessee state average composite score of 51.3. It offers a balanced profile that aligns closely with the state's broader performance metrics.

Exceptional Tax and Housing Value

The tax score of 90.9 and cost score of 82.8 are the county's standout features. With a median gross rent of only $699, it provides some of the best housing value in the region.

Healthcare and Safety Infrastructure Needs

The health score of 20.3 and safety score of 23.9 suggest significant room for improvement in local services. Additionally, the income score of 29.2 reflects a median household income of $56,648, which lags state standards.

A Strong Choice for Budget Renters

Monroe County is a prime destination for individuals prioritizing low monthly expenses and low property taxes. It is best suited for those who are comfortable with more limited access to advanced healthcare and urban safety infrastructure.

Score breakdown

Tax90.9Cost82.8Safety23.9Health20.3Schools49.8Income29.2Risk39.1Water49.4Weather62.3
🏛90.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠82.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼29.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡23.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤20.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓49.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡39.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧49.4
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤62.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨33.5
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱37
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

Graham County
North Carolina
55.9
Cherokee County
North Carolina
46.9
Blount County
Tennessee
53.4
Loudon County
Tennessee
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McMinn County
Tennessee
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Polk County
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Clay County
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Roane County
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Deep Dives

Monroe County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Monroe County

via TaxByCounty

Monroe County taxes remain well below national median

Monroe County's 0.444% effective tax rate is less than half the national median of 0.96%, positioning it in the bottom 25% of U.S. counties. The $887 median tax is only 33% of the national median of $2,690.

Below Tennessee state average

Monroe County's 0.444% rate is 13% lower than Tennessee's 0.511% state average, ranking it among the lower-tax counties statewide. The $887 median tax is 13% below the state median of $1,016.

Mid-range among regional counties

Monroe County's 0.444% rate falls between the region's lowest-taxed counties (McMinn at 0.371%) and higher-taxed peers like Montgomery (0.673%). Its $887 median tax is moderate compared to neighboring counties.

Median home costs about $887 yearly

On a typical Monroe County home worth $199,700, you'll pay approximately $887 in annual property taxes. That translates to roughly $74 per month—well below national averages.

Appeal to verify your true assessment

Monroe County homeowners, like those elsewhere in Tennessee, may be overpaying due to inflated property assessments. Filing an appeal costs nothing and could reduce your tax bill if your home is overvalued.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Monroe County

via CostByCounty

Monroe delivers best affordability in the region

Monroe County renters spend just 14.8% of their income on housing—the lowest ratio in this eight-county cluster and well below the national average. Despite a median household income of $56,648 below national norms, residents enjoy exceptional housing value.

Monroe ranks among Tennessee's most affordable counties

Monroe County's 14.8% rent-to-income ratio places it in Tennessee's affordability top tier, far outpacing the state average of 17.6%. The median rent of $699 is the lowest among regional peers and 19% below the state median of $860.

Cheapest rents in the entire regional comparison

Monroe's $699 median rent undercuts even McNairy County's $706 and McMinn's $792, making it the rental bargain of the region. Median home values of $199,700 remain accessible, offering both renters and buyers strong value propositions.

Renters and owners both claim Tennessee value wins

Renters pay $699 and owners $629 monthly from a median household income of $56,648, the lowest per-capita income in this cluster. Yet both groups keep housing costs under 15% of income—a remarkable affordability achievement.

Monroe is the region's affordability winner

Whether renting or buying, Monroe County delivers the lowest housing costs and best affordability ratios in this entire regional comparison. If you're relocating on a tight budget, Monroe outperforms every neighboring county on price and value metrics.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Monroe County

via IncomeByCounty

Monroe County earns well below national average

Monroe County's median household income of $56,648 trails the national median of $74,755 by $18,107—a 24% shortfall that reflects significant economic disadvantage. Per capita income of $29,107 falls notably below the state average of $31,458, indicating limited earning potential across the community.

Below Tennessee state average income

Monroe County earns $2,346 less than the Tennessee state average of $58,994, placing it among the state's lower-income communities. This modest gap masks deeper structural employment challenges that require targeted economic development.

Second-lowest income in the regional group

Monroe County's $56,648 median income edges above only McNairy County ($50,714) in the region but lags all other comparable counties. The $17,514 gap to Maury County ($74,162) highlights stark income inequality within this rural Tennessee region.

Best housing affordability in the region

Monroe County's rent-to-income ratio of 14.8%—the lowest in this county group—keeps housing costs very manageable and well below the 30% affordability threshold. A median home value of $199,700 makes homeownership accessible for county-median households, providing a wealth-building opportunity.

Seize housing equity and income growth opportunities

Monroe County's excellent housing affordability creates an ideal window for building wealth through homeownership before prices appreciate further. Focus simultaneously on increasing household income through career advancement, skill development, and exploring remote work opportunities from higher-wage markets.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Monroe County

via CrimeByCounty

Monroe County Safer than National Average

Monroe County reports 1,916.6 crimes per 100,000 residents, a figure significantly better than the national rate of 2,385.5. This earned safety score of 97.0 places the county in a favorable position compared to much of the U.S.

Aligning Closely with Tennessee Averages

The county's safety score of 97.0 is nearly identical to the Tennessee state average of 97.2. Data from four reporting agencies indicates a stable public safety environment for the local population.

A Safer Alternative in East Tennessee

Monroe County is notably safer than neighboring McMinn County, where crime rates are over 60% higher. It also maintains a lower violent crime rate than nearby Meigs County, establishing it as a regional safety leader.

Low Violent Crime Defines Monroe

Violent crime in Monroe County is low at 348.5 per 100,000, well under the national 369.8 average. Property crime sits at 1,568.1, which is also well below the national property crime rate of 2,015.7.

Sustaining a Secure Home Environment

With relatively low property crime, simple steps like locking doors and windows are highly effective. Residents can further enhance safety by participating in neighborhood watch efforts to keep crime rates low.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Monroe County

via HealthByCounty

Monroe County Lags National Health Standards

Monroe County residents live to 70.8 years, 2 years shorter than the U.S. average of 72.8 years, signaling significant health disadvantages. With 24.2% reporting poor or fair health—well above the national 21% average—the county faces elevated rates of chronic disease and disability.

Among Tennessee's Worst Health Performers

Monroe County's 70.8-year life expectancy falls 1.6 years below Tennessee's 72.4-year state average, placing it in the lower half of state counties. The 11.8% uninsured rate nearly matches Tennessee's 11.9% state average, providing little coverage advantage.

Struggles Against Regional Health Leaders

Monroe County's 70.8 years trails Marshall (73.6) and Montgomery (74.0) by 2-3 years, though it exceeds Meigs (69.1) and McNairy (70.3). With just 19 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—the lowest in the region—Monroe residents face severe barriers to preventive care and early treatment.

Critical Primary Care Shortage

Monroe County's 19 primary care providers per 100,000 residents represent the region's worst shortage, forcing patients to travel far for routine care. The 11.8% uninsured rate means nearly 1 in 8 residents lack coverage, and with sparse primary care, delayed diagnosis and emergency-only healthcare become the norm.

Insurance Is Your Gateway to Care

Monroe County's provider shortage makes health insurance even more essential—coverage enables access to specialists and telehealth options. Visit healthcare.gov or your county health office to find affordable plans that connect you to care beyond Monroe's limited local resources.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Monroe County

via SchoolsByCounty

Extensive Education Network in East Tennessee

Monroe County hosts 17 public schools serving 6,509 students across a mix of eight elementary, five middle, and three high school campuses. The area is served by two distinct school districts, providing regional variety in school administration.

High Success Rates and Competitive Scores

With a 94.0% graduation rate, Monroe County exceeds both the state average of 93.3% and the national average of 87.0%. The county's school score of 53.9 is also above the state average, maintained by a per-pupil expenditure of $6,177.

A Choice Between Local Districts

The Monroe County district is the primary provider with 5,023 students across 13 schools, while the Sweetwater district serves 1,486 students. There are no charter schools in the county, keeping the focus on these two established local districts.

Rural Landscapes with Town Centers

The county features 12 rural schools and five town campuses, with an average school size of 383 students. Sequoyah High School is the largest at 806 students, while many primary schools offer smaller, more personalized class sizes.

Education as a Priority for Home Buyers

High graduation rates make Monroe County a strong contender for families moving to East Tennessee. Homes in Sweetwater or near Madisonville offer the best access to these top-performing local districts and diverse school settings.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Monroe County

via RiskByCounty

Monroe County faces above-average risk

Monroe County's composite risk score of 60.91 exceeds Tennessee's state average of 52.45, reflecting above-average exposure to multiple natural disaster hazards. This elevated profile warrants heightened preparedness and insurance attention.

Upper-middle risk tier in Tennessee

Monroe County ranks in the upper-middle range of Tennessee's disaster risk hierarchy, safer than Maury and Montgomery counties but riskier than Meigs and Marshall counties. Its balanced but elevated hazard mix reflects East Tennessee's complex geology and weather patterns.

Similar risk to McMinn, lower than Maury

Monroe County (60.91) poses comparable risk to neighboring McMinn County (60.24) but trails significantly behind Maury County (79.29). It substantially outranks the safety levels of Marshall County (45.42) and McNairy County (50.54).

Earthquakes and wildfires create dual threat

Monroe County faces the highest earthquake risk at 89.06 and considerable wildfire risk at 68.58, making it uniquely vulnerable to ground instability and forest fires. Tornado risk (63.77), flood risk (65.08), and hurricane risk (60.33) add multiple concurrent hazards.

Earthquake and wildfire coverage critical

Monroe County residents should prioritize earthquake insurance and verify wildfire coverage—especially those with forested properties—as these represent the county's top dual hazards. Flood insurance and comprehensive wind protection should complete a robust coverage strategy.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Monroe County

via WeatherByCounty

Warm Eastern Tennessee Plateaus

Monroe County averages 59.2°F annually, placing it several degrees above the national median temperature of 55°F. It features a humid subtropical climate typical of the Southern Appalachian foothills.

One of East Tennessee's Warmer Spots

At 59.2°F, Monroe County is over a full degree warmer than the Tennessee state average of 58.1°F. This puts it among the warmer tier of counties in the eastern portion of the state.

Similar Rainfall to State Averages

Monroe receives 55.3 inches of rain, which is very close to the Tennessee average of 55.9 inches. It experiences significantly more extreme heat days than neighboring Morgan County.

Nearly Two Months of Extreme Heat

Monroe records 55 days a year with temperatures hitting 90°F or higher. Winters stay relatively mild with 2.8 inches of snow and a January average of 39.2°F.

Energy Audits for Summer Efficiency

With 55 heat days, checking home insulation can significantly reduce summer cooling costs. Winter planning should focus on ice prep rather than heavy snow, given the low 2.8-inch average.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Monroe County

via SoilByCounty

Inceptisols of the Appalachian foothills

Monroe County soils belong to the Inceptisols order and have an average pH of 5.29. This level is slightly more acidic than the state average of 5.35 and falls well below the national target of 6.5 for most garden plants.

Productive silt loam textures in Monroe

The soil is classified as a silt loam, containing 46.0% silt, 31.8% sand, and 22.1% clay. This texture is highly valued by farmers because it balances the moisture-holding ability of clay with the easy drainage and aeration of sand.

Below average fertility and water storage

With an organic matter content of 1.80%, Monroe falls short of the Tennessee average of 2.44%. The available water capacity is also slightly lower at 0.167 in/in, suggesting that soil amendments are necessary to improve long-term productivity.

Moderate drainage in hydrologic group C

Monroe's soils are moderately well drained but fall into hydrologic group C, indicating somewhat slow infiltration rates. This combination means the soil stays moist after rain, which can be beneficial for crops but may delay spring planting during wet years.

Diverse opportunities in Zone 7b

This silt loam supports a wide range of agriculture in Zone 7b, from commercial timber to backyard berry patches. Adding organic mulch will help compensate for the lower water capacity and naturally acidic conditions to ensure gardening success.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Monroe County

via LawnByCounty

Navigating Monroe County's Tough Lawn Conditions

Monroe County receives a lawn difficulty score of 37.0, indicating it is harder to maintain a lawn here than the state average of 48.0. Residents in this Zone 7b area face unique challenges with high heat and acidic soils.

Intense Heat and Moderate Rainfall

With 55 extreme heat days annually, the local climate is much warmer than the state average of 36 days. The 55.3 inches of rain provides good hydration, but the high number of growing degree days means lawns grow very fast in the peak of summer.

Managing Silt Loam and Soil Acidity

The soil is a moderately well-drained silt loam, but a low pH of 5.29 can inhibit grass growth. Since the ideal pH is 6.0 or higher, you will likely need lime applications to make the most of your fertilizer.

Water Conservation During Severe Drought

Monroe County has spent 24 weeks in drought over the last year, with 87.6% of the area currently in a severe drought stage. Implementing a rainwater harvesting system or using smart controllers can help preserve your lawn during these dry periods.

Best Timing for Monroe County Lawns

Wait until after the April 13 spring frost to start new grass, focusing on heat-tolerant varieties like Zoysia or Bermuda. The season generally winds down as the first fall frost approaches on October 24.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Monroe County's county score?
Monroe County, Tennessee has a composite county score of 51.9 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 Monroe County rank among counties in Tennessee?
Monroe County ranks #48 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 Monroe County, Tennessee?
The median annual property tax in Monroe County is $887, with an effective tax rate of 0.44%. This earns Monroe County a tax score of 90.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Monroe County?
The median household income in Monroe County, Tennessee is $56,648 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Monroe County earns an income score of 29.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Monroe County, Tennessee a good place to live?
Monroe County scores 51.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #48 in Tennessee. The best way to evaluate Monroe 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 Monroe 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.