countyscore
65.9
County Score
Disaster Risk 90.1Property Tax 87.5Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About Moore County, Tennessee

Moore County Among National Leaders

Moore County earns an impressive composite score of 65.9, far exceeding the national median of 50.0. This puts it in the top tier of counties for overall quality of life and stability nationwide.

A Top Performer in Tennessee

Surpassing the state average of 51.3 by nearly 15 points, Moore County is one of the premier living locations in Tennessee. It outperforms almost all surrounding counties in high-value composite metrics.

Low Risk and High Safety Standards

A remarkable risk score of 90.1 and a high safety score of 66.9 make this one of the most secure counties in the state. Tax benefits remain strong as well, with a tax score of 87.5 and a low 0.483% effective rate.

Steady Metrics Across the Board

Moore County has few glaring weaknesses, though its lowest scores are in health (55.4) and housing cost (57.5). Even these 'low' scores are above the national median for those specific categories.

Best for Secure Family Living

Moore County is a top-tier choice for families and retirees who prioritize safety, environmental resilience, and fiscal health. It offers a rare combination of security and affordability that is difficult to find elsewhere in the state.

2040608010087.557.566.955.457.958.490.18660.3Tax87.5Cost57.5Safety66.9Health55.4Schools57.9Income58.4Risk90.1Water86Weather60.365.9/100
This county
National avg
4 above average

Moore County DNA

D+overall

How Moore County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Moore County excels in 5 of 9 measured dimensions, led by Disaster Risk (90.1/100). A few areas trail the national average, including Schools (57.9/100).

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
87.5+35.5
Cost
57.5+9.5
Safety
66.9+11.900000000000006
Health
55.4
Schools
57.9
Income
58.4
Risk
90.1+43.099999999999994
Water
86+28
Weather
60.3
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Whether buying or refinancing in Moore County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$259,300

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$746/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$259,300/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$29,840/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.9x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $66,687/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

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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Counties with similar scores

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Ripley County
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Knox County
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Cavalier County
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Platte County
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Nearby counties

Franklin County
Tennessee
47.6
Lincoln County
Tennessee
55.5
Bedford County
Tennessee
40.8
Coffee County
Tennessee
44
Marshall County
Tennessee
49.5
Grundy County
Tennessee
47.5
Rutherford County
Tennessee
43.4
Madison County
Alabama
61.9

Deep Dives

Moore County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Moore County

via TaxByCounty

Moore County taxes run well below national median

Moore County's 0.483% effective tax rate is about half the national median of 0.96%, placing it in the bottom 20% of U.S. counties. The $1,252 median property tax is 53% lower than the national median of $2,690.

Slightly below Tennessee state average

Moore County's 0.483% rate is 5% lower than Tennessee's 0.511% state average, ranking it in the lower-middle tier statewide. The $1,252 median tax is 23% above the state median of $1,016, reflecting higher home values in the county.

Moderate taxes among regional peers

Moore County's 0.483% rate falls between Maury County (0.480%) and Marshall County (0.542%), offering competitive positioning in the region. Its $1,252 median tax is higher than the lowest-taxed counties but lower than Montgomery County.

Median home costs about $1,252 yearly

On a typical Moore County home worth $259,300, you'll pay approximately $1,252 in annual property taxes. That's roughly $104 per month—a moderate burden compared to national averages.

Check for overassessment and appeal

Moore County homeowners should verify their property assessments, as overvaluation is common across Tennessee. An appeal is free and could result in meaningful tax savings if your home is overassessed.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Moore County

via CostByCounty

Moore offers best rent affordability in the cluster

Moore County renters spend just 13.4% of their income on housing—the best ratio in this eight-county comparison and well below national norms. The median household income of $66,687 is solid, making the combination of decent wages and low rents exceptionally favorable.

Moore ranks in Tennessee's most affordable tier

Moore County's 13.4% rent-to-income ratio ranks among Tennessee's best affordability metrics, significantly beating the state average of 17.6%. The median rent of $746 sits well below the state median of $860, reflecting strong housing value.

Best rents, highest home values create paradox

Moore's $746 median rent is competitive with Monroe and McMinn, yet its median home value of $259,300 is the highest in the region. This apparent paradox reflects a small county with limited rental stock but appreciated owner-occupied homes.

Renters win big; homeowners pay premium prices

Renters pay $746 monthly while owners spend $913—a 22% premium—from a median household income of $66,687. Renters enjoy exceptional value at just 13.4% of income, while owners commit roughly 16% of household income to monthly costs.

Moore rewards renters seeking maximum affordability

If you're relocating to rent, Moore County delivers the region's lowest rent-to-income ratio and competitive monthly rates. Prospective homebuyers should note the higher home values; renters will find superior value here than in any neighboring county.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Moore County

via IncomeByCounty

Moore County's income nears the national median

Moore County's median household income of $66,687 falls $8,068 short of the national median of $74,755, placing it in the lower-middle income band. Per capita income of $37,193, however, exceeds the state average of $31,458 by 18%—signaling pockets of higher-wage employment despite the lower median.

Above-average county in Tennessee income rankings

Moore County earns $7,693 more per household than the Tennessee state average of $58,994, placing it among the state's stronger-income communities. This 13% advantage demonstrates solid employment opportunities and workforce earning power.

Middle-tier income in the regional hierarchy

Moore County's $66,687 income positions it in the regional middle—above McNairy ($50,714), Monroe ($56,648), and Meigs ($58,395), but below the top quartet of Maury ($74,162), Marshall ($70,829), and Montgomery ($72,365). The county represents a transition zone between lower and higher-income communities.

Excellent housing affordability in Moore County

Moore County's rent-to-income ratio of 13.4%—the lowest in this county group—keeps housing costs very manageable and well below the 30% affordability threshold. A median home value of $259,300 combined with moderate relative costs makes homeownership accessible despite the somewhat higher property values.

Capitalize on affordability and income strength

Moore County offers the rare combination of above-average incomes and excellent housing affordability—an ideal wealth-building environment. Secure homeownership while costs remain favorable, invest aggressively in retirement accounts, and explore higher-earning career paths to maximize long-term financial security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Moore County

via CrimeByCounty

Moore County: One of the Nation's Safest

Moore County boasts an exceptionally low total crime rate of 777.7 per 100,000, far below the national average of 2,385.5. Its safety score of 98.8 marks it as one of the most secure counties in the country.

Leading the State in Public Safety

With a safety score of 98.8, Moore County significantly outperforms the Tennessee state average of 97.2. Note that data comes from a single reporting agency, which reflects a small-town policing environment.

Regional Safety Leader in Middle TN

Moore County is dramatically safer than neighbors like Maury County, where crime is nearly three times more frequent. It offers a level of security that is rare for the region, making it a standout for safety.

Minimal Violent Crime Reported Locally

The violent crime rate is just 91.5 per 100,000, roughly a quarter of the national average. Property crime is similarly low at 686.2, meaning criminal incidents of any type are rare occurrences for residents.

Maintaining Peace in Moore County

Even in highly safe areas, basic security measures like exterior lighting are smart investments. Continued community vigilance ensures that Moore County remains a top-tier safety destination in Tennessee.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Moore County

via SchoolsByCounty

Small-Scale Education with Big Results

Moore County features one of the most streamlined school systems in Tennessee, consisting of just two schools for 901 total students. This unique structure includes one elementary school and one combined middle/high school campus.

Stellar Graduation and Focused Investment

The county boasts a 95.0% graduation rate, well above the national 87.0% benchmark. With a per-pupil expenditure of $6,623, Moore County invests more per student than the state average, resulting in a strong school score of 55.3.

Total Community Commitment

The Moore County school district manages the entire student body through its two campuses, Lynchburg Elementary and Moore County High. This 100% traditional public school model ensures that every student in the county benefits from the same high level of funding.

An Intimate Rural Learning Environment

Both schools in the county are situated in rural locales, creating a consistent and familiar atmosphere for students from PK through 12th grade. Lynchburg Elementary is the largest campus with 478 students, meaning every teacher knows nearly every face.

Lynchburg Living and Local Schools

For those seeking a true small-town experience, Moore County offers a rare combination of intimacy and academic excellence. Homes near Lynchburg provide access to a high-investment school system where graduation is the standard expectation.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Moore County

via RiskByCounty

Moore County among the safest nationwide

Moore County's composite risk score of 9.92 ranks it as one of Tennessee's—and America's—lowest-risk counties, well below the state average of 52.45. This exceptionally safe profile reflects minimal natural disaster hazard overlap.

Tennessee's second-safest county

Moore County ties with Meigs County as Tennessee's safest community, with a risk score of 9.92 placing it in the "very low" category. Only a handful of U.S. counties match this level of natural disaster safety.

Safest county in its region by far

Moore County (9.92) stands out as an island of safety compared to surrounding counties like McNairy (50.54), Marshall (45.42), and Maury (79.29). Its risk profile is exceptional in comparative context.

All hazards remain well below average

Moore County's highest individual risk is tornado exposure at 50.54, which remains below state average; earthquake (47.52), hurricane (32.58), and flood (19.24) risks are all minimal. Wildfire risk stands at just 2.42, the lowest in this dataset.

Standard homeowners insurance generally sufficient

Moore County residents can rely on standard homeowners policies for comprehensive protection given the county's exceptional overall safety profile. Consider earthquake insurance only if home value is substantial; specialized hazard coverage is less critical than in higher-risk counties.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Moore County

via WaterByCounty

Zero Health Violations in Moore County

Moore County earns a Grade A for drinking water with no health violations reported in five years. Its 0.0 violation rate per 100,000 residents significantly outperforms the Tennessee average of 34.6.

Healthy Watersheds with Limited Impairment

Only 12.9% of assessed water bodies are impaired, one of the lowest rates in the region. The 2022 assessment identifies E. coli and temperature as issues in only four specific local water bodies.

Selective Monitoring Across Eight Sites

Monitoring in Moore County is targeted, with 8 sites producing 947 measurements over five years. Biological counts and physical characteristics are the primary metrics used to verify water quality.

No USGS Streamflow Data Available

Moore County does not currently have an active USGS streamgage reported in the federal database. Local water safety is best tracked through the county's excellent record of drinking water compliance.

Maintaining Moore County’s High Standard

The watershed is largely healthy, but residents can help maintain this by protecting stream-side trees to keep water temperatures low. Continued support for current treatment practices will keep drinking water at its Grade A level.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Moore County

via WeatherByCounty

Typical Tennessee Heat with Extra Rain

Moore County's annual average temperature of 58.1°F is higher than the national median of 55°F. It is characterized by high humidity and significant annual rainfall totals.

The Benchmark for Tennessee Weather

Moore County perfectly matches the Tennessee state average annual temperature of 58.1°F. However, it exceeds the state precipitation average by over 6 inches per year.

One of the Wettest in the Region

Moore County receives a high 62.3 inches of rain, making it much wetter than nearby Montgomery County. It shares a similar heat profile with Montgomery, both seeing 50 extreme heat days.

Rainy Transitions and Hot Summers

Summer is defined by 50 days above 90°F and a July average of 77.7°F. Winter is damp and mild, seeing only 1.5 inches of snow and a January average of 37.8°F.

Manage Heavy Rainfall and Summer Humidity

Waterproofing and high-capacity sump pumps are smart investments for the 62.3 inches of rain. During the 50 annual heat days, residents should plan outdoor work for early morning to avoid the 90°F peaks.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Moore County

via SoilByCounty

Reliable soil quality in the Jack Daniel's home

Moore County features a solid soil score of 48.2, placing it well above the state average of 38.5. The pH level of 5.63 is also healthier than the state average of 5.35, providing a better environment for nutrient uptake than many neighbors.

Silt-heavy texture for Moore County

The soil contains 61.4% silt and 20.8% clay, resulting in a fine-textured soil that feels smooth to the touch. With only 17.8% sand, the soil is very effective at trapping moisture, though it may be prone to crusting after heavy rains.

Steady moisture and healthy organic matter

Moore County nearly hits the national average for organic matter at 2.26% and maintains a strong available water capacity of 0.180 in/in. This combination ensures that the soil can support sustained plant growth even when summer rains become infrequent.

Water management in Moore's silty terrain

While specific drainage classes are not provided, the high silt and clay content indicates that water moves slowly through the profile. Residents should focus on maintaining soil structure to ensure that heavy rains don't lead to drainage issues in low-lying areas.

Abundant harvests in Zone 7b

The combination of high silt and good water capacity makes Moore County an excellent spot for Zone 7b gardening. This soil is perfectly suited for corn, pumpkins, and lush lawns, so don't hesitate to start your growing season early.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Moore County

via LawnByCounty

Moore County's Above-Average Lawn Difficulty

Moore County holds a lawn difficulty score of 45.5, which is lower than the national median of 50.0 but typical for Tennessee. Residents in this Zone 7b area must manage excessive rainfall alongside warm-season growth.

The Wettest Climate in the Region

With 62.3 inches of annual precipitation, Moore County is significantly wetter than the state average and the ideal lawn range. This surplus water combined with 50 extreme heat days can lead to rapid grass growth and potential disease issues.

Working with Acidic Soils and Clay

The local soil has a pH of 5.63 and contains 20.8% clay, which can hold onto that heavy rainfall and become waterlogged. Regular aeration and lime applications are recommended to improve drainage and neutralize acidity.

A Shorter Drought Profile for Moore

The county only spent 10 weeks in drought over the past year, which is lower than many of its neighbors. While 100% of the county is currently abnormally dry, the overall lack of severe drought makes maintenance more predictable.

Planting Around the Moore County Frosts

The best time to seed or sod is after the last spring frost on April 15. Your lawn will have plenty of time to thrive during the summer before the first fall frost typically hits on October 25.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Moore County's county score?
Moore County, Tennessee has a composite county score of 65.9 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 Moore County rank among counties in Tennessee?
Moore County ranks #4 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 Moore County, Tennessee?
The median annual property tax in Moore County is $1,252, with an effective tax rate of 0.48%. This earns Moore County a tax score of 87.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Moore County?
The median household income in Moore County, Tennessee is $66,687 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Moore County earns an income score of 58.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Moore County, Tennessee a good place to live?
Moore County scores 65.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #4 in Tennessee. The best way to evaluate Moore 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 Moore 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.