countyscore
62.1
County Score
Water Quality 86Cost of Living 81.2Disaster Risk 81

County Report Card

About Morgan County, Tennessee

Exceeding the National Baseline

Morgan County outperforms the national median of 50.0 with a composite score of 62.1. This ranking places the county in a high percentile for overall livability across the United States.

Leading the Tennessee Average

With a score of 62.1, Morgan County ranks significantly higher than the Tennessee state average of 51.3. It stands as one of the more desirable rural options within the state's borders.

High Quality Water and Affordability

The county excels in water quality and natural resilience, with scores of 86.0 and 81.0 respectively. Housing is also highly accessible, reflected in an 81.2 cost score and a median home value of $144,000.

Improving Local Health Outcomes

The health score of 19.5 remains the county's primary area for improvement. Additionally, the income score of 31.4 suggests room for wage growth, with a median household income of $57,408.

A Haven for Natural Stability

Morgan County is an ideal fit for families or retirees seeking low-cost housing and high natural resilience. It offers a stable, affordable lifestyle for those who prioritize safety and resource quality.

2040608010076.481.264.219.560.531.4818672.8Tax76.4Cost81.2Safety64.2Health19.5Schools60.5Income31.4Risk81Water86Weather72.862.1/100
This county
National avg
5 above average2 below average

Morgan County DNA

Doverall

How Morgan County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Morgan County scores above average across most dimensions. It's a well-balanced county with particular strength in Disaster Risk (81/100).

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
76.4+24.400000000000006
Cost
81.2+33.2
Safety
64.2+9.200000000000003
Health
19.5-30.5
Schools
60.5
Income
31.4-19.6
Risk
81+34
Water
86+28
Weather
72.8+16.799999999999997
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$144,000

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$742/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$144,000/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$29,680/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.5x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $57,408/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

9.4

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

Fentress County
Tennessee
56.5
Scott County
Tennessee
57.8
Roane County
Tennessee
53
Anderson County
Tennessee
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Cumberland County
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Campbell County
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Loudon County
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Pickett County
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Deep Dives

Morgan County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Morgan County

via TaxByCounty

Morgan County taxes: well below national average

Morgan County's effective tax rate of 0.581% is less than one-fourth the national median property tax burden, where homeowners pay an average of $2,690 annually on a $281,900 home. At this rate, Morgan County ranks in the lowest quartile nationally, making it significantly more affordable than most U.S. counties for property owners.

Above Tennessee average, but not the highest

Morgan County's 0.581% effective rate runs slightly above Tennessee's state average of 0.511%, placing it in the upper-middle tier among the state's 95 counties. The median property tax of $837 exceeds the state median of $1,016 by percentage, though the actual dollar amount reflects Morgan's lower home values.

Morgan stands out in the Cumberland Plateau

Among nearby counties, Morgan's 0.581% rate exceeds Overton County (0.394%) and Pickett County (0.374%), but trails Polk County (0.565%) and Putnam County (0.526%). This positions Morgan as a moderate-to-higher taxer in its immediate region, despite all these counties remaining well below the national average.

A $144,000 home costs $837 annually

The median Morgan County homeowner with a $144,000 home pays $837 in property tax per year—or just under $70 monthly. With a mortgage, that figure rises to $939 annually when accounting for county-collected escrow fees.

Appeal if you think you're overassessed

Many Tennessee homeowners discover their properties are assessed above fair market value and qualify for tax appeals. If your recent home sale or appraisal came in lower than your county assessment, you have grounds to request a reassessment and potentially reduce your annual bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Morgan County

via CostByCounty

Morgan County rents are a bargain nationally

At 15.5%, Morgan County's rent-to-income ratio sits well below the national benchmark and beats Tennessee's state average of 17.6%. Renters here spend roughly $742 monthly on housing—about $118 less than the state median—while earning a median household income of $57,408.

Among Tennessee's most affordable counties

Morgan County ranks in the upper tier for housing affordability across Tennessee, with a rent-to-income ratio that outperforms most peers. The county's combination of low rents and moderate incomes creates one of the state's friendlier rental markets for renters stretching tight budgets.

Beats nearby counties on rent

Morgan County's $742 median rent undercuts nearby Rhea County ($796) and Putnam County ($881), while offering comparable affordability to neighboring Polk County. Renters here pay $118 less monthly than the state average, positioning the county as an attractive option in East-Central Tennessee's housing landscape.

Rents consume 15.5% of income

Morgan County renters dedicate 15.5% of their median household income ($57,408) to gross rent, while homeowners spend about $585 monthly on ownership costs on homes valued near $144,000. The county's affordability gap is modest: renters and owners both enjoy manageable housing burdens relative to Tennessee benchmarks.

Consider Morgan if affordability matters

Families relocating to Tennessee should weigh Morgan County's below-average rents and ownership costs against comparable neighboring counties. The county offers rural character with genuine housing savings—a rare combination in today's market.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Morgan County

via IncomeByCounty

Morgan County Lags Behind National Income

Morgan County's median household income of $57,408 falls $17,347 short of the national median of $74,755. This 23% gap means typical households here earn roughly four-fifths what Americans earn on average nationwide.

Above Average for Tennessee Counties

Morgan County ranks above Tennessee's state average median household income of $58,994, placing it among the stronger performers statewide. The county's per capita income of $30,576 also edges close to the state average of $31,458.

Middle Income Among Peer Counties

Morgan County's $57,408 median income positions it in the middle of its rural Tennessee peers. Nearby Polk County ($60,227) and Rhea County ($58,133) earn slightly more, while Overton County ($46,159) and Pickett County ($44,591) fall considerably below.

Rent Affordable, but Housing Stretched

At 15.5%, Morgan County's rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below the 30% affordability threshold, meaning renters spend a manageable share of earnings on housing. However, the median home value of $144,000 represents 2.5 years of gross household income—a significant financial commitment for wealth-building.

Build Savings with Stable Housing Costs

Morgan County households have breathing room in their budgets thanks to affordable rents and moderate home prices. With housing costs under control, now is the time to establish an emergency fund and explore retirement investments to close the income gap with wealthier counties.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Morgan County

via CrimeByCounty

Morgan County far exceeds national safety marks

Morgan County reports a total crime rate of 833.2 per 100,000 residents, which is nearly three times lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This impressive data earns the county a safety score of 98.7 out of 100. It stands as one of the quieter areas for law enforcement activity in the country.

A top-tier safety performer in Tennessee

The county's safety score of 98.7 comfortably beats the Tennessee state average of 97.2. Its total crime rate of 833.2 per 100,000 is also significantly lower than the state average of 1,785.6. Morgan County maintains a reputation as one of the safer jurisdictions within the Volunteer State.

Outpacing regional neighbors in security

Compared to nearby Putnam County, which sees over 2,100 crimes per 100,000 people, Morgan County is notably more secure. Its violent crime rate of 71.0 is a fraction of the figures reported in more urbanized neighbors. Residents here enjoy a level of tranquility that is rare in the surrounding region.

Property crime dominates the local landscape

Property crime accounts for 762.2 of the county's total crimes per 100,000, while violent crime remains very low at just 71.0. For context, the national violent crime rate is over five times higher at 369.8. Most law enforcement activity involves theft or burglary rather than physical confrontations.

Secure your home to maintain peace

While rates are low, property crime represents the vast majority of local incidents. Installing motion-activated lighting and basic alarm systems can effectively deter opportunistic theft. Simple precautions help ensure Morgan County remains one of the safest spots in the state.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Morgan County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Rural Network Serving Morgan Students

Morgan County maintains a localized education infrastructure with eight public schools serving 2,877 total students. The system includes two elementary schools, one middle school, two high schools, and three specialized facilities. All education is managed under a single unified school district.

Elite Graduation Rates and Solid Scores

The county boasts an exceptional 99.0% graduation rate, far exceeding both the national 87% and state 93.3% averages. While the per-pupil expenditure of $6,304 is roughly half the national average, the school score of 56.8 remains higher than the state median. These metrics suggest the county achieves high completion rates with efficient resource management.

The Unified Morgan County District

The Morgan County school district manages all 2,877 students across eight local schools. There are currently no charter schools in operation within the county, meaning traditional public schools provide 100% of the local education. This structure ensures a consistent curriculum and community focus across the entire region.

Small Rural Schools and Tight-Knit Settings

Every school in Morgan County is classified as rural, creating a quiet and intimate learning environment. The average school size is 360 students, ranging from Central Elementary with 553 students to Central High School with 376. This small-scale setting allows for personalized attention that larger suburban districts often lack.

Build a Life Near High-Performing Schools

Families seeking high graduation rates and a rural lifestyle should explore homes near Central Elementary or Sunbright School. The area's specialized K-12 schools offer unique continuity for students from kindergarten through graduation. School quality remains a primary driver for property values in this tight-knit Tennessee community.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Morgan County

via RiskByCounty

Morgan County faces very low disaster risk

Morgan County's composite risk score of 19.05 places it well below the national average, meaning residents face significantly fewer natural disaster threats than most Americans. This very low rating reflects a relatively protected geography across multiple hazard types.

Among Tennessee's safest counties

Morgan County ranks among the lowest-risk counties in Tennessee, with a composite score of 19.05 compared to the state average of 52.45. This places the county in the bottom tier of disaster exposure across the state.

Safer than most surrounding counties

Morgan County's risk profile is notably lower than neighboring Obion County (81.30) and similar to Overton County (22.23). Adjacent Perry County presents slightly elevated risk at 33.40, making Morgan County one of the safest locations in the region.

Wildfire and earthquake are top concerns

Wildfire risk (63.55) and earthquake risk (58.30) are Morgan County's highest hazards, though both remain manageable compared to national averages. Tornado risk (39.28) represents a moderate but secondary concern for residents.

Ensure coverage for regional hazards

While Morgan County's overall risk is low, homeowners should maintain standard property insurance and consider supplemental wildfire or earthquake coverage given regional geology and forest proximity. Standard homeowners policies typically exclude both earthquake and wildfire damage, making separate policies wise investments.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Morgan County

via WaterByCounty

Morgan County Maintains Perfect Drinking Water Compliance

Morgan County earns a Grade A for drinking water, reporting zero health violations over the last five years. This performance far exceeds the Tennessee average violation rate of 34.6 per 100,000 residents. Local utilities consistently meet all Safe Drinking Water Act standards for their customers.

Healthy Watersheds Outpace State Averages in Morgan

Only 12.1% of assessed water bodies in the county are classified as impaired, significantly better than the state average of 30.2%. The 2022 reporting cycle identifies PH, mercury, and sedimentation as the primary causes of impairment across 12 local sites. Most of the 99 assessed water bodies successfully meet Clean Water Act standards.

Robust Monitoring Coverage Across Morgan Waterways

Data scientists have access to 9,248 measurements taken from 50 different monitoring sites over the past five years. Researchers focus heavily on physical and biological characteristic groups to track ecosystem health. This dense network provides a clear picture of inorganic and metal concentrations in the local supply.

Emory River Flow Drops Well Below Normal

The USGS gauge on the Emory River at Oakdale currently records a discharge of only 106 cfs. This represents just 7% of the long-term mean flow of 1,495 cfs for this time of year. Low water levels across this 764-square-mile drainage area may impact local recreation and aquatic habitats.

Prioritize Flow Awareness and Mercury Protection

While drinking water compliance is excellent, residents should stay informed about the 12.1% of local streams impaired by mercury and PH issues. Given the current extreme low flow on the Emory River, water conservation is increasingly important. Consider home filtration if you rely on private wells near areas with known sedimentation issues.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Morgan County

via WeatherByCounty

Cooler High Elevations in East Tennessee

Morgan County is the only county in this group with an annual average of 55.8°F, nearly matching the national median of 55°F. Its elevation provides a cooler climate than most of the Southeast.

One of Tennessee's Coolest Counties

Morgan County's 55.8°F average is significantly cooler than the Tennessee state average of 58.1°F. It provides a refuge from the intense heat found in the state's lower-lying western counties.

Milder Summers than Neighboring Regions

Morgan experiences only 14 days of extreme heat, compared to 55 days in neighboring Monroe County. It also receives 4.9 inches of snow, which is higher than most surrounding areas.

Cold Winters and Pleasant Summers

July stays relatively mild with an average of 74.3°F, while January dips to 35.9°F. The county sees the most snowfall in this group, averaging 4.9 inches per year.

Invest in Heating and Snow Prep

With a winter average of 38.1°F and higher snowfall, reliable home heating and winter tires are recommended. Cooling costs are typically lower here, as there are only 14 days of extreme heat.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Morgan County

via SoilByCounty

Morgan County Soil Data Profile

Detailed soil taxonomic and pH data are currently unavailable for Morgan County. This makes it difficult to compare local acidity against the national median pH of 6.5.

Composition Metrics Pending Survey

Specific percentages for sand, silt, and clay are not yet recorded in the local soil database. Gardeners should perform a jar test to determine their specific texture and workability.

Evaluating Local Growth Potential

Organic matter and water capacity levels remain unmeasured against the state average of 2.44%. Without these specific benchmarks, local growers must rely on visual assessments of soil health.

Drainage and Hydrology Overview

Dominant drainage classes are not currently listed for this region. We recommend observing water runoff patterns on your property before starting major building or farming projects.

Planting in Hardiness Zone 7a

Morgan County sits in USDA hardiness zone 7a. This climate supports a variety of hardy perennials and cool-season vegetables despite the lack of specific soil data.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Morgan County

via LawnByCounty

Morgan County Lawns Outperform National Averages

Morgan County earns a lawn difficulty score of 63.2, making it significantly easier to maintain turf here than the national median of 50.0. This score also beats the Tennessee state average of 48.0, offering a friendly environment for local gardeners. The county is situated in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a.

Ample Rainfall and Moderate Heat Days

The county receives 56.4 inches of annual precipitation, which is slightly above the ideal lawn range of 30 to 50 inches. Lawns benefit from only 14 extreme heat days per year, a sharp contrast to the state average of 36 days. With 3723 growing degree days, grass has plenty of energy to flourish without excessive heat stress.

Consistent Care Despite Limited Soil Data

While specific soil texture and pH data are currently unavailable for this area, maintaining a healthy lawn typically requires a target pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Homeowners should conduct a local soil test to determine specific amendment needs for clay or sand balance. Even without precise metrics, the high lawn score suggests a resilient foundation.

Managing Severe Drought Conditions

Current data shows 69.5% of the county is in a severe drought, and the area has faced 19 weeks of drought over the past year. Water conservation is critical during these periods to keep grass dormant but alive. Focus on deep, infrequent watering during the early morning hours to maximize absorption.

Timing Your Morgan County Planting

Tall fescue and Kentucky bluegrass are excellent choices for Zone 7a. The best time to seed is after the last spring frost on April 21 or well before the first fall frost on October 17. Get started early to ensure roots are established before the winter chill.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Morgan County's county score?
Morgan County, Tennessee has a composite county score of 62.1 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 Morgan County rank among counties in Tennessee?
Morgan County ranks #8 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 Morgan County, Tennessee?
The median annual property tax in Morgan County is $837, with an effective tax rate of 0.58%. This earns Morgan County a tax score of 76.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Morgan County?
The median household income in Morgan County, Tennessee is $57,408 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Morgan County earns an income score of 31.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Morgan County, Tennessee a good place to live?
Morgan County scores 62.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #8 in Tennessee. The best way to evaluate Morgan 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 Morgan 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.