countyscore
45.2
County Score
Water Quality 86Property Tax 78.2Cost of Living 74.3

County Report Card

About Obion County, Tennessee

Below the National Median

Obion County earns a composite score of 45.2, falling just below the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a community facing several development and infrastructure hurdles compared to the national average.

Trailing the State Average

The county's 45.2 score sits roughly six points below the Tennessee state average of 51.3. While it offers competitive tax rates, it struggles to match the overall rankings of higher-performing Tennessee peers.

Resource Quality and Low Taxes

Water quality is a major asset here, earning a score of 86.0. The local tax burden is also light, with a tax score of 78.2 supported by an effective tax rate of just 0.568%.

Safety and Economic Headwinds

Public safety and environmental risk are significant challenges, with scores of 11.8 and 18.7 respectively. The income score of 20.9 reflects a median household income of $53,102, which is lower than many neighboring regions.

Value for Budget-Conscious Buyers

This county suits individuals who value exceptionally low property values, such as the $122,700 median home price. Residents must weigh these significant savings against lower safety and health metrics.

Score breakdown

Tax78.2Cost74.3Safety11.8Health22.6Schools43.9Income20.9Risk18.7Water86Weather62.9
🏛78.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠74.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼20.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡11.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤22.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓43.9
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡18.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤62.9
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨56.7
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱47.8
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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Deep Dives

Obion County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Obion County

via TaxByCounty

Obion County taxes rank in nation's lowest tier

Obion County's effective tax rate of 0.568% represents just one-fifth the national median property tax burden of $2,690 on a typical $281,900 home. This places Obion in the bottom quartile nationally, offering exceptional affordability to homeowners.

Slightly above Tennessee's statewide rate

At 0.568%, Obion County's effective rate exceeds Tennessee's 0.511% average, positioning it among the higher-taxing counties in the state though still in the moderate range. The county's median tax of $697 falls well below the state median of $1,016, reflecting the lower property values typical of the county.

Obion taxes higher than most surrounding counties

Obion's 0.568% rate exceeds Overton (0.394%), Pickett (0.374%), and Rhea (0.462%), though it's nearly identical to Polk County (0.565%). Among the Northwest Tennessee cluster, Obion sits in the upper range while remaining below Morgan County's 0.581%.

Median home of $122,700 draws $697 tax

An Obion County homeowner with the county's median-valued $122,700 home pays $697 annually in property tax—roughly $58 per month. With mortgage escrow included, that rises to $749 per year.

Check your assessment for overvaluation

Property assessment errors are common across Tennessee, and Obion County homeowners should verify their assessments against recent comparable sales. An appeal costs little and can result in meaningful annual savings if your home is assessed above its true market value.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Obion County

via CostByCounty

Obion County mirrors Tennessee's affordability challenge

Obion County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.4% sits nearly equal to Tennessee's state average of 17.6%, but lags behind the national context where median incomes are higher at $74,755 versus the county's $53,102. Monthly rents of $770 consume a meaningful chunk of local household budgets, signaling moderate housing stress.

Mid-tier affordability within Tennessee

Obion County ranks in Tennessee's middle band for housing affordability, with a rent-to-income ratio hovering just below the state average. The county's lower-than-average median income compounds affordability challenges despite relatively modest rents.

Slightly cheaper than regional peers

Obion County's $770 median rent undercuts Putnam County ($881) and Rhea County ($796), placing it among the cheaper options in its region. Compared to Morgan County ($742), Obion rents run modestly higher, though still below Tennessee's state median of $860.

Rent takes 17.4% of median income

Obion County renters spend $770 monthly on housing from a median household income of $53,102—a 17.4% commitment that tracks closely with state averages. Homeowners face steeper ownership costs at $646 monthly on median home values of $122,700, one of Tennessee's lowest.

Obion offers affordable entry points for homebuyers

Job seekers considering rural Tennessee should note Obion County's combination of low home values ($122,700 median) and moderate ownership costs. The county rewards those prioritizing affordability over proximity to major urban centers.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Obion County

via IncomeByCounty

Obion County Trails National Income Benchmark

Obion County's median household income of $53,102 lags the national median of $74,755 by $21,653, a 29% shortfall. This means typical households earn less than three-quarters of what the average American household brings in.

Below Tennessee's State Average

Obion County falls below Tennessee's median household income of $58,994, ranking among the lower-income counties statewide. The county's per capita income of $29,891 also dips below the state average of $31,458.

Among the Lower-Income Peer Counties

Obion County's $53,102 median income ranks below most neighboring rural counties, exceeding only Overton ($46,159) and Pickett ($44,591). Morgan County ($57,408) and Polk County ($60,227) both significantly outpace Obion's earnings.

Rental Market Strains Household Budgets

Obion County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.4% remains within the affordable range, though higher than Morgan County's 15.5%. With lower overall incomes, housing affordability pressures are more acute despite reasonable rent levels relative to earnings.

Prioritize Debt Reduction and Asset Building

Obion County households face tighter margins than wealthier counties, making financial discipline essential. Focus on eliminating high-interest debt first, then build a modest emergency fund—even $500–$1,000 provides a buffer against unexpected costs that could derail wealth-building efforts.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Obion County

via CrimeByCounty

Crime rates track slightly above national average

Obion County reports a total crime rate of 2,618.2 per 100,000 residents, roughly 10% higher than the national average of 2,385.5. Despite this, it maintains a safety score of 95.9. The data reflects a moderately active environment for local law enforcement.

Obion ranks below Tennessee safety averages

The county's safety score of 95.9 falls below the Tennessee state average of 97.2. Its total crime rate of 2,618.2 also exceeds the state average of 1,785.6 by a significant margin. This suggests Obion faces more public safety challenges than many of its Tennessee peers.

Higher incident rates than local neighbors

Obion County's crime rate is considerably higher than Overton County, which sits at 1,386.4 per 100,000. Seven different reporting agencies contribute to these figures, providing a comprehensive look at the county's safety profile. This regional comparison highlights the county's relatively high density of reported incidents.

Violent crime exceeds national benchmarks

The violent crime rate of 479.3 per 100,000 sits above the national average of 369.8. Property crime is the primary driver of total incidents, reaching 2,138.9 per 100,000 residents. These numbers indicate that both theft and personal safety are relevant concerns for the community.

Vigilance is key for Obion residents

Given that property crime is the most common issue, securing entry points and using smart cameras is highly recommended. Engaging with local neighborhood watch programs can also help mitigate the higher-than-average crime rates. Consistent security habits are the best defense against local property offenses.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Obion County

via HealthByCounty

Obion County's health falls short nationally

Obion County's life expectancy of 71.9 years lags the U.S. average of 76.1 years by more than four years, reflecting significant health disparities in the region. Nearly one in four residents (22.8%) report poor or fair health, nearly matching the national average of 17.9%.

Comparable to Tennessee's overall health profile

At 71.9 years, Obion County's life expectancy matches Tennessee's 0.5-year deficit from the national average and closely mirrors the state average of 72.4 years. The county's uninsured rate of 12.9% slightly exceeds Tennessee's average of 11.9%, though the difference is modest.

Strong primary care, best in region

Obion County stands out with 43 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, well above Morgan County (19 per 100K) and Rhea County (36 per 100K). Mental health support is equally robust at 49 providers per 100K, among the strongest in northwest Tennessee.

Good access, but coverage gaps remain

Obion County residents benefit from 43 primary care providers per 100K—strong access for rural Tennessee—yet 12.9% still lack health insurance. This coverage gap means that even with available providers, a significant share of the population may delay or avoid care due to cost.

Find coverage that works for your family

With strong healthcare infrastructure in place, the final step is ensuring you're covered. Explore Medicaid, marketplace plans, or community health center sliding-scale services by calling 1-800-318-2596 or visiting healthcare.gov.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Obion County

via SchoolsByCounty

Obion County's Dual-District School System

Ten public schools serve Obion County, providing a structured landscape for 4,653 students across two distinct districts. The infrastructure consists of six elementary schools, one middle school, and three high schools. This layout offers families a choice between county-wide and city-specific school environments.

Competitive Graduation Rates and Efficient Spending

Obion County delivers a 92.0% graduation rate, surpassing the national average of 87% while staying just behind the state mark. The county spends $6,280 per pupil, which is slightly above the Tennessee average of $6,215. A composite school score of 53.0 indicates performance that is consistent with broader state trends.

Obion County and Union City Districts

The Obion County district is the largest, serving 3,113 students across seven schools, while Union City serves 1,540 students in three schools. No charter schools operate in the county, leaving education entirely to these two established public districts. This division allows Union City residents a more concentrated urban school experience.

Blending Town and Rural Learning Environments

The county features a mix of seven rural schools and three town-based schools, offering varied campus settings. Obion County Central High is the largest school with 745 students, while Union City Middle School hosts a more modest 450. The average school size of 465 students ensures campuses remain manageable and community-oriented.

Secure Your Future in Obion County

Homebuyers often prioritize residences near high-performing campuses like Obion County Central or Union City Elementary. Whether you prefer the town atmosphere of Union City or the rural stretches of the county district, quality education is never far away. Exploring local real estate allows families to leverage these stable academic environments.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Obion County

via RiskByCounty

Obion County faces relatively moderate risk

Obion County's composite risk score of 81.30 substantially exceeds the national average, placing it in the relatively moderate category for disaster exposure. This elevation is driven primarily by extreme earthquake risk and very high tornado vulnerability.

Higher-risk county in Tennessee

Obion County ranks significantly above the Tennessee state average of 52.45 with a score of 81.30, placing it among the state's riskier counties. The county faces notably concentrated hazards compared to most of its peers.

Riskier than surrounding counties

Obion County (81.30) faces substantially higher disaster risk than neighboring Morgan County (19.05) and Overton County (22.23). Its hazard profile is distinctly more challenging than most adjacent areas in the region.

Earthquake and tornado threats dominate

Earthquake risk (96.60) presents an exceptionally high threat in Obion County, ranking among Tennessee's most seismically vulnerable areas. Tornado risk (70.64) compounds the danger, while moderate flood risk (38.07) adds a third significant hazard.

Prioritize earthquake and tornado insurance

Obion County residents should secure comprehensive homeowners insurance and strongly consider separate earthquake coverage given the county's 96.60 seismic risk score. Storm shelters and reinforced safe rooms offer critical protection against the county's high tornado threat (70.64).

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Obion County

via WeatherByCounty

A True Four-Season Valley Climate

Obion County averages 57.8°F annually, which is slightly warmer than the national median of 55°F. It experiences cold winter snaps and hot, humid summer months typical of the Mississippi Valley.

Cooler than the Tennessee Average

At 57.8°F, Obion sits slightly below the Tennessee state average of 58.1°F. Its northern location on the Kentucky border contributes to its lower ranking in state temperature charts.

Snowier than Southern Tennessee Counties

Obion averages 5.8 inches of snow, far exceeding the 1.0 inch found in McNairy County to the south. It is also slightly drier than the state average, receiving 53.5 inches of rain.

Cold Winters and Consistent Heat

January is chilly with an average of 35.5°F, contributing to the nearly 6 inches of annual snow. Summers remain hot, featuring 41 days of temperatures reaching at least 90°F.

Prepare for Snow and Cold Snaps

Because Obion receives 5.8 inches of snow, keeping salt and shovels ready is essential for winter. HVAC systems should be rated for both the 41 days of extreme heat and the freezing January nights.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Obion County

via SoilByCounty

Slightly Acidic Soils of Obion

Obion County maintains an average pH of 5.68, which is more alkaline than the state average of 5.35. However, it still falls below the national median pH of 6.5.

A Dominance of Fine Silt

The soil is remarkably silty, containing 75.2% silt and only 6.4% sand. This fine-textured mix offers excellent nutrient retention but is highly susceptible to erosion if left uncovered.

Superior Water Holding Capacity

Obion boasts an available water capacity of 0.210 in/in, far exceeding the state average of 0.171. Though organic matter is lower than the state average at 1.78%, the soil's structure holds moisture effectively.

Hydrologic Management and Drainage

While specific drainage classes are not listed, the high silt content suggests slow to moderate water movement. Farmers must manage these fields carefully to prevent compaction after heavy rains.

Bountiful Harvests in Zone 7b

The 7b climate is ideal for corn, soybeans, and large-scale commercial agriculture. Local gardeners can maximize this silty soil by growing deep-rooted crops like carrots and sweet potatoes.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Obion County

via LawnByCounty

Obion County Matches Typical State Challenges

With a lawn difficulty score of 47.8, Obion County sits right at the Tennessee state average of 48.0 but slightly below the national median of 50.0. This Hardiness Zone 7b region requires steady maintenance to overcome summer heat and acidic soil. Success depends on selecting heat-tolerant grass varieties.

High Heat Impacts Mowing Schedules

Lawns here face 41 extreme heat days annually, which is higher than the state average of 36 days. The county receives 53.5 inches of rain, providing plenty of moisture to support 4413 growing degree days. Frequent mowing is necessary during the peak season to keep up with this fast growth.

Acidic Soil Requires Lime Treatments

The local soil pH is 5.68, which is more acidic than the ideal 6.0 to 7.0 range for healthy turf. The soil contains 18.4% clay and a low 6.4% sand content, which can lead to drainage issues. Applying lime is often necessary to balance the pH and unlock essential nutrients for the grass.

Persistent Dry Spells Test Resilience

Obion County has spent 21 weeks in drought over the past year, with the entire county currently flagged as abnormally dry. While no areas currently face severe drought, consistent irrigation is vital to prevent wilting. Practice grasscycling by leaving clippings on the lawn to help retain soil moisture.

Seeding for Success in Zone 7b

Bermuda and Zoysia are strong warm-season contenders, while Tall Fescue works well for cool-season needs. Plan your seeding after the last spring frost on April 3 to take advantage of the long growing season. Ensure your lawn is established before the first frost arrives on November 1.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Obion County's county score?
Obion County, Tennessee has a composite county score of 45.2 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 Obion County rank among counties in Tennessee?
Obion County ranks #75 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 Obion County, Tennessee?
The median annual property tax in Obion County is $697, with an effective tax rate of 0.57%. This earns Obion County a tax score of 78.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Obion County?
The median household income in Obion County, Tennessee is $53,102 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Obion County earns an income score of 20.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Obion County, Tennessee a good place to live?
Obion County scores 45.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #75 in Tennessee. The best way to evaluate Obion 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 Obion 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.