countyscore
46.4
County Score
Water Quality 86Property Tax 82.7Cost of Living 77.3

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.

2040608010082.777.311.822.643.920.518.78662.9Tax82.7Cost77.3Safety11.8Health22.6Schools43.9Income20.5Risk18.7Water86Weather62.946.4/100
This county
National avg
3 above average5 below average

Obion County DNA

Foverall

How Obion County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Obion County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Property Tax (82.7/100) but notably weak in Safety (11.8/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
82.7+30.700000000000003
Cost
77.3+29.299999999999997
Safety
11.8-43.2
Health
22.6-27.4
Schools
43.9-10.100000000000001
Income
20.5-30.5
Risk
18.7-28.3
Water
86+28
Weather
62.9
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$133,600

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$770/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$133,600/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$30,800/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.4x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $54,613/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

6.5

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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Counties with similar scores

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Nearby counties

Fulton County
Kentucky
49.2
Weakley County
Tennessee
51.4
Hickman County
Kentucky
69.4
Lake County
Tennessee
47.5
Gibson County
Tennessee
45
New Madrid County
Missouri
37.8
Dyer County
Tennessee
44
Mississippi County
Missouri
37.4

Deep Dives

Obion County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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

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

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 46.4 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 #73 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 $690, with an effective tax rate of 0.52%. This earns Obion County a tax score of 82.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Obion County?
The median household income in Obion County, Tennessee is $54,613 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Obion County earns an income score of 20.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Obion County, Tennessee a good place to live?
Obion County scores 46.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #73 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.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, 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.