countyscore
53.2
County Score
Property Tax 94.2Water Quality 86Disaster Risk 77.8

County Report Card

About Overton County, Tennessee

Beating the National Average

Overton County's composite score of 53.2 exceeds the national median of 50.0. This performance suggests a level of livability that is slightly higher than the typical American experience.

Competitive Within Tennessee

The county outperforms the Tennessee state average of 51.3 by nearly two points. It maintains a competitive edge in the region through its exceptional fiscal policies and low environmental risk.

Elite Tax Performance

Tax efficiency is the county's crown jewel, with a 94.2 tax score driven by a very low 0.394% effective tax rate. Natural stability is also high, with a risk score of 77.8 and water score of 86.0.

Addressing Local Economic Growth

Economic growth is a major challenge, evidenced by a very low income score of 8.4 and median income of $46,159. The school system also lags with a score of 31.0, indicating a need for educational investment.

Ideal for Remote Life

Overton County is best for remote workers or retirees who want to minimize their tax burden in a low-risk environment. It offers peace of mind and financial breathing room for those not dependent on the local job market.

Score breakdown

Tax94.2Cost74.5Safety39.1Health23.5Schools31Income8.4Risk77.8Water86Weather68.8
🏛94.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠74.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼8.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡39.1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤23.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓31
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡77.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤68.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨39.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱53.7
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 →
Sponsored

Compare mortgage rates in Overton County

Whether buying or refinancing in Overton County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

See Today's Rates

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
Compare Overton County with Boone County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Boone County
Arkansas
Median income: $54,195
53.2
Lawrence County
Ohio
Median income: $54,842
53.2
Beaver County
Oklahoma
Median income: $64,266
53.2
Perry County
Pennsylvania
Median income: $78,824
53.2
Jackson County
Tennessee
Median income: $41,475
53.2
Middlesex County
Virginia
Median income: $74,154
53.2
Shawano County
Wisconsin
Median income: $67,032
53.2
Cleveland County
Arkansas
Median income: $50,509
53.3

Nearby counties

Putnam County
Tennessee
44
Clay County
Tennessee
64.2
Fentress County
Tennessee
56.5
Pickett County
Tennessee
67.3
Jackson County
Tennessee
53.2
Clinton County
Kentucky
70
Cumberland County
Kentucky
70.5
White County
Tennessee
57.9

Deep Dives

Overton County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Overton County

via TaxByCounty

Overton County offers exceptional tax affordability

Overton County's effective rate of just 0.394% is among the lowest in the nation, representing barely 15% of the national median property tax burden of $2,690. This places Overton in the lowest 5% of U.S. counties by effective tax rate.

One of Tennessee's most tax-friendly counties

Overton County ranks significantly below Tennessee's 0.511% average with its 0.394% effective rate, making it one of the state's lowest-taxing counties. The median property tax of $676 reflects both the low rate and the county's modest median home value of $171,700.

Overton leads the region in tax friendliness

At 0.394%, Overton ties with Pickett County as the lowest-taxing county in this analysis, significantly undercutting Morgan (0.581%), Obion (0.568%), and Polk (0.565%). Only Pickett matches Overton's exceptional affordability in the surrounding region.

A $171,700 home costs just $676 annually

Overton County's median homeowner with a $171,700 home pays only $676 per year in property tax—about $56 monthly. Even with mortgage escrow factored in, the annual tax reaches just $768.

Verify your assessment is accurate and fair

Even in low-tax counties like Overton, assessment errors do occur and can lead to overpayment. Review your property assessment against recent county sales of comparable homes, and file an appeal if you believe yours is valued too high.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Overton County

via CostByCounty

Overton County faces serious rental affordability strain

Overton County's 21.7% rent-to-income ratio represents a significant affordability crisis—well above Tennessee's 17.6% state average and nearly 4 percentage points higher than the national baseline. With a median household income of just $46,159, renters paying $833 monthly face genuine housing burden in this East Tennessee county.

One of Tennessee's least affordable rental markets

Overton County ranks among Tennessee's counties with the highest rent-to-income ratios, reflecting the mismatch between local incomes and housing costs. The county's 21.7% figure signals that renters here dedicate more than one-fifth of their earnings to housing—a red flag for financial sustainability.

Rents high relative to income across region

Overton County's $833 median rent tracks above Morgan County ($742) and nearly matches Putnam County ($881), while the county's low median income of $46,159 makes housing more burdensome than any nearby peer. The rental market here presents one of the region's toughest affordability scenarios.

Rent consumes 21.7% of median income

Overton County renters dedicate a concerning 21.7% of their $46,159 median household income to gross rent at $833 monthly. Homeowners face more reasonable ownership costs of $505 monthly on higher median home values of $171,700, suggesting the rental market drives the county's affordability crisis.

Renters should explore homeownership alternatives here

Families relocating to Overton County face a rental market that demands a larger share of income than surrounding counties, but homeownership costs are comparatively modest. Consider this county primarily if you're ready to build equity rather than rent.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Overton County

via IncomeByCounty

Overton County Significantly Below National Income

Overton County's median household income of $46,159 falls $28,596 short of the national median of $74,755—a stark 38% gap. Typical households earn just over half what average American households make.

Lowest Income Among Tennessee Peers

Overton County ranks among Tennessee's lowest-income counties, trailing the state median of $58,994 by nearly $13,000. Its per capita income of $30,191 sits just below the state average, suggesting earnings are concentrated among fewer workers.

Second-Lowest in Rural County Cluster

Overton County's $46,159 median income ranks second-lowest among its peer counties, beating only Pickett County ($44,591). Neighboring Polk County ($60,227) and Rhea County ($58,133) earn substantially more per household.

High Housing Cost Burden for Renters

Overton County's rent-to-income ratio of 21.7% pushes toward the affordability threshold, straining household budgets significantly. The median home value of $171,700 represents 3.7 years of gross income—one of the highest burdens in the peer group—limiting wealth accumulation opportunities.

Seek Income Growth and Budget Discipline

With tight household margins and elevated housing costs, Overton County residents should prioritize career development and skill-building to increase earnings. Consider community college programs, apprenticeships, or remote work opportunities that could lift household income closer to state and national averages.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Overton County

via CrimeByCounty

Safety score remains high despite national trends

Overton County earns a safety score of 97.8, reflecting a total crime rate of 1,386.4 per 100,000 residents. This is much lower than the national average crime rate of 2,385.5. The county offers a more secure environment than many comparable areas across the United States.

Outperforming the Tennessee state safety average

Overton County is safer than the average Tennessee county, with a safety score of 97.8 versus the state's 97.2. Its total crime rate of 1,386.4 is also well below the Tennessee average of 1,785.6. This positions the county as a relatively safe haven within the state.

Regional comparison shows moderate crime levels

Overton's crime rate is higher than neighboring Pickett County, which reports only 297.5 per 100,000, but lower than Putnam County's 2,109.6. With only two reporting agencies, the data provides a clear picture of the county's moderate safety standing. It sits in a middle ground compared to its immediate Tennessee neighbors.

Property and violent crime balance

The violent crime rate stands at 411.9, which is slightly higher than the national average of 369.8. However, the property crime rate is relatively low at 974.5 per 100,000 residents. While overall crime is low, the violent crime figures suggest that personal safety requires more attention than property theft.

Stay alert and secure your surroundings

With violent crime rates slightly elevated, residents should prioritize home security systems and well-lit entryways. Community awareness and reporting suspicious activity can help keep these numbers from rising. Simple steps like locking doors and windows significantly reduce the risk of becoming a statistic.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Overton County

via HealthByCounty

Overton County falls short of national health

At 71.8 years, Overton County's life expectancy trails the U.S. average of 76.1 years by more than four years, indicating substantial health challenges relative to the nation. Nearly 23% of residents report poor or fair health, above the national average of 17.9%.

Near Tennessee's average, slight underperformance

Overton County's life expectancy of 71.8 years is 0.6 years below Tennessee's average of 72.4 years, placing it slightly below the state median. The uninsured rate of 12.4% exceeds the state average of 11.9%, though marginally.

Better primary care, weaker mental health access

Overton County offers 39 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, substantially better than Morgan County (19 per 100K) but lower than Putnam County (67 per 100K). However, mental health support is critically limited at only 4 providers per 100K, the lowest in the region and a major gap in behavioral health services.

Primary care available, mental health harder to find

While Overton County has reasonable primary care access with 39 providers per 100,000 residents, residents needing mental health treatment face a severe shortage with only 4 providers available per 100K. Combined with a 12.4% uninsured rate, the county struggles to meet both physical and behavioral health needs.

Secure coverage and access mental health support

If you're uninsured or facing mental health challenges, coverage is your first step. Call 1-800-318-2596 to explore Medicaid, marketplace plans, and community mental health resources available to Overton County residents.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Overton County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Dedicated Single-District County System

Overton County operates eight public schools that serve a total student population of 3,102. The landscape features six elementary schools, one middle school, and one centralized high school. All schools are managed by a single county-wide district, ensuring streamlined administration for local families.

Strong Completion Rates with Lean Budgets

The county achieves a 91.0% graduation rate, significantly higher than the national 87% benchmark. This is accomplished despite a lean per-pupil expenditure of $5,412, which sits below the Tennessee state average. The school score of 50.6 mirrors the national median, indicating a solid return on educational investment.

One District Focusing on Traditional Public Education

The Overton County school district manages all 3,102 students with no charter school competition in the area. This unified approach allows for a shared community identity, especially centered around the county's primary secondary school. Parents can expect a traditional public school experience focused on regional growth.

Rural Roots and Town Hubs

Education in Overton County is split between five rural schools and three town-based schools. Livingston Academy is the largest institution with 885 students, while smaller elementary schools like Allons serve around 306 students. This mix provides a classic small-town high school experience supported by smaller, localized primary schools.

Find Home Near Overton's Top Schools

Prospective residents often look toward the Livingston area for proximity to the county’s largest academic and athletic hubs. Rickman Elementary and Livingston Academy offer stable, well-attended environments for children of all ages. Choosing a home here means joining a community that values its centralized school system.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Overton County

via RiskByCounty

Overton County's risk remains very low

Overton County's composite risk score of 22.23 places it well below national averages, reflecting a very low disaster exposure profile. The county benefits from a relatively protected geographic position across multiple hazard types.

Among Tennessee's lowest-risk counties

Overton County scores 22.23 on the composite risk scale, well below Tennessee's state average of 52.45. This places the county among the safest communities in Tennessee for natural disaster exposure.

Comparable to nearby safer counties

Overton County (22.23) maintains similar low-risk status to Morgan County (19.05) and significantly outperforms Perry County (33.40) and Polk County (31.17). The county represents one of the region's most disaster-resistant communities.

Tornado and earthquake are moderate concerns

Tornado risk (45.23) and earthquake risk (53.75) represent Overton County's highest hazards, though both remain below state averages. Flood risk (27.35) poses minimal concern compared to neighboring counties.

Standard insurance covers most exposure

Overton County residents should maintain standard homeowners insurance with attention to tornado and wind coverage. While earthquake risk is moderate (53.75), separate earthquake insurance may be considered as a prudent long-term investment.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Overton County

via WeatherByCounty

Temperate Living on the Highland Rim

Overton County’s annual average temperature of 57.4°F is slightly above the national median of 55°F. It enjoys a temperate climate with moderate rainfall and manageable summer heat.

Cooler and Drier than State Norms

Overton is cooler than the 58.1°F Tennessee average and drier than the 55.9-inch state precipitation average. This makes it one of the more temperate and less humid areas in Middle Tennessee.

Lower Heat Frequency than Neighbors

Overton records only 28 extreme heat days, which is nearly half the amount seen in Moore County. It also receives 53.5 inches of rain, keeping it drier than many regional peers.

Moderate Summers and Brisk Winters

The county enjoys a July average of 76.6°F, which is milder than many other parts of the state. Winters bring a January average of 36.9°F and a modest 2.3 inches of snowfall.

Versatile Wardrobes for Moderate Seasons

With only 28 extreme heat days and light snowfall, residents can focus on versatile, layered clothing. The 53.5 inches of rain suggests a need for standard home roof maintenance and gutter care.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Overton County

via SoilByCounty

Classic Tennessee Acidic Profile

Overton County averages a pH of 5.37, which aligns closely with the state average. This level is significantly more acidic than the national median of 6.5.

Balanced Silt and Sand Mix

The composition features 49.0% silt and 31.4% sand, creating a versatile medium for root growth. This mix provides better drainage than clay-heavy soils while maintaining structural integrity.

Rich in Organic Matter

The organic matter content sits at 2.44%, exactly hitting the state average. While the water capacity of 0.164 in/in is slightly below state levels, the fertility supports diverse vegetation.

Water Movement and Land Use

With a soil score of 39.6, Overton outperforms the state average for agricultural suitability. The sandy-silt texture typically prevents the severe waterlogging seen in flatter regions.

Garden Success in Zone 7a

Overton's 7a hardiness zone is perfect for fruit trees and summer staples like tomatoes. The balanced soil composition makes it an excellent choice for a productive home garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Overton County

via LawnByCounty

Reliable Growing Conditions in Overton

Overton County scores a 53.7 on the lawn difficulty scale, making it easier to manage than the Tennessee average of 48.0. Residents in this Zone 7a region enjoy a climate that is more favorable for turf than many of their neighbors. Steady rainfall and moderate temperatures create a solid baseline for green yards.

Balanced Weather for Steady Growth

The county averages 53.5 inches of precipitation, perfectly supporting the 4178 growing degree days recorded annually. Extreme heat is manageable with only 28 days hitting 90°F or higher, well below the state average of 36. These conditions allow for a consistent mowing schedule without the stress of frequent heatwaves.

Addressing Acidic and Sandy Soil

Soil pH in the county averages 5.37, requiring significant amendments to reach the ideal 6.0-7.0 range. The soil composition is 31.4% sand and 19.2% clay, which suggests relatively quick drainage compared to more clay-heavy regions. Regular organic matter additions can help improve nutrient retention in these conditions.

Moderate Drought Resistance Strategies

With 11 weeks of drought over the last year, Overton County is currently 59.4% abnormally dry but free of severe drought conditions. This relative stability makes it easier to maintain a green lawn through the summer. Mulching and maintaining a higher mowing height will help protect the soil from drying out.

Start Planting After April Frosts

Zone 7a favors cool-season grasses like Tall Fescue, which should be planted after the last frost on April 12. For best results, ensure your new lawn is well-rooted before the first fall frost hits on October 25. Consistent moisture during the first few weeks is key to establishing a thick carpet of grass.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Overton County's county score?
Overton County, Tennessee has a composite county score of 53.2 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 Overton County rank among counties in Tennessee?
Overton County ranks #40 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 Overton County, Tennessee?
The median annual property tax in Overton County is $676, with an effective tax rate of 0.39%. This earns Overton County a tax score of 94.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Overton County?
The median household income in Overton County, Tennessee is $46,159 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Overton County earns an income score of 8.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Overton County, Tennessee a good place to live?
Overton County scores 53.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #40 in Tennessee. The best way to evaluate Overton 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 Overton 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.