countyscore
50.1
County Score
Property Tax 89.6Cost of Living 70.3Weather & Climate 68.8

County Report Card

About Rhea County, Tennessee

The National Pulse

Rhea County sits exactly at the national baseline with a composite score of 50.1. Its overall livability is perfectly representative of the national median of 50.0.

Near the State Average

The county is slightly behind the Tennessee state average of 51.3. While it maintains a very strong tax position, other factors keep it just below the state’s typical performance level.

Strong Fiscal Profile

Fiscal policy is a standout strength, evidenced by an 89.6 tax score and an effective tax rate of 0.462%. The county also offers a solid income score of 33.2, supported by a $58,133 median household income.

Health and Education Needs

Health and education are the most significant areas for improvement, with scores of 17.6 and 33.1 respectively. Water quality also lags significantly behind the state with a score of 35.1.

Balanced Working-Class Life

Rhea County is a balanced choice for working families who value low taxes and moderate housing costs. It provides a standard quality of life for those willing to accept lower scores in health and education.

Score breakdown

Tax89.6Cost70.3Safety40.7Health17.6Schools33.1Income33.2Risk50.8Water35.1Weather68.8
🏛89.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠70.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼33.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡40.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤17.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓33.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡50.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧35.1
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤68.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨40.3
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱48.8
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

Rhea County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Rhea County

via TaxByCounty

Rhea County offers strong tax advantages

Rhea County's effective tax rate of 0.462% is roughly one-sixth the national median property tax burden of $2,690, placing it well into the lowest quartile of U.S. counties. This makes Rhea significantly more tax-friendly than most American communities.

Below Tennessee average, moderately taxing

Rhea County's 0.462% effective rate runs below Tennessee's 0.511% state average, positioning it in the lower-middle tier among the state's 95 counties. The median property tax of $825 on a $178,500 home reflects both the favorable rate and the county's mid-range property values.

Rhea taxes lower than most surrounding counties

Rhea's 0.462% rate exceeds only Overton (0.394%) and Pickett (0.374%), falling significantly below Morgan (0.581%), Obion (0.568%), Polk (0.565%), and Perry (0.580%). This positions Rhea as a moderate-to-low taxer in its region.

A $178,500 home costs $825 annually

Rhea County's median homeowner with a $178,500 home pays $825 per year in property tax—approximately $69 per month. Including mortgage escrow, the annual tax reaches $882.

Appeals can recover thousands over time

Rhea County property owners who believe their assessments are too high can file appeals with minimal cost and no penalty for trying. Over a decade of homeownership, successfully reducing an overassessment by even $50 annually saves $500 or more.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Rhea County

via CostByCounty

Rhea County hovers near Tennessee's affordability baseline

Rhea County's 16.4% rent-to-income ratio sits below Tennessee's state average of 17.6%, indicating relatively favorable rental affordability despite a median household income of $58,133. At $796 monthly rent, Rhea renters dedicate a modest share of earnings to housing compared to state and national benchmarks.

Better-than-average affordability within Tennessee

Rhea County ranks in the upper tier of Tennessee counties for rental affordability, with a rent-to-income ratio meaningfully below the state average. The county's above-median household income combined with moderate rents creates accessible housing conditions for renters.

Mid-range rental costs with solid incomes

Rhea County's $796 median rent sits between Morgan County ($742) and Putnam County ($881), while its median household income of $58,133 ranks among the region's stronger earners. The county offers balanced affordability relative to surrounding East-Central Tennessee peers.

Rent takes 16.4% of median income

Rhea County renters spend $796 monthly—16.4% of their median household income of $58,133—positioning housing costs comfortably below state averages. Homeowners invest $652 monthly on ownership costs for homes valued at $178,500, reflecting a healthy balance between housing costs and income.

Rhea County balances value and community

Families considering relocation should evaluate Rhea County as a solid middle-ground option, offering above-average local incomes and below-average rent burdens compared to Tennessee peers. The county delivers genuine affordability advantages without sacrificing the housing quality found in pricier markets.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Rhea County

via IncomeByCounty

Rhea County Trails National Income Standard

Rhea County's median household income of $58,133 falls $16,622 short of the national median of $74,755, a 22% gap. Typical households earn roughly three-quarters of what average American households make.

Nearly Matches Tennessee's State Average

Rhea County's $58,133 median income nearly aligns with Tennessee's state average of $58,994, placing it at the statewide baseline. The per capita income of $28,160 falls below the state average of $31,458, suggesting some income concentration.

Third-Strongest Income in Peer Group

Rhea County's $58,133 median income ranks third among its rural peers, behind only Polk County ($60,227) and Putnam County ($56,537). The county substantially outpaces lower-income neighbors like Overton ($46,159) and Pickett ($44,591).

Moderate Rent, High Home Values

Rhea County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.4% remains comfortably affordable for renters. However, the median home value of $178,500 represents 3.1 years of gross household income—higher than several peers—creating a wealth-building challenge for aspiring homeowners.

Balanced Approach to Home and Savings

Rhea County households should weigh homeownership timing carefully given elevated home prices relative to income. Prioritize building robust savings and exploring first-time homebuyer programs before committing to purchase; simultaneously, invest in retirement accounts to build wealth beyond real estate.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Rhea County

via CrimeByCounty

Rhea County safer than the national average

Rhea County reports a total crime rate of 1,350.3 per 100,000 residents, well below the national mark of 2,385.5. This leads to a strong safety score of 97.9 out of 100. It offers a significantly safer environment than the average U.S. county.

Above average safety for Tennessee

The county's safety score of 97.9 beats the Tennessee state average of 97.2. Its total crime rate of 1,350.3 is also lower than the state's average of 1,785.6. Rhea County ranks as one of the more secure regions within the state.

Favorable comparison to regional neighbors

Rhea's crime rate of 1,350.3 is lower than Polk County (1,952.3) and Putnam County (2,109.6). Four local reporting agencies confirm these relatively low numbers. The county maintains a peaceful profile compared to its more active neighbors.

Violent crime is significantly below average

The violent crime rate is just 160.5 per 100,000, less than half the national average of 369.8. Property crime stands at 1,189.8, which is the primary source of police activity in the area. Most criminal incidents in Rhea County are non-violent property offenses.

Secure your home to deter theft

Because property crime is the main concern, simple steps like motion sensor lights and sturdy locks are very effective. Reporting suspicious behavior helps the four local agencies respond quickly to potential threats. Maintaining a secure perimeter keeps Rhea County's low crime rates stable.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Rhea County

via HealthByCounty

Rhea County's health trails national benchmarks

At 71.4 years, Rhea County's life expectancy falls 4.7 years short of the U.S. average of 76.1 years, reflecting significant health challenges. One in four residents (24.8%) report poor or fair health, well above the national average of 17.9%.

Rhea County underperforms Tennessee's average

Rhea County's life expectancy of 71.4 years is 1.0 year below Tennessee's average of 72.4 years, placing it below the state median. Its uninsured rate of 13.2% exceeds the state average of 11.9%, meaning more residents face coverage gaps.

Moderate providers, balanced access profile

Rhea County offers 36 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—more than Morgan County (19 per 100K) but less than Overton County (39 per 100K). Mental health services at 35 providers per 100K are solid and substantially better than Overton County's critically low rate.

Adequate providers challenged by uninsured rate

Rhea County has reasonable provider access with 36 primary care and 35 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, yet 13.2% of residents lack health insurance. This coverage gap likely limits utilization of available care and contributes to the county's below-average life expectancy.

Connect with Rhea County's healthcare resources

Getting covered is the key to accessing Rhea County's available providers and improving health outcomes. Call 1-800-318-2596 or visit healthcare.gov to explore Medicaid, marketplace plans, and community health services.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Rhea County

via SchoolsByCounty

Rhea County's Dual-District Educational Network

Rhea County supports 4,939 students through a total of eight public schools across two districts. The landscape includes five elementary schools, two middle schools, and one centralized high school. This structure provides distinct educational environments for Dayton city residents and the wider county population.

Solid Performance with Strategic Spending

The county reports an 89.0% graduation rate, which is higher than the national average but slightly lower than the state mark. Rhea County spends $6,317 per pupil, which exceeds the Tennessee state average of $6,215. A composite school score of 51.5 suggests a stable learning environment that meets national expectations.

County and City District Collaboration

The Rhea County district manages 4,091 students across seven schools, while the Dayton district operates one school serving 848 students. There are no charter schools in Rhea County, keeping the focus entirely on these established public entities. This division allows Dayton to maintain a localized, high-enrollment elementary school separate from the county system.

Vibrant Rural and Town Campuses

The county features five rural schools and three town-based schools, with an average enrollment of 617 students per site. Rhea County High is the most significant hub with 1,500 students, followed by Dayton City Elementary with 848. This results in larger, more active campuses that serve as community focal points.

Settling Down in Rhea County

Prospective homeowners often look toward Dayton for its large town-based elementary school or the wider county for its expansive rural schools. The presence of Rhea County High as a central secondary school makes it a unifying factor for families across the region. Choosing a home here offers a blend of rural charm and well-funded public education.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Rhea County

via RiskByCounty

Rhea County faces relatively low risk

Rhea County's composite risk score of 49.17 sits just below the national average, placing it in the relatively low risk category. The county experiences moderate but manageable natural disaster exposure compared to most U.S. communities.

Slightly below Tennessee average

Rhea County scores 49.17 versus Tennessee's state average of 52.45, ranking it near the statewide median for disaster risk. The county represents a typical risk profile within Tennessee's broader landscape.

Moderate risk compared to region

Rhea County (49.17) presents higher risk than Perry County (33.40) and Polk County (31.17), but lower than Putnam County (65.84) and substantially lower than Obion County (81.30). The county occupies the middle-ground of regional disaster exposure.

Flood and earthquake threats significant

Flood risk (62.72) and earthquake risk (75.86) represent Rhea County's primary hazards, with wildfire risk (48.28) and tornado risk (56.46) adding secondary concerns. Together, these four hazards create a diverse natural disaster profile.

Secure flood and earthquake coverage

Rhea County homeowners should maintain comprehensive homeowners insurance and strongly consider both federal flood insurance and separate earthquake coverage given the county's 62.72 flood risk and 75.86 seismic risk. Residents in flood-prone valleys should prioritize FEMA flood insurance enrollment.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Rhea County

via WeatherByCounty

Classic Tennessee Valley Climate

Rhea County averages 57.8°F annually, staying warmer than the national median. The region's humid subtropical climate supports lush vegetation and mild seasons.

Near the Tennessee State Average

The county’s annual temperature is nearly identical to the Tennessee state average of 58.1°F. It represents the typical weather pattern found across the state's interior.

Drier Than Highland Neighbors

While Rhea gets a substantial 59.1 inches of rain, it is drier than neighboring Putnam County. Snow is also much rarer here, with only 1.5 inches annually.

Long Summers and Short Winters

Summer heat lasts for about a month, with 31 days reaching at least 90°F. Winters are manageable with a December-to-February average of 39.6°F.

Cooling and Light Winter Layers

Maintain your air conditioning system to handle the month-long stretch of 90-degree days. You can skip the heavy snow gear, as the county rarely sees more than two inches of snow.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Rhea County

via SoilByCounty

Moderate Acidity Near the River

Rhea County shows a pH of 5.54, making it less acidic than many neighboring counties. This is higher than the state average but remains below the national median of 6.5.

Balanced Sandy-Silt Composition

The soil is comprised of 37.4% sand and 43.4% silt, offering a light and aerated structure. This mix provides better drainage for crops than the heavy clays found elsewhere in the state.

Stable Moisture and Fertility

Organic matter content is 1.89%, which is slightly lower than the state average of 2.44%. The water capacity of 0.168 in/in is nearly identical to the state benchmark, providing reliable hydration.

Favorable Soil Quality Score

A soil score of 40.3 places Rhea above the state average of 38.5 for agricultural quality. The sandy texture generally supports good drainage, reducing the risk of waterlogged roots.

Thriving Gardens in Zone 7b

Zone 7b's mild winters and Rhea's well-balanced soil are perfect for tomatoes and okra. Consider adding organic mulch to boost the fertility levels of your sandy-silt beds.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Rhea County

via LawnByCounty

Rhea County Lawns Match State Average

Rhea County holds a lawn difficulty score of 48.8, placing it right in line with the Tennessee state average of 48.0. Situated in Zone 7b, the county offers a standard mix of challenges and opportunities for local gardeners. Maintaining a lush lawn here requires balancing high rainfall with significant summer heat.

Navigating Humid Summers and Heavy Rain

The county receives 59.1 inches of annual precipitation, which exceeds the ideal lawn range of 30 to 50 inches. Lawns deal with 31 extreme heat days and 4227 growing degree days, creating a long and active growing season. This combination of heat and moisture requires careful management to prevent turf rot and fungal issues.

Sandy Soil and Acidic Conditions

Rhea County's soil has a pH of 5.54, which is below the ideal range for many common grasses. The soil composition is 37.4% sand and 19.2% clay, suggesting that while it drains well, it may struggle to hold onto nutrients. Adding lime and organic compost can help stabilize the pH and improve growth.

Managing Severe Drought in Rhea

Over half of Rhea County (57.3%) currently faces severe drought conditions after 18 weeks of drought this past year. Despite the high annual rainfall, these intense dry periods can be devastating without supplemental watering. Use a rain gauge to ensure your lawn receives at least one inch of water per week during these times.

Timing for Warm and Cool Grasses

Warm-season grasses like Zoysia thrive in Zone 7b, but cool-season Tall Fescue is also popular. Wait until after the last frost on April 11 to begin your spring planting projects. Ensure your lawn is well-established before the first fall frost arrives on October 31.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Rhea County's county score?
Rhea County, Tennessee has a composite county score of 50.1 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 Rhea County rank among counties in Tennessee?
Rhea County ranks #59 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 Rhea County, Tennessee?
The median annual property tax in Rhea County is $825, with an effective tax rate of 0.46%. This earns Rhea County a tax score of 89.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Rhea County?
The median household income in Rhea County, Tennessee is $58,133 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Rhea County earns an income score of 33.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Rhea County, Tennessee a good place to live?
Rhea County scores 50.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #59 in Tennessee. The best way to evaluate Rhea 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 Rhea 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.