CountyScore

Roane County

Tennessee · TN

#50 in Tennessee
70.4
County Score

County Report Card

About Roane County, Tennessee

Roane Scores Well Above National Median

Roane County's composite score of 76.8 sits well above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the upper tier of U.S. counties for overall livability. This strong national standing reflects the county's particularly favorable tax environment and affordable housing market compared to most American communities.

Roane Slightly Exceeds State Average

With a score of 76.8, Roane County ranks slightly above Tennessee's state average of 76.3, placing it in the upper-middle tier among the state's 95 counties. The county performs as a solid performer statewide, offering livability benefits comparable to or better than the typical Tennessee county.

Tax Efficiency and Housing Affordability Lead

Roane County excels in tax burden, scoring 86.7 with an effective rate of just 0.552%, and ranks high in cost with an 81.9 score—median rent of $767/month and home values around $212,300 make housing accessible. The combination of low taxes and affordable housing creates a favorable financial environment for residents and families.

Income Levels Present a Gap

The county's income score of 26.6 reflects a median household income of $66,218, which trails state and national comparisons—a significant trade-off for those seeking higher earning potential. Additional dimension data on safety, health, schools, and water quality is not yet available, limiting a complete livability picture.

Best for Budget-Conscious Families

Roane County suits families and retirees prioritizing low taxes and affordable housing over maximum earning potential and urban amenities. The county offers financial stability through favorable costs, but prospective residents should verify schools, healthcare, and safety ratings once available before relocating.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax86.7Cost81.9SafetyComing SoonHealth66.5SchoolsComing SoonIncome26.6Risk31WaterComing Soon
🏛86.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠81.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼26.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤66.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡31
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Roane County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Chambers County
Alabama
70.4
Median income: $49,295
Wilcox County
Alabama
70.4
Median income: $42,236
Ashley County
Arkansas
70.4
Median income: $44,481
Dixie County
Florida
70.4
Median income: $47,655
Morgan County
Indiana
70.4
Median income: $79,088

Deep Dives

Roane County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Roane County

via TaxByCounty

Roane's taxes fall well below national median

At 0.552%, Roane County's effective tax rate sits comfortably below the national median property tax of $2,690 annually. Homeowners here pay roughly $1,172 per year on a median home valued at $212,300—less than half the national burden on comparable properties.

Roane ranks slightly above state average

Roane's 0.552% effective rate exceeds Tennessee's 0.511% state average, placing it in the middle tier of counties statewide. The median tax bill of $1,172 runs about 15% higher than the state median of $1,016.

Roane fits between mountain and valley counties

Roane's 0.552% rate sits between Sequatchie County's low 0.453% and Rutherford County's 0.507%, reflecting regional variation. Local homeowners pay about $1,172 annually versus Rutherford's $1,757 and Sequatchie's $986—a $585 spread across nearby communities.

What Roane homeowners actually pay yearly

On the median home value of $212,300, the effective rate of 0.552% translates to roughly $1,172 annually without mortgage obligation. With a mortgage, that bill rises to $1,223—a modest $51 difference.

Many Roane homeowners could reduce their burden

Property tax appeals are available to Roane County homeowners who believe their assessment is inflated. If your home has declined in value or was recently assessed above fair market price, contacting the assessor's office could uncover significant savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Roane County

via CostByCounty

Roane's rent stays well below national strain

At 13.9%, Roane County's rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below the national comfort threshold of 15%, meaning renters here spend a smaller share of earnings on housing than most Americans. The county's median household income of $66,218 falls just slightly below the national median of $74,755, yet residents pay substantially less for housing.

Roane ranks among Tennessee's most affordable

Roane County's 13.9% rent-to-income ratio beats Tennessee's state average of 17.6% by nearly 4 percentage points, placing it in the state's more affordable tier. With a median rent of $767, the county undercuts the state average of $860 by nearly $100 per month.

Roane offers genuine relief to renters

Compared to neighboring Sevier County's $1,013 monthly rent, Roane's $767 represents a meaningful $246 monthly savings for renters. Scott County to the west is the only close peer, though Scott's lower income levels ($42,679) make its cheaper rents less of a true advantage.

Housing takes modest bite from budgets

Roane residents spend roughly $767 on rent or $842 on mortgages against a median income of $66,218 annually—leaving substantial room in household budgets for other expenses. Combined renter and owner costs average about 16% of gross income, well within affordability guidelines.

Roane County welcomes budget-conscious renters

If you're relocating from higher-cost regions, Roane County offers rare affordability without requiring the trade-offs of income or access found in cheaper Appalachian counties. Test the market: compare your current housing costs against Roane's $767 rent and $212,300 median home value to see your potential savings.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Roane County

via IncomeByCounty

Roane earns above the state, below nation

Roane County's median household income of $66,218 outpaces Tennessee's state average of $58,994 by 12%, but falls short of the national median of $74,755. This positions Roane as a moderately performing county in the broader U.S. income landscape.

Roane ranks in Tennessee's upper middle

Among Tennessee's 95 counties, Roane County's $66,218 median household income places it solidly in the upper-middle tier. The county outearns roughly 60% of its state peers, reflecting a relatively stable local economy.

Roane lags faster-growing Rutherford

Roane's $66,218 income trails Robertson County ($78,439) and Rutherford County ($82,588), both of which benefit from suburban growth and job migration. However, Roane significantly outearns Scott County ($42,679) and Sequatchie County ($52,260), its more rural neighbors.

Housing costs are manageable here

Roane's rent-to-income ratio of 13.9% is the healthiest among the eight counties profiled, well below the national affordability threshold of 30%. A median household earning $66,218 can comfortably sustain the median home value of $212,300 while maintaining financial flexibility.

Build on Roane's income stability

With above-state-average income and favorable housing costs, Roane households are positioned to invest in retirement and wealth-building. Consider maxing out 401(k) contributions and exploring low-cost index funds to compound gains over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Roane County

via HealthByCounty

Roane slightly outlives the nation

Roane County residents live to 72.6 years, matching Tennessee's state average but outpacing the U.S. life expectancy of 71.4 years. Nearly 1 in 5 residents (19.3%) report poor or fair health, slightly better than comparable U.S. counties. The county's health profile suggests solid foundational care with room for targeted improvement.

Roane ranks above Tennessee average

At 72.6 years, Roane County's life expectancy edges out Tennessee's 72.4-year state average—a meaningful advantage in a state facing significant health challenges. The county's 8.8% uninsured rate substantially beats Tennessee's 11.9% state average, suggesting stronger health coverage access. This better-than-average footing gives Roane a foundation many rural Tennessee counties lack.

Roane outperforms surrounding counties

Roane's 72.6-year life expectancy exceeds nearby Scott County (71.4) and Sequatchie County (75.2 years, though with a higher poor/fair health rate of 25.9%). Roane's 8.8% uninsured rate is the lowest among its peers, demonstrating above-average coverage access. The county's 43 primary care providers per 100,000 residents are competitive, placing it firmly in the middle of its regional cohort.

Healthcare access is relatively stable

With 43 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, Roane offers reasonable daily access to routine care, and its 64 mental health providers per 100,000 show growing mental health capacity. The 8.8% uninsured rate means roughly 9 in 100 residents lack coverage, creating gaps in preventive and emergency care. Sustained investment in primary care and mental health services could further close this access gap.

Check your coverage options today

If you're among Roane's 8.8% uninsured residents, explore marketplace plans at Healthcare.gov or contact the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance for local enrollment support. Even with above-average coverage rates, many working families miss eligibility for subsidized plans. A few minutes of research now could save thousands in unexpected medical costs.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Roane County

via RiskByCounty

Roane's risk sits above national average

Roane County scores 68.99 on composite risk, earning a Relatively Low rating but running 31% higher than the national average. This means residents face moderate exposure to natural hazards compared to most American counties. The gap reflects Tennessee's geography and exposure to multiple weather-related threats.

Middle of the pack in Tennessee

At 68.99, Roane scores notably higher than Tennessee's state average of 52.45, placing it in the upper-middle tier of the state's 95 counties. This ranks Roane as more exposed to natural hazards than most of its peers statewide. Only counties with significant urban density or geographic vulnerability score higher.

Higher risk than nearby counties

Roane's 68.99 composite score outpaces Sequatchie County (40.17) and Scott County (26.11), though it trails Sevier County (77.39) to the east. Its earthquake risk of 86.32 stands notably above regional neighbors, while tornado risk (71.85) remains consistently elevated across East Tennessee. Residents should view Roane as a moderate-to-higher-risk zone within its regional context.

Earthquakes and tornadoes top the list

Roane faces its highest hazard from earthquakes (86.32) and tornadoes (71.85), both substantially above state average. Flood risk (69.88) rounds out the top three, reflecting the county's position along the Clinch and Emory Rivers and vulnerable low-lying areas. These three hazards account for the bulk of Roane's overall risk profile.

Secure coverage before disaster strikes

Standard homeowners insurance does not cover earthquakes or flooding—two of Roane's biggest risks—so separate policies are critical. Verify that your homeowners policy includes tornado and wind coverage with adequate limits, and strongly consider earthquake and flood insurance given your county's exposure scores. Talk with a local agent about bundling these protections at a lower rate.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS — informational only.