countyscore
43.4
County Score
Income & Jobs 86.2Property Tax 85.1Water Quality 70.1

County Report Card

About Rutherford County, Tennessee

A Dynamic but Expensive Profile

Rutherford County earns a composite score of 43.4, placing it below the national median of 50.0. The score reflects a trade-off between high economic productivity and significant cost-of-living pressures.

Below the Tennessee State Average

Despite its rapid growth, Rutherford's score of 43.4 falls short of the Tennessee average of 51.3. While its economy is a powerhouse for the state, its livability profile is impacted by high demand for resources.

Elite Incomes and Low Taxes

The county boasts an impressive Income Score of 86.2, with a median household income of $82,588. Its Tax Score of 85.1 is equally strong, supported by an effective tax rate of 0.507%, among the lowest in the state.

Struggles with Cost and Risk

Housing affordability is a major hurdle, shown by a very low Cost Score of 10.1 and median home values of $346,400. Furthermore, a Risk Score of 8.3 suggests the county faces significant environmental or natural hazard vulnerabilities.

The Verdict: A Hub for Career-Focused Families

Rutherford County is perfect for ambitious families who value high-earning potential and quality schools (56.6) above all else. Prospective residents should be prepared for a competitive housing market and premium real estate prices.

2040608010085.110.120.649.156.686.28.370.161.6Tax85.1Cost10.1Safety20.6Health49.1Schools56.6Income86.2Risk8.3Water70.1Weather61.643.4/100
This county
National avg
3 above average3 below average

Rutherford County DNA

Foverall

How Rutherford County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Rutherford County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Income (86.2/100) but notably weak in Disaster Risk (8.3/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
85.1+33.099999999999994
Cost
10.1-37.9
Safety
20.6-34.4
Health
49.1
Schools
56.6
Income
86.2+35.2
Risk
8.3-38.7
Water
70.1+12.099999999999994
Weather
61.6
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$346,400

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,405/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$346,400/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$56,200/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum4.2x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $82,588/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

4.6

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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Charleston County
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Citrus County
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Nearby counties

Cannon County
Tennessee
63.5
Bedford County
Tennessee
40.8
Wilson County
Tennessee
50.8
Coffee County
Tennessee
44
Marshall County
Tennessee
49.5
Williamson County
Tennessee
60.7
Davidson County
Tennessee
31.6
DeKalb County
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51.5

Deep Dives

Rutherford County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Rutherford County

via TaxByCounty

Rutherford keeps taxes well below national levels

Rutherford County's 0.507% effective rate means homeowners pay $1,757 annually on a median property worth $346,400—still substantially lower than the national median tax of $2,690. This thriving county offers lower tax burden despite commanding above-average home values.

Rutherford sits right at Tennessee's tax center

At 0.507%, Rutherford's effective rate is virtually tied with the state average of 0.511%, placing it squarely in the middle of Tennessee's tax landscape. The median tax bill of $1,757 runs 73% higher than the state median of $1,016, reflecting elevated property values.

Rutherford taxes competitive among growth counties

Rutherford's 0.507% rate sits between Robertson's 0.521% and Sequatchie's 0.453%, anchoring the region's middle ground. Annual taxes of $1,757 exceed most neighbors due to higher median home values of $346,400—the region's highest.

What Rutherford homeowners owe annually

On the median home value of $346,400 with a 0.507% effective rate, Rutherford homeowners pay approximately $1,757 per year. Adding mortgage-related taxes raises the bill to $1,770—a minimal $13 increase.

Rutherford homeowners can challenge assessments

Overassessment is common in rapidly appreciating counties like Rutherford, where home values may outpace official assessments or corrections. Homeowners should compare their assessment to recent sales of similar properties and file an appeal if values appear inflated.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Rutherford County

via CostByCounty

Rutherford's rent pinches even above-average earners

Rutherford County's 20.4% rent-to-income ratio marks one of Tennessee's highest housing burden levels, pushing well beyond the 15% comfort threshold even though median household income ($82,588) exceeds the national average by $7,833. The county's rapid growth around Murfreesboro has driven rents sharply higher than state norms.

Rutherford ranks among Tennessee's least affordable

At 20.4%, Rutherford County's rent-to-income ratio substantially exceeds Tennessee's 17.6% state average, marking it as one of the state's most housing-burdened counties. The median rent of $1,405 runs $545 above the state average—a dramatic premium that reflects metro-area pressures.

Rutherford's growth premium far outpaces peers

Rutherford's $1,405 monthly rent nearly doubles Roane County's $767 and significantly outpaces Robertson County's $1,176, reflecting its status as Nashville's fastest-growing suburb. The county's 20.4% rent-to-income ratio—highest among these peers—reveals the cost of proximity to metro growth.

Housing absorbs one-fifth of household income

Rutherford residents allocate roughly $1,405 monthly to rent or $1,392 to mortgages from a median income of $82,588—consuming approximately 20% of gross earnings on housing alone. The median home value of $346,400 reflects a market where appreciation has substantially outpaced income growth.

Rutherford demands six-figure household income

If you're relocating to Rutherford County, plan for housing costs that consume 20+ cents of every earned dollar—manageable only for households earning $85,000+. Compare whether Rutherford's metro amenities and opportunity justify these costs against more affordable neighboring counties offering comparable Tennessee lifestyle.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Rutherford County

via IncomeByCounty

Rutherford leads nation in income growth

Rutherford County's median household income of $82,588 surpasses the national median of $74,755 by nearly 11%, ranking it among the country's top earners. This premium reflects Murfreesboro's status as a regional job hub and education center.

Rutherford dominates Tennessee rankings

Rutherford County ranks in Tennessee's top 5% with a median household income of $82,588, nearly 40% above the state average of $58,994. The county's economic engine—anchored by Middle Tennessee State University and manufacturing—drives consistent wage growth.

Rutherford pulls ahead of all peers

Rutherford's $82,588 income is the highest among these eight counties, outpacing Robertson ($78,439) by $4,149 and Roane ($66,218) by $16,370. This leadership reflects aggressive suburban development and talent attraction in the Nashville corridor.

Rising costs test household budgets

Rutherford's rent-to-income ratio of 20.4% is the highest among profiled counties, driven by a median home value of $346,400. While incomes are strong, households must carefully manage the $70,400 annual housing cost relative to earnings.

Leverage Rutherford's income momentum

Rutherford's above-average earnings and job growth make it an ideal environment for aggressive wealth-building strategies. Maximize employer retirement matching, invest in taxable brokerage accounts once tax-advantaged vehicles are full, and consider real estate wealth-building opportunities.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Rutherford County

via CrimeByCounty

Rutherford County Stays Below National Crime Rates

Rutherford County maintains a safety score of 96.7 despite its rapid population growth. Its total crime rate of 2,061.8 per 100K remains lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Navigating Above Average Tennessee Crime

Rutherford's total crime rate sits slightly above the state average of 1,785.6 per 100K. Six local agencies manage public safety for one of the most active counties in the state.

Regional Safety Comparison for Residents

Rutherford County shares similar crime metrics with Sevier County, which reports a rate of 2,062.8 per 100K. It remains significantly safer than urban centers like Shelby County.

High Property Crime Drives Local Rates

Property crime accounts for 1,663.8 incidents per 100K, making up the bulk of local law enforcement activity. Violent crime is slightly elevated compared to the state average, reaching 398.0 per 100K.

Invest in Visible Home Defense

As property crime is the primary concern here, visible security cameras act as a strong deterrent. Residents should ensure all vehicles and entry points are locked to prevent opportunistic theft.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Rutherford County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Large-Scale Suburban Education Powerhouse

Rutherford County manages a massive educational infrastructure with 64 public schools serving over 60,115 students. The system is distributed across 38 elementary schools, 11 middle schools, and 13 high schools. Two distinct districts collaborate to provide comprehensive coverage for this rapidly growing population center.

Strong Results with Higher-Than-Average Investment

The county achieves an excellent 95.0% graduation rate, beating both state and national benchmarks. Its per-pupil expenditure of $6,512 is higher than the Tennessee average, contributing to a strong school score of 55.1. These numbers reflect a community that actively invests in its schools to secure top-tier student outcomes.

Managing High-Enrollment Districts

The Rutherford County district is the largest, managing 51 schools and 50,707 students, while the Murfreesboro district serves 9,408 students across 13 schools. High schools here are significantly large, with Stewarts Creek High and Rockvale High each enrolling over 2,200 students. There are currently no charter schools in the county, as traditional districts handle the total enrollment.

A Thriving Mix of Suburbs and Cities

The educational landscape is heavily suburban and urban, with 27 schools in suburbs and 24 in city settings. With an average school size of 954 students, attending school here feels bustling and dynamic. Large flagship schools like Smyrna and Blackman High Schools provide a high-energy environment with extensive resources for their 2,100+ students.

Investing Near Top-Tier Schools

Homebuyers often target the Stewarts Creek and Blackman areas specifically for their highly-rated, large-scale high schools. Rutherford County's reputation for high graduation rates makes it one of the most sought-after markets for families in the Nashville metro area. Choosing a home here often means securing a spot in a district that outperforms state academic averages.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Rutherford County

via RiskByCounty

Rutherford faces significantly elevated disaster risk

Rutherford County scores 91.73 on composite risk—a Relatively Moderate rating and nearly double the national average of approximately 50. This makes Rutherford one of the most hazard-exposed counties in America, driven by extreme tornado, flood, and earthquake risks. The county ranks among the top 5% riskiest in the nation.

Highest risk county in Tennessee

At 91.73, Rutherford's composite score towers 75% above Tennessee's state average of 52.45, making it the state's most disaster-exposed county by a wide margin. No other Tennessee county combines tornado, flood, and earthquake risks at this intensity. Rutherford residents face hazards that exceed those in 98% of the state.

Dramatically outpaces all neighboring counties

Rutherford (91.73) far exceeds nearby Robertson (60.43) and ranks as the risk outlier in Middle Tennessee. Its composite score is 17 points higher than the regional average, driven by exceptionally high tornado (94.97) and flood (93.38) risks. No adjacent county comes close to Rutherford's hazard exposure.

Tornadoes, floods, and earthquakes converge here

Rutherford's tornado risk reaches 94.97—among the nation's highest—while flood risk (93.38) reflects vulnerability along the Stones River and extensive development in flood-prone areas. Earthquake risk (94.82) adds a third major threat, creating a uniquely hazardous environment. Together, these three hazards create conditions that demand serious preparedness investment.

Comprehensive coverage is non-negotiable here

Homeowners in Rutherford must secure flood insurance immediately—standard policies exclude it, and the county's 93.38 flood score makes coverage essential. Add earthquake insurance and verify tornado/wind coverage is adequate; consider an umbrella policy for additional liability protection. With Rutherford ranking among America's most hazardous counties, full insurance protection is a critical investment.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Rutherford County

via WaterByCounty

High Marks for Rutherford Drinking Water

Rutherford County earns an A grade for drinking water quality, with a violation rate of only 0.9 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded just four health violations over five years, vastly outperforming the state average of 34.6. This reflects strong adherence to Safe Drinking Water Act regulations.

Stones River Impacted by E. Coli

Despite excellent drinking water scores, 37.0% of assessed water bodies in the county are impaired. The 2022 reporting cycle highlights E. Coli and sedimentation as major stressors for 34 out of 92 assessed water bodies. This impairment rate is nearly seven percentage points higher than the Tennessee state average.

Extensive Monitoring Coverage Across the County

Rutherford features a dense monitoring network with 96 sites and 9,794 recorded measurements in the last five years. Data collectors focus on physical properties, nutrient levels, and biological counts. This comprehensive footprint provides a clear picture of how urbanization affects local water chemistry.

Stones River Flows Below Typical Levels

The East Fork Stones River near Lascassas is currently flowing at 36 cfs, which is only 8% of its long-term mean. This significantly low discharge rate compared to the typical 453 cfs can lead to higher concentrations of pollutants. Low flows often exacerbate the impact of the E. Coli levels identified in watershed assessments.

Monitor Water Use During Low Flow

While drinking water compliance is high, the extreme low flow in the Stones River increases the risk of concentrated bacterial levels in raw water. Residents should support watershed protection efforts to reduce E. Coli and sedimentation. If using water for recreation, be aware that 37% of local water bodies do not meet Clean Water Act standards.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Rutherford County

via WeatherByCounty

Central Tennessee Seasonal Warmth

Rutherford County averages 58.0°F, placing it right at the heart of the state's climatic average. This is significantly warmer than the median U.S. county.

Typical Tennessee Temperatures

The county’s 58.0°F average is just a fraction below the state mean of 58.1°F. It provides a standard experience of the state's humid subtropical climate.

High Heat Compared to Neighbors

Rutherford endures 45 extreme heat days, far more than the 15 days experienced in Scott County. Precipitation stays near the state norm at 56.3 inches.

Hot Summers and Little Snow

Summer temperatures average 76.1°F, driven by a long stretch of days over 90°F. Winter remains mild with an average of 39.5°F and only 2.2 inches of snow.

Beat the Intense Summer Heat

Residents should invest in high-quality cooling and sun protection for the six weeks of 90-degree weather. Winter prep is simple given the low snowfall.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Rutherford County

via SoilByCounty

Strong soil scores in Rutherford

Rutherford County earns a soil score of 46.6, placing it well above the state average of 38.5. The average pH of 5.78 is relatively high for Tennessee, providing a more hospitable environment for diverse plant life than the state average of 5.35.

High silt content drives texture

With 56.4% silt and 25.1% clay, this soil leans toward a heavier texture that retains nutrients effectively. The low sand content of 17.0% means the soil is less prone to rapid leaching but may require careful management to avoid compaction.

Solid water retention potential

The available water capacity is 0.173 in/in, slightly exceeding the state benchmark and providing a safety net during Tennessee summers. Organic matter levels at 1.96% are nearly identical to the national average of 2.0%.

Consistent moisture for the landscape

The high silt and clay ratios suggest a soil that holds onto moisture longer than sandy neighbors. Growers should plan for steady drainage and monitor soil moisture to ensure roots remain healthy in this dense medium.

Diverse opportunities in Zone 7b

The mild winters of Zone 7b allow for a versatile range of landscaping and food crops. This soil is particularly well-suited for deciduous fruit trees and hardy shrubs that enjoy consistent moisture and nutrient-rich clays.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Rutherford County

via LawnByCounty

Steady Growth in the Heartland

Rutherford County scores a 52.7 on the difficulty scale, making it one of the easier places in Tennessee to maintain a lawn. This score exceeds both the state average of 48.0 and the national median of 50.0. Its Zone 7b climate provides a reliable environment for those willing to manage heat and clay.

Managing High Heat and Rain

With 45 days over 90°F annually, Rutherford County lawns face more intense heat than the typical Tennessee yard. The 56.3 inches of annual precipitation is slightly higher than the state average, providing plenty of natural irrigation. Grass remains active for a long season, bookended by a late April frost and a late October cooling.

Prepping High-Clay Foundations

Lawns here sit on soil with 25.1% clay, which retains moisture well but can become compacted under heavy use. The 5.78 pH is nearly ideal for many grass types, though a light lime application may still be beneficial. Aeration is critical in this county to ensure oxygen reaches the roots through the dense clay layers.

Short-Term Drought Resistance

Rutherford County shows strong resilience, with only 8 weeks spent in drought over the past year. Current conditions show only 39.2% of the county is abnormally dry, which is much better than neighboring regions. This lower drought pressure allows for more flexible watering schedules compared to the rest of the state.

The Best Grass for Rutherford

Warm-season grasses like Bermuda thrive in the 45 days of extreme heat, while Tall Fescue remains a popular cool-season choice. Wait until the final frost on April 13 to begin spring seeding or sodding projects. Given the 4,354 growing degree days, your lawn has a long window to establish itself before winter.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Rutherford County's county score?
Rutherford County, Tennessee has a composite county score of 43.4 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 Rutherford County rank among counties in Tennessee?
Rutherford County ranks #85 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 Rutherford County, Tennessee?
The median annual property tax in Rutherford County is $1,757, with an effective tax rate of 0.51%. This earns Rutherford County a tax score of 85.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Rutherford County?
The median household income in Rutherford County, Tennessee is $82,588 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Rutherford County earns an income score of 86.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Rutherford County, Tennessee a good place to live?
Rutherford County scores 43.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #85 in Tennessee. The best way to evaluate Rutherford 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 Rutherford County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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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.