Rutherford County's composite score of 68.4 significantly exceeds the national median of 50.0, demonstrating stronger-than-average livability by U.S. standards. The county's appeal rests on favorable tax treatment and the highest median household income among these eight counties.
2 / 5
Rutherford Trails State Average Performance
With a score of 68.4, Rutherford County ranks below Tennessee's state average of 76.3, placing it in the lower-middle tier among the state's 95 counties. The gap suggests the county faces headwinds in affordability or other livability factors compared to better-performing Tennessee counties.
3 / 5
Highest Incomes Drive County Appeal
Rutherford leads this group with a median household income of $82,588 (income score: 37.3) and maintains a competitive tax score of 88.0 with a 0.507% effective rate. Strong earning potential combined with favorable tax treatment makes the county attractive for ambitious households.
4 / 5
Housing Affordability Challenges Mount
The county's cost score of 61.4 reflects the steepest housing pressure in this group—median rent at $1,405/month and home values at $346,400 require substantial income to afford comfortably. Limited data on safety, health, schools, and water resources prevents full evaluation of quality-of-life factors.
5 / 5
Growth Hub for Well-Compensated Professionals
Rutherford County suits high-earning professionals and ambitious families willing to invest significantly in housing for strong income potential and tax efficiency. The county represents a more expensive but economically dynamic option compared to its Tennessee peers.
Rutherford County's composite score of 68.4 significantly exceeds the national median of 50.0, demonstrating stronger-than-average livability by U.S. standards. The county's appeal rests on favorable tax treatment and the highest median household income among these eight counties.
Rutherford Trails State Average Performance
With a score of 68.4, Rutherford County ranks below Tennessee's state average of 76.3, placing it in the lower-middle tier among the state's 95 counties. The gap suggests the county faces headwinds in affordability or other livability factors compared to better-performing Tennessee counties.
Highest Incomes Drive County Appeal
Rutherford leads this group with a median household income of $82,588 (income score: 37.3) and maintains a competitive tax score of 88.0 with a 0.507% effective rate. Strong earning potential combined with favorable tax treatment makes the county attractive for ambitious households.
Housing Affordability Challenges Mount
The county's cost score of 61.4 reflects the steepest housing pressure in this group—median rent at $1,405/month and home values at $346,400 require substantial income to afford comfortably. Limited data on safety, health, schools, and water resources prevents full evaluation of quality-of-life factors.
Growth Hub for Well-Compensated Professionals
Rutherford County suits high-earning professionals and ambitious families willing to invest significantly in housing for strong income potential and tax efficiency. The county represents a more expensive but economically dynamic option compared to its Tennessee peers.
Score breakdown
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🏛88
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
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.
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.
Rutherford County's 76.0-year life expectancy significantly outpaces the U.S. average of 71.4 years—a remarkable 4.6-year gap indicating exceptional health outcomes. Nearly 1 in 5 residents (19.8%) report poor or fair health, among the lowest rates in Tennessee. Rutherford's profile suggests strong healthcare systems, healthy behaviors, and economic stability supporting longevity.
Rutherford is Tennessee's health leader
At 76.0 years, Rutherford County's life expectancy towers 3.6 years above Tennessee's 72.4-year average—the highest among the eight counties profiled. The county's 10% uninsured rate sits below the state average of 11.9%, meaning more residents have stable coverage and preventive care access. Rutherford has built a health system that competitors aspire to match.
Rutherford vastly outperforms peers
Rutherford's 76.0-year life expectancy exceeds every comparison county, including Sequatchie (75.2), Roane (72.6), and Scott (71.4)—demonstrating dramatic regional health advantage. With 44 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and 136 mental health providers, Rutherford's provider density is among the highest regionally. This abundance of resources directly correlates with the county's superior health outcomes.
Abundant providers enable preventive care
Rutherford's 44 primary care providers and 136 mental health providers per 100,000 residents (more than twice the state average for behavioral health) create robust access to routine and specialty care. With only 10% uninsured, Rutherford's residents enjoy insurance stability that supports continuous preventive relationships with providers. This ecosystem of providers and coverage directly supports the county's best-in-state health outcomes.
Rutherford residents: protect your advantage
If you're part of Rutherford's 10% uninsured population, don't miss the coverage advantage your county's robust health system provides—check Healthcare.gov or contact local enrollment services. Even with strong county health infrastructure, uninsured residents face preventable barriers to care and financial hardship from medical bills. Enrollment takes minutes and unlocks full access to Rutherford's exceptional provider network.
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.