countyscore
58.1
County Score
Cost of Living 92.5Water Quality 86Property Tax 83.4

County Report Card

About Scott County, Tennessee

Outpacing the National Median

Scott County secures an impressive composite score of 57.8, comfortably exceeding the national median of 50.0. This makes it one of the more competitive counties in the country for overall livability metrics.

One of Tennessee’s Top Performers

With a score of 57.8, Scott County significantly outperforms the Tennessee state average of 51.3. It stands out as a regional leader in balancing affordability with environmental quality.

Unmatched Affordability and Water Quality

Scott County dominates in affordability with a Cost Score of 90.9, featuring a low median rent of $691. It also excels in resource quality, earning a Water Score of 86.0 and a Risk Score of 73.9.

Economic and Health Headwinds

The county struggles significantly with income levels, reflected in an Income Score of only 4.9 and a median household income of $42,679. Health outcomes also lag, with a dimension score of 17.2 highlighting a need for better medical services.

The Verdict: Best for Remote Workers and Retirees

Scott County is a haven for those with outside income sources, such as remote employees or retirees, who can capitalize on the incredibly low cost of living. It offers a high quality of life for those who don't rely on the local labor market for high wages.

2040608010083.492.540.417.257.35.473.98669Tax83.4Cost92.5Safety40.4Health17.2Schools57.3Income5.4Risk73.9Water86Weather6958.1/100
This county
National avg
5 above average3 below average

Scott County DNA

Foverall

How Scott County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Scott County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (92.5/100) but notably weak in Income (5.4/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
83.4+31.400000000000006
Cost
92.5+44.5
Safety
40.4-14.600000000000001
Health
17.2-32.8
Schools
57.3
Income
5.4-45.6
Risk
73.9+26.900000000000006
Water
86+28
Weather
69+13
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Scott County?

Many homeowners in Scott County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$124,900

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$686/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$124,900/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$27,440/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.8x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $44,711/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

22.8

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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Nearby counties

Campbell County
Tennessee
51.5
Morgan County
Tennessee
63.9
McCreary County
Kentucky
69.8
Anderson County
Tennessee
46
Fentress County
Tennessee
55.7
Wayne County
Kentucky
62.5
Whitley County
Kentucky
62.8
Pickett County
Tennessee
69.3

Deep Dives

Scott County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Scott County

via TaxByCounty

Scott County offers rock-bottom property taxes

Scott County's 0.527% effective rate produces the region's lowest median tax bill at just $616 annually on properties averaging $116,800. This makes Scott County a fraction of the $2,690 national median—among the most affordable in America.

Scott ranks slightly above Tennessee average

Scott's 0.527% effective rate is marginally higher than the state average of 0.511%, but the low median home value of $116,800 keeps tax bills minimal. At $616 annually, Scott's median property tax is 39% below the state median of $1,016.

Scott's taxes lowest in its corner of the state

Scott County's $616 median tax bill dramatically undercuts every neighboring county, despite a rate of 0.527% that's near average. The key difference is Scott's rural character: median homes worth just $116,800 versus Rutherford's $346,400.

What Scott County homeowners actually pay

With a median home value of $116,800 and a 0.527% effective rate, Scott homeowners pay roughly $616 annually in property tax. Mortgage taxes add $226, raising the total to $842—reflecting the lower initial assessment.

Scott homeowners should verify assessments too

Even in lower-tax Scott County, homeowners benefit from confirming their property assessment matches current market value. If your home's assessed value exceeds what similar homes sold for recently, filing an appeal can yield meaningful savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Scott County

via IncomeByCounty

Scott struggles far below national median

Scott County's median household income of $42,679 ranks among the nation's lowest, trailing the national median of $74,755 by $32,076—a 43% shortfall. This represents one of the steepest income challenges in the country.

Scott ranks lowest in Tennessee

Scott County's median household income of $42,679 places it at the bottom of Tennessee's 95 counties, 27.6% below the state average of $58,994. The county faces systemic economic challenges rooted in limited job diversity and educational attainment.

Scott trails all profiled counties

Scott's $42,679 income is the lowest among these eight counties, nearly $20,000 below Sequatchie County ($52,260) and $39,909 below Rutherford County ($82,588). The gap reflects Scott's reliance on limited agricultural and light industrial employment.

Housing costs consume critical income

Scott's rent-to-income ratio of 19.4% reflects a precarious housing situation: the median home value of $116,800 still consumes nearly one-fifth of a $42,679 annual income. Many households operate with minimal financial cushion for emergencies or savings.

Start small, prioritize financial stability

Scott County households should prioritize building emergency savings—ideally three months of expenses—before investing in wealth-building vehicles. Explore low-cost community development financial institutions, employer retirement plans with matching, and free financial counseling resources to build wealth progressively.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Scott County

via CrimeByCounty

Scott County Ranks High for National Safety

Scott County boasts a safety score of 97.9, making it one of the more secure areas in the country. The total crime rate of 1,359.6 per 100K is roughly 43% lower than the national average.

Leading the Way in Tennessee Security

Scott County outperforms the state safety average of 97.2 by a clear margin. Two reporting agencies manage a crime rate that is significantly lower than the Tennessee average of 1,785.6 per 100K.

One of the Safest in the Region

Scott County is safer than nearby Roane and Sequatchie counties based on total crime rates. It provides some of the highest security levels among the eight counties surveyed in this report.

Violent Crime Rates are Exceptionally Low

Violent crime in Scott County is rare, occurring at a rate of 141.4 per 100K, which is far below the national 369.8 average. Property crime also stays low at 1,218.2 per 100K residents.

Maintaining a Secure Scott County Community

Low crime rates are a community achievement, and staying alert helps keep them that way. Simple home security habits and community awareness ensure the county remains a safe haven.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Scott County

via WeatherByCounty

Cool Mountain Air Profile

Scott County averages 55.1°F annually, making it one of the cooler spots in the region. While warmer than the national median, it is significantly cooler than the Tennessee average.

Well Below the State Average

At 55.1°F, Scott is three degrees cooler than the Tennessee average of 58.1°F. The county offers a break from the intense heat found in the Tennessee lowlands.

Cooler and Snowier Than Neighbors

Scott sees 5.5 inches of snowfall, which is more than double what Roane receives. It also experiences far fewer extreme heat days, with only 15 per year.

Mild Summers and Brisk Winters

The summer average of 72.9°F is very comfortable, but winter temperatures drop to a 37.1°F average. Snowfall is common during the colder winter months.

Prioritize Heating and Winter Gear

Residents should prioritize heating efficiency and winter tires for the 5.5 inches of snow. Summer is a great time for outdoor activities as extreme heat is rare.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Scott County

via SoilByCounty

Unique mountain soil profiles

Scott County presents a landscape where specific soil composition data remains largely unmapped. While detailed pH and taxonomic data are limited, the region is known for its rugged terrain and variable mountain soil characteristics.

Variable textures and rocky terrain

Official percentages for sand, silt, and clay are unavailable, reflecting the county's complex geological history. Local gardeners typically find a mix of stony materials and fine particles that vary significantly from one ridge to the next.

Local fertility and water needs

With no established average for organic matter or water capacity, growers should rely on site-specific soil testing. These tests are vital to compare your local plot against the state average organic matter of 2.44%.

Navigating complex drainage patterns

Hydrologic data is limited for this area, but the steep slopes of the Cumberland Plateau often dictate rapid runoff. Proper terracing and water management are essential strategies for anyone looking to farm or build on this terrain.

Resilient gardening in Zone 7a

Scott County sits in Hardiness Zone 7a, where native plants often handle the rocky soil better than non-native species. Consider starting a garden with hardy native berries or forest-dwelling perennials that thrive in the plateau's unique climate.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Scott County

via LawnByCounty

Tennessee's High-Performing Lawns

Scott County is a standout for lawn ease, scoring 66.3 on the difficulty scale—well above the national average of 50.0. Its Zone 7a climate and moderate summer temperatures make it one of the most favorable counties in the state for turf. Maintaining a green carpet here is significantly easier than in the hotter Tennessee lowlands.

Cooler Summers and Plentiful Rain

The county only experiences 15 extreme heat days per year, which is less than half the Tennessee state average. Lawns benefit from a generous 58.1 inches of rain and a July average temperature of just 74.6°F. This cooler profile reduces evaporation and prevents the mid-summer dormancy common in southern counties.

Adapting to Highland Terrain

While specific local soil composition data is limited, regional highland trends suggest a need for testing to determine pH levels. General prep work should focus on ensuring adequate drainage to handle the nearly 60 inches of annual rainfall. Local gardeners typically supplement soil with organic compost to improve nutrient retention in variable mountain soils.

Monitoring Dry Highland Spells

The county experienced 12 weeks of drought last year, and currently, the entire area is considered abnormally dry. Only a tiny fraction, 0.4%, faces severe drought, meaning most lawns are currently under manageable stress. Even with the cooler climate, homeowners should maintain a steady watering routine during dry autumn weeks.

Starting Early in Scott County

Cool-season grasses like Kentucky Bluegrass and Perennial Ryegrass perform exceptionally well in this temperate climate. Plan your projects around the April 23 last frost date to avoid late-season cold snaps. With the lowest heat stress in the region, your lawn can stay green much longer than in neighboring counties.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Scott County's county score?
Scott County, Tennessee has a composite county score of 58.1 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 Scott County rank among counties in Tennessee?
Scott County ranks #19 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 Scott County, Tennessee?
The median annual property tax in Scott County is $632, with an effective tax rate of 0.51%. This earns Scott County a tax score of 83.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Scott County?
The median household income in Scott County, Tennessee is $44,711 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Scott County earns an income score of 5.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Scott County, Tennessee a good place to live?
Scott County scores 58.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #19 in Tennessee. The best way to evaluate Scott 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 Scott County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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.