countyscore
57.8
County Score
Cost of Living 90.9Water Quality 86Property Tax 83.2

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.

2040608010083.290.940.417.257.34.973.98669Tax83.2Cost90.9Safety40.4Health17.2Schools57.3Income4.9Risk73.9Water86Weather6957.8/100
This county
National avg
5 above average3 below average

Scott County DNA

Foverall

How Scott County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Scott County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (90.9/100) but notably weak in Income (4.9/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
83.2+31.200000000000003
Cost
90.9+42.900000000000006
Safety
40.4-14.600000000000001
Health
17.2-32.8
Schools
57.3
Income
4.9-46.1
Risk
73.9+26.900000000000006
Water
86+28
Weather
69+13
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Many homeowners in Scott County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$116,800

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$691/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$116,800/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$27,640/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.7x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $42,679/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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Counties with similar scores

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Skamania County
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Park County
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Park County
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Nearby counties

Campbell County
Tennessee
50.9
Morgan County
Tennessee
62.1
McCreary County
Kentucky
69.1
Anderson County
Tennessee
45.1
Fentress County
Tennessee
56.5
Wayne County
Kentucky
63
Whitley County
Kentucky
64.4
Pickett County
Tennessee
67.3

Deep Dives

Scott County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 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

Cost of Living in Scott County

via CostByCounty

Scott County offers cheap housing, tight budgets

Scott County's 19.4% rent-to-income ratio exceeds national norms despite its bargain-basement rent of $691 monthly, revealing a fundamental challenge: the county's median household income of just $42,679 ranks far below the national average of $74,755. Lower rents can't offset significantly lower wages.

Scott ranks low on both income and affordability

Scott County's 19.4% rent-to-income ratio slightly exceeds Tennessee's 17.6% state average, and its median household income of $42,679 falls roughly $20,000 below the state's economic center. The county represents Tennessee's economic margin, where affordable housing meets limited earning potential.

Scott's cheapest housing reflects its challenges

Scott County's $691 rent is Tennessee's lowest among these eight counties, undercutting Roane County's $767 by $76 monthly, yet the county's median income of $42,679 trails all peers by thousands. Cheap housing masks deeper economic constraints limiting household purchasing power.

Low income makes even cheap rent a strain

Scott residents spend 19.4% of their $42,679 median income on rent despite the county's $691 monthly average, while ownership costs of $499 remain modest in dollar terms but substantial as a percentage of earnings. The $116,800 median home value offers accessibility, but limited income constrains household wealth accumulation.

Scott suits those prioritizing lowest dollar costs

Scott County's appeal lies in absolute affordability—rent under $700 and homes near $117,000—making it attractive for retirees on fixed incomes or remote workers whose earnings don't depend on local opportunity. If your income flows from outside the county, Scott's low costs stretch your budget further than anywhere else in this region.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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

Schools in Scott County

via SchoolsByCounty

Small-Scale Learning in Rural Tennessee

Scott County's education system is intimate, consisting of only 10 public schools serving 3,987 students. The county is split between two districts that manage six elementary, two middle, and two high schools. This small footprint allows for a more personalized approach to public education within the community.

Exceptional Graduation Rates in the Mountains

Scott County delivers a standout 95.7% graduation rate, one of the highest in the region and well above the national 87.0% average. The county spends $6,390 per pupil, which is slightly above the state average, resulting in a composite school score of 55.2. This performance indicates that the county successfully translates its funding into superior student completion rates.

Divided Districts, Unified Success

Education is split between the Scott County district, with 2,524 students, and the Oneida district, which serves 1,463 students. Oneida Elementary is the largest school in the county with 784 students, followed by Scott High School with 719. No charter schools operate in the area, maintaining a traditional public school focus across both districts.

A True Rural and Town Educational Experience

The county's schools are evenly split between five town locales and five rural settings, reflecting the local geography. With an average school size of 399 students, the learning environment is quiet and community-focused. Facilities like Huntsville Elementary, with 390 students, exemplify the smaller, accessible campus feel common throughout the county.

Finding Community in High-Performing Districts

Buyers seeking a close-knit community with excellent graduation outcomes should look toward the Oneida and Huntsville areas. The local real estate market benefits from the high school score of 55.2, which attracts families looking for academic stability. Scott County offers an appealing rural lifestyle without sacrificing the quality of public education.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Scott County

via RiskByCounty

Scott County ranks among America's safest

Scott County scores just 26.11 on composite risk—a Very Low rating and roughly 48% below the national average. This places Scott in the safest 10% of American counties for natural disaster exposure. While no location is risk-free, Scott residents benefit from one of the nation's most favorable geographic positions.

One of Tennessee's lowest-risk counties

At 26.11, Scott ranks among the bottom 5% of Tennessee's 95 counties for composite risk, scoring just 50% of the state average (52.45). This exceptional safety reflects Scott's Appalachian terrain and distance from major flood corridors and tornado alleys. Only a handful of Tennessee counties score lower.

Safest county in its region

Scott (26.11) significantly outperforms neighboring counties and rivals Smith County (18.77) for the state's lowest composite risk. Its wildfire risk (68.83) stands elevated relative to neighbors, but other hazards remain well-controlled. Scott residents enjoy an uncommonly safe position in East Tennessee's natural hazard landscape.

Wildfire is the primary concern

Scott's wildfire risk of 68.83 is the highest of its five tracked hazards, reflecting dense forest coverage and Appalachian terrain susceptible to fire spread. Tornado risk (46.79) remains below state average, while flood (29.17), earthquake (57.32), and hurricane (43.85) risks are all modest. Wildfire prevention and property defensibility should drive Scott's preparedness focus.

Keep wildfire risk in focus

Verify your homeowners policy covers wildfire damage and maintain at least 30 feet of defensible space around structures, clearing dead vegetation and overhanging branches. Standard coverage typically includes wildfire, but review your policy's specific limits and exclusions. While Scott's overall risk remains low, wildfire preparation protects your biggest vulnerability.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Scott County

via WaterByCounty

Perfect Compliance Record in Scott County

Scott County maintains an A grade with zero health violations recorded over the last five years. This perfect 0.0 violation rate per 100,000 residents stands in stark contrast to the state average of 34.6. Local providers are successfully meeting all Safe Drinking Water Act health standards.

Scott Watersheds Show Strong Relative Health

Only 15.8% of assessed water bodies in Scott County are impaired, roughly half the state average of 30.2%. The 2022 assessment identifies E. Coli, sedimentation, and pH levels as the primary causes for the 12 impaired sites. Overall, 76 water bodies were assessed, showing a cleaner profile than many neighboring counties.

Concentrated Monitoring Focuses on Metals

Monitoring efforts include 32 sites that have produced 8,612 measurements over the past five years. Top measured groups include physical characteristics, inorganics, and metals. This data is critical for tracking any potential runoff or mining impacts on the Cumberland River watershed.

Cumberland River Flow is Exceptionally Low

At Leatherwood Ford, the South Fork Cumberland River is flowing at 173 cfs, just 11% of its long-term mean of 1,627 cfs. Such low flow levels can change the chemical balance of the river and impact aquatic habitats. This live data highlights a period of significant dryness for the county's primary drainage area.

Guard Against Bacteria During Dry Spells

Even with a perfect compliance score, the low streamflow in the South Fork Cumberland River can increase the concentration of E. Coli. Residents using the river for recreation should be mindful of these bacterial risks during periods of low discharge. Proper well maintenance is still advised despite the excellent county-wide grade.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

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 57.8 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 #20 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 $616, with an effective tax rate of 0.53%. This earns Scott County a tax score of 83.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Scott County?
The median household income in Scott County, Tennessee is $42,679 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Scott County earns an income score of 4.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Scott County, Tennessee a good place to live?
Scott County scores 57.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #20 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 Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & 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.