countyscore
52
County Score
Property Tax 90.4Water Quality 86Weather & Climate 74.8

County Report Card

About Sequatchie County, Tennessee

Exceeding National Livability Standards

Sequatchie County earns a 52.0 composite score, edging out the national median of 50.0. This indicates a quality of life that is slightly above the typical American experience.

Beating the Tennessee Average

At 52.0, Sequatchie County sits just above the Tennessee state average of 51.3. It maintains a steady and reliable profile compared to its peers across the state.

Superior Tax Benefits and Water

Taxpayers find great value here with a Tax Score of 90.4 and an effective rate of only 0.453%. The county also provides excellent environmental factors, evidenced by a high Water Score of 86.0.

Income and Health Limitations

The local economy presents challenges with an Income Score of 19.1 and a median household income of $52,260. A Health Score of 25.1 also suggests that residents may face limited access to specialized medical care.

The Verdict: A Peaceful, Low-Tax Retreat

Sequatchie County is ideal for individuals who prioritize low taxes and environmental quality over high-speed urban growth. It is a strong choice for those who value a quiet, affordable lifestyle with high-quality natural resources.

Score breakdown

Tax90.4Cost67.7Safety30.1Health25.1Schools46Income19.1Risk59.8Water86Weather74.8
🏛90.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠67.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼19.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡30.1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤25.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓46
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡59.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤74.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨27.2
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱35.8
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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60.4
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Marion County
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Deep Dives

Sequatchie County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Sequatchie County

via TaxByCounty

Sequatchie offers some of Tennessee's best tax rates

Sequatchie County's 0.453% effective rate is the region's lowest, producing an annual median tax of $986 on homes valued at $217,800. This represents just one-third the national median property tax burden of $2,690.

Sequatchie runs well below state average rate

At 0.453%, Sequatchie's effective tax rate significantly undercuts Tennessee's 0.511% state average—a meaningful 11% difference. The median tax bill of $986 falls 3% below the state median of $1,016.

Sequatchie boasts the region's lowest rate

Sequatchie's 0.453% effective rate beats every surrounding county, with only Sevier County's 0.314% offering lower taxation. On median properties valued at $217,800, Sequatchie residents pay $986—the regional sweet spot for rural affordability.

What Sequatchie homeowners pay yearly

On the median home value of $217,800 with a 0.453% effective rate, Sequatchie homeowners owe approximately $986 annually. Mortgage obligations add just $22, bringing the total to $1,008.

Even Sequatchie residents should verify their assessments

Low tax rates don't guarantee accurate assessments—Sequatchie homeowners should still compare their valuation to recent comparable sales. If your property was assessed before recent market shifts, an appeal could yield additional savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Sequatchie County

via CostByCounty

Sequatchie balances modest income with fair housing

Sequatchie County's 19.3% rent-to-income ratio sits above national comfort levels, yet the median household income of $52,260 falls $22,495 below the national average, suggesting residents here trade geographic isolation for housing affordability. The $842 monthly rent reflects a rural county market substantially below metro norms.

Sequatchie ranks near Tennessee's middle tier

At 19.3%, Sequatchie's rent-to-income ratio exceeds Tennessee's 17.6% state average by less than 2 percentage points, positioning the county in the state's middle range despite lower-than-average incomes. The $842 median rent sits just below the state average of $860, reflecting typical rural Tennessee pricing.

Sequatchie offers balance between cost and access

Sequatchie's $842 rent undercuts neighbor Sevier County's $1,013 by $171 monthly while exceeding Roane County's $767, reflecting its position as a rural county without the metro pressures of Sevier or Rutherford. The trade-off: modest savings in exchange for geographic remoteness.

Housing costs reasonable relative to income

Sequatchie residents allocate roughly $842 monthly to rent or $603 to ownership costs from a median income of $52,260—consuming about 19% of household earnings on housing. The median home value of $217,800 offers surprising equity potential for a rural county with limited income.

Sequatchie appeals to income-flexible relocators

If you work remotely or draw income from elsewhere, Sequatchie County's $842 rent and $217,800 median home value offer exceptional value compared to its income-based county peers. Assess whether the county's rural isolation suits your lifestyle—if connectivity and opportunity matter less than affordability, Sequatchie delivers.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Sequatchie County

via IncomeByCounty

Sequatchie falls significantly short nationally

Sequatchie County's median household income of $52,260 trails the national median of $74,755 by $22,495, representing a 30% earnings deficit. This gap underscores the economic challenges facing rural Appalachian counties.

Sequatchie ranks in Tennessee's lower tier

Sequatchie County's median household income of $52,260 places it in the bottom quarter of Tennessee's 95 counties, 11.5% below the state average of $58,994. The county's limited job base and aging population compound economic headwinds.

Sequatchie outpaces only Scott County

Among these eight counties, Sequatchie's $52,260 income ranks seventh, ahead of only Scott County ($42,679). Sequatchie lags Roane ($66,218) by $13,958, reflecting its more rural economic structure and limited urban job centers.

Housing costs are relatively stable

Sequatchie's rent-to-income ratio of 19.3% is moderate, with a median home value of $217,800 that demands roughly $42,000 annually in housing costs. While manageable, this proportion leaves households limited flexibility for savings or unexpected expenses.

Focus on affordable wealth-building tools

Sequatchie households can build wealth through employer 401(k)s, even with modest matching, and high-yield savings accounts offering 4-5% returns. Consider skill-building investments in high-demand trades to increase earning potential alongside consistent saving habits.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Sequatchie County

via CrimeByCounty

Sequatchie County Beats National Crime Averages

Sequatchie County holds a safety score of 97.4, reflecting its status as a quiet and secure community. The total crime rate of 1,662.0 per 100K is notably better than the national figure of 2,385.5.

Stronger Safety Than the Tennessee Average

The county's safety score of 97.4 slightly exceeds the state average of 97.2. Two local agencies report a total crime rate of 1,662.0, which is lower than the Tennessee average of 1,785.6 per 100K.

Regional Standings in Public Safety

Sequatchie County is safer than Rutherford and Sevier counties, which both report crime rates above 2,000 per 100K. It offers a more secure environment than many of its neighbors across the state.

Property Crime is the Primary Concern

Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,363.2 per 100K, while violent crime is lower than the national average at 298.8. These numbers suggest that while theft occurs, physical safety remains high.

Proactive Security for Sequatchie Residents

Investing in motion-sensor lighting can help deter property-related incidents in the county. Maintaining these high safety scores requires consistent attention to home and vehicle security.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Sequatchie County

via HealthByCounty

Sequatchie's life span masks health struggles

Sequatchie County's 75.2-year life expectancy exceeds the U.S. average of 71.4 years by 3.8 years, yet nearly 1 in 4 residents (25.9%) report poor or fair health—one of the worst rates nationally. This paradox suggests a county where some residents live long lives while many experience chronic illness and disability. The county faces a hidden health burden obscured by average life expectancy.

Sequatchie's uninsured rate alarms

At 75.2 years, Sequatchie's life expectancy ranks above Tennessee's 72.4-year average, but the county's 14.9% uninsured rate—the highest among the eight profiled counties—substantially exceeds Tennessee's 11.9% average. Nearly 1 in 6 Sequatchie residents lack coverage, creating cascading barriers to diagnosis and management of the chronic conditions driving the high poor/fair health rate. This coverage gap is a critical vulnerability.

Sequatchie's provider shortage is severe

Sequatchie's 75.2-year life expectancy ranks second-highest regionally, but its 18 primary care providers per 100,000 is the lowest among all eight counties—less than half Robertson's rate. Mental health capacity at just 18 providers per 100,000 is also the weakest regionally, leaving residents isolated in managing behavioral health alongside chronic disease. Provider scarcity contradicts the county's respectable life expectancy.

Chronic illness thrives in provider desert

Sequatchie's 25.9% poor/fair health rate (highest among the eight counties) directly reflects its 18 primary care providers per 100,000—a critical shortage that prevents disease management and early intervention. With 14.9% uninsured, the county combines provider scarcity with insurance gaps, meaning chronically ill residents often lack access to specialists, medications, and monitoring. This perfect storm of barriers explains why health-adjusted life expectancy lags far behind raw life expectancy.

Coverage unlocks access to scarce providers

Sequatchie's 14.9% uninsured rate—the highest of all eight counties—must be the first priority; start enrollment at Healthcare.gov or contact the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance to explore coverage options. Once insured, work with your provider to establish relationships with distant primary care and specialist offices, and consider telehealth options to bridge the provider gap. Coverage won't instantly create more doctors, but it removes the financial barriers preventing you from reaching them.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Sequatchie County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Concentrated Three-School Campus

Sequatchie County operates one of the most consolidated systems in the state, with just three public schools serving 2,031 students. The infrastructure consists of exactly one elementary, one middle, and one high school, all managed by a single county district. This unique setup creates a unified educational journey for students as they progress through the same peer group.

Steady Academic Output and Efficient Spending

The county maintains a 92.0% graduation rate, which is slightly below the state average but remains five points higher than the national benchmark of 87.0%. Per-pupil spending sits at $6,453, which is higher than the Tennessee average of $6,215. The system earns a school score of 53.4, reflecting consistent performance across its limited number of campuses.

Total Enrollment in One Local District

The Sequatchie County district manages the entire student population of 2,031 across its three facilities. Griffith Elementary is the largest school with 778 students, followed by the High School and Middle School which each serve over 600 students. There are no charter schools, ensuring all educational resources are funneled through the main district office.

A Mix of Rural and Town Life

The school locale mix includes two rural settings and one town location, providing a classic small-county feel. The average school size of 677 students is higher than many neighboring counties due to the consolidated nature of the district. Students benefit from attending larger, more centralized schools that serve as the primary social hubs for the entire county.

Simplicity and Quality for Local Families

The centralized school system makes home buying straightforward, as all residents feed into the same high-performing campus sequence. With graduation rates well above the national average, Sequatchie County is a stable choice for families prioritizing education. Real estate near the central Dunlap area offers the most convenient access to all three county schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Sequatchie County

via RiskByCounty

Sequatchie maintains very low national risk

Sequatchie County scores 40.17 on composite risk—a Very Low rating and 20% below the national average. This favorable standing reflects the county's sheltered valley location and relatively stable exposure to multiple hazard types. Sequatchie residents enjoy one of the nation's more forgiving natural disaster profiles.

Well below Tennessee's average risk

At 40.17, Sequatchie sits 23% below Tennessee's state average of 52.45, placing it in the lower third of the state's counties. This advantageous ranking stems from moderate scores across all five hazard categories rather than any extreme low or high. Sequatchie represents a balanced, low-risk environment for the state.

Safer than most East Tennessee peers

Sequatchie (40.17) ranks lower-risk than Roane (68.99) and Sevier (77.39) but higher than Scott County (26.11) in the immediate region. Its wildfire risk (50.95) is notably elevated compared to Middle Tennessee but moderate for East Tennessee. Sequatchie occupies a sweet spot—safer than neighboring mountain counties but not isolation-level low.

Wildfire and earthquake pose mild threats

Sequatchie's highest risks are wildfire (50.95) and earthquake (52.29), both moderate rather than extreme, reflecting the county's Appalachian geography. Tornado risk (47.42) and flood risk (35.08) remain below state average, while hurricane risk (24.20) is minimal. Compared to neighboring counties, Sequatchie's hazard profile is remarkably balanced.

Standard coverage handles your main risks

A comprehensive homeowners policy covering tornado, wind, and wildfire damage provides solid protection for Sequatchie's moderate hazard environment. Maintain defensible space around your property to reduce wildfire risk, and keep gutters clear of debris. Given Sequatchie's lower-risk profile, standard insurance typically suffices, though individual properties near flood-prone areas should verify separate flood coverage.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Sequatchie County

via WeatherByCounty

Warmer and Wetter Than the National Median

Sequatchie County's annual average temperature of 60.2°F sits well above the U.S. national median. Its humid subtropical climate produces 63.7 inches of annual precipitation, making it significantly wetter than most American counties.

A High-Precipitation Leader in Tennessee

While the Tennessee average annual temperature is 58.1°F, Sequatchie runs warmer at 60.2°F. It is also one of the state's wettest areas, exceeding the state precipitation average by nearly 8 inches annually.

Consistent Warmth Across the Southern Plateau

Sequatchie shares the humid, lush climate of its southern Tennessee neighbors. Its 63.7 inches of rain matches the heavy precipitation patterns seen in the nearby Chattanooga region and along the Cumberland Plateau.

Mild Winters and Humid Summer Peaks

The county experiences 32 days of extreme heat above 90°F, with July temperatures averaging 77.7°F. Winters are relatively mild with a 42.6°F average and a modest 3.1 inches of annual snowfall.

Manage Moisture and Summer Heat

With 32 extreme heat days and high rainfall, residents need efficient HVAC systems and cleared gutter systems. Outdoor planning should account for a long, humid growing season and minimal winter snow interference.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Sequatchie County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Ultisols of the Valley

Sequatchie County's soil is dominated by Ultisols, which are highly weathered and naturally acidic with an average pH of 5.04. This pH level is significantly lower than both the state average of 5.35 and the national median of 6.5.

True loam in the heart of Tennessee

The dominant texture is loam, composed of 39.6% sand, 41.8% silt, and 18.6% clay. This balanced mix offers superior workability and drainage, making it a favorite for farmers despite the overall soil score of 27.2.

Managing nutrient and water levels

The organic matter content is 1.84%, trailing the state average of 2.44%. With an available water capacity of 0.160 in/in, these soils may require supplemental irrigation and organic amendments to reach their full growing potential.

Excellent drainage for valley farms

Classified as well-drained and part of hydrologic group B, this soil moves water quickly and resists saturation. These characteristics are ideal for preventing root rot and providing a solid foundation for construction projects.

Ready for Zone 7b growth

In Hardiness Zone 7b, the loamy soil of Sequatchie County is perfect for root vegetables and orchard trees. Adding lime can help balance the high acidity, turning this well-drained loam into a highly productive garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Sequatchie County

via LawnByCounty

The Challenge of the Valley

Sequatchie County presents a significant challenge for lawn care, with a difficulty score of 35.8. This is the lowest score in the group and falls far below the national median of 50.0. Residents in this Zone 7b area must contend with extremely high rainfall and highly acidic soils.

Heavy Rain and High Energy

At 63.7 inches per year, Sequatchie County is the second wettest in this group, far exceeding the ideal lawn limit of 50 inches. The 4,762 growing degree days indicate a very high-energy environment where grass grows rapidly. Mowing will be frequent, especially between the early frost-free date of March 26 and early November.

Managing Highly Acidic Loam

With a pH of 5.04, the soil here is the most acidic in the study area, requiring aggressive lime treatments to support turf. The texture is a well-drained loam with nearly 40% sand, which helps move the 63.7 inches of rain through the root zone quickly. Despite the good drainage, the low pH can lock away essential nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus.

Navigating Abnormally Dry Spells

The county spent 16 weeks in drought over the last year, and 100% of the area remains abnormally dry today. While no severe drought is currently recorded, the sandy loam soil can dry out faster than clay-heavy neighbors. Frequent monitoring is required during the 32 extreme heat days to prevent the grass from wilting.

Choosing Your Sequatchie Lawn

Because the soil is well-drained and the GDD is high, Bermuda grass is an excellent choice for this valley climate. Start your seeding projects after March 26 to take advantage of the long, 60.2°F average temperature growing season. Be sure to prioritize soil testing to correct the high acidity before you invest in new sod.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sequatchie County's county score?
Sequatchie County, Tennessee has a composite county score of 52 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 Sequatchie County rank among counties in Tennessee?
Sequatchie County ranks #47 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 Sequatchie County, Tennessee?
The median annual property tax in Sequatchie County is $986, with an effective tax rate of 0.45%. This earns Sequatchie County a tax score of 90.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Sequatchie County?
The median household income in Sequatchie County, Tennessee is $52,260 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Sequatchie County earns an income score of 19.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Sequatchie County, Tennessee a good place to live?
Sequatchie County scores 52/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #47 in Tennessee. The best way to evaluate Sequatchie 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 Sequatchie County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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