countyscore
46.5
County Score
Property Tax 98.9Water Quality 86Weather & Climate 55.3

County Report Card

About Sevier County, Tennessee

A Noteworthy Regional Destination

Sevier County holds a composite score of 46.8, placing it just under the national median of 50.0. While it is a major tourism hub, its livability metrics reflect the unique pressures of a resort-heavy economy.

Below the State Average

Sevier’s score of 46.8 is lower than the Tennessee average of 51.3. This gap is largely driven by safety and environmental risk factors that often accompany high-traffic mountain regions.

Elite Tax Climate and Water

The county offers one of the best tax environments in the nation with a Tax Score of 97.8 and a very low 0.314% effective rate. Residents also enjoy high-quality water, reflected in a Water Score of 86.0.

Safety and Environmental Risks

The county faces significant challenges in safety (20.5) and environmental risk (22.6). These scores likely reflect the challenges of managing large tourist volumes and the geographic risks of the Great Smoky Mountains.

The Verdict: Best for Tourism Entrepreneurs

Sevier County is a paradise for business owners and those who benefit from the tourism industry and ultra-low property taxes. It suits residents who are comfortable with a lively, high-traffic environment in exchange for significant tax savings.

2040608010098.944.420.531.545.341.522.68655.3Tax98.9Cost44.4Safety20.5Health31.5Schools45.3Income41.5Risk22.6Water86Weather55.346.5/100
This county
National avg
2 above average3 below average

Sevier County DNA

Foverall

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

Sevier County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Property Tax (98.9/100) but notably weak in Safety (20.5/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
98.9+46.900000000000006
Cost
44.4
Safety
20.5-34.5
Health
31.5-18.5
Schools
45.3-8.700000000000003
Income
41.5-9.5
Risk
22.6-24.4
Water
86+28
Weather
55.3
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Compare mortgage rates in Sevier County

Whether buying or refinancing in Sevier County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$299,000

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$1,072/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$299,000/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$42,880/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum4.8x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $62,581/yr
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Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

15.2

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Deep Dives

Sevier County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Sevier County

via TaxByCounty

Sevier County offers exceptional property tax relief

Sevier County's 0.314% effective rate is Tennessee's lowest, generating just $815 in annual taxes on a median home worth $259,500. This represents less than one-third the national median property tax burden.

Sevier's rate is dramatically below state average

At 0.314%, Sevier's effective tax rate is 38% lower than Tennessee's 0.511% state average—the most dramatic discount in the region. Despite higher median home values at $259,500, the median tax bill of just $815 runs 20% below the state median.

Sevier offers the region's most competitive rates

Sevier's 0.314% rate crushes every other county profiled here, undercutting even Sequatchie's 0.453% by 140 basis points. Homeowners here pay $815 annually—lowest in the region on properties worth middle-of-the-road valuations.

What Sevier homeowners owe each year

On the median home value of $259,500 with a 0.314% effective rate, Sevier homeowners pay approximately $815 annually. Including mortgage-related taxes, the bill rises to $900—still the region's most affordable.

Sevier homeowners should still check their assessments

Even with Tennessee's lowest tax rate, homeowners benefit from verifying their property assessment against market comparables. If your home's assessed value is inflated, filing an appeal—even in low-tax Sevier—protects your investment.

Income & Jobs in Sevier County

via IncomeByCounty

Sevier trails nation, leads mountain region

Sevier County's median household income of $63,829 falls $10,926 short of the national median of $74,755, though it outperforms most rural mountain counties. This reflects Sevier's status as a tourism destination with seasonal employment patterns.

Sevier ranks solidly in Tennessee midfield

Sevier County's median household income of $63,829 exceeds Tennessee's state average of $58,994 by 8.2%, placing it in the middle-to-upper tier of Tennessee's 95 counties. Tourism-driven employment bolsters the local wage base.

Sevier outearns mountain peers, trails suburbs

Sevier's $63,829 income positions it between rural counties like Sequatchie ($52,260) and Roane ($66,218). The county significantly lags the Nashville-area boom counties of Robertson ($78,439) and Rutherford ($82,588), which benefit from suburban growth rather than seasonal tourism.

Home values climb faster than incomes

Sevier's rent-to-income ratio of 19.0% masks a deeper concern: the median home value of $259,500 has surged due to Gatlinburg tourism and investment demand, outpacing local income growth. Households face rising property taxes and home maintenance costs.

Harness seasonal income strategically

Sevier's tourism-driven economy creates seasonal income volatility—workers should establish a rainy-day fund covering 4-6 months of expenses. Direct off-season income into high-yield savings or automated investments to smooth earnings and build wealth during slower months.

Safety in Sevier County

via CrimeByCounty

Sevier County Remains Safer Than National Average

Sevier County maintains a safety score of 96.7, despite high tourist traffic throughout the year. Its total crime rate of 2,062.8 per 100K is lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Managing Crime in a High-Traffic County

Sevier County's crime rate of 2,062.8 is higher than the Tennessee average of 1,785.6. Six local agencies work to maintain order in a region that sees millions of visitors annually.

Comparing Safety Near the Great Smokies

Sevier County has a higher crime rate than nearby Roane County, which sits at 1,521.0 per 100K. However, it offers a much safer environment than urban Shelby County.

Tourism Impact on Property Crime Rates

Property crime is the most frequent issue, with 1,692.1 incidents per 100K residents. Violent crime sits at 370.7 per 100K, which almost perfectly mirrors the national average.

Security Awareness for Homes and Rentals

With high property crime rates, Sevier residents and rental owners should prioritize high-quality locks and alarm systems. Vigilance is key to maintaining personal safety in busy tourist areas.

Weather & Climate in Sevier County

via WeatherByCounty

A Cool Mountain Climate

Sevier County's annual average temperature of 52.2°F is cooler than the national median, reflecting its high-elevation terrain. This mountain climate receives 63.8 inches of annual precipitation, far exceeding typical national rainfall levels.

Among Tennessee's Coolest and Snowiest

At 52.2°F, Sevier County is significantly cooler than the Tennessee average of 58.1°F. It also records 29.4 inches of annual snowfall, which is dramatically higher than the state's typical lowland averages.

Elevated Above Its Eastern Neighbors

Sevier’s climate is defined by the Great Smoky Mountains, making it much snowier than neighboring valley counties. While nearby areas see minimal snow, Sevier's 29.4-inch average stands out as a regional outlier.

Long Winters and Temperate Summers

July averages a comfortable 69.7°F with only 21 days of extreme heat per year. Winters are cold and snowy, with a January average of 33.4°F and nearly 30 inches of snow accumulaton.

Prepare for Snow and Mountain Air

Residents must invest in snow removal equipment and winterized vehicles to handle the 29.4 inches of annual snowfall. The temperate 68.3°F summer average makes it a premier destination for escaping the Southern heat.

Soil Quality in Sevier County

via SoilByCounty

Diverse soils of the Great Smokies

Sevier County's complex mountain geography means that county-wide averages for pH and taxonomy are not currently available. The soil here is shaped by the proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains, creating highly localized conditions.

A mosaic of mountain materials

Specific sand, silt, and clay percentages are not recorded at the county level for Sevier. Growers typically encounter a wide range of textures, from rocky forest floors to rich alluvial deposits in the lower valleys.

Testing for mountain fertility

While official data on organic matter and water capacity is missing, the surrounding region's natural forests suggest pockets of high fertility. Gardeners should conduct individual soil tests to see how their land compares to the Tennessee average AWC of 0.171 in/in.

Elevation drives water movement

Official drainage classes are unmapped, yet the dramatic topography ensures that water moves quickly across the landscape. Proper erosion control is the most critical factor for any agricultural or building project in this area.

Garden in the lush Zone 7b

Sevier County resides in Zone 7b, offering a climate where everything from rhododendrons to summer squash can flourish. Use the local climate to your advantage and start a garden that celebrates the biodiversity of the Appalachian foothills.

Lawn Care in Sevier County

via LawnByCounty

Mountain Lawns and Valley Greens

Sevier County holds a lawn difficulty score of 54.2, making it easier than the Tennessee state average of 48.0. In Zone 7b, the combination of high elevation and heavy rain creates a unique microclimate. While the score is good, the extreme rainfall and drought swings require a dedicated maintenance strategy.

Wet Climate with Temperate Summers

The county is the wettest in the set, receiving 63.8 inches of rain annually. With only 21 extreme heat days and 2,968 growing degree days, turf experiences less thermal stress than in the rest of Tennessee. The growing season is slightly shorter, typically starting after the April 17 frost and ending in late October.

Preparing for Appalachian Runoff

Specific soil metrics are limited for this mountainous region, but the 63.8 inches of rain necessitates excellent drainage planning. Regional soils often require organic amendments to handle the high moisture without compacting. Homeowners should focus on leveling and aeration to prevent runoff and erosion on sloped properties.

Managing Severe Drought Fluctuations

Despite the heavy rainfall, 35.3% of Sevier County is currently experiencing severe drought. The county spent 14 weeks in drought over the past year, proving that summer rain can be inconsistent. When dry spells hit, focused irrigation is necessary to protect the turf from the 100% abnormally dry conditions currently present.

Seeding for Success in Sevier

Cool-season grasses like Fine Fescue and Kentucky Bluegrass thrive in the county's relatively low GDD and cooler July averages. For the best results, aim to seed your lawn after the last spring frost on April 17. The high annual rainfall will support these varieties, provided your soil has the drainage to handle it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sevier County's county score?
Sevier County, Tennessee has a composite county score of 46.5 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 Sevier County rank among counties in Tennessee?
Sevier County ranks #72 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 Sevier County, Tennessee?
The median annual property tax in Sevier County is $824, with an effective tax rate of 0.28%. This earns Sevier County a tax score of 98.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Sevier County?
The median household income in Sevier County, Tennessee is $62,581 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Sevier County earns an income score of 41.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Sevier County, Tennessee a good place to live?
Sevier County scores 46.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #72 in Tennessee. The best way to evaluate Sevier 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 Sevier County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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