countyscore
22.6
County Score
Water Quality 86Weather & Climate 54.1Soil Quality 52.8

County Report Card

About Shelby County, Tennessee

Significant Room for Growth

Shelby County’s composite score of 22.3 is well below the national median of 50.0. This indicates substantial challenges across multiple livability dimensions compared to the rest of the country.

Trailing the Tennessee Average

With a score of 22.3, Shelby County sits significantly below the state average of 51.3. While it is a major economic engine for Tennessee, its residents face some of the state's toughest livability hurdles.

Solid Resource Quality and Incomes

Shelby County maintains a strong Water Score of 86.0, ensuring high-quality utility access. It also supports a diverse economy with an Income Score of 46.1 and a median household income of $62,337.

Safety and Risk Obstacles

The county faces critical issues in safety (0.9) and environmental risk (0.6). High property taxes, with an effective rate of 1.034%, also contribute to a lower Tax Score of 35.6.

The Verdict: For Urban-Focused Professionals

Shelby County is best suited for those who need to be in a major metropolitan hub for career or cultural reasons. Residents here trade overall livability scores for the amenities and economic opportunities of the Memphis area.

204060801003817.50.926.418.845.20.68654.1Tax38Cost17.5Safety0.9Health26.4Schools18.8Income45.2Risk0.6Water86Weather54.122.6/100
This county
National avg
1 above average6 below average

Shelby County DNA

Foverall

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

Shelby County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Safety (0.9/100), though Water Quality (86/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
38-14
Cost
17.5-30.5
Safety
0.9-54.1
Health
26.4-23.6
Schools
18.8-35.2
Income
45.2
Risk
0.6-46.4
Water
86+28
Weather
54.1
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Compare mortgage rates in Shelby County

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$249,100

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$1,232/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$249,100/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$49,280/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.9x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $63,767/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

24.7

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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Clayton County
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Bibb County
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Caldwell County
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Nearby counties

Crittenden County
Arkansas
31.7
DeSoto County
Mississippi
36.9
Tipton County
Tennessee
47.2
Fayette County
Tennessee
55.1
Tate County
Mississippi
39.4
Mississippi County
Arkansas
38.6
Lauderdale County
Tennessee
45.9
Marshall County
Mississippi
45.9

Deep Dives

Shelby County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Shelby County

via TaxByCounty

Shelby County taxes exceed national median

Shelby County's 1.034% effective rate produces a median annual tax of $2,376 on properties worth $229,700—nearly at the national median of $2,690. This is Tennessee's highest county rate and roughly double the state average.

Shelby leads Tennessee in property tax burden

At 1.034%, Shelby's effective rate is more than double Tennessee's 0.511% state average, making it the highest-taxed county statewide. The median tax bill of $2,376 runs 134% above the state median of $1,016.

Shelby's taxes dramatically outpace region peers

Shelby's 1.034% rate towers over every other county profiled—nearly double Roane's 0.552% and three times Sevier's 0.314%. Homeowners pay $2,376 annually, exceeding the region's second-highest (Robertson at $1,547) by $829.

What Shelby County homeowners pay annually

On the median home value of $229,700 with a 1.034% effective rate, Shelby homeowners owe approximately $2,376 per year. Mortgage obligations add $172, bringing the total to $2,548.

Shelby homeowners have the most to gain from appeals

With the state's highest tax rate, Shelby County homeowners have the strongest incentive to challenge potentially inflated assessments. Comparing your property valuation to recent sales and filing a formal appeal could yield hundreds in annual savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Shelby County

via IncomeByCounty

Shelby lags nation despite Memphis presence

Shelby County's median household income of $62,337 trails the national median of $74,755 by $12,418, a 16.6% shortfall. Despite housing Tennessee's largest city and major employment hub, Shelby underperforms national averages due to income inequality and concentrated poverty.

Shelby ranks near Tennessee middle

Shelby County's median household income of $62,337 exceeds the state average of $58,994 by 5.7%, placing it slightly above Tennessee's midpoint. The county's diverse economy—anchored by healthcare, logistics, and government—provides stability despite urban challenges.

Shelby underperforms suburban counties

Shelby's $62,337 income ranks sixth among these eight counties, trailing Rutherford ($82,588), Robertson ($78,439), Roane ($66,218), and Sevier ($63,829). The gap reflects Nashville's suburban outperformance versus Memphis's urban economic structure.

Housing costs strain urban households

Shelby's rent-to-income ratio of 22.5% is the highest among profiled counties, with median home value of $229,700 consuming roughly $51,600 annually. Many Shelby households dedicate over one-quarter of earnings to housing, limiting savings capacity.

Build wealth despite urban cost pressures

Shelby households can overcome housing cost pressures through employer benefits: maximize health savings accounts for tax-advantaged saving, leverage 401(k) matches, and explore down payment assistance programs. Community development financial institutions in Memphis also offer affordable lending for homeownership.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Shelby County

via CrimeByCounty

Shelby County Faces Significant Safety Challenges

Shelby County has a safety score of 88.5, which is lower than many other regions in the state. Its total crime rate of 7,287.4 per 100K is triple the national average of 2,385.5.

Well Below the Tennessee Safety Average

Shelby County's safety score of 88.5 trails significantly behind the state average of 97.2. Twelve reporting agencies handle a total crime rate that far exceeds the Tennessee average of 1,785.6.

A Sharp Contrast to Surrounding Counties

Shelby County reports much higher crime rates than any of the other seven counties in this report. For example, its rate is over five times higher than nearby Smith County.

High Rates of Property and Violent Crime

Violent crime is a major concern at ,1742.5 per 100K, nearly five times the national rate. Property crime is also extremely high, reaching 5,544.9 per 100K residents.

Prioritize Comprehensive Home Security

Given the high crime rates, Shelby residents should utilize monitored security systems and reinforced entry points. Community involvement and reporting suspicious activity are vital for improving local safety.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Shelby County

via WeatherByCounty

High Heat on the Mississippi

Shelby County's annual average of 62.0°F is significantly warmer than the national median. Its position in the Mississippi Delta creates a humid environment with 56.1 inches of annual precipitation.

One of Tennessee's Warmest Counties

Shelby ranks as one of the hottest counties in the state, with an annual average nearly 4 degrees higher than the Tennessee average of 58.1°F. It leads the state in extreme heat exposure with 71 days over 90°F.

The Heat Hub of West Tennessee

Shelby is warmer and more urban-influenced than its rural neighbors in West Tennessee. Its 71 extreme heat days far outpace surrounding counties, reflecting a pronounced urban heat island effect.

Intense Summers and Short Winters

Summers are punishing with a 80.3°F average and frequent extreme heat days. Winters remain mild, averaging 42.8°F with a scant 2.3 inches of annual snowfall.

Prioritize Cooling and Hydration

With 71 days above 90°F, high-capacity air conditioning and heat safety plans are essential for residents. Snow gear is rarely needed, but humidity management is a year-round requirement.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Shelby County

via SoilByCounty

High-performing soils in West Tennessee

Shelby County boasts a soil score of 52.8, the highest in this group and well above the state average of 38.5. The pH of 5.87 is among the most balanced in the state, nearing the national median of 6.5.

Dominated by fine silt deposits

The soil is remarkably high in silt at 70.4%, with very low sand content at 11.6%. This fine-textured composition, common in the Mississippi Valley, creates a silty medium that is exceptional at holding nutrients but prone to packing tightly.

Unrivaled water storage capacity

The available water capacity is a staggering 0.202 in/in, far exceeding the state average of 0.171 in/in. While organic matter is low at 1.46%, the soil's ability to hold water makes it incredibly resilient during dry periods.

High capacity water management

The massive silt percentage indicates a soil that absorbs and stores water like a sponge. This high water capacity is a boon for agriculture, though it requires careful management in construction to ensure proper site drainage.

Subtropical potential in Zone 8a

As one of the few Tennessee counties in Zone 8a, Shelby offers a warmer environment for longer growing seasons. These silty, water-rich soils are perfect for high-demand crops like cotton, soybeans, or lush ornamental gardens.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Shelby County

via LawnByCounty

The Heat of the Delta

Shelby County presents a difficult 38.0 lawn score, far below the national median of 50.0. As the only Zone 8a county in this group, its lawn care requirements are driven by intense heat and a long growing season. This is a high-maintenance environment compared to most of Tennessee.

Extreme Heat and High Energy

Shelby County endures a staggering 71 extreme heat days per year—nearly double the state average of 36. With 5,396 growing degree days, the biological demand on your grass is intense. The growing season is very long, starting as early as March 29 and continuing through early November.

Managing Memphis Silt Soils

The soil has a pH of 5.87, which is very close to the ideal range for most warm-season grasses. It features 17.9% clay and a relatively low sand content of 11.6%, meaning it holds moisture well but can be prone to compaction. Regular aeration is a must to keep the ground breathable during the long, hot Memphis summers.

Watering Through 21 Weeks of Drought

Shelby County leads this group with 21 weeks spent in drought over the past year. Currently, 100% of the county is abnormally dry, requiring significant supplemental watering to maintain lawn health. Deep irrigation is vital to help turf survive the 81.8°F July average temperatures.

The Best Turf for West Tennessee

Warm-season grasses like Bermuda and St. Augustine are the only logical choices for the 71 days of extreme heat here. Plan your sodding after the early spring frost on March 29 to maximize the massive 5,396 GDD window. With proper irrigation, these heat-loving varieties will turn the intense sun into a lush green carpet.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Shelby County's county score?
Shelby County, Tennessee has a composite county score of 22.6 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 Shelby County rank among counties in Tennessee?
Shelby County ranks #95 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 Shelby County, Tennessee?
The median annual property tax in Shelby County is $2,429, with an effective tax rate of 0.98%. This earns Shelby County a tax score of 38/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Shelby County?
The median household income in Shelby County, Tennessee is $63,767 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Shelby County earns an income score of 45.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Shelby County, Tennessee a good place to live?
Shelby County scores 22.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #95 in Tennessee. The best way to evaluate Shelby 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 Shelby 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.