countyscore
22.3
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.

Score breakdown

Tax35.6Cost17.3Safety0.9Health26.4Schools18.8Income46.1Risk0.6Water86Weather54.1
🏛35.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠17.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼46.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡0.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤26.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓18.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡0.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤54.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨52.8
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱38
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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Nearby counties

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DeSoto County
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Tipton County
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46.7
Fayette County
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Tate County
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Mississippi County
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Lauderdale County
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Deep Dives

Shelby County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Cost of Living in Shelby County

via CostByCounty

Memphis metro housing strains even above-average earners

Shelby County's 22.5% rent-to-income ratio ranks among Tennessee's highest housing burdens, far exceeding the 15% comfort threshold and even surpassing Rutherford County despite lower median income of $62,337 versus the national average of $74,755. Memphis's urban housing market demands substantially more from residents than state or national norms.

Shelby ranks as Tennessee's least affordable county

At 22.5%, Shelby County's rent-to-income ratio ranks as Tennessee's worst housing affordability among these eight counties, standing 4.9 percentage points above the state average of 17.6%. The median rent of $1,170 reflects Memphis's metro-area pricing structure, where urban demand substantially exceeds rural Tennessee norms.

Shelby's urban burden far exceeds county peers

Shelby County's $1,170 rent falls between Robertson County's $1,176 and Rutherford County's $1,405, yet Shelby's 22.5% rent-to-income ratio substantially exceeds both—revealing that Memphis's lower median income ($62,337) makes even moderate rents disproportionately burdensome. Urban growth without proportional income growth defines Shelby's housing crisis.

Nearly one-quarter of income goes to rent

Shelby residents allocate roughly $1,170 monthly to rent or $1,211 to mortgages from a median income of $62,337—consuming approximately 22.5% and 23.3% of gross earnings respectively, well above healthy affordability thresholds. The median home value of $229,700 reflects a market where housing appreciation has outpaced local wage growth.

Shelby demands careful income assessment before moving

If you're considering Shelby County (Memphis), ensure household income exceeds $75,000 to comfortably manage the 22.5% rent-to-income burden—significantly higher than most Tennessee counties. Compare Memphis's urban amenities and opportunity carefully against more affordable alternatives: a 1-hour drive to Roane County cuts rent costs by 40% while maintaining regional access.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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

Health in Shelby County

via HealthByCounty

Shelby's health lags despite urban advantage

Shelby County's 71.8-year life expectancy sits slightly above the U.S. average of 71.4 years, but this margin is narrow for a county containing Memphis—typically a regional health and economic center. Over 1 in 5 residents (22.4%) report poor or fair health, above national averages and suggesting significant health disparities within the urban county. Urban density hasn't translated to health leadership.

Shelby ranks below Tennessee average

At 71.8 years, Shelby County's life expectancy trails Tennessee's 72.4-year state average by 0.6 years, making it the second-lowest among the eight profiled counties. However, Shelby's 11.4% uninsured rate nearly matches Tennessee's 11.9% state average, suggesting coverage is less of a barrier than health outcomes themselves. Shelby faces health challenges beyond insurance access.

Shelby's providers vastly exceed peers

Shelby County's 86 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and 203 mental health providers per 100,000—the highest of any county profiled—position it as the regional health infrastructure leader. Yet despite this abundance, Shelby's 71.8-year life expectancy ranks among the lowest regionally. Provider supply alone cannot overcome the social and economic determinants driving Shelby's health disparities.

Rich infrastructure, stark disparities remain

Shelby's 86 primary care and 203 mental health providers per 100,000 residents represent unmatched regional capacity, yet 22.4% of the county reports poor or fair health—among the highest rates profiled. With 11.4% uninsured, coverage is relatively stable, suggesting the barriers lie in economic hardship, social stress, and health behaviors rather than access alone. Shelby's paradox reveals that provider abundance without addressing root drivers of illness falls short.

Shelby: access your abundant resources

Shelby's 11.4% uninsured population should explore coverage at Healthcare.gov or contact local enrollment assistance—your county's exceptional provider network can only help if you're covered. Once insured, prioritize establishing relationships with primary care and mental health providers; Shelby's infrastructure supports continuous care if you initiate it. Coverage access unlocks Shelby's extraordinary health resources.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Shelby County

via SchoolsByCounty

Tennessee's Largest and Most Diverse System

Shelby County oversees a massive network of 274 public schools serving nearly 150,000 students. The landscape is deeply varied, including 147 elementary schools and 59 high schools distributed across nine separate districts. This system is the primary educational engine for the Memphis metropolitan area.

Navigating Challenges in a Large Urban District

The county faces significant academic hurdles, with an 82.0% graduation rate that falls below both state and national averages. Per-pupil spending of $6,387 is slightly above the state average but remains far below the national median of $13,000. These factors contribute to a composite school score of 48.0, highlighting the need for continued investment and reform.

A Hub for Charter Schools and Multiple Districts

Memphis-Shelby County Schools is the dominant district with 109,797 students, but the county also features 70 charter schools, representing 25.5% of all campuses. Suburban districts like Collierville and Bartlett operate independently and host the county's largest schools, such as Bartlett High with 2,851 students. This multi-district approach provides residents with a wide array of educational choices and governance models.

Urban Centers and Large-Scale High Schools

With 217 schools located in city settings, the educational experience is predominantly urban and fast-paced. The average school size is 577, but flagship suburban high schools like Collierville and Houston High serve thousands of students each. This mix offers everything from small specialized city charters to massive, resource-heavy suburban campuses.

Strategic Home Buying for Diverse Options

Prospective homeowners in Shelby County often choose between the diverse charter options in the city or the high-performing suburban districts. Neighborhoods in Bartlett, Collierville, and Germantown are particularly popular for their massive high schools and independent district management. School choice is a defining factor of the real estate market in this region.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Shelby County

via RiskByCounty

Shelby ranks among America's highest-risk counties

Shelby County scores 99.36 on composite risk—a Relatively High rating and nearly double the national average of roughly 50. This makes Shelby one of the most hazard-exposed counties in the entire United States, ranking in the top 1% for disaster risk. The score reflects Shelby's position in a high-tornado region, major flood corridors, and seismic zones.

Tennessee's most dangerous county overall

At 99.36, Shelby's composite score exceeds all other Tennessee counties, running 89% above the state average of 52.45. No county in Tennessee approaches Shelby's hazard concentration across tornadoes (99.78), floods (98.66), and earthquakes (99.52). Shelby residents face the state's most extreme and multifaceted natural disaster exposure.

Catastrophically outpaces surrounding counties

Shelby (99.36) far exceeds the risk profile of every adjacent county, standing as a dramatic regional outlier. Its tornado risk (99.78) is among the nation's absolute highest, while flood risk (98.66) reflects the Mississippi River and extensive urban development in vulnerable floodplains. No neighboring county comes within 40 points of Shelby's composite score.

Tornadoes, floods, and earthquakes converge

Shelby's tornado risk of 99.78 ranks among America's deadliest, while flood risk (98.66) reflects the Mississippi River, tributaries, and urban development spanning floodplains. Earthquake risk (99.52) adds significant seismic exposure, and wildfire (71.06) and hurricane (67.13) risks provide additional hazard layers. Shelby faces the convergence of virtually every major natural disaster type at extreme intensity.

Maximum protection is your only option

Shelby County demands comprehensive coverage: flood insurance (mandatory in most mortgaged areas), earthquake insurance, and verified tornado/wind protection with high limits. Invest in a safe room or storm shelter—Shelby's 99.78 tornado score justifies the expense. Review all policies annually with an independent agent familiar with Shelby's exceptional hazard profile, and maintain emergency savings for deductibles.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

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 22.3 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 $2,376, with an effective tax rate of 1.03%. This earns Shelby County a tax score of 35.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Shelby County?
The median household income in Shelby County, Tennessee is $62,337 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Shelby County earns an income score of 46.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Shelby County, Tennessee a good place to live?
Shelby County scores 22.3/100 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.

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.