countyscore
50.5
County Score
Property Tax 89.2Disaster Risk 81.3Weather & Climate 64.3

County Report Card

About Smith County, Tennessee

Meeting the National Standard

Smith County earns a 50.5 composite score, placing it almost exactly at the national median of 50.0. It represents a very typical, balanced American county profile.

Aligned with the Tennessee Average

The county’s score of 50.5 is nearly identical to the Tennessee state average of 51.3. This suggests that Smith County offers a quintessentially Tennessean lifestyle with few extreme outliers.

Low Risk and Favorable Taxes

Smith County is remarkably stable, boasting a Risk Score of 81.3. It also offers excellent tax value with a 0.466% effective tax rate and a corresponding Tax Score of 89.2.

Water Infrastructure and Health

The county's lowest mark is a Water Score of 18.9, suggesting a need for infrastructure investment. Health outcomes also lag behind other metrics, with a dimension score of 30.5.

The Verdict: A Stable, Low-Risk Choice

Smith County is an ideal match for families seeking a safe, low-risk environment with very low taxes. It offers a dependable quality of life for those who prioritize long-term stability and affordability.

Score breakdown

Tax89.2Cost52.1Safety41Health30.5Schools38.7Income47.5Risk81.3Water18.9Weather64.3
🏛89.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠52.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼47.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡41
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤30.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓38.7
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡81.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧18.9
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤64.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨40.3
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱55
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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Deep Dives

Smith County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Smith County

via TaxByCounty

Smith County keeps taxes well below national median

Smith County's 0.466% effective rate generates a median tax of $1,047 annually on properties valued at $224,500—less than 40% of the national median property tax of $2,690. This places Smith well into the nation's most affordable tax zones.

Smith ranks below Tennessee's average rate

At 0.466%, Smith's effective tax rate runs 9% below Tennessee's 0.511% state average, positioning it as a below-average-tax county. The median bill of $1,047 sits just 3% above the state median of $1,016.

Smith's taxes competitive with similar rural counties

Smith's 0.466% rate sits between Sequatchie's 0.453% and Roane's 0.552%, reflecting typical rural Tennessee taxation. With an annual bill of $1,047, Smith homeowners pay less than Rutherford or Robertson but more than Sevier.

What Smith County homeowners owe yearly

On the median home value of $224,500 with a 0.466% effective rate, Smith homeowners pay roughly $1,047 annually. Adding mortgage-related taxes raises the bill to $1,100—a modest $53 increase.

Smith homeowners should verify their valuations too

Even in lower-tax Smith County, homeowners benefit from confirming their assessment reflects current market value. If your property's assessed value exceeds recent sales of comparable homes, filing an appeal with the assessor's office costs nothing and could save substantially.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Smith County

via CostByCounty

Smith County edges toward affordability sweet spot

Smith County's 16.8% rent-to-income ratio sits slightly above the 15% national comfort threshold, making it one of Tennessee's more balanced housing markets despite a median household income of $62,799 that falls below the national average of $74,755. The county's $877 rent represents genuine affordability without sacrificing economic opportunity.

Smith ranks near Tennessee's affordability average

At 16.8%, Smith County's rent-to-income ratio sits just below Tennessee's 17.6% state average, positioning it as one of the state's more balanced housing markets. The median rent of $877 slightly exceeds the state average of $860, but the county's economic fundamentals support this modest premium.

Smith balances cost and community value

Smith County's $877 rent sits firmly between Roane County's $767 and Sevier County's $1,013, while its 16.8% rent-to-income ratio edges below state average—reflecting a rural county that avoids both extreme isolation and metro-area pressures. The positioning: genuine affordability without sacrificing regional connectivity.

Housing costs manageable within county income

Smith residents spend roughly 16.8% of their $62,799 median income on rent ($877) or 14.7% on ownership costs ($769)—proportions that allow substantial household flexibility for savings and other expenses. The median home value of $224,500 reflects a sustainable market where local incomes align reasonably with property values.

Smith County offers balanced housing value

If you seek Tennessee living without extreme affordability trade-offs, Smith County delivers reasonable rents of $877 and a 16.8% rent-to-income ratio that leaves breathing room in household budgets. Test relocation here: compare your current housing costs against Smith's metric—most relocators find modest savings with no sacrifice of community access or economic opportunity.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Smith County

via IncomeByCounty

Smith earns above state, below nation

Smith County's median household income of $62,799 exceeds Tennessee's state average of $58,994 but falls $11,956 short of the national median of $74,755. This positions Smith as a typical rural Tennessee county with moderate wage growth.

Smith ranks solidly in Tennessee middle

Smith County's median household income of $62,799 places it slightly above Tennessee's middle percentile among 95 counties, 6.5% above the state average. The county benefits from diverse agriculture, light manufacturing, and government employment.

Smith compares to other mid-tier counties

Smith's $62,799 income ranks fifth among these eight counties, placing it between Shelby County ($62,337) and Sevier County ($63,829). The county significantly underperforms Nashville-area leaders like Rutherford and Robertson, but outearns rural counties like Sequatchie and Scott.

Housing costs remain reasonable

Smith's rent-to-income ratio of 16.8% is favorable, with a median home value of $224,500 requiring approximately $37,800 annually in housing costs. This leaves households reasonable flexibility for savings and other essential expenses.

Invest the housing advantage wisely

Smith County's favorable housing-to-income ratio creates opportunity to save aggressively; households should direct monthly surplus into automated retirement contributions and diversified investments. Consider opening a taxable brokerage account alongside 401(k)s to accelerate wealth-building on above-median housing affordability.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Smith County

via CrimeByCounty

Smith County is Among the Nation's Safest

Smith County boasts a high safety score of 97.9, making it a very secure place to live. The total crime rate of 1,342.7 per 100K is about 44% lower than the national average.

Top-Tier Safety Performance in Tennessee

Smith County far exceeds the state safety average score of 97.2. Four reporting agencies maintain a total crime rate that is significantly lower than the Tennessee average of 1,785.6.

Leading the Region in Low Crime

Smith County is safer than all surrounding major counties including Rutherford and Robertson. It maintains one of the lowest crime rates among the eight counties analyzed in this set.

Violent Crime is Rarely Reported

The violent crime rate is just 189.7 per 100K, roughly half the national average of 369.8. Property crime is also very low, occurring at a rate of 1,153.0 per 100K.

Keep Smith County Secure and Safe

Maintaining these low numbers requires community vigilance and basic home security practices. Staying involved in local safety initiatives helps preserve this exceptionally safe environment.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Smith County

via HealthByCounty

Smith meets U.S. health benchmarks

Smith County's 72.0-year life expectancy sits just above the U.S. average of 71.4 years, placing the county solidly in the national middle tier for health outcomes. One in 5 residents (20.2%) report poor or fair health, slightly above U.S. norms, suggesting room for improvement but no crisis conditions. Smith's profile reflects a county keeping pace with national trends.

Smith matches Tennessee average closely

At 72.0 years, Smith County's life expectancy sits 0.4 years below Tennessee's 72.4-year state average—essentially tied—while its 11.9% uninsured rate exactly matches the state average. Smith represents Tennessee's health baseline: neither a leading performer nor a significant laggard. The county holds its ground but offers no particular advantage or disadvantage relative to the state.

Smith sits in regional middle tier

Smith's 72.0-year life expectancy falls below Roane (72.6) and Robertson (72.7), but exceeds Scott (71.4), positioning the county as solidly mid-tier regionally. With 40 primary care providers per 100,000, Smith ranks between Roane (43) and Robertson (35), offering adequate primary care access. Mental health capacity at 29 providers per 100,000 ranks mid-range regionally, neither robust nor deficient.

Stable access supports steady outcomes

Smith's 40 primary care providers and 29 mental health providers per 100,000 residents provide moderate, stable access to routine and behavioral health care. With 11.9% uninsured—exactly matching the state average—roughly 1 in 8 Smith residents lack coverage, creating predictable gaps in preventive care. Balanced provider supply and near-average coverage result in Smith's near-average health outcomes.

Smith: continue your coverage momentum

Smith County's 11.9% uninsured rate matches the state average, so if you lack coverage, you're part of a familiar challenge—start enrollment at Healthcare.gov or contact the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance. Once covered, work with your provider to build continuity in primary care; Smith's moderate provider supply supports consistent relationships when you engage them. Coverage today ensures you maintain Smith's steady health trajectory.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Smith County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Compact Rural Education Network

Smith County supports a small network of 9 public schools catering to 3,061 students. The system is comprised of six elementary schools, one middle school, and two high schools, all managed by a single local district. This compact structure serves a primarily rural population with centralized academic resources.

Solid Graduation Rates on a Lean Budget

The county achieves a 92.0% graduation rate, significantly outperforming the national average of 87.0%. Smith County operates with high fiscal efficiency, spending just $5,812 per pupil, which is below the state average. While the school score of 52.0 is slightly under the state benchmark, the high graduation rates demonstrate a commitment to student completion.

Single District Stability in Carthage

The Smith County district manages all 9 schools in the area, and there are currently no charter schools available. Gordonsville High School is the largest institution in the county with 540 students, followed closely by Smith County High School with 501. This small-scale district ensures that nearly every student is known by name within their school community.

Quiet Learning in a Rural Setting

The educational environment is almost entirely rural, with 7 schools in rural locales and 2 in town settings. An average school size of only 340 students creates a personalized, low-pressure atmosphere for learning. Even the largest primary school, Carthage Elementary, serves a modest 445 students, ensuring a manageable and familiar environment.

Affordable Living Near Reliable Schools

Families seeking a quiet, rural lifestyle will find Smith County's schools to be a stable and graduation-focused choice. Proximity to Gordonsville or Carthage provides the most direct access to the county's primary and secondary campuses. For buyers looking for high graduation rates and small school sizes, Smith County is a hidden gem in Middle Tennessee.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Smith County

via RiskByCounty

Smith County ranks among America's safest

Smith County scores just 18.77 on composite risk—a Very Low rating and roughly 62% below the national average. This exceptional score places Smith in the safest 5% of American counties for natural disaster exposure. Smith residents enjoy geographic advantages that shield them from most major hazards.

Tennessee's lowest-risk county

At 18.77, Smith County ranks as the single lowest-risk county in all of Tennessee, scoring just 36% of the state average (52.45). This commanding advantage over 94 peers reflects Smith's location in stable Middle Tennessee terrain, far from major hazard corridors. Smith's profile is exceptionally favorable by any standard.

Safest in Middle Tennessee by far

Smith (18.77) significantly outperforms Robertson (60.43) and nearly matches Scott County (26.11) for the state's absolute lowest composite risk. Its wildfire risk (5.88) is vanishingly low—the state's absolute minimum—while all other hazard categories remain well-controlled. Smith occupies a uniquely sheltered position in Tennessee's natural hazard landscape.

Tornado risk is the primary concern

Smith's highest hazard is tornado risk at 49.84, which remains well below state average and poses only modest concern. Flood risk (31.62) affects limited areas, while earthquake (50.57), hurricane (23.11), and wildfire (5.88) risks are all minimal. Smith County presents one of the nation's most forgiving natural disaster environments.

Standard coverage meets your needs

A standard homeowners policy covering tornado and wind damage provides adequate protection for Smith County's low-hazard profile. No flood insurance is needed for most properties, and earthquake coverage is optional rather than essential. Review your policy every few years to ensure limits keep pace with home value growth, and maintain basic emergency preparedness habits.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Smith County

via WeatherByCounty

Classic Mid-South Climate Patterns

Smith County's 58.5°F average annual temperature is several degrees warmer than the national median. It receives 52.5 inches of precipitation, consistent with the moist subtropical climate of the American South.

Aligning With the Tennessee Average

Smith County's 58.5°F average annual temperature closely tracks the state average of 58.1°F. Its precipitation level of 52.5 inches is slightly below the state norm of 55.9 inches.

A Typical Middle Tennessee Profile

Compared to its neighbors in the Central Basin, Smith County offers a very standard regional climate. It shares the same humid summers and moderate rainfall patterns seen across the Nashville metropolitan area.

Consistent Heat and Trace Snowfall

Summers feature 44 days of extreme heat with a July average of 78.1°F. Winters are moderate at 39.9°F, and snow is rare, averaging only 1.5 inches per year.

Equip for Long Summer Humidity

Residents should focus on HVAC maintenance to handle 44 days of temperatures over 90°F. Since annual snowfall is minimal at 1.5 inches, heavy winter equipment is generally unnecessary.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Smith County

via SoilByCounty

Young Entisols of Smith County

Smith County features Entisols, which are geologically young soils with an average pH of 5.61. This pH level is slightly more alkaline than the state average of 5.35, though it remains more acidic than the national median of 6.5.

Variable textures with high silt

The soil composition is 56.8% silt and 23.1% clay, providing a heavy texture that supports plant roots well. With only 17.6% sand, the soil retains its shape and nutrients effectively but requires care to maintain aeration.

Consistent moisture retention

At 0.169 in/in, the available water capacity is nearly on par with the Tennessee state average of 0.171 in/in. Organic matter content stands at 1.77%, suggesting that adding compost could help bring it closer to the state average of 2.44%.

Adapting to variable soil conditions

The dominant texture is classified as variable, reflecting the county's shifting topography and river-influenced geology. Growers should observe their specific plots for drainage speed, as the high silt content can sometimes slow water movement.

A fertile start in Zone 7b

Hardiness Zone 7b provides Smith County with a reliable climate for both spring and fall gardening. The silty Entisols are a great foundation for vegetables like tomatoes and peppers, especially when supplemented with organic fertilizers.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Smith County

via LawnByCounty

Balanced Growing in Smith County

Smith County is a top performer in Tennessee with a difficulty score of 55.0. This makes it easier than both the state average of 48.0 and the national average of 50.0. Located in Zone 7b, the county offers a reliable environment for homeowners seeking a lush, manageable lawn.

Standard Heat and Steady Rains

Lawns here receive 52.5 inches of rain, which is perfectly aligned with the high end of the ideal 30-50 inch range. While 44 extreme heat days test the turf, the 4,450 growing degree days provide plenty of energy for recovery. The growing season is stable, typically running from mid-April to late October.

Working with Variable Silt and Clay

The soil pH of 5.61 is slightly acidic, so a light lime application can help reach the ideal 6.0-7.0 range. With 23.1% clay, the soil provides a strong foundation for root anchorage and moisture retention. The texture is variable, so homeowners should check for localized drainage issues before heavy seeding.

Tennessee's Most Drought-Resilient County

Smith County stands out with only 3 weeks in drought over the past year, the lowest in this group. Currently, 0% of the area is classified as abnormally dry, giving residents a major advantage in water conservation. This natural resilience makes it much easier to maintain a green lawn without skyrocketing water bills.

Optimal Timing for Your Lawn

Tall Fescue is a great choice for Smith County, thriving in the balanced rain and moderate soil conditions. Aim to seed or sod after the final spring frost on April 10 or during the reliable fall window in September. Thanks to the lack of current drought pressure, now is an excellent time to start a new lawn project.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Smith County's county score?
Smith County, Tennessee has a composite county score of 50.5 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 Smith County rank among counties in Tennessee?
Smith County ranks #57 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 Smith County, Tennessee?
The median annual property tax in Smith County is $1,047, with an effective tax rate of 0.47%. This earns Smith County a tax score of 89.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Smith County?
The median household income in Smith County, Tennessee is $62,799 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Smith County earns an income score of 47.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Smith County, Tennessee a good place to live?
Smith County scores 50.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #57 in Tennessee. The best way to evaluate Smith 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 Smith 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.