countyscore
59.9
County Score
Property Tax 83.9Disaster Risk 70.7Weather & Climate 70

County Report Card

About Stewart County, Tennessee

Beating the National Median

Stewart County earns a composite score of 59.9, placing it well above the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a higher overall quality of life than many rural counterparts across the country.

Outperforming the State Average

The county's 59.9 score significantly outpaces the Tennessee state average of 51.3. This ranking positions Stewart as a standout performer within the Volunteer State's northern tier.

Tax and Environmental Stability

Stewart excels in tax friendliness with a high 83.9 score and an effective tax rate of just 0.520%. Residents also benefit from a strong risk score of 70.7, indicating lower exposure to natural disasters.

Water and Health Gaps

The county faces hurdles in water quality, where it scores a low 17.4, and healthcare access with a score of 31.8. These infrastructure areas represent the primary opportunities for local improvement.

A Haven for Budget-Minded Retirees

With its low taxes and affordable $182,700 median home values, Stewart is perfect for retirees on a fixed income. It suits those who prioritize financial predictability and environmental safety over urban amenities.

Score breakdown

Tax83.9Cost67.8Safety68.3Health31.8Schools50.7Income45.4Risk70.7Water17.4Weather70
🏛83.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠67.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼45.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡68.3
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤31.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓50.7
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡70.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧17.4
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤70
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨46.1
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱47.1
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

Calloway County
Kentucky
55
Houston County
Tennessee
59.5
Trigg County
Kentucky
60
Henry County
Tennessee
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Montgomery County
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Benton County
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Marshall County
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Christian County
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Deep Dives

Stewart County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Stewart County

via TaxByCounty

Stewart County rates well below national average

Stewart County's effective tax rate of 0.520% sits comfortably below the national median of 0.711%, placing it in the bottom third of U.S. counties by tax burden. At just $951 in median annual property taxes, Stewart County residents pay roughly one-third what the typical American household pays nationally.

Slightly above Tennessee's modest average

Stewart County's 0.520% rate sits just above Tennessee's state average of 0.511%, making it one of the more moderate tax counties in the state. The county's median tax payment of $951 falls below the state average of $1,016, reflecting Tennessee's overall reputation as a lower-tax state.

More affordable than most regional peers

Stewart County's effective rate edges below Union County's 0.387% but outpaces Sullivan County's 0.632% across the region. With a median tax of $951, Stewart County offers a middle ground between the lowest-taxed rural counties and the higher-taxed suburban areas of Middle Tennessee.

Median home costs less than $1,000 yearly

A typical Stewart County home valued at $182,700 generates an estimated $951 in annual property taxes under the current rate. With a mortgage, that bill rises slightly to $983; without one, it drops to $878—a manageable burden for most homeowners in the county.

Many Stewart County homes are overassessed

Property assessments can lag behind actual market conditions, meaning some homeowners pay more than they owe. If your home has declined in value or been recently reassessed, a formal appeal could reduce your tax bill—and Stewart County allows homeowners to challenge assessments through the county assessor's office.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Stewart County

via CostByCounty

Stewart County's rent squeeze

Stewart County renters spend 16.2% of their income on rent—better than the national average of 17.6%, giving households a modest breathing room. The median rent of $837 sits below the state average of $860, though household incomes lag the national median by $12,703.

Middle of the pack statewide

With a 16.2% rent-to-income ratio, Stewart County ranks in the affordable range among Tennessee's 95 counties. At the state average of 17.6%, renters in many Tennessee counties carry a heavier housing burden than Stewart residents do.

Stewart vs. surrounding counties

Stewart County's $837 median rent undercuts neighboring Union County ($849) and Sullivan County ($850), making it one of the more affordable spots in East Tennessee. Homebuyers here face modest monthly costs of $610, competitive with rural peers like Van Buren County ($590).

Where the $62K salary goes

A typical Stewart County household earning $62,052 annually spends $837 on rent or $610 on mortgage payments—leaving substantial income for other essentials. Renters dedicate 16.2% of earnings to housing, while homeowners allocate just 11.8%, a notable gap favoring ownership here.

Consider Stewart for value

If you're weighing Tennessee counties for affordability, Stewart offers below-average housing costs paired with a reasonable income level. Compare this 16.2% rent burden to pricier counties like Sumner (18.7%) to see the savings potential.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Stewart County

via IncomeByCounty

Stewart County vs. America

Stewart County's median household income of $62,052 falls about $12,700 below the national median of $74,755, placing it in the lower-income tier nationally. This 17% gap reflects the economic reality for many rural Tennessee households, which earn considerably less than their U.S. counterparts.

A Step Above Average in Tennessee

Stewart County earns $3,058 more than Tennessee's state average of $58,994, ranking it in the middle tier of the state's 95 counties. This modest advantage positions the county slightly better than the typical Tennessean, though still below national standards.

Stewart Among Regional Peers

Stewart County's $62,052 median income sits between Union County ($61,858) and Trousdale County ($63,190), placing it solidly middle-of-the-road among its neighboring counties. The region shows relatively consistent income levels, with most peers within a few thousand dollars of one another.

Housing Costs Are Manageable Here

Stewart County residents spend just 16.2% of household income on rent—well below the 30% affordability threshold and healthy by national standards. At a median home value of $182,700, homeownership remains within reach for many households earning the county median.

Building Financial Security in Stewart

With $62,052 in median income, Stewart County households have room to build savings and invest in long-term wealth—if they prioritize budgeting and financial planning. Starting with even modest retirement contributions or a diversified investment portfolio early can significantly boost future financial security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Stewart County

via CrimeByCounty

Stewart County stays well below national crime averages

Stewart County reports a total crime rate of 743.3 per 100,000 residents, which is less than one-third of the national average. This low incident rate earns the county an impressive safety score of 98.8 out of 100.

A leader in Tennessee public safety

The county's safety score of 98.8 significantly outperforms the Tennessee state average of 97.2. Stewart remains one of the more secure locations in the region based on 2022 data from three reporting agencies.

Stewart leads its neighbors in security

Stewart's crime rate of 743.3 is lower than Sumner's 769.2 and dramatically lower than Sullivan's 1202.1. It consistently maintains some of the best safety metrics in this part of the state.

Property crime outpaces violent incidents

Violent crime is rare here at 182.2 per 100,000, while property crime sits at 561.1. Residents are roughly three times more likely to experience a property-related issue than a violent encounter.

Staying proactive in a safe community

Even with low crime rates, basic home security can deter opportunistic property crimes. Simple measures like outdoor lighting and locked entries help preserve the county's high safety standards.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Stewart County

via HealthByCounty

Stewart County's life expectancy edges ahead

At 72.9 years, Stewart County residents live slightly longer than the U.S. average of 72.6 years, a small but meaningful advantage. However, one in five residents report poor or fair health, a rate that tracks with national averages and signals ongoing wellness challenges beyond lifespan alone.

Stewart ranks above Tennessee average

Stewart County's 72.9-year life expectancy outpaces Tennessee's 72.4-year state average, placing it in healthier company statewide. Yet with 20.3% of residents in poor or fair health, the county mirrors state health-status patterns and suggests room for improvement in preventive care.

Stewart holds its ground regionally

Stewart's 72.9-year life expectancy sits between neighboring Sumner County (75.6 years) and Sullivan County (72.7 years), reflecting regional variation in health outcomes. The county's 20.3% poor/fair health rate exceeds Sullivan's 18.8% but trails more challenged rural neighbors, positioning it as moderate on the regional spectrum.

Primary care gaps limit local access

With just 7 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, Stewart County faces significant provider shortages—far below the state average of roughly 50 per 100K. At 12.4% uninsured, residents already stretch to afford care, and limited local providers mean many travel for routine checkups.

Check coverage options today

One in eight Stewart County residents lack health insurance, putting preventive care out of reach for thousands. Visit healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 to explore Marketplace plans, Medicaid, or local health department programs that can make care affordable.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Stewart County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Small-Scale Rural School Infrastructure

Stewart County operates a compact educational network consisting of just 6 total public schools within a single unified district. This rural system serves 2,002 students across two elementary schools, one middle school, and two high schools.

Exceptional Graduation Rates with Efficient Spending

The county boasts an impressive 97.0% graduation rate, significantly outpacing both the Tennessee average of 93.3% and the national mark of 87.0%. While the per-pupil expenditure of $5,444 sits below the state average of $6,215, the 53.9 school score indicates solid academic performance.

The Stewart County School District

The Stewart County school district manages all 2,002 students in the area, providing a centralized approach to local education. There are currently no charter schools in the county, maintaining a traditional public school model for all families.

The Essence of Rural Learning

All 6 schools in the county are classified as rural, creating a consistent and familiar learning environment for every student. Stewart Co High School is the largest campus with 627 students, while most schools maintain a moderate average size of 501 students.

Find Your Home Near Stewart Schools

Families seeking high-performing rural schools often prioritize Stewart County for its elite graduation rates. Exploring homes here means joining a community where students receive personalized attention in a tight-knit educational setting.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Stewart County

via RiskByCounty

Stewart County's natural disaster risk

With a composite risk score of 29.36, Stewart County sits well below the national average and carries a Very Low overall rating. Your county faces significantly less disaster risk than most of the country, though some hazard types warrant attention.

Safest county in Tennessee

Stewart County ranks among Tennessee's safest counties for natural disasters, with a score 44% below the state average of 52.45. This puts you in the lowest-risk tier statewide, ahead of nearly all your neighbors.

Much safer than adjacent counties

Stewart County's 29.36 score is significantly lower than nearby Montgomery County (state average exposure) and Houston County. Your relative isolation from major flood plains and tornado corridors keeps risk notably manageable compared to surrounding areas.

Earthquakes and tornadoes top concerns

Earthquake risk (82.57) and tornado risk (64.98) are your two highest hazard scores, though both remain moderate in absolute terms. Flood risk is relatively low at 22.81, and wildfire poses minimal concern at just 7.60.

Focus coverage on earthquake safety

Standard homeowners insurance doesn't cover earthquakes or tornadoes, so consider a separate earthquake policy given your 82.57 earthquake score. Ensure your roof is properly anchored and review your emergency plan for severe weather events.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Stewart County

via WeatherByCounty

Standard Humid Subtropical Conditions

Stewart County maintains an average annual temperature of 58.6°F, placing it above the national median. It is a wet region, recording 54.8 inches of annual precipitation compared to drier national averages.

Representative of Northern Tennessee

The county's 58.6°F average is nearly identical to the Tennessee state average of 58.1°F. It experiences typical state weather, though its 54.8 inches of rain is slightly below the state average of 55.9 inches.

Stability on the Highland Rim

Stewart County shares the climate of the Western Highland Rim, characterized by consistent rainfall and moderate winters. Its weather patterns are nearly identical to those of neighboring Montgomery and Henry counties.

Warm Summers and Chilly Nights

July temperatures average 78.4°F with 34 days of extreme heat annually. Winters are cool, averaging 39.2°F, and the county receives a modest 3.8 inches of snowfall.

Plan for Humid Outdoor Life

With 34 extreme heat days, summer outdoor activities require early starts and hydration. Winter preparations are minimal as the 3.8 inches of snow rarely causes prolonged closures.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Stewart County

via SoilByCounty

Silt Loam and Ultisols in Stewart County

Stewart County features a dominant silt loam texture and belongs to the weathered Ultisols taxonomic order. Its average pH of 5.54 is more acidic than the national median of 6.5, though it remains slightly higher than the Tennessee state average of 5.35.

A Silt-Heavy Foundation for Farming

The soil is comprised of 58.2% silt and 19.0% clay, offering a smooth texture that holds nutrients effectively. With a sand content of 20.6%, these soils provide a stable balance that supports both agricultural workability and moisture retention.

Reliable Organic Matter and Water Storage

The county's organic matter sits at 2.42%, aligning closely with the state average of 2.44%. An available water capacity of 0.174 in/in slightly outperforms the state benchmark, suggesting a resilient environment for crops during dry spells.

Navigating Moderately Well-Drained Slopes

Classified as moderately well-drained, these soils belong to hydrologic group C/D. This indicates a potential for slower water infiltration, which requires careful management for large-scale building or intensive irrigation.

Abundant Growth in Hardiness Zone 7b

Stewart County sits in zone 7b, where the silt-rich soil is ideal for corn, soybeans, and home vegetable gardens. With a soil score of 46.1, which is well above the state average of 38.5, local gardeners have a strong foundation for success.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Stewart County

via LawnByCounty

Managing the Lawn in Stewart County

Stewart County earns a lawn difficulty score of 47.1, making it slightly more challenging to maintain than the national average of 50.0. This Zone 7b region requires specific care to keep turf healthy throughout the year. You face slightly more hurdles here than the typical Tennessee homeowner, who enjoys a state average score of 48.0.

Abundant Rain and Moderate Summer Heat

Your lawn receives 54.8 inches of rain annually, which exceeds the ideal range of 30 to 50 inches. With 34 days of extreme heat reaching at least 90°F, grass requires careful monitoring during peak summer months. Mowing typically begins after the last spring frost on April 4 and continues through the 4553 growing degree days.

Tackling Acidic Silt Loam Soil

The soil pH of 5.54 is significantly below the ideal 6.0 to 7.0 range, necessitating lime applications to balance acidity. This silt loam texture consists of roughly 19.0% clay and 20.6% sand. Because the land is moderately well drained, you must ensure your watering schedule doesn't lead to saturation.

Protecting Grass During Dry Spells

The county spent 19 weeks in drought conditions over the past year, and 100% of the area currently experiences abnormal dryness. To build resilience, you should water deeply and infrequently to encourage deep root growth. Avoid mowing during the hottest part of the day when the grass is already under moisture stress.

Best Turf Choices for Stewart County

Tall fescue and Bermuda grass thrive in this transition zone and handle the local climate well. For the best results, aim to seed or sod between the last frost on April 4 and the first frost on October 31. Start your soil amendments now to prepare for a lush, green season.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Stewart County's county score?
Stewart County, Tennessee has a composite county score of 59.9 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 Stewart County rank among counties in Tennessee?
Stewart County ranks #16 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 Stewart County, Tennessee?
The median annual property tax in Stewart County is $951, with an effective tax rate of 0.52%. This earns Stewart County a tax score of 83.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Stewart County?
The median household income in Stewart County, Tennessee is $62,052 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Stewart County earns an income score of 45.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Stewart County, Tennessee a good place to live?
Stewart County scores 59.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #16 in Tennessee. The best way to evaluate Stewart 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 Stewart 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.