CountyScore

Sumner County

Tennessee · TN

#88 in Tennessee
64.8
County Score

County Report Card

About Sumner County, Tennessee

Sumner County: 38% Above National Baseline

Sumner County's composite score of 69.2 remains significantly above the national median of 50.0, reflecting solid overall livability. However, it trails several peer counties in Tennessee, signaling some trade-offs in the livability equation.

Below Tennessee Average Despite Higher Incomes

Sumner County scores 69.2, below Tennessee's state average of 76.3, making it the lowest-ranked of the eight counties profiled. The gap reflects rising housing costs that offset its income advantages.

Highest Incomes and Low Tax Rates

Sumner County leads the group with a median household income of $86,005 and an income score of 39.5, paired with a tax score of 87.2 and an effective rate of 0.534%. This combination appeals to higher-earning households seeking tax efficiency.

Housing Costs Rising Faster Than Income

The county's cost score of 63.2 is the lowest among the eight, with a median home value of $364,000 and median rent of $1,339/month—significantly higher than peers. This affordability gap narrows the county's overall livability advantage despite strong incomes.

Right for Higher-Earning Commuters and Families

Sumner County suits affluent households and professionals seeking quality schools and suburban amenities willing to accept elevated housing costs. Its strong income potential and low taxes appeal to dual-earner families, though first-time buyers should budget carefully.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax87.2Cost63.2SafetyComing SoonHealth70.4SchoolsComing SoonIncome39.5Risk12.3WaterComing Soon
🏛87.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠63.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼39.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤70.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡12.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Sumner County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Glenn County
California
64.8
Median income: $70,487
Coweta County
Georgia
64.8
Median income: $94,142
Glynn County
Georgia
64.8
Median income: $68,546
Harper County
Kansas
64.8
Median income: $55,417
Gallatin County
Montana
64.8
Median income: $87,454

Deep Dives

Sumner County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Sumner County

via TaxByCounty

Sumner County below national average despite high values

Sumner County's effective rate of 0.534% sits below the national median of 0.711%, even though its median home value of $364,000 significantly exceeds the national median of $281,900. This means Sumner County residents benefit from relatively moderate tax rates on higher-valued properties.

Moderate rates on Tennessee's priciest homes

Sumner County's 0.534% rate sits just slightly above Tennessee's average of 0.511%, yet its median property taxes of $1,944 rank among the highest in the state. This reflects the county's higher home values rather than exceptionally aggressive tax rates.

Most expensive homes in the region

Sumner County's median home value of $364,000 dwarfs peers like Stewart County at $182,700 and Trousdale County at $284,100. Despite having one of the higher tax rates in the immediate region, Sumner County's affluent profile attracts suburban development north of Nashville.

Median taxes near $2,000 annually

A typical Sumner County home valued at $364,000 generates an estimated $1,944 in annual property taxes at the current rate. With a mortgage, expect roughly $1,952; without one, around $1,926—a substantial bill that reflects the county's premium real estate market.

High-value homes often appeal assessments

Sumner County's premium properties can be particularly vulnerable to inflated assessments, especially when market conditions shift or comparable sales decline. Homeowners with substantial property values should consider requesting a reassessment or filing a formal appeal to ensure they're paying only what they owe.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Sumner County

via CostByCounty

Sumner County's price climb

Sumner County renters spend 18.7% of their income on housing—above the national 17.6% average—despite earning $86,005, well above the national median of $74,755. The median rent of $1,339 reflects rapid growth in this Nashville-adjacent county, making it one of Tennessee's pricier markets.

Priciest among Tennessee counties

Sumner County's 18.7% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the highest in Tennessee, surpassing the state average of 17.6% by a meaningful margin. This premium reflects the county's proximity to Nashville's job markets and rapid residential development over the past decade.

Sumner's premium over peers

At $1,339 per month, Sumner County rent significantly exceeds neighboring Trousdale County ($1,007) and Wilson County (data unavailable), marking it as a high-cost corridor. Homebuyers face the steepest median home value ($364,000) and highest monthly mortgage costs ($1,356) of any county in this analysis.

Nashville spillover pushes costs

Sumner County households earning $86,005 annually spend $1,339 on rent (18.7%) or $1,356 on mortgages (18.9%), consuming nearly one-fifth of gross income for housing. This disproportionate burden reflects the county's transformation into a Nashville suburb, driving up both rents and home prices.

Premium location with a cost

Sumner County offers Nashville-area access and strong median incomes, but renters pay the highest rate in this analysis at 18.7% of income. If Nashville commuting isn't essential, compare this burden to more affordable counties like Van Buren (14.0%) or Trousdale (16.9%).

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Sumner County

via IncomeByCounty

Sumner County Outearns Most of America

Sumner County's median household income of $86,005 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by over $11,000, placing it in the upper income tier nationally. This 15% advantage reflects Sumner's position as one of Tennessee's most affluent counties.

Tennessee's Income Leader

At $86,005, Sumner County ranks among the highest-earning counties in Tennessee, commanding $27,011 more than the state median of $58,994. This represents a 46% premium over the typical Tennessee household.

Significantly Outpacing Regional Peers

Sumner County's $86,005 income towers over neighboring counties, eclipsing Tipton County ($71,736) by $14,269 and Stewart County ($62,052) by nearly $24,000. The county stands as an economic leader in its region.

Wealth Building, With Caveats

Despite strong income, Sumner County's 18.7% rent-to-income ratio remains manageable, though home values of $364,000 mean many households stretch to afford median-priced homes. Higher earning capacity doesn't automatically translate to affordable housing in this prosperous county.

Maximize Wealth in Sumner County

Sumner County households earning above $86,000 have substantial capacity to invest, diversify, and plan for retirement at rates most Tennessee families cannot match. Tax-advantaged retirement accounts, real estate investment, and portfolio diversification are within realistic reach for many county residents.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Sumner County

via HealthByCounty

Sumner County leads in life expectancy

At 75.6 years, Sumner County residents enjoy a life expectancy 3 years longer than the U.S. average of 72.6 years—one of Tennessee's strongest performances. Only 17% report poor or fair health, the lowest rate among its peer group and a marker of sustained wellness practices.

Sumner tops Tennessee health rankings

Sumner County's 75.6-year life expectancy significantly outpaces Tennessee's 72.4-year state average, and its 9.6% uninsured rate beats the state's 11.9% threshold. The county's 17% poor/fair health rate is among the state's best, reflecting strong preventive care and community health engagement.

Sumner dominates regional health metrics

Sumner's 75.6-year life expectancy far exceeds neighboring Stewart (72.9) and Sullivan (72.7) counties, making it the regional leader in longevity. Its 9.6% uninsured rate and 47 primary care providers per 100K position Sumner as the most accessible, healthiest county in this cluster.

Good coverage, solid provider availability

With 47 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and just 9.6% uninsured, Sumner County residents enjoy above-average healthcare access and affordability. The county's 115 mental health providers per 100K further strengthen community mental wellness resources.

Keep your family's coverage strong

Sumner County's low uninsured rate reflects strong enrollment, but nearly one in ten residents still lack coverage. Visit healthcare.gov or your employer's benefits page annually to confirm your plan meets your family's needs and maximizes your savings.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Sumner County

via RiskByCounty

Sumner County faces substantial risk

Sumner County's composite risk score of 87.66 substantially exceeds the national average, earning a Relatively Moderate rating. This elevated score reflects serious exposure across multiple hazard types that demand proactive preparation.

Among Tennessee's riskiest counties

At 87.66, Sumner County scores 67% higher than Tennessee's state average of 52.45, placing it in the upper tier of risk statewide. You face greater disaster exposure than the vast majority of Tennessee counties.

Riskier than surrounding areas

Sumner County's 87.66 score substantially exceeds Tipton County (81.04) and significantly surpasses Sullivan County (71.47) to the east. Your location in the central Nashville region concentrates exposure to tornadoes and flooding.

Tornadoes and flooding dominate

Tornado risk of 95.55 ranks among the highest in the state, while flood risk at 88.64 creates dual exposure. Earthquake risk (91.70) also ranks notably high, though less frequent than tornado and flood events.

Prioritize flood and storm protection

Flood insurance is non-negotiable with a score of 88.64—standard homeowners policies exclude flood damage. Install or reinforce a safe room for tornado shelter, ensure sump pump backup power, and document all property with photos for insurance claims.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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