46.7
County Score
Property Tax 83.3Income & Jobs 70.7Water Quality 69

County Report Card

About Tipton County, Tennessee

Slightly Below the Median

Tipton County carries a composite score of 46.7, which sits just under the national median of 50.0. While it faces some challenges, it remains a viable alternative to more densely populated metropolitan areas.

Trailing the Tennessee Average

The county's 46.7 score is below the state average of 51.3, suggesting room for infrastructure and safety improvements. However, it maintains high marks in specific categories that attract local residents.

Low Taxes and Solid Income

Tipton shines with a tax score of 83.3 and a respectable income score of 70.7. Median household incomes of $71,736 provide residents with a comfortable financial cushion relative to rural neighbors.

Safety and Risk Obstacles

Safety and environmental risk are the primary concerns, with scores of 39.1 and 19.0 respectively. Health outcomes also lag with a score of 35.5, indicating a need for better wellness infrastructure.

Suits Commuters Seeking Savings

Tipton is best for workers who want to maximize their take-home pay through low taxes and competitive regional wages. It appeals to residents who prioritize personal finances over environmental and safety ratings.

Score breakdown

Tax83.3Cost27Safety39.1Health35.5Schools49Income70.7Risk19Water69Weather64.7
🏛83.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠27
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼70.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡39.1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
35.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓49
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
19
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧69
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤64.7
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨59.2
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱45.9
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

Tipton County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Tipton County

via TaxByCounty

Tipton County well below national tax median

Tipton County's effective rate of 0.526% sits comfortably below the national median of 0.711%, placing it in the lower tier of U.S. counties. The median tax of $1,158 is less than half the national median of $2,690, showcasing Tennessee's tax-friendly environment.

Slightly above Tennessee average rates

Tipton County's 0.526% rate edges above Tennessee's average of 0.511%, making it a moderately taxed county within the state. At $1,158 in median taxes versus the state average of $1,016, Tipton County residents pay roughly $140 more annually than typical Tennessee homeowners.

Mid-range taxes among West Tennessee peers

Tipton County's 0.526% rate sits between Sumner County's higher 0.534% and Stewart County's 0.520%, offering a moderate tax burden for the region. With a median home value of $220,100, Tipton County balances affordability with solid property values.

Median annual taxes top $1,150

A typical Tipton County home worth $220,100 carries an estimated annual tax bill of $1,158. With a mortgage, that rises to $1,204; without one, it drops to $1,060—a reasonable expense for property owners in this West Tennessee county.

Tipton County homeowners should verify assessments

Properties in Tipton County may carry outdated or inflated assessments, especially those that haven't been reassessed recently or whose market value has declined. Filing an appeal with the county assessor's office costs nothing and could result in meaningful tax savings year after year.

Cost of Living in Tipton County

via CostByCounty

Tipton County stays competitive

Tipton County renters spend 16.9% of their income on housing, holding just below the national average of 17.6% despite earning $71,736, near the national median of $74,755. The $1,007 median rent reflects moderate pricing for a county positioned between rural and Memphis-area markets.

Solid middle ground statewide

Tipton County's 16.9% rent-to-income ratio ranks comfortably below Tennessee's state average of 17.6%, placing it among the more affordable options for renters across the state. This favorable position stems from reasonable rental prices paired with above-average household incomes.

Tipton balances price and income

Tipton County's $1,007 rent sits higher than Stewart County ($837) but lower than Sumner County ($1,339), reflecting its middle position in the region. With a $71,736 median income, Tipton households earn more than most neighboring counties, making housing more manageable despite slightly higher rents.

Balanced housing burden

On a $71,736 annual income, Tipton County renters spend $1,007 monthly (16.9%), while homeowners pay $1,064 (17.8%)—both just below state and national averages. This relative balance means families retain adequate income for savings, transportation, and other necessities.

Tipton offers Memphis-area value

Tipton County delivers a sweet spot: reasonable rents, above-average incomes, and a 16.9% housing burden below the national average. If you're considering the Memphis corridor, Tipton's affordability advantage over Sumner County makes it worth a serious look.

Income & Jobs in Tipton County

via IncomeByCounty

Tipton Approaches National Income Norms

Tipton County's median household income of $71,736 comes within $3,019 of the national median of $74,755, positioning it closer to U.S. averages than many rural Tennessee counties. This near-parity reflects a moderately healthy local economy.

Above Tennessee's State Average

Tipton County earns $12,742 more than Tennessee's median of $58,994, ranking it solidly in the upper half of state counties. This 22% advantage over the state average reflects Tipton's relative economic strength within Tennessee.

Strong Performer Among Regional Counties

Tipton County's $71,736 ranks it among the higher-earning neighbors, surpassing Stewart County ($62,052) and Union County ($61,858) while trailing only Sumner County ($86,005). The county positions itself as a secondary economic hub in its region.

Housing Remains Affordable and Accessible

Tipton County's 16.9% rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably in the affordable range, offering households breathing room in their budgets. With a median home value of $220,100, homeownership is within reach for many earning the county median.

Building Wealth With Room to Spare

Tipton County households earning $71,736 have meaningful capacity to save, invest, and prepare for retirement while maintaining a reasonable lifestyle. With manageable housing costs, residents can allocate funds toward diversified investments and long-term financial goals.

Safety in Tipton County

via CrimeByCounty

Tipton County stays safer than the nation

Tipton County reports a safety score of 97.8, indicating a secure community. Its total crime rate of 1385.8 per 100,000 is significantly lower than the national benchmark of 2,385.5.

Beating the Tennessee safety average

With a safety score of 97.8, Tipton performs better than the statewide average of 97.2. Six reporting agencies contribute to a data profile that shows Tipton is safer than many other Tennessee counties.

Tipton compared to regional neighbors

Tipton’s crime rate of 1385.8 is nearly identical to Trousdale's 1379.8. However, it experiences higher crime frequency than safer nearby areas like Sumner.

Analyzing violent and property crime

Violent crime occurs at a rate of 345.2, which is just below the national average. Property crime is more prevalent at 1040.6, making up about 75% of all reported incidents in the county.

Proactive security for Tipton residents

Focusing on home security is essential given that property crime is the most common issue. Simple habits like locking garage doors and using security cameras can further improve local safety.

Health in Tipton County

via HealthByCounty

Tipton County's health mirrors national baseline

Tipton County's 72.3-year life expectancy tracks closely with the U.S. average of 72.6 years, positioning residents in line with national longevity patterns. However, 20.7% report poor or fair health—above the national average—suggesting elevated chronic disease burden despite comparable lifespan.

Tipton nearly matches Tennessee average

At 72.3 years, Tipton County's life expectancy sits just below Tennessee's 72.4-year state average, while its 9.6% uninsured rate outperforms the state's 11.9%. Yet the county's 20.7% poor/fair health rate exceeds state averages, indicating room for improvement in disease prevention.

Tipton struggles against regional peers

Tipton's 20.7% poor/fair health rate exceeds most neighboring counties, trailing only Trousdale (21.8%) and Union (22.1%) in this concerning metric. Its 72.3-year life expectancy ranks below Sumner (75.6) and Sullivan (72.7), reflecting broader health challenges in mid-state counties.

Moderate provider access, low uninsured rate

Tipton County has 28 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—better than some rural peers but below state averages—limiting same-day appointment availability. At 9.6% uninsured, residents have better affordability than the state average, yet provider scarcity may delay care for those who do have coverage.

Secure affordable coverage now

Tipton County's relatively low uninsured rate shows progress, but one in ten residents still lacks insurance. Compare plans at healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 to find coverage that fits your budget and connects you to local or regional providers.

Schools in Tipton County

via SchoolsByCounty

Town-Centered Schools Serving Tipton

Tipton County manages 14 public schools that serve a total of 10,249 students within a single district. The system is comprised of 7 elementary, 3 middle, and 3 high schools, providing a streamlined educational path.

Leading the State in Graduation Rates

The county's 95.0% graduation rate stands well above the national average of 87.0%. Despite a lower per-pupil expenditure of $5,837, the county maintains a school score of 53.6, which aligns perfectly with the Tennessee state average.

The Tipton County District Spotlight

The Tipton County district oversees all 10,249 students, with no charter schools operating in the region. Munford High School is the largest institution in the district, enrolling 1,195 students.

Mid-Sized Schools with a Town Feel

Eight of the county's schools are located in town locales, while the remaining 6 are rural, offering a balanced mix for families. Schools here are relatively large, with an average enrollment of 732 students per campus.

Settle Near Tipton's Community Schools

Families value Tipton County for its high graduation rates and the community-centric feel of its town schools. As you research homes, consider the accessibility of these central districts as a key benefit of the area.

Disaster Risk in Tipton County

via RiskByCounty

Tipton County carries moderate risk

Tipton County's composite risk score of 81.04 substantially exceeds the national average, with a Relatively Moderate rating. Your county faces genuine multi-hazard exposure that warrants serious preparation and insurance planning.

High risk relative to Tennessee

Tipton County scores 81.04—55% above Tennessee's state average of 52.45—placing it in the state's higher-risk counties. Only the most hazard-prone Tennessee counties exceed your risk level significantly.

Similar risk to Sumner County

Tipton County's 81.04 score closely mirrors Sumner County (87.66) to the northeast, though slightly lower overall. Both counties share elevated tornado and earthquake exposure common to west-central Tennessee.

Tornadoes and earthquakes are primary

Tornado risk reaches 92.78 and earthquake risk 95.80, making these your dominant hazards. Flood risk (53.91) and hurricane exposure (46.47) add additional layers of concern requiring preparedness.

Prepare for tornadoes and shaking

With tornado risk at 92.78, a safe room or reinforced interior shelter is essential—many lives depend on these during severe storms. Earthquake insurance becomes increasingly important at a 95.80 score; secure heavy furniture and water heaters to prevent injury and damage.

Weather & Climate in Tipton County

via WeatherByCounty

Warm and Damp Delta Border

Tipton County’s 59.2°F average annual temperature is several degrees warmer than the national median. It receives a robust 55.8 inches of precipitation annually, typical for the moist Mississippi River valley.

Warmer Than the State Average

Tipton sits above the Tennessee average temperature of 58.1°F, recording 59.2°F annually. Its 55.8 inches of precipitation perfectly matches the state average of 55.9 inches.

Temperate Relative to Memphis

While Tipton is warm, it is slightly cooler and less prone to urban heat than neighboring Shelby County. It maintains the heavy humidity and rainfall consistent across all of West Tennessee.

Significant Heat and Minimal Snow

July averages a warm 79.1°F, contributing to 49 days of extreme heat each year. Winters are mild with a 39.7°F average and only 2.4 inches of annual snowfall.

Manage High Summer Heat

With nearly 50 days of extreme heat, residents must prioritize energy-efficient cooling and sun protection. Winter requires little specialized gear given the minimal 2.4-inch snowfall average.

Soil Quality in Tipton County

via SoilByCounty

West Tennessee's Silt-Rich Profile

Tipton County features a pH of 5.95, which is much closer to the national median of 6.5 than the state average of 5.35. While specific taxonomic data is limited for this region, the chemical profile suggests a highly productive environment.

A Dominance of Fine Silt

The soil composition is staggering, with 70.3% silt and 18.2% clay. This high silt percentage creates a flour-like texture that is exceptionally easy for roots to penetrate, though the low 11.5% sand makes it prone to compaction.

Unmatched Water Storage Potential

Tipton's available water capacity is a robust 0.202 in/in, far exceeding the Tennessee average of 0.171. While organic matter is lower at 1.80%, the soil's ability to hold water makes it a powerhouse for agriculture.

Understanding Local Water Flow

Detailed drainage and hydrologic group data are not currently available for Tipton County. Farmers and builders should rely on local site assessments to determine how the high silt content affects water movement on their specific plots.

Long Growing Seasons in Zone 8a

In the warmer 8a hardiness zone, Tipton's high soil score of 59.2 makes it one of the best in the state. This is an ideal climate for cotton, pecans, and extended-season vegetable gardens.

Lawn Care in Tipton County

via LawnByCounty

The Challenges of Zone 8a Turf

Tipton County presents a tougher challenge with a lawn difficulty score of 45.9, falling below the state average of 48.0. The transition to Zone 8a brings higher temperatures that can stress standard cool-season grasses. Success here depends on selecting heat-hardy varieties that can survive intense summer sun.

High Heat and Heavy Rainfall

Homeowners must manage 49 extreme heat days annually, which is significantly higher than the Tennessee average of 36. Combined with 55.8 inches of annual rain, this creates a humid, high-stress environment for turf. The long growing season is supported by 4713 growing degree days, requiring more frequent mowing.

Working with Near-Ideal Soil pH

Tipton County features a soil pH of 5.95, which is remarkably close to the ideal 6.0 range. The soil contains 18.2% clay and a relatively low 11.5% sand content. While specific drainage data is limited, the balanced pH means your grass can easily access the nutrients it needs to fight summer heat.

Combating Consistent Dry Periods

With 21 weeks spent in drought over the past year, water conservation is a top priority for local lawns. Currently, 100% of the county is in abnormally dry (D0) status. Installing a smart irrigation controller can help you manage the high water demands caused by 49 days of extreme heat.

Warm-Season Grasses for the West

Bermuda and St. Augustine grasses are excellent choices for the heat of Tipton County. Aim to establish new turf after the early last frost on March 27 but before the first fall frost on November 4. This long window gives your lawn plenty of time to take root.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Tipton County's county score?
Tipton County, Tennessee has a composite county score of 46.7 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 Tipton County rank among counties in Tennessee?
Tipton County ranks #68 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 Tipton County, Tennessee?
The median annual property tax in Tipton County is $1,158, with an effective tax rate of 0.53%. This earns Tipton County a tax score of 83.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Tipton County?
The median household income in Tipton County, Tennessee is $71,736 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Tipton County earns an income score of 70.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Tipton County, Tennessee a good place to live?
Tipton County scores 46.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #68 in Tennessee. The best way to evaluate Tipton 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 Tipton County with other counties side by side.