countyscore
59.5
County Score
Disaster Risk 89.4Water Quality 86Cost of Living 84.1

County Report Card

About Unicoi County, Tennessee

Exceeding National Expectations

Unicoi County boasts a composite score of 59.5, significantly higher than the national median of 50.0. It ranks as a high-value destination when compared to the broader United States.

A Top Tennessee Performer

The county's 59.5 score far exceeds the state average of 51.3. This highlights Unicoi as a hidden gem within the state, offering a much higher livability index than many of its neighbors.

Affordability and Natural Security

With a risk score of 89.4 and a cost score of 84.1, Unicoi is both safe from disasters and very affordable. Median gross rent is just $665, making it one of the most budget-friendly counties in the state.

Income and Health Constraints

Economic opportunity is limited, as evidenced by a low income score of 15.2 and a median income of $50,381. The health score of 21.5 also reflects significant gaps in local medical services.

Perfect for Remote Workers

Unicoi is an ideal match for remote workers or those with outside income who want to live in a secure, beautiful, and low-cost area. It offers an elite quality of life for those not dependent on the local job market.

Score breakdown

Tax77.8Cost84.1Safety60.7Health21.5Schools44.2Income15.2Risk89.4Water86Weather68.4
🏛77.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠84.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼15.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡60.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤21.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓44.2
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡89.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤68.4
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨32.3
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱55.5
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 →
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Unicoi County?

Many homeowners in Unicoi County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
Compare Unicoi County with Pendleton County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Pendleton County
Kentucky
Median income: $66,601
59.5
Chippewa County
Minnesota
Median income: $69,192
59.5
Lewis County
New York
Median income: $68,329
59.5
Houston County
Tennessee
Median income: $54,475
59.5
Franklin County
Idaho
Median income: $65,991
59.6
Perry County
Indiana
Median income: $61,099
59.4
Decatur County
Iowa
Median income: $57,146
59.4
Doniphan County
Kansas
Median income: $72,833
59.6

Nearby counties

Mitchell County
North Carolina
70.9
Yancey County
North Carolina
68.3
Washington County
Tennessee
54.9
Madison County
North Carolina
65.6
Carter County
Tennessee
44.7
Greene County
Tennessee
53.3
Avery County
North Carolina
60.2
Buncombe County
North Carolina
41.4

Deep Dives

Unicoi County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Unicoi County

via TaxByCounty

Unicoi County below national average despite rural setting

Unicoi County's effective rate of 0.571% remains below the national median of 0.711%, placing it in the lower half of U.S. counties. At $960 in median taxes on a rural home valued at $168,200, Unicoi County homeowners enjoy modest annual property tax bills.

Moderately taxed within Tennessee

Unicoi County's 0.571% rate sits above Tennessee's state average of 0.511%, making it one of the more expensive rural counties to own property in. The median tax of $960 falls slightly below the state average of $1,016, reflecting the county's lower home values despite its higher effective rate.

Higher rates, lower values in East Tennessee

Unicoi County's 0.571% rate exceeds Sullivan County's 0.632%—actually, Sullivan is higher—making Unicoi more moderately taxed than its northeastern neighbor. With median homes valued at just $168,200, Unicoi County remains one of the most affordable places to own property in the tri-county region.

Rural properties carry modest tax bills

A typical Unicoi County home worth $168,200 generates an estimated $960 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage, that figure rises slightly to $977; without one, it drops to $927—affordable expenses for homeowners in this mountainous East Tennessee county.

Rural homeowners often overlook assessment appeals

Unicoi County's rural properties may suffer from outdated assessments or inflated valuations that go unchallenged year after year. Homeowners who haven't reviewed their assessment recently should contact the county assessor to explore a reassessment or appeal, potentially unlocking tax savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Unicoi County

via CostByCounty

Unicoi County's quiet affordability

Unicoi County renters spend 15.8% of their income on housing, beating both the national 17.6% average and Tennessee's state average of 17.6%. With the lowest median income in this group at $50,381 and the lowest rent at $665, Unicoi delivers surprising affordability for its lowest-earning households.

Rare bargain in rural Tennessee

Unicoi County ranks among Tennessee's most affordable counties despite having the lowest median household income ($50,381) in this analysis, with a 15.8% rent-to-income ratio below the state average. This achievement reflects extraordinarily low rents that cushion lower-income residents from housing cost burdens.

Unicoi's rents are rock-bottom

Unicoi County's $665 median rent is the lowest of all eight counties analyzed, undercutting even Trousdale County ($805) and Van Buren County ($705). Combined with a modest median home value of $168,200, Unicoi offers the most budget-friendly housing environment in this entire group.

Lowest income, lowest rent

A Unicoi County household earning just $50,381 annually spends $665 on rent (15.8%) or $648 on mortgage ($648), among the lowest absolute dollar amounts in this analysis. This alignment between income and housing costs makes Unicoi exceptionally accessible for lower-wage workers and retirees.

Unicoi for rock-bottom living costs

Unicoi County offers Tennessee's most aggressive affordability: $665 rent on a $50,381 income, yielding a 15.8% burden below state and national averages. If you're seeking the lowest cost of living in East Tennessee, Unicoi's combination of low rents and low home values is hard to beat.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Unicoi County

via IncomeByCounty

Unicoi Faces Significant Income Gap

Unicoi County's median household income of $50,381 falls about $24,374 below the national median of $74,755, representing a stark 33% gap. This substantial shortfall places Unicoi among the lowest-income counties nationally.

Well Below Tennessee's State Median

Unicoi County's $50,381 income trails Tennessee's state average of $58,994 by $8,613, positioning it in the lower tier of state counties. This gap reflects persistent economic challenges in East Tennessee's mountain communities.

Lowest Earner Among Regional Peers

Unicoi County ranks at the bottom of its region with $50,381 in median income, significantly behind Sullivan County ($56,802) and other neighboring counties. The county faces the steepest economic challenges among its immediate neighbors.

Housing Affordability Under Pressure

While Unicoi County's 15.8% rent-to-income ratio appears manageable, the median home value of $168,200 still represents a substantial burden for households earning just $50,381. Many residents are likely priced out of homeownership even at these lower valuations.

Wealth-Building Requires Focused Effort

Unicoi County residents face the tightest financial constraints among regional peers, making every dollar count in building long-term wealth. Pursuing education, skills training, or higher-wage employment opportunities may offer the most realistic path to improved financial security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Unicoi County

via CrimeByCounty

Unicoi County boasts high safety scores

Unicoi County reports a safety score of 98.6, placing it among the safer counties in the United States. Its total crime rate of 907.8 is less than half the national average of 2,385.5.

A standout for safety in Tennessee

Unicoi's safety score of 98.6 easily beats the Tennessee state average of 97.2. Three reporting agencies provide a consistent picture of a county that prioritizes public security.

Unicoi leads its regional peers

With a crime rate of 907.8, Unicoi is safer than Sullivan at 1202.1 and Union at 1455.2. It maintains a strong position as one of the most secure counties in the immediate area.

Violent crime is relatively rare

Unicoi sees 297.0 violent crimes per 100,000, which is below the national average. Property crime stands at 610.8, meaning property issues are roughly twice as common as violent ones.

Simple steps for a safer home

Residents can take pride in Unicoi's low crime rates while remaining vigilant. Using basic security measures like sturdy locks and light timers can help keep property crime numbers low.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Unicoi County

via HealthByCounty

Unicoi's health significantly lags nation

At 71.2 years, Unicoi County residents live 1.4 years less than the U.S. average of 72.6 years, and 25.5% report poor or fair health—among the nation's highest rates. These figures signal substantial chronic disease burden and underscore urgent need for prevention and treatment expansion.

Unicoi ranks among state's weakest health outcomes

Unicoi's 71.2-year life expectancy falls well below Tennessee's 72.4-year average, and its 25.5% poor/fair health rate is among the state's worst. At 10.8% uninsured, the county exceeds state average affordability challenges, compounding barriers to care for those with chronic illness.

Unicoi faces severe regional health crisis

Unicoi's 71.2-year life expectancy is the lowest in its peer group, and its 25.5% poor/fair health rate exceeds all neighbors except Union County (22.1%). The county's 23 mental health providers per 100K and 45 primary care providers per 100K signal moderate capacity but insufficient for the burden of disease present.

Limited providers meet substantial health needs

Unicoi has 45 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and only 23 mental health providers per 100K—inadequate to address a population where one in four reports poor health. Combined with 10.8% uninsured, residents face both access bottlenecks and cost barriers to treatment.

Coverage is step one toward health

One in ten Unicoi County residents lacks insurance, putting preventive and emergency care out of reach. Enroll at healthcare.gov or contact the Unicoi County Health Department to access coverage, then prioritize regular checkups and mental health screening to address the county's health crisis.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Unicoi County

via SchoolsByCounty

Town-Based Schools in the Mountains

Unicoi County hosts 7 public schools serving a total of 2,220 students. The system includes 4 elementary schools, 1 middle school, and 1 high school, primarily centered around local town hubs.

Competitive Spending and Grad Rates

The graduation rate sits at 92.0%, while per-pupil spending reaches $6,299, which is slightly above the Tennessee state average. These metrics support a composite school score of 53.1, reflecting a stable academic environment.

The Unicoi County School District

The single Unicoi County district oversees all 2,220 students across its 7 campuses. No charter schools exist in the county, maintaining a focus on traditional public education for the entire community.

Personalized Learning in Small Schools

With an average school size of only 317 students, Unicoi offers some of the most personalized learning environments in the region. Most schools are located in town settings, with Unicoi Co High School serving as the largest hub with 713 students.

Discover Homes in Unicoi County

Unicoi County is an excellent choice for homebuyers who prefer small, town-based schools over massive suburban campuses. The area's commitment to per-pupil spending ensures that students in these smaller settings remain well-supported.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Unicoi County

via RiskByCounty

Unicoi County enjoys low risk

Unicoi County's composite risk score of 10.59 falls well below the national average, carrying a Very Low overall rating. Your county sits in the safest tier for natural disasters across the United States.

Among Tennessee's safest counties

At 10.59, Unicoi County scores 80% below Tennessee's state average of 52.45, placing it firmly in the lowest-risk group. Few Tennessee counties match your relative natural disaster safety.

Safer than nearby Sullivan County

Unicoi County's 10.59 score is dramatically lower than adjacent Sullivan County (71.47), despite sharing the northeastern Tennessee region. Your higher elevation and isolated position provide substantial natural protection.

Wildfire and hurricane are notable

Wildfire risk at 32.51 and hurricane exposure at 34.17 represent your highest hazard scores, though both remain moderate. Earthquake (43.80) and flood (27.42) risks are secondary concerns in your county.

Standard insurance provides good coverage

A comprehensive homeowners policy should adequately protect your property given your county's low risk profile. If you live near forested areas, maintain clear zones around your home to reduce wildfire exposure.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Unicoi County

via WeatherByCounty

A Mild High-Elevation Climate

Unicoi County averages 55.4°F annually, placing it closer to the national median than most of its Tennessee neighbors. Its location in the Blue Ridge Mountains creates a cooler, temperate environment.

One of Tennessee’s Cooler Corners

At 55.4°F, Unicoi is significantly cooler than the Tennessee state average of 58.1°F. This temperature gap reflects the county's higher elevation and rugged terrain.

Cooler and Snowier than the Plateau

Unicoi stays much cooler than Williamson County, which is 3.6 degrees warmer on average. It also experiences more frequent winter weather than the flatter counties to the west.

Snowy Winters and Mild Summers

The county receives a notable 9.3 inches of annual snowfall, far more than the state's flatter regions. Summers are pleasant with only 18 days reaching 90°F, keeping July averages at a comfortable 73.8°F.

Gear Up for Mountain Winters

Residents need reliable snow removal tools and winter tires to navigate the 9.3 inches of annual snow. The low number of extreme heat days makes outdoor summer activities much more accessible than in the rest of the state.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Unicoi County

via SoilByCounty

The Acidic Highlands of Unicoi

Unicoi County deals with highly acidic conditions, featuring an average pH of 4.69. This is significantly lower than both the national 6.5 median and the Tennessee state average of 5.35.

A Gritty, High-Sand Mix

The soil profile is 40.1% sand and 35.2% silt, creating a coarser texture than much of the state. With only 13.2% clay, this soil lacks the natural nutrient stickiness of heavier loams but offers excellent aeration for roots.

Rich in Carbon, Lean on Water

Organic matter is very high at 5.11%, more than doubling the state average. However, the available water capacity of 0.138 in/in is quite low, meaning the soil struggles to hold onto moisture during dry periods.

Challenging Data for Complex Terrains

Standard drainage and hydrologic group classifications are currently unavailable for this county. Given the high sand content and mountainous terrain, local water movement is likely rapid but highly dependent on the specific slope.

Cultivating the Cool Zone 7a

In the cooler zone 7a, Unicoi's soil is well-suited for acid-loving mountain crops like berries. While the soil score is a modest 32.3, the high organic matter provides a great base if you can manage the acidity.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Unicoi County

via LawnByCounty

High-Altitude Lawn Care in Unicoi

Unicoi County scores 55.5 on the lawn difficulty scale, making it easier to manage than both the state and national averages. As a Zone 7a region, it experiences slightly cooler temperatures that favor traditional lawn varieties. This climate provides a refreshing break from the intense heat found in western Tennessee.

Cooler Summers and Ideal Rainfall

Unicoi enjoys only 18 extreme heat days per year, which is half the Tennessee state average. The 47.0 inches of annual precipitation falls squarely within the ideal range for sustaining healthy turf. These factors combined create a much lower risk of summer grass dormancy or heat stress.

Neutralizing Very Acidic Mountain Soil

The soil pH of 4.69 is very low, representing a significant hurdle for nutrient availability in your lawn. Soil texture is roughly 40.1% sand and 13.2% clay, which often leads to rapid drainage and nutrient leaching. Intensive lime applications are essential here to move toward the 6.0-7.0 ideal range.

Protecting Lawns from Severe Drought

Despite the good rainfall average, the county faced 25 weeks of drought last year, and 85.7% of the area is currently in severe drought (D2+). These harsh current conditions require strict water conservation and supplemental irrigation to save established lawns. Prioritize watering newly seeded areas to prevent total loss during this dry spell.

Choosing Grass for Cool Mountain Air

Kentucky Bluegrass and Tall Fescue are perfect for the cooler 7a climate and limited heat days. Your growing window starts after the late spring frost on April 21 and ends by October 23. Focus on aggressive soil conditioning this spring to combat the high acidity.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Unicoi County's county score?
Unicoi County, Tennessee has a composite county score of 59.5 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 Unicoi County rank among counties in Tennessee?
Unicoi County ranks #18 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 Unicoi County, Tennessee?
The median annual property tax in Unicoi County is $960, with an effective tax rate of 0.57%. This earns Unicoi County a tax score of 77.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Unicoi County?
The median household income in Unicoi County, Tennessee is $50,381 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Unicoi County earns an income score of 15.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Unicoi County, Tennessee a good place to live?
Unicoi County scores 59.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #18 in Tennessee. The best way to evaluate Unicoi 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 Unicoi 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.