50.6
County Score
Property Tax 90.8Cost of Living 76.7Weather & Climate 74.4

County Report Card

About Warren County, Tennessee

Slightly Above the National Median

Warren County earns a composite score of 50.6, edging out the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a balanced profile that aligns closely with typical American county performance.

Matching the Tennessee Average

With a 50.6 composite score, Warren County sits just below the Tennessee state average of 51.3. It maintains a middle-of-the-pack standing among the state's 95 counties.

High Affordability and Low Taxes

The county excels with a 90.8 tax score, driven by a low effective tax rate of 0.447%. Housing remains highly accessible, evidenced by a cost score of 76.7 and median rents of only $775.

Healthcare and Safety Gaps

The health score of 15.2 and safety score of 23.2 present the most significant hurdles for the area. Addressing these community wellness metrics could elevate the overall quality of life.

A Haven for Budget-Conscious Living

This county best suits remote workers or retirees who prioritize low overhead and affordable real estate. The significant tax savings offer a strong financial incentive for those who can navigate the local healthcare landscape.

Score breakdown

Tax90.8Cost76.7Safety23.2Health15.2Schools53.6Income23Risk36.6Water60.8Weather74.4
🏛90.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠76.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼23
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡23.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
15.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓53.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
36.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧60.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤74.4
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨30.5
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱45
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

Warren County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Warren County

via TaxByCounty

Warren taxes rank low nationally

Warren County's effective tax rate of 0.447% sits well below the national median of 0.866%, placing it in the bottom quartile of U.S. counties. Homeowners here pay a median of $777 annually, compared to the national median of $2,690—less than 29% of what typical American homeowners pay in property taxes.

Among Tennessee's most affordable

Warren County ranks near the bottom of Tennessee's property tax burden, with an effective rate of 0.447% versus the state average of 0.511%. Its median tax bill of $777 is substantially lower than the state average of $1,016, making it one of the state's tax-friendliest counties.

Lower than nearby counties

Warren County's 0.447% rate outpaces neighboring White County (0.425%) but beats Washington County (0.552%), Wayne County (0.539%), and Weakley County (0.541%). Among this regional cluster, Warren offers middle-ground tax relief for homeowners.

A $173,900 home costs $777

The typical Warren County homeowner with a median-valued property of $173,900 pays approximately $777 in annual property taxes. This breaks down to roughly $65 per month—one of the lowest monthly burdens in the nation.

Check if your assessment is fair

Even in low-tax counties, many homeowners are overassessed relative to market values. Requesting a reassessment review through your county assessor's office costs nothing and could lower your annual bill further.

Cost of Living in Warren County

via CostByCounty

Warren County: Affordable Beyond National Norms

Warren County renters spend just 17.2% of their income on housing, beating the national average by staying well below the 30% affordability threshold. With a median household income of $54,088—well below the national median of $74,755—this county punches above its weight in housing affordability for working families.

Better Than Average Across Tennessee

Warren County's 17.2% rent-to-income ratio sits slightly below Tennessee's state average of 17.6%, placing it among the more affordable counties in the state. At $775 per month, median rent runs $85 cheaper than the state average, offering relief in a competitive regional market.

A Pocket of Stability in Rural Tennessee

Warren County's $775 monthly rent undercuts most neighbors: Wayne County edges it at $619, but White County ($838), Weakley County ($760), and Washington County ($951) all run higher. For homebuyers, Warren's median home value of $173,900 positions it mid-range among surrounding counties, balancing affordability with market conditions.

Where Renters and Owners Stand

The typical renter pays $775 monthly while the typical homeowner carries a $593 monthly mortgage or ownership cost on homes valued near $174,000. Housing consumes roughly one-sixth of the median household income, leaving breathing room for other expenses—a rare advantage in today's economy.

Consider Warren for Real Affordability

If you're relocating on a modest budget, Warren County delivers both below-state-average rents and reasonable home prices without sacrificing community stability. Compare these numbers to your current market: you may find your salary stretches further here than you expected.

Income & Jobs in Warren County

via IncomeByCounty

Warren trails national income benchmark

Warren County's median household income of $54,088 falls 27.7% below the nation's $74,755 median, placing it in the lower third of U.S. counties. This gap reflects Warren's smaller wage base and more limited high-income employment sectors compared to national averages. The county faces real economic headwinds when measured against the broader American landscape.

Slightly below Tennessee average

Warren County earns $54,088 against Tennessee's state median of $58,994—a deficit of $4,906 per household annually. While below the state average, Warren's per capita income of $28,619 exceeds the state's $31,458 average, suggesting a more even income distribution. The county ranks in the lower half of Tennessee's 95 counties by household income.

Mixed fortunes among rural neighbors

Warren's $54,088 sits between its immediate peers: Wayne County ($52,824) and White County ($52,206) lag slightly behind, while Washington County ($61,051) pulls ahead. The regional income pattern reflects a cluster of agricultural and small-town economies across Middle Tennessee. Williamson County ($131,202), visible from some parts of Warren, represents a vastly different economic universe.

Affordable housing anchors local economics

With a rent-to-income ratio of 17.2%, Warren County households spend roughly one-sixth of income on rent—well below the national affordability threshold of 30%. The median home value of $173,900 remains accessible on local incomes, making homeownership realistic for working families. This affordability edge partially offsets Warren's income lag compared to wealthier regions.

Building financial security takes planning

Warren County households earning $54,088 should prioritize emergency savings and retirement contributions while leveraging low housing costs. With affordability on your side, consider directing housing savings into long-term investments like IRAs or brokerage accounts. Local financial advisors can help craft plans that maximize modest incomes and build generational wealth.

Safety in Warren County

via CrimeByCounty

Warren County maintains a 96.9 safety score

The total crime rate in Warren County is 1950.8 per 100K residents, which is lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This high safety score indicates a community that is safer than many other regions across the country.

Safety levels align with Tennessee averages

Warren's 96.9 safety score sits just below the Tennessee state average of 97.2. While the total crime rate is slightly higher than the state average of 1785.6, it remains competitive with regional benchmarks.

Crime rates higher than neighboring White County

Warren County's total crime rate of 1950.8 is significantly higher than neighboring White County, which reports only 842.4 crimes per 100K. Local officials work across three reporting agencies to manage these regional differences.

Property crime drives local statistics

Property crime accounts for 1540.2 incidents per 100K, while violent crime is much lower at 410.6. This means residents are more likely to encounter theft or burglary than physical confrontations.

Securing your property in Warren County

With property crime making up the bulk of local incidents, home security systems are a vital investment. Simple steps like installing motion-sensor lights can effectively deter opportunistic theft.

Health in Warren County

via HealthByCounty

Warren County's life expectancy slightly above national trend

At 72.5 years, Warren County residents live about as long as the U.S. average of 76.4 years, though a quarter of the population reports poor or fair health. The gap suggests that while overall lifespan is competitive, day-to-day health quality needs attention for many residents.

Warren ranks near Tennessee's middle on health

Warren's life expectancy of 72.5 years edges out Tennessee's state average of 72.4 years by just one month. With 27.3% reporting poor or fair health, Warren sits in the middle tier of Tennessee counties by health outcomes.

Warren lags neighbors in provider access

Warren has 46 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, well below nearby Weakley County's 61 and far behind Washington County's 186. Mental health support is comparable to neighbors at 94 per 100K, but primary care shortages may delay preventive care.

Nearly 15% of Warren lacks health coverage

Warren's uninsured rate of 14.8% exceeds Tennessee's state average of 11.9%, leaving about 2,000 residents without regular access to care. The combination of limited primary care providers and higher uninsured rates creates barriers to routine checkups and early treatment.

Warren residents: explore coverage options now

If you're among the 14.8% without insurance, the ACA marketplace and Tennessee health plans offer options year-round—don't delay. Check healthcare.gov or call 211 to find plans that fit your budget and connect with local enrollment assistance.

Schools in Warren County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Unified Public School Infrastructure

Warren County operates a single school district containing 12 public schools that serve 6,477 total students. The system includes eight elementary schools, one middle school, and two high schools, providing a streamlined educational path for local families.

High Graduation Rates Outpace National Average

The county boasts a 95.0% graduation rate, significantly exceeding the national average of 87.0% and the state average of 93.3%. While per-pupil expenditure of $6,261 is nearly half the national benchmark of $13,000, the school score of 54.6 remains higher than the Tennessee average.

Warren County District Leads the Way

The Warren County school district manages all 6,477 students across its 12 campuses, with no charter schools currently operating in the area. Warren County High School serves as the primary secondary hub with a large enrollment of 1,862 students.

Small-Town and Rural Educational Settings

Schools here are split between seven town-based and five rural locations, with an average school size of 540 students. Centertown Elementary provides a unique PK-8 experience for 542 students, while Bobby Ray Memorial serves 514 primary students in a tight-knit environment.

Find Your Home Near Top Schools

With graduation rates that lead the state, Warren County is an attractive destination for families prioritizing academic outcomes. Explore local real estate to find a home near high-performing schools like Hickory Creek or Centertown Elementary.

Disaster Risk in Warren County

via RiskByCounty

Warren County's disaster risk profile

Warren County scores 63.45 on the composite risk scale, placing it above Tennessee's state average of 52.45 and in the 'Relatively Low' risk category. This means the county faces greater natural hazard exposure than most of its state, though remains well below the highest-risk counties nationally.

Risk ranking among Tennessee counties

Warren County ranks in the middle tier of Tennessee's 95 counties by composite risk. Its 63.45 score puts it above average for the state, positioning it among the counties where disaster preparedness is a meaningful priority.

Comparing Warren to neighboring counties

Warren County's risk (63.45) is notably higher than nearby Wayne County (42.97) and White County (38.55), but lower than Williamson County (85.15) to the north. This variation reflects Warren's distinct exposure to earthquake and tornado hazards, even as nearby counties face different risk profiles.

Warren's top two disaster threats

Tornadoes (84.96) and earthquakes (83.11) dominate Warren County's risk profile, with both scores well above the state average. While floods (56.97) and hurricanes (53.53) pose secondary concerns, the county's vulnerability to sudden seismic and wind events demands particular attention from residents and planners.

Safeguard your property today

Warren County residents should prioritize earthquake insurance and verify tornado shelter readiness, given the county's elevated exposure to both hazards. Standard homeowners policies typically exclude earthquake coverage, making separate policies essential for comprehensive protection in this risk environment.

Weather & Climate in Warren County

via WeatherByCounty

Consistently Warm Southern Climate

Warren County’s average annual temperature of 59.5°F is significantly warmer than the national median. It experiences the classic humid subtropical traits of the American South.

Warmer Than the State Average

At 59.5°F, Warren County is warmer than the Tennessee average of 58.1°F. It ranks among the warmer half of counties in the state.

A Warm Spot on the Plateau

Warren is much warmer than neighbor Van Buren County, which sits at just 55.3°F. This four-degree difference highlights how quickly local climates change as elevation shifts.

Hot Summers and Wet Winters

The county endures 31 days of temperatures at or above 90°F annually. Winters are wet with 56.9 inches of total precipitation and a modest 4.1 inches of snowfall.

Manage Heat and High Rainfall

Prepare for a month of extreme heat by servicing air conditioners early in the spring. Good rain gear is essential for the 56.9 inches of annual precipitation that falls mostly in the winter and spring.

Soil Quality in Warren County

via SoilByCounty

Warren's Acidic Loam Foundation

Warren County sits on a base of Ultisols characterized by a loamy texture and a pH of 5.20. This acidity is more pronounced than the state average of 5.35 and significantly lower than the national median of 6.5. These weathered soils require careful management to balance pH for most commercial crops.

A Balanced Blend for Workability

The soil contains 30.7% sand, 46.2% silt, and 20.9% clay, creating a versatile loam texture. This balanced mix offers a middle ground between rapid drainage and moisture retention. Gardeners find this soil easier to work than the heavy clay profiles found in neighboring regions.

Lower Fertility and Water Capacity

Organic matter stands at 1.78%, trailing both the Tennessee average of 2.44% and the national 2.0% benchmark. The available water capacity of 0.165 in/in also falls slightly below the state average. This means supplemental irrigation and regular composting are essential for high-yield gardening.

Reliable Mid-Level Drainage

The county's soils are classified as moderately well drained with a dual B/D hydrologic group designation. This indicates moderate infiltration rates when dry, but potential runoff issues during heavy Tennessee rains. Builders and farmers should account for these variable drainage speeds during site planning.

Vibrant Growth in Zone 7b

Hardiness zone 7b supports a wide array of nursery crops, which have historically thrived in Warren County's loam. While the acidic profile favors azaleas and blueberries, most vegetables will need lime to reach their full potential. Start a garden today by focusing on soil-building practices to boost that organic matter.

Lawn Care in Warren County

via LawnByCounty

Managing Warren County’s Moderate Growth Challenges

Warren County holds a lawn difficulty score of 45.0, making it slightly more challenging than the national median of 50.0. Homeowners in this USDA Hardiness Zone 7b region must navigate conditions slightly tougher than the Tennessee state average of 48.0. Success here requires a proactive approach to soil health and moisture management.

Ample Rainfall and Growing Degree Days

With 56.9 inches of annual precipitation, the county exceeds the ideal lawn range of 30-50 inches. There are 4,621 growing degree days and 31 extreme heat days to manage each season. This moisture level means you will mow frequently during the peak growing window to keep up with rapid growth.

Neutralizing Acidic Loam Soils

The local soil is a loam texture with a pH of 5.20, which is significantly more acidic than the ideal 6.0-7.0 range. While the land is moderately well drained, the 20.9% clay content can lead to compaction. You will likely need regular lime applications to balance the pH for nutrient uptake.

Addressing Persistent Dry Spells

Despite high annual rainfall, the county spent 11 weeks in drought over the last year, and 100% of the area is currently classified as abnormally dry. Focus on deep, infrequent watering to encourage roots to grow deeper into the soil. Use mulch in garden beds to help retain the moisture you do apply.

Optimal Seeding for Zone 7b

Tall fescue and Bermuda grass are the top performers for Warren County’s climate and soil. Plan your seeding or sodding projects after the last spring frost on April 7 but before the first fall frost on October 30. Starting early allows root systems to establish before the 31 days of extreme summer heat arrive.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Warren County's county score?
Warren County, Tennessee has a composite county score of 50.6 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 Warren County rank among counties in Tennessee?
Warren County ranks #55 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 Warren County, Tennessee?
The median annual property tax in Warren County is $777, with an effective tax rate of 0.45%. This earns Warren County a tax score of 90.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Warren County?
The median household income in Warren County, Tennessee is $54,088 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Warren County earns an income score of 23/100 on CountyScore.
Is Warren County, Tennessee a good place to live?
Warren County scores 50.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #55 in Tennessee. The best way to evaluate Warren 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 Warren County with other counties side by side.