countyscore
57.9
County Score
Property Tax 92.3Water Quality 86Cost of Living 67.3

County Report Card

About White County, Tennessee

High National Livability Ranking

With a 57.9 composite score, White County ranks significantly higher than the national median of 50.0. This score highlights the county as an attractive alternative to urban living.

Outpacing the Tennessee Average

White County's 57.9 score beats the state average of 51.3 by a wide margin. It is one of the more competitive counties for overall quality of life in Middle Tennessee.

Elite Tax and Water Scores

The county features a near-perfect tax score of 92.3 due to an effective tax rate of 0.425%. It also excels in water quality (86.0) and maintains a safe community (63.7 safety score).

Health Outcomes and Local Income

Health scores are lower at 18.2, indicating challenges in healthcare availability or wellness metrics. The income score of 19.0 also shows that local wages trail behind the state's more metropolitan areas.

Suited for Low-Tax Living

White County is ideal for retirees or commuters who want to minimize their tax burden while enjoying high-quality infrastructure. Its blend of safety and affordability makes it a strong contender for long-term residency.

Score breakdown

Tax92.3Cost67.3Safety63.7Health18.2Schools48.3Income19Risk61.5Water86Weather64
🏛92.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠67.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼19
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡63.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤18.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓48.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡61.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤64
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱49.7
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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Explore this county

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Nearby counties

Van Buren County
Tennessee
69
Putnam County
Tennessee
44
Warren County
Tennessee
50.6
DeKalb County
Tennessee
51.5
Cumberland County
Tennessee
51.2
Bledsoe County
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60.4
Sequatchie County
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52
Overton County
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53.2

Deep Dives

White County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in White County

via TaxByCounty

White County offers national advantage

White County's effective tax rate of 0.425% ranks among the lowest nationally and well below the national median of 0.866%. With a median tax of $809, homeowners pay roughly 30% of the national median tax of $2,690.

One of Tennessee's lowest rates

White County's effective rate of 0.425% is the lowest among all featured counties and well below Tennessee's state average of 0.511%. Its median tax of $809 is 20% lower than the state average of $1,016, making it highly competitive statewide.

Most tax-friendly in the region

White County's 0.425% rate beats all neighboring counties: Warren (0.447%), Washington (0.552%), Wayne (0.539%), and Weakley (0.541%). It stands as the clear tax leader in this regional cluster.

A $190,200 home costs $809

The typical White County homeowner with a median-valued property of $190,200 pays approximately $809 in annual property taxes. That's about $67 per month—among Tennessee's lowest, despite having above-average home values for the region.

Verify your assessed value

Even in low-tax counties, assessed values sometimes drift above market reality, especially if your home hasn't been reassessed in several years. Request a complimentary assessment review from White County's assessor to confirm you're paying fairly.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in White County

via CostByCounty

White County: Affordability Challenges Ahead

White County renters spend 19.3% of income on housing, the highest ratio in this county cluster and notably above Tennessee's 17.6% state average. With a median household income of just $52,206, even the county's $838 monthly rent creates noticeable budget strain for typical residents.

Tightest Affordability Squeeze in Tennessee

White County's 19.3% rent-to-income ratio exceeds Tennessee's state average by 1.7 percentage points, placing it among the state's more challenging housing markets. This burden reflects a mismatch between local wages and rising rental costs in the county.

Premium Rents on Lower Incomes

White County's $838 rent ranks third-highest among neighbors—only Washington ($951) runs steeper—yet the county's $52,206 median income is among the lowest. This combination creates the region's tightest affordability squeeze, especially compared to Wayne ($619) or Warren ($775).

Housing Consumes Nearly One-Fifth

The typical renter pays $838 monthly while homeowners carry $616 on homes valued near $190,200—both figures consuming larger portions of income than state norms. At 19.3%, housing burden leaves residents with limited flexibility for emergencies, savings, or other essential expenses.

White County: Verify Job Market First

If you're considering White County, ensure your anticipated salary significantly exceeds the $52,206 county median to maintain comfortable housing affordability. The local job market and your earning potential should drive relocation decisions here more than initial housing prices alone.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in White County

via IncomeByCounty

White County lags national income midpoint

White County's median household income of $52,206 falls 30.1% short of the national median of $74,755, placing it among lower-earning U.S. counties. Per capita income of $28,427 similarly trails national patterns, reflecting limited high-wage sectors. The county faces the economic challenges typical of rural interior Tennessee regions.

Below Tennessee average, middle of sample

White County earns $52,206 against Tennessee's state median of $58,994, a deficit of $6,788 annually per household. Per capita income of $28,427 also trails the state's $31,458 average by roughly 10%. The county ranks in the lower-to-middle range of Tennessee's 95 counties by household income.

Mixed performance among close peers

White County ($52,206) sits between Wayne ($52,824) and Weakley ($49,502), near the lower end of its regional cluster. Warren County ($54,088) and Washington County ($61,051) exceed White's performance, while only Weakley lags further. The grouping reflects consistent rural struggles across South-Central Tennessee.

Rising housing costs strain budgets

White County's rent-to-income ratio of 19.3% is the highest in this peer group, consuming one-fifth of household earnings for rent or mortgage. Median home values of $190,200 have grown faster than local wages, tightening affordability. The combination of modest income and rising housing costs creates financial pressure for White County families.

Strategic planning needed amid pressures

White County households earning $52,206 must carefully manage housing costs, which now consume nearly one-fifth of income. Prioritizing debt reduction and building emergency reserves protects families from unexpected setbacks. Long-term wealth building requires exploring income growth opportunities and resisting lifestyle inflation as housing values appreciate.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in White County

via CrimeByCounty

White County is significantly safer than average

With a safety score of 98.7, White County is much safer than the typical US county. Its total crime rate of 842.4 is roughly one-third of the national average of 2,385.5.

Outperforming state safety averages

White County's safety score of 98.7 is higher than the Tennessee average of 97.2. Its total crime rate of 842.4 is also significantly better than the state average of 1785.6.

Safer than adjacent Warren County

White County's crime rate of 842.4 is far lower than neighboring Warren County's 1950.8. Only two reporting agencies manage this remarkably safe jurisdiction.

Violent crime is extremely low

The violent crime rate in White County is just 102.1 per 100K, compared to 369.8 nationally. Property crime remains the main focus for law enforcement at 740.3 per 100K.

Maintain safety with home security

Low crime rates are a community asset that residents can help maintain. Simple measures like smart locks and outdoor lighting help keep White County among the safest in the state.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in White County

via HealthByCounty

White County faces significant lifespan gap

At 71.6 years, White County residents live 4.8 years less than the national average of 76.4 years—one of the largest gaps in this group. With 23.7% reporting poor or fair health, White faces compounding health challenges that affect both quantity and quality of life.

White County ranks lowest in Tennessee lifespan

White's life expectancy of 71.6 years falls 0.8 years below Tennessee's 72.4-year average, placing it among the shortest-living counties in the state. This gap signals serious underlying health challenges requiring targeted intervention and support.

White County struggles with limited healthcare access

With 36 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, White has fewer doctors than most neighbors, and mental health providers at 80 per 100K are also below regional averages. This access gap compounds health disadvantages already evident in life expectancy data.

High uninsured rate deepens White's health crisis

At 14.1% uninsured, White County exceeds Tennessee's state average of 11.9%, leaving roughly 2,200 residents without regular healthcare access. Combined with limited provider supply, uninsurance creates a perfect storm: fewer doctors treating fewer insured patients means preventive care becomes luxury many can't afford.

White residents: coverage is urgent, help is available

If you're among the 14.1% without insurance, getting covered is critical to reversing White's health trends—visit healthcare.gov today. Call 211 for free enrollment assistance and ask about cost-sharing programs that make premiums affordable.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in White County

via SchoolsByCounty

Simplified Schooling in White County

White County manages eight public schools within its single district, serving 3,872 students. The infrastructure focuses on early education with six elementary schools, supported by one middle school and one high school.

High Graduation Rates and Lean Budgeting

The county achieves a graduation rate of 94.0%, surpassing both state and national averages. Despite this success, per-pupil spending of $6,025 is lower than the Tennessee average of $6,215, highlighting an efficient use of local educational resources.

Centralized District with High Student Density

The White County school district supports all 3,872 local students, and there are zero charter schools in the county. White County High School is the largest single campus, educating 1,103 students in a central high-school model.

Rural Schools with a Personal Touch

Six of the county's eight schools are in rural settings, with the remaining two located in town. The average school size is 484 students, ranging from the large White County Middle School with 839 students to smaller primary campuses like Northfield Elementary.

Settle Down Near High-Performing Schools

With a high graduation rate and a clear district structure, White County is an excellent choice for budget-conscious families. Explore real estate options in Sparta to find homes within walking distance of local elementary schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in White County

via RiskByCounty

White County's very low risk profile

White County scores 38.55 on the composite risk scale, placing it well below Tennessee's state average of 52.45 in the 'Very Low' risk category. The county ranks among Tennessee's safest communities from a natural disaster perspective, with moderate exposure across most hazard types.

Tennessee's lower-risk communities

White County ranks in the lowest-risk quartile of Tennessee's 95 counties, with a 38.55 composite score substantially below the state median. This favorable positioning reflects the county's relative resilience to most natural hazards, from earthquakes to floods.

White County's safe geography

White County (38.55) enjoys the lowest composite risk among its neighbors, including Warren County (63.45), Washington County (61.16), and Wayne County (42.97). The county's 'Very Low' rating stands apart in a region where many communities face elevated seismic or tornado exposure.

White's modest hazard exposures

Tornadoes (65.97) and earthquakes (68.83) represent White County's primary risks, though both score below state averages. Flooding (42.68), wildfire (30.57), and hurricane risks (40.55) all remain well below concerning thresholds, providing residents with favorable overall conditions.

Maintain basic disaster readiness

White County residents should maintain standard homeowners insurance and a basic emergency plan, as the county's 'Very Low' risk profile requires only routine precautions. While earthquake and tornado preparedness remain prudent, the county's favorable hazard exposure allows residents to focus resources on other priorities.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in White County

via WeatherByCounty

A Classic Mid-South Climate

White County averages 58.0°F annually, placing it firmly in the humid subtropical zone. This climate is warmer than the national median and features four distinct seasons.

Following the State Norm

The county's 58.0°F average is nearly identical to the Tennessee state average of 58.1°F. It experiences the standard weather patterns expected in the center of the state.

Drier and Warmer Than the Plateau

White County is significantly warmer than neighbor Van Buren, which averages only 55.3°F. It also sees slightly less rain than Wayne County's 61.8-inch total.

Hot Summers and Light Snow

Residents experience 40 days per year of 90°F heat, while July averages 77.3°F. Winters bring a modest 5.0 inches of snow and an average temperature of 39.7°F.

Prepare for Rainy Springs

With 58.7 inches of annual precipitation, spring storms can be heavy and require good home maintenance. Keep a shovel handy for the 5 inches of snow, but focus primarily on summer cooling.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in White County

via SoilByCounty

Soil Data Profile for White County

Comprehensive soil metric data is currently unavailable for White County's specific pH and taxonomic classification. Local variations are common across the Highland Rim, typically trending toward acidic profiles similar to the state's 5.35 average. Regional neighbors suggest a mix of loam and clay-rich weathered soils.

Texture and Composition Overview

Specific percentages for sand, silt, and clay are not recorded in this dataset for White County. Generally, this region features well-developed soils that balance drainage with nutrient retention. Local residents often encounter stony or cherty soil fragments typical of the Cumberland Plateau's edge.

Organic Matter and Water Capacity

While specific numbers for organic matter and water capacity are missing, most regional soils average around 2.44% organic matter. Gardeners should expect fertility levels to follow the general Tennessee trend of needing lime and supplemental nutrients. A local soil test is the best way to determine your specific yard's needs.

Hydrology and Drainage Considerations

Specific drainage classes are not listed, but the surrounding topography suggests a variety of drainage conditions from ridge to valley. Most upland areas in this part of the state provide moderate drainage suitable for construction and farming. Low-lying areas may require closer inspection for seasonal saturation.

Growing Opportunities in Zone 7b

White County shares the 7b hardiness zone, allowing for a long growing season for tomatoes, peppers, and orchard fruits. Even without specific data, the regional climate is forgiving and supports a robust gardening culture. Dig in and explore your local soil to discover what unique characteristics your land offers.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in White County

via LawnByCounty

Balancing Growth in White County

White County scores a 49.7 for lawn difficulty, placing it almost exactly at the national median of 50.0. It performs slightly better than the Tennessee state average of 48.0, offering a fair environment for dedicated gardeners. Staying ahead of regional climate trends is the key to maintaining a lush lawn here.

Wet Seasons and Summer Heat

The county receives 58.7 inches of rain annually, which is higher than the ideal range and the state average of 55.6 inches. You will also need to manage 40 extreme heat days, which can stress grass during the height of summer. These conditions favor rapid growth but also increase the risk of moisture-related diseases.

Local Testing for Best Results

While specific county-wide soil data is limited, regional trends suggest acidic conditions that typically require lime. Most soils in this part of Tennessee feature significant clay, making aeration a standard necessity for healthy drainage. We recommend a professional soil test to determine your specific pH and texture needs.

Managing Brief but Intense Droughts

With 12 weeks spent in drought over the past year, White County is currently 99.7% abnormally dry. Deep watering once or twice a week is more effective than daily light sprinkles for building resilient roots. Monitoring local moisture levels is essential given that annual rainfall is often concentrated in heavy bursts.

Establishing Your Zone 7b Lawn

Tall fescue is a popular choice for this region, providing good green color for much of the year. Aim to seed your lawn after the last frost on April 15 but well before the first fall frost arrives on October 23. This schedule gives your grass time to mature before the winter cold or the 40 days of summer heat.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is White County's county score?
White County, Tennessee has a composite county score of 57.9 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 White County rank among counties in Tennessee?
White County ranks #19 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 White County, Tennessee?
The median annual property tax in White County is $809, with an effective tax rate of 0.43%. This earns White County a tax score of 92.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in White County?
The median household income in White County, Tennessee is $52,206 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. White County earns an income score of 19/100 on CountyScore.
Is White County, Tennessee a good place to live?
White County scores 57.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #19 in Tennessee. The best way to evaluate White 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 White 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.