countyscore
50.8
County Score
Income & Jobs 93.4Property Tax 91.4Health 61.7

County Report Card

About Wilson County, Tennessee

Just Above the National Median

Wilson County holds a 50.8 composite score, placing it slightly ahead of the 50.0 national median. It provides a stable, predictable living environment compared to the rest of the country.

Mirroring the State Average

The county's 50.8 score tracks closely with the Tennessee state average of 51.3. It serves as a representative sample of Middle Tennessee's growth and development.

High Incomes and Low Taxes

A 93.4 income score reflects a strong $94,048 median household income. The tax score of 91.4 is also excellent, allowing residents to keep more of their earnings.

Housing Affordability Pressures

The cost score is low at 8.9, as median home values have climbed to $397,000. Additionally, a risk score of 20.0 suggests that the area faces some challenges with environmental or economic resilience.

Perfect for Suburban Professionals

Wilson County is best for families and professionals who work in the Nashville metro area. It offers high earning potential and low taxes for those who can manage higher-than-average housing costs.

2040608010091.48.943.261.756.393.42057.260.8Tax91.4Cost8.9Safety43.2Health61.7Schools56.3Income93.4Risk20Water57.2Weather60.850.8/100
This county
National avg
3 above average3 below average

Wilson County DNA

Foverall

How Wilson County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Wilson County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Income (93.4/100) but notably weak in Cost of Living (8.9/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
91.4+39.400000000000006
Cost
8.9-39.1
Safety
43.2-11.799999999999997
Health
61.7+11.700000000000003
Schools
56.3
Income
93.4+42.400000000000006
Risk
20-27
Water
57.2
Weather
60.8
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$397,000

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,370/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$397,000/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$54,800/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum4.2x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $94,048/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

3.3

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

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Nearby counties

Trousdale County
Tennessee
52.1
Sumner County
Tennessee
54.9
Smith County
Tennessee
50.5
Rutherford County
Tennessee
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Davidson County
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Cannon County
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DeKalb County
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Macon County
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Deep Dives

Wilson County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Wilson County

via TaxByCounty

Wilson County taxes competitive nationally

Wilson County's effective tax rate of 0.439% sits below the national median of 0.866%, and its median tax of $1,743 falls below the national median of $2,690 despite having homes valued 41% above the national average. This reflects a favorable tax environment for homeowners.

Below Tennessee's state average

Wilson County's effective rate of 0.439% ranks below Tennessee's state average of 0.511%, and its median tax of $1,743 exceeds the state average of $1,016 only due to significantly higher property values. The county offers strong tax efficiency for its market tier.

Mid-range among regional peers

Wilson County's 0.439% rate sits between Warren County (0.447%) and Williamson County (0.429%), reflecting a balanced tax position in the region. Its higher median tax of $1,743 reflects its above-average home values rather than an aggressive tax rate.

A $397,000 home costs $1,743

The typical Wilson County homeowner with a median-valued property of $397,000 pays approximately $1,743 in annual property taxes. At roughly $145 per month, this remains competitive compared to national norms for properties of this caliber.

Assessment reviews protect equity

Wilson County homeowners should periodically verify that their assessed values reflect current market conditions, especially as the local real estate market fluctuates. A free reassessment request through the county assessor can prevent overpaying on your largest investment.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Wilson County

via CostByCounty

Wilson County: Balanced Prosperity and Affordability

Wilson County renters spend 17.5% of income on housing, nearly matching Tennessee's 17.6% state average despite paying $1,370 monthly—a $510 premium over state median rent. The county achieves this balance through higher-than-average incomes ($94,048 median), supporting both housing costs and quality of life.

Slight Burden Offset by Strong Earnings

Wilson County's 17.5% ratio hovers just below Tennessee's state average, maintained by incomes that rank among the state's strongest at $94,048. This county represents a rare sweet spot: above-average housing costs paired with above-average earning power.

Premium Positioned Between Extremes

Wilson County's $1,370 rent and $397,000 median home value place it squarely between Williamson's affluent extremes and rural neighbors' modest costs. The county attracts middle-to-upper-class households seeking Nashville-area access without Williamson's premium pricing.

Balanced Household Budget Equation

Renters allocate $1,370 monthly while homeowners carry $1,521 on homes valued near $397,000—proportional to the county's above-average incomes rather than excessive by local standards. At 17.5%, housing remains manageable for households earning near the $94,048 median, preserving income for savings and other priorities.

Wilson County: Suburban Balance Worth Exploring

If you're earning $80,000-$110,000 and seeking Nashville-area access without Williamson County's extreme pricing, Wilson County delivers genuine affordability relative to income. Compare your salary to the county's $94,048 median—align yourself closely and you'll find housing costs manageable and community stability strong.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Wilson County

via IncomeByCounty

Wilson anchors upper-middle income range

Wilson County's median household income of $94,048 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by 25.8%, placing it among America's stronger-earning counties. Per capita income of $45,461 similarly surpasses the national average, indicating a workforce with solid earning power. Wilson occupies the upper-middle tier nationally, well ahead of most rural peers.

Tennessee's second-highest median income

Wilson County's $94,048 household income far exceeds Tennessee's state median of $58,994 by $35,054 annually. Per capita income of $45,461 also significantly tops the state's $31,458, confirming Wilson's position as one of Tennessee's most affluent counties. Only Williamson County surpasses Wilson in state income rankings.

Clear income leader among peers

Wilson County ($94,048) nearly doubles Warren ($54,088), Washington ($61,051), and other rural neighbors in median household income. Only Williamson County ($131,202) matches Wilson's upper-income status regionally. The disparity reflects Wilson's Nashville suburbs location and access to metropolitan employment opportunities.

Comfortable housing affordability with growth

Wilson County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.5% provides comfortable housing affordability even as median home values reach $397,000. Households earning $94,048 can comfortably manage these higher price points while maintaining substantial discretionary income. The county balances affordability with growth-driven appreciation.

Leverage strong income for long-term gains

Wilson County households earning $94,048 have meaningful capacity to maximize retirement contributions, fund children's education, and invest in diversified portfolios. The comfortable housing affordability allows directing excess income toward wealth-building vehicles like index funds and real estate investment. Strategic financial planning can compound these advantages into substantial generational wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Wilson County

via CrimeByCounty

Wilson County ranks high for safety

Wilson County's total crime rate of 1281.1 per 100K is much lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This earns the county a strong safety score of 98.0.

Surpassing Tennessee safety averages

Wilson County's safety score of 98.0 is higher than the state average of 97.2. Its total crime rate also remains significantly lower than the state-wide average of 1785.6.

Competitive safety in the region

While Wilson's rate of 1281.1 is higher than Williamson's 831.7, it is much safer than Warren County. Four agencies work to keep crime levels low as the county grows.

Violent crime rates are low

Violent crime stands at 222.7 per 100K, well below the national average of 369.8. Property crime is the most frequent category, recorded at 1058.4 per 100K.

Keep your Wilson County home secure

With property crime as the primary local concern, home security is a wise precaution. Installing alarm systems and window sensors can help keep your property safe.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Wilson County

via SchoolsByCounty

Expanding Educational Opportunities in Wilson

Wilson County supports 32 public schools across two districts, serving a total of 24,529 students. The system is well-distributed with 18 elementary schools, six middle schools, and seven high schools.

Top-Tier Graduation Rates and High Scores

The county leads with an impressive 97.0% graduation rate, ten points higher than the national average. Despite spending only $6,065 per pupil—below the state average—the county maintains a high school score of 55.2.

County and City Districts Collaborate

The Wilson County district manages the majority of students with 25 schools and 20,308 enrollments, while the Lebanon district serves 4,221 students. No charter schools operate in either district, ensuring a unified public education strategy.

A Diverse and Modern Suburban Landscape

The county features an even split between town, suburban, and rural schools, with an average enrollment of 791 students. Lebanon High School is the largest facility with 1,844 students, highlighting the area's significant suburban growth.

Find Your Future in a High-Growth District

Wilson County offers some of the highest graduation rates in Tennessee, making it a magnet for families. Look for homes in Mt. Juliet or Lebanon to secure a spot in these top-performing school zones.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Wilson County

via RiskByCounty

Wilson County's elevated disaster risk

Wilson County scores 79.99 on the composite risk scale, placing it significantly above Tennessee's state average of 52.45 in the 'Relatively Low' category. The county faces substantial exposure to multiple hazards, particularly floods and tornadoes, making it one of Tennessee's higher-risk communities.

Upper-tier risk among Tennessee counties

Wilson County ranks in the upper quartile of Tennessee's 95 counties by composite risk, with its 79.99 score reflecting hazard exposure well above the state median. Only a handful of Tennessee counties face comparable or greater natural disaster vulnerability.

Wilson's distinctive risk elevation

Wilson County (79.99) faces substantially higher risk than nearby Warren County (63.45) and Washington County (61.16), approaching the exceptional exposure of Williamson County (85.15). The county's proximity to the Nashville metro area contributes to its elevated multi-hazard vulnerability.

Wilson's three major threats

Tornadoes (85.85), earthquakes (88.80), and floods (82.09) represent Wilson County's primary disaster risks, all scoring substantially above state averages. These three hazards collectively pose significant exposure requiring comprehensive preparedness across multiple threat scenarios.

Prioritize flood and earthquake coverage

Wilson County residents should secure flood insurance and earthquake coverage immediately, given the county's 82.09 and 88.80 vulnerability scores for these hazards. Paired with tornado preparedness and maintained homeowners insurance, these protections provide essential safeguards against the county's elevated multi-hazard environment.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Wilson County

via WaterByCounty

Wilson County Water Grade: C

Wilson County recorded 18 health violations over the last five years, resulting in a C grade for drinking water compliance. Despite these violations, the county's rate of 8.6 per 100K remains well below the Tennessee state average of 34.6. This suggests that while there is room for improvement, the system is relatively stable.

Relatively Healthy Local Streams

In the 2022 reporting cycle, 23.0% of Wilson County’s water bodies were found to be impaired, which is better than the state average of 30.2%. Out of 100 water bodies assessed, 23 fail to meet standards, primarily due to E. coli and nutrients. These impairments are often linked to the loss of natural vegetation along stream banks.

Extensive Monitoring Across the County

A network of 51 monitoring sites has generated 3,899 measurements in Wilson County over the past five years. These efforts prioritize physical, nutrient, and inorganic data to protect the local environment. This consistent testing helps track the 23 water bodies that currently face impairment challenges.

Extreme Low Flow in Spring Creek

Spring Creek below Lebanon is currently experiencing an extreme low flow of just 1 cfs. This represents only 1% of the long-term mean flow of 87 cfs, indicating a severe hydrological drought for this stream. Such low volumes provide almost no dilution for local runoff or pollutants.

Caution During Extreme Low Flow

With Spring Creek at only 1% of its typical volume, pollutants like E. coli and nutrients can reach much higher concentrations than usual. Residents should be extra cautious of water quality in the 23 impaired streams during this dry period. Monitoring your tap water safety is also recommended, given the county’s current C-grade compliance status.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Wilson County

via WeatherByCounty

Wilson County Sits Above National Temperature Averages

Wilson County maintains an average annual temperature of 58.5°F, placing it well above the U.S. median. This humid subtropical climate receives 54.0 inches of annual precipitation, which is significantly higher than the national rainfall average.

Slightly Warmer Than the Tennessee Average

At 58.5°F, Wilson County is slightly warmer than the Tennessee state average of 58.1°F. While its 54.0 inches of rain is high, it actually falls just below the statewide average of 55.9 inches.

A Consistent Central Tennessee Climate Profile

Wilson County mirrors the climate of its Middle Tennessee neighbors with consistent humidity and moderate winters. Its 58.5°F average keeps it closely aligned with the thermal profile of nearby Davidson and Rutherford counties.

Intense Summer Heat and Mild Winters

Residents experience 53 days per year where temperatures reach or exceed 90°F, while January stays relatively mild at 37.0°F. The county sees minimal snow, averaging only 2.9 inches annually compared to the heavier accumulations found in East Tennessee.

Prepare for High Humidity and Frequent Heat

High-efficiency HVAC systems are essential here given the 53 extreme heat days and a warm July average of 78.7°F. Residents should also plan for 54.0 inches of annual rain, which often arrives in heavy bursts during the spring and summer months.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Wilson County

via SoilByCounty

Wilson's High-Performing Mollisol Soils

Wilson County earns a high soil score of 48.5, far outpacing the Tennessee average of 38.5. Its pH of 5.80 is among the highest in the state, getting closer to the national median of 6.5 than most neighbors. These Mollisols are naturally fertile and less acidic, making them a premium asset for growers.

Substantial Clay for Nutrient Grip

With 25.5% clay and 56.6% silt, Wilson's soils have a heavy silty clay loam texture. This composition is excellent for locking in nutrients and supporting heavy-feeding crops. The low sand content of 17.9% means the soil stays firm and holds its structure well under use.

Strong Water Storage and Organic Matter

The available water capacity is a robust 0.180 in/in, which is higher than the state average. Organic matter is 1.92%, nearly reaching the national 2.0% benchmark and providing a solid biological foundation. This combination of water and nutrient storage makes Wilson's soil incredibly resilient.

Managing Poorly Drained Heavy Soils

Despite its high fertility, the soil is classified as poorly drained and falls into hydrologic group D. The high clay and silt content can lead to ponding and slow water movement during the rainy season. Gardeners should consider raised beds or drainage tile to prevent roots from drowning in these heavy loams.

Abundant Growth in Wilson County

In hardiness zone 7b, the near-ideal pH of 5.80 allows for a massive range of vegetables and flowers with minimal liming. The high water capacity means your garden will stay greener longer during a mid-summer dry spell. Your soil is among the best in the state, so it is the perfect year to expand your garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Wilson County

via LawnByCounty

Favorable Growth Trends in Wilson

Wilson County earns a lawn difficulty score of 52.0, making it easier to maintain a lawn here than in the average U.S. county. This score is significantly higher than the Tennessee state average of 48.0. Residents in Zone 7b enjoy a relatively stable environment for home landscaping.

Handling the Tennessee Heat

Wilson County experiences 53 extreme heat days annually, which is the highest in this regional group and far above the state average of 36. Precipitation is 54.0 inches, slightly above the 30-50 inch ideal range but manageable. This high heat makes drought-tolerant grass selections vital for summer survival.

Managing Poorly Drained Clay

The soil texture is a silty clay loam with a 25.5% clay content and is classified as poorly drained. While the pH of 5.80 is the closest to the ideal range in the region, drainage issues can lead to root rot. Core aeration is highly recommended to help move water through the heavy clay layer.

Top-Tier Drought Resilience

Wilson County had only 7 weeks of drought last year and currently reports 0% of its area in dry or drought conditions. This makes it a regional leader in moisture stability, though the 53 heat days still demand careful monitoring. Maintaining soil health helps the lawn capitalize on this natural water availability.

Maximize the Long Growing Season

With a last frost date of April 10 and a first fall frost on October 30, you have a generous window for turf establishment. Bermuda grass thrives in the 53 heat days, provided you address the poorly drained soil first. Start your lawn projects in late spring to give the grass the best start before the summer peak.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Wilson County's county score?
Wilson County, Tennessee has a composite county score of 50.8 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 Wilson County rank among counties in Tennessee?
Wilson County ranks #53 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 Wilson County, Tennessee?
The median annual property tax in Wilson County is $1,743, with an effective tax rate of 0.44%. This earns Wilson County a tax score of 91.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Wilson County?
The median household income in Wilson County, Tennessee is $94,048 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Wilson County earns an income score of 93.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Wilson County, Tennessee a good place to live?
Wilson County scores 50.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #53 in Tennessee. The best way to evaluate Wilson 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 Wilson County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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