Hamblen
Tennessee

What stands out

Against every county in America, Hamblen County is unusual in three ways: the overdose death rate is in the top 2% of American counties (54 per 100,000), population growth is in the top 11% of American counties (+1.6% a year), and the property tax rate is in the bottom 12% of American counties (0.49%). Within Tennessee it ranks 11th of 95 counties for the overdose death rate.

Where you are

You live in Hamblen County, Tennessee. 64,531 people live here with you. The population grew 1.6% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +1,170).

Tennessee has no income tax on wages, and its tax on interest and dividends was fully repealed in 2021. It has one of the highest combined sales-tax rates in the country and taxes groceries at a reduced rate. Nashville and the surrounding counties have had a decade of rapid growth and price increases; the rest of the state remains inexpensive. There is no estate or inheritance tax.

Money

The typical household here brings in $49,656 a year, lower than 80% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $50,942. Unemployment runs 3.6%, higher than 59% of American counties. 4% of workers work from home.

Tennessee has no state income tax, so none of that goes to the state.

Home

The median home costs $277K, pricier than 64% of American counties, about 2.4 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $832 a month. Property tax is 0.49% of home value, roughly $822 a year on that median home, lower than 88% of American counties. 67% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 4.5 per 1,000 residents, higher than 83% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 54 people per 100,000 in 2024, one of the harder-hit counties in the country.

A child born here can expect to live 71.9 years, shorter than 88% of American counties. There are 105 active physicians in the county, about 16.3 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 2.0 of 5 stars. 13.1% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.89 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 66% of American counties. 86% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 57 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 53% of eligible voters turned out. Under Tennessee law you can carry a concealed handgun without a permit, abortion is banned with narrow exceptions, and marijuana is illegal.

Weather and risk

The year averages 59°F, highs near 70 and lows near 48, warmer than 63% of American counties. About 44 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 40 out of 100, safer than 60% of American counties; the county has had 15 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 262 Mbps down, faster than 80% of American counties. There is 1 airport in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.6 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people.