Houston
Tennessee

What stands out

What stands out about Houston County: the average commute is among the longest in America (38 minutes), the share working from home is in the bottom 3% of American counties (2%), and the school test score is in the bottom 5% of American counties (2.46 where 3.0 is grade level). Within Tennessee it ranks 1st of 35 counties for the average commute.

Where you are

You live in Houston County, Tennessee. 8,253 people live here with you, so most faces are familiar. The population grew 1.8% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +208).

Tennessee has no income tax on wages, and its tax on interest and dividends was fully repealed in 2021.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 $51,544 a year, lower than 76% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $43,652. Unemployment runs 4.4%, higher than 78% of American counties. 2% of workers work from home; for the rest the average commute is 38 minutes each way.

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

Home

The median home costs $230K, cheaper than 52% of American counties, about 2.0 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $618 a month. Property tax is 0.60% of home value, roughly $903 a year on that median home, lower than 76% of American counties. 80% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 4.5 per 1,000 residents, higher than 81% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 26 people per 100,000 in 2024, one of the harder-hit counties in the country.

A child born here can expect to live 71.5 years, shorter than 90% of American counties. There are 3 active physicians in the county, about 3.6 per 10,000 people. 11.0% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.57 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 95% of American counties. 84% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 55 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 58% 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 60°F, highs near 71 and lows near 50, warmer than 68% of American counties. About 54 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 24 out of 100, safer than 76% of American counties; the county has had 28 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 174 Mbps down, slower than 61% of American counties. There is 1 airport in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.8 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people.