Shelby
Tennessee

What stands out

Against every county in America, Shelby County is unusual in three ways: natural-hazard risk is among the riskiest in America (99 of 100), rainfall is in the top 3% of American counties (60 inches a year), and homeownership is in the bottom 4% of American counties (55%). Within Tennessee it ranks 1st of 95 counties for natural-hazard risk.

Where you are

You live in Shelby County, Tennessee. 926,440 people live here with you. The population shrank 0.7% last year.

Tennessee has no income tax on wages, and its tax on interest and dividends was fully repealed in 2021.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 $59,621 a year, lower than 53% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $71,518. Unemployment runs 4.5%, higher than 82% of American counties. 8% of workers work from home.

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

Home

The median home costs $222K, cheaper than 55% of American counties, about 2.7 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $1,038 a month. Property tax is 1.12% of home value, roughly $2,312 a year on that median home, higher than 68% of American counties. 55% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 4.0 per 1,000 residents, higher than 58% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 38 people per 100,000 in 2024, one of the harder-hit counties in the country.

A child born here can expect to live 72.5 years, shorter than 83% of American counties. There are 4,237 active physicians in the county, about 45.7 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 2.0 of 5 stars. 12.6% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.85 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 67% of American counties. 90% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Democratic by 22 points. 57% 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 63°F, highs near 73 and lows near 53, warmer than 78% of American counties. About 60 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 99 out of 100, riskier than almost every county in America; the county has had 28 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 139 Mbps down, slower than 75% of American counties. There are 13 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.7 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people, 11 breweries, 21 museums.