Unicoi
Tennessee

What stands out

Against every county in America, Unicoi County is unusual in three ways: natural-hazard risk is in the bottom 6% of American counties (6 of 100), the overdose death rate is in the top 8% of American counties (37 per 100,000), and life expectancy is in the bottom 11% of American counties (71.8 years). Within Tennessee it ranks 4th of 95 counties for natural-hazard risk, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Unicoi County, Tennessee. 17,845 people live here with you. The population grew 0.9% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +391).

Tennessee has no income tax on wages, and its tax on interest and dividends was fully repealed in 2021.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 $49,855 a year, lower than 79% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $56,936. Unemployment runs 4.3%, higher than 78% of American counties. 7% of workers work from home.

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

Home

The median home costs $249K, pricier than 55% of American counties, about 2.3 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $680 a month. Property tax is 0.62% of home value, roughly $937 a year on that median home, lower than 75% of American counties. 73% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 4.6 per 1,000 residents, higher than 85% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 37 people per 100,000 in 2024, one of the harder-hit counties in the country.

A child born here can expect to live 71.8 years, shorter than 89% of American counties. There are 12 active physicians in the county, about 6.7 per 10,000 people. 10.7% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 3.03 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 60% of American counties. 88% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 64 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 55°F, highs near 65 and lows near 44, colder than 55% of American counties. About 46 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 6 out of 100, safer than 94% of American counties; the county has had 18 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 231 Mbps down, faster than 65% of American counties. There are 0 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.5 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people.