Have you ever ever considered dwelling in Tennessee? Perhaps you’re a bluegrass fan and fantasize about life in “Music Metropolis.” Or maybe you wish to escape to the Nice Smoky Mountains for a scenic getaway.
Sadly, the large choice of music and leisure within the Volunteer State can include a hefty price ticket, significantly on the subject of property taxes. For example, Davidson County (the place Nashville is positioned) has a median annual property tax invoice of $2,390 in accordance with the U.S. Census Bureau — almost 5 instances the bottom invoice within the state.
But a number of locations in Tennessee have comparatively low property taxes, which could allow you to and your pockets. Right here they’re.
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Least expensive locations to stay in Tennessee
After Kiplinger ranked property tax payments from highest to lowest per county in Tennessee, one pattern jumped out: Rural areas are the most affordable. You’ll sometimes discover a extra inexpensive life-style within the nation than in metropolitan areas.
So for those who’re able to see dashing rivers and quaint small cities, and are keen to journey to a metropolis for different amusements, look into these inexpensive locations to stay in Tennessee.
Notice: Kiplinger used 2025 knowledge offered by the Tax Basis (sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau) to seek out the most affordable counties in Tennessee to stay.
Perry County
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Median Property Tax Invoice: $660
Median House Value: $113,800
House costs may be comparatively low in Perry, with the median worth round $113,800. Property taxes, too, could also be fairly low cost, because the median property tax invoice is simply $660, in accordance with the Tax Basis.
Perry County is characterised by its rustic allure and inhabitants density of about 20 individuals per sq. mile. However that’s as a result of there’s loads of wilderness to discover.
The county’s prime location between the Buffalo and Tennessee Rivers makes it a really perfect spot for native fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. County residents may also traverse 1,247 acres in Mousetail Touchdown State Park and take a look at a 30-foot-tall hand-carved furnace constructed within the 1800s.
Historic and charming, it’s possible you’ll simply end up shifting to Perry, Tennessee, if you wish to save a buck in your subsequent property tax invoice.
Decatur County
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Median Property Tax Invoice: $654
Median House Value: $133,900
Just a few {dollars} cheaper than Perry’s property taxes is Decatur County. The median property tax invoice is roughly $654. House costs, nonetheless, generally is a little dearer than in Perry, with a median of round $133,900, in accordance with the most recent U.S. Census Bureau knowledge.
Decatur could also be thought-about “river nation” and a sportsman’s paradise.
Residents can boat, waterski, and even go {golfing} alongside the Tennessee River, because the county has many marinas and outside adventures to select from. Plus, residents can entry Beech Bend Park, which provides 11 campgrounds for household enjoyable.
So for those who’re looking for outside dwelling alongside the river, look into Decatur — it may be your new inexpensive dwelling in Tennessee.
Campbell County
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Median Property Tax Invoice: $651
Median House Value: $169,500
The median property tax invoice in Campbell is affordable, at simply over $650. House costs will also be comparatively cheap, with a median of about $169,500, per the Tax Basis.
Whereas Campbell is taken into account to have a “small-town” vibe, it is truly a part of Knoxville’s higher metropolitan space (about an hour away by automotive). Thus, for those who grow to be a future resident, you may get one of the best of each worlds.
For example, you would entry the airport and different facilities inside the “Marble Metropolis” through the week, after which on weekends, keep dwelling with lots to do in Campbell. The county has three state parks, boating on Norris Lake, and quite a lot of music and humanities festivals.
Campbell is also referred to as the “Elk Capital of Tennessee” for its Hatfield Knob Elk Viewing Tower, which could possibly be enjoyable for the youngsters.
Ergo, for those who just like the hustle and bustle of town, but in addition desire the peaceable life-style of a quaint city, Campbell County could also be the place you save in your property tax payments.
Scott County
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Median Property Tax Invoice: $616
Median House Value: $116,800
Scott County has the second-cheapest median dwelling worth on this record, at just below $117,000. Property taxes are additionally comparatively inexpensive, with the median barely above $615, in accordance with the U.S. Census Bureau.
Historical past buffs could fall in love with Scott. The county is legendary for having left Tennessee in protest of the state’s choice to affix the Confederacy through the Civil Struggle. Though the secession was solely symbolic, some residents should really feel a way of pleasure for having come from the “Free and Unbiased State of Scott.”
One other stunning factor about Scott is the truth that it has a residential airpark.
Sure, meaning you should buy a homesite with hangar entry within the county’s Huge South Fork.
What’s extra, Huge South Nationwide River is dwelling to a neighborhood mountaineering spot. It consists of Twin Arches, one of many largest pure land bridges within the japanese U.S.. Close by recreation areas additionally provide entry to round 200 miles of horseback driving paths and 300 miles of ATV trails.
So if you wish to stay in a little bit of historical past, experience a horse, and even fly a aircraft, Scott could possibly be your ticket for extra inexpensive Tennessee dwelling.
Pickett County
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Median Property Tax Invoice: $606
Median House Value: $162,200
Pickett County property taxes are comparatively cheap, because the annual median invoice is barely above $600. Median dwelling costs will also be low cost, at round $162,200, per the most recent Tax Basis knowledge.
Pickett has a inhabitants dimension of round 5,000 individuals, making it the least populous county in Tennessee. However don’t let that popularity idiot you — the realm has fairly the rapport with lake-goers.
Yearly, hundreds of vacationers flock to resorts within the area for simpler entry to Dale Hole Lake, Tennessee, and Lake Cumberland, Kentucky.
And for those who’re not a lake fan, there’s nonetheless lots to do in Pickett. For example, you possibly can get pleasure from tenting or excellent stargazing at a certifiable “darkish sky” state park.
Trying to disconnect from the fixed “go-go” of metropolis life and reconnect with nature? Pickett County often is the choice for you and your pockets.
Van Buren County
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Median Property Tax Invoice: $596
Median House Value: $149,200
Van Buren County’s median property tax invoice is lower than $600, making its property taxes typically cheaper than neighboring counties. The median dwelling worth can also be comparatively low, at $149,200, in accordance with the U.S. Census Bureau.
Positioned in “Center Tennessee,” Van Buren is understood for its rolling hills and scenic views. Fall Creek Falls State Park is the biggest and most visited park in Tennessee, boasting the best free-fall waterfall within the japanese U.S.. Outside fans may also tour Huge Bone Cave alongside the historic Cumberland Plateau.
Come and discover majestic mountain views, fishing, and kayaking in Van Buren. However keep for the low annual property tax invoice.
McNairy County
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Median Property Tax Invoice: $589
Median House Value: $151,100
Positioned alongside the Mississippi border, McNairy County has a low median property tax invoice of $589 and a comparatively inexpensive median dwelling worth of $151,100, per the most recent knowledge launched by the Tax Basis.
Are you a music fan? You’re in luck. McNairy helped develop rockabilly by connections to music legends Carl Perkins and Dewey Phillips. Elvis Presley’s first documented efficiency outdoors Memphis, Tennessee, was additionally in McNairy County, which reportedly helped form Perkins’ musical profession.
As a part of the Rockabilly Freeway, McNairy hosts stay performances just like the Freeway Revival Pageant and Park Music Pageant. Plus, residents could get pleasure from tenting and different outside excursions at Huge Hill Pond State Park. So if you wish to get misplaced within the rhythm and pay a low property tax invoice, McNairy may be the inexpensive place for you.
Grundy County
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Median Property Tax Invoice: $563
Median House Value: $133,400
House costs in Grundy sit comfortably at $133,400, with a median property tax invoice round $560, in accordance with the Tax Basis. Like different counties on this record, Grundy has a low efficient property tax charge, at about .42% — which is approach beneath the nationwide common of .90%!
Grundy has rugged terrain and deep gorges, attributable to its location on the Cumberland Plateau. Options of the realm embrace steep canyons, high-rising cliffs, and, after all, caves to take a look at.
Curiously, Grundy even options stay musical performances in a cave. The Caverns is a subterranean venue recognized for its colourful concert events and caving excursions held all year long.
The county additionally has roots in Swiss tradition. The Metropolis of Gruetli-Laager throws a competition each summer time, celebrating its distinctive cultural heritage and providing conventional crafts, cheese and wine tastings, and German Polka music.
Do you want going off the overwhelmed path? Grundy may be the place for you — and your subsequent property tax invoice.
Hancock County
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Median Property Tax Invoice: $533
Median House Value: $118,000
Hancock County property tax payments are typically low, with the median at $533. The median dwelling costs within the space, too, may be low cost, at a flat $118,000 per the U.S. Census Bureau. This offers Hancock the most affordable median property tax invoice in comparison with all its surrounding counties.
Along with being maybe extra inexpensive, Hancock has a close-knit and vibrant group.
Key points of interest just like the Appalachian Quilt Path showcase the abilities of people that have lived within the space for generations. Residents can spot colourful quilt patterns painted on barns, properties, and different buildings all through the county.
Moreover, Hancock holds music occasions all year long, together with the Fall Pageant in Sneedville, the place bluegrass legend Jimmy Martin was born.
And like many different low cost locations in Tennessee, you possibly can discover pure waterfalls, get pleasure from outside leisure actions, and uncover historic websites in Hancock County.
Fentress County
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Median Property Tax Invoice: $519
Median House Value: $151,800
Fentress County is the most affordable place to stay in Tennessee. The median property tax invoice is barely $519, and residential costs are round $151,800, per the newest Tax Basis knowledge.
Referred to as the “Path Using Capital of the Southeast,” Fentress residents get pleasure from horseback driving, mountain biking, and mountaineering across the Huge South Fork Nationwide River and Recreation Space.
Fentress, and the county seat, Jamestown, may be described as having a “hometown really feel.” Historic buildings line the streets in downtown Jamestown. And the county is dwelling to Tennessee’s oldest vineyard.
The tranquil, nature-focused ambiance of Fentress — coupled with the sturdy neighborhood vibe — may need you saying “sure” to the most affordable place to stay in Tennessee.
