Scott County, Tennessee

Income Data

-28% vs. Tennessee average
$42,679
Median Household Income
$23,544
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$42,679
-28% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$23,544
-40% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
36.5%
income as % of home value
Rank in Tennessee
#92 / 95
by median household income

How Scott County Compares

Scott County$42,679
Tennessee Average$58,994
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$42,679
Median Household Income
$23,544
Per Capita Income
$116,800
Median Home Value
36.5%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Scott County, Tennessee

Scott struggles far below national median

Scott County's median household income of $42,679 ranks among the nation's lowest, trailing the national median of $74,755 by $32,076—a 43% shortfall. This represents one of the steepest income challenges in the country.

Scott ranks lowest in Tennessee

Scott County's median household income of $42,679 places it at the bottom of Tennessee's 95 counties, 27.6% below the state average of $58,994. The county faces systemic economic challenges rooted in limited job diversity and educational attainment.

Scott trails all profiled counties

Scott's $42,679 income is the lowest among these eight counties, nearly $20,000 below Sequatchie County ($52,260) and $39,909 below Rutherford County ($82,588). The gap reflects Scott's reliance on limited agricultural and light industrial employment.

Housing costs consume critical income

Scott's rent-to-income ratio of 19.4% reflects a precarious housing situation: the median home value of $116,800 still consumes nearly one-fifth of a $42,679 annual income. Many households operate with minimal financial cushion for emergencies or savings.

Start small, prioritize financial stability

Scott County households should prioritize building emergency savings—ideally three months of expenses—before investing in wealth-building vehicles. Explore low-cost community development financial institutions, employer retirement plans with matching, and free financial counseling resources to build wealth progressively.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Scott County, Tennessee?
The median household income in Scott County, Tennessee is $42,679, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. This represents the midpoint of all household incomes in the county.
How much do people earn in Scott County?
The per capita income in Scott County is $23,544, which represents the average income per person across the entire county population. The median household income — which accounts for all earners in a household — is $42,679.
How does Scott County compare to the Tennessee average?
Scott County's median household income of $42,679 is lower than the Tennessee state average of $58,994. The per capita income is $23,544, compared to the state average of $31,458.
What is the per capita income in Scott County, Tennessee?
The per capita income in Scott County, Tennessee is $23,544, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. Per capita income is calculated by dividing total personal income by total population, providing an average income figure per resident.
Is Scott County a low-income area in Tennessee?
Scott County's median household income of $42,679 is below the Tennessee average of $58,994. The per capita income of $23,544 is also lower than the state average of $31,458. Lower incomes can reflect the local economic base, rural vs. urban location, and employment opportunities available in the area.
How does Scott County rank for income in Tennessee?
Scott County ranks #92 out of 95 counties in Tennessee by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $42,679 and per capita income of $23,544, it falls in the bottom third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Scott County

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Your income is above the Scott County median

County median: $42,679 per year

vs. County Median

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vs. State Average

-28%

vs. National Median

-43%

vs. Scott County MedianAbout equal
vs. Tennessee Average28% below
vs. National Median43% below

Income Adequacy

Monthly income covers median rent5.1x

Your monthly income ($3,557) vs. median rent ($691/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.

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Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.