TN · Pop. 7,126,000 · Capital: Nashville
Tennessee offers one of the best overall packages for homesteaders: no state income tax, affordable land on the Cumberland Plateau, a 9-month growing season with 50-60 inches of rainfall, and minimal building codes in rural counties. Nashville's tech boom provides off-farm income opportunities, while rural East TN retains deep agricultural roots.
77 counties · Click to select up to 5 for comparison
No statewide residential code. Codes enforced at city/county level. Many rural counties have no building codes or minimal enforcement.
Natural Disaster Risk
What You Can Grow
Nearly everything — fruit trees (apple, peach, pear, cherry), berries, all vegetables, nuts (pecan, walnut), grains, hay, livestock forage. One of the most versatile growing states.
Memphis drives state crime statistics. Rural Tennessee is very safe — Cumberland Plateau and East TN have crime rates well below national average.
Racial Composition
The gold standard for TN homesteading. Cheap land, no building codes in many counties, stunning scenery.
Rich farmland between the Smokies and Cumberland Plateau.
Rolling hills south of Nashville with good pastureland.
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LandWatch
Browse rural land, farms, and ranches for sale across every state.
Lands of America
The largest listing site for rural property — farms, ranches, hunting land, and timberland.
AcreTrader
Invest in farmland online — vetted properties with passive income potential.