Anderson County
TN · Pop. 78,175 · Mixed County
Anderson County, Tennessee covers 337 square miles with a population of 78,175 and a density of 232 people per square mile, a more developed setting where truly rural parcels are scarcer. The agricultural economy is rated weak, built on hay, haylage, peppers. The median home price is $216,000, with an effective property tax rate of 0.62%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 7b with a 215-day growing season, average summer highs of 87.4°F and average winter lows of 30.6°F. Annual rainfall averages 50.9 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge is 6.9 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 97.5% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is very high, tornado risk is very high, wildfire risk is high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A long 215-day growing season in USDA zone 7b supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
- A low effective property tax rate of 0.62% holds annual carrying costs down.
- Broadband reaches 97.5% of homes, making remote work and online farm sales realistic.
- Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge, with an emergency room, is just 6.9 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
- A low unemployment rate of 3.4% reflects a stable local job base.
Cons
- Tornado risk is very high, so a storm shelter and wind-resistant structures are practical necessities.
- Flood risk is very high, so careful parcel siting and flood insurance are essential.
- The agricultural economy is rated weak, so local farm markets, suppliers, and services are limited.
- At 232 people per square mile, this is a developed area where finding truly rural acreage is harder and pricier.
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Anderson County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Anderson County?
- Anderson County is in USDA hardiness zone 7b with a 215-day growing season, average summer highs of 87.4°F, and average winter lows of 30.6°F. The established crops are hay, haylage, peppers.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $216,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.62%. County-level per-acre prices aren't published, so compare current local listings for raw land.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 97.5% of homes, strong coverage that supports remote work for most parcels.
- How close is healthcare?
- Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge is 6.9 miles away and includes an emergency room; there is 1 hospital in the county.
Explore Tennessee Resources
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LandWatch
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Lands of America
The largest listing site for rural property — farms, ranches, hunting land, and timberland.
AcreTrader
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More counties in Tennessee
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The closest counties to Anderson County by distance, including across state lines.
Data sources
Verified
Figures are sourced from public datasets: U.S. Census Bureau — ACS 5-year & Gazetteer, USDA NASS Census of Agriculture, USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals (1991–2020), FEMA National Risk Index, FCC Broadband Data Collection, BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics, HIFLD Hospitals. Always confirm specifics locally before relying on them.
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