Rhea County
TN · Pop. 33,299 · Mixed County
Rhea County is a mixed rural-suburban county in Tennessee, spanning 315 square miles with 33,299 residents at a density of 105.7 people per square mile. The agricultural economy is rated weak, built on hay, soybeans, corn. The median home price is $179,000, with an effective property tax rate of 0.46%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 7b with a 202-day growing season, average summer highs of 86.2°F and average winter lows of 27.2°F. Annual rainfall averages 57 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. Rhea Medical Center is 5.3 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 96.9% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is very high, tornado risk is high, wildfire risk is high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A long 202-day growing season in USDA zone 7b supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
- A low effective property tax rate of 0.46% holds annual carrying costs down.
- A median home price of $179,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- Broadband reaches 96.9% of homes, making remote work and online farm sales realistic.
- Rhea Medical Center, with an emergency room, is just 5.3 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
Cons
- 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.
- Wildfire risk is high, so defensible space and fire preparedness should be part of any build plan.
At a glance
Rhea County, TN is a strong overall fit for homesteading.
- Homestead score
- 81/100
- Median home price
- $179k
- Property tax
- 0.46%
- Growing season
- 202 days (zone 7b)
- Annual rainfall
- 57"
- Broadband
- 96.9%
- Nearest hospital
- Rhea Medical Center, 5.3 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Rhea County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Rhea County?
- Rhea County is in USDA hardiness zone 7b with a 202-day growing season, average summer highs of 86.2°F, and average winter lows of 27.2°F. The established crops are hay, soybeans, corn.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $179,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.46%. Per-acre raw-land prices vary widely by parcel here, so check active listings for current rates.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 96.9% of homes, strong coverage that supports remote work for most parcels.
- How close is healthcare?
- Rhea Medical Center is 5.3 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
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AcreTrader
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More counties in Tennessee
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The closest counties to Rhea 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. See our methodology for how the homestead score is calculated.
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