Location, Climate, Population & Tax Information
Located in the beautiful foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Greene County, Tennessee offers a wonderful combination of rural charm, natural beauty, small-town living and convenient access to the larger cities of Northeast Tennessee.
From historic Greeneville and picturesque farmland to mountain properties, rivers, lakes and quiet country roads, Greene County offers a variety of lifestyles for families, retirees, farmers and those simply looking for a peaceful place to call home.
Location
Greene County is located in Northeast Tennessee, approximately halfway between Knoxville and the Virginia state line. The county is part of the broader Tri-Cities region and is conveniently located near Interstate 81 and Interstate 26.
The county seat and largest community is Greeneville, a historic town surrounded by rolling farmland and the Appalachian Mountains.
Greene County's location provides residents with convenient access to:
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Johnson City and the Tri-Cities — approximately 30–40 miles
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Kingsport — approximately 45 miles
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Bristol — approximately 55 miles
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Knoxville — approximately 70 miles
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Asheville, North Carolina — approximately 70 miles
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Great Smoky Mountains and Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge — approximately 80–90 miles
Tri-Cities Regional Airport is also conveniently located within the region, providing commercial air service for residents and businesses.
With its location between the mountains and the major communities of Northeast Tennessee, Greene County offers the advantages of country living without being isolated from employment, shopping, healthcare, entertainment and regional airports.
Climate
Greene County enjoys a four-season climate typical of the southern Appalachian region.
Residents experience mild-to-moderate winters, warm summers, colorful autumns and beautiful springs. The area's elevation changes—from rolling farmland to higher mountain terrain—also create some variation in temperatures and weather throughout the county.
Four Seasons of Natural Beauty
Spring brings blooming trees, flowering plants, green fields and comfortable temperatures.
Summer offers warm days that are ideal for boating, fishing, hiking, gardening and enjoying the area's many outdoor recreational opportunities.
Fall is one of the most beautiful times of the year, with spectacular autumn colors throughout the mountains and countryside.
Winter generally brings cooler temperatures with occasional snowfall, while prolonged periods of heavy snow are less common in the lower elevations.
Average high temperature: 85-87
Average low temperature: 26-27
The nearby Knoxville region's 1991–2020 climate normals average about 52 inches of precipitation annually, with approximately 4.6 inches of snowfall per year, providing a useful regional comparison for the East Tennessee climate.
Overall, Greene County's climate provides residents with the opportunity to enjoy outdoor activities throughout much of the year.
Population
Greene County has a population of approximately 71,000 residents, making it a comfortable-sized community while retaining the welcoming atmosphere of a smaller East Tennessee county.
The Tennessee Department of Health's 2025 Greene County data package lists the county population at 70,919.
Greene County includes the communities of:
This variety gives homebuyers many choices—from established neighborhoods and town living to farms, acreage and private country properties.
Population Profile
Greene County has a diverse population representing families, working professionals, retirees, farmers and longtime residents.
According to the Tennessee Department of Health's 2025 county profile:
Population: 70,919
Median Age: 44.6 years
Median Household Income: $54,071
The county's population is approximately:
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92.2% White
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1.9% Black or African American
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0.6% Asian
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0.2% American Indian or Alaska Native
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4.2% Two or More Races
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3.8% Hispanic or Latino origin
The data also reports that approximately 22.3% of the population has a disability.
Greene County's population profile reflects the area's combination of established families, rural residents, working households and an active retiree population.
Property Taxes
One of the attractive aspects of living in Tennessee is the state's relatively straightforward property-tax structure.
For the 2025–2026 fiscal year, Greene County's certified county property-tax rate is:
$1.65 per $100 of assessed value
for properties located outside the Town of Greeneville.
For properties inside the Town of Greeneville, the Greene County portion is $1.64 per $100 of assessed value. Municipal taxes are additional.
Tennessee assesses residential and farm property at 25% of appraised value. The resulting assessed value is then multiplied by the applicable property-tax rate.
Example
A home with an appraised value of $300,000 has a residential assessed value of:
$300,000 × 25% = $75,000
At the Greene County rate of $1.65 per $100:
$75,000 ÷ 100 × $1.65 = $1,237.50
This example represents the county portion only and does not include any applicable municipal property taxes, special assessments or other charges.
Property taxes can vary depending upon the property's location, classification and applicable municipal taxes. Buyers should verify the current tax amount for any specific property.
Sales Tax
Tennessee has a 7% state sales tax on most taxable tangible personal property and taxable services.
Greene County's local option sales tax rate is 2.75%, resulting in a combined general sales-tax rate of:
8.75%
The Tennessee Department of Revenue notes that local sales-tax rates are established by local jurisdictions, and the state provides the official rate lookup for specific locations.
Certain products—including qualifying food items and specific categories of goods and services—may be subject to different tax rates.
Wheel Tax
Greene County currently has a $55 annual wheel tax on qualifying motor vehicles registered in the county.
For the 2025–2026 fiscal year, the county's $55 wheel tax is allocated as follows:
The wheel tax helps support county government and local transportation infrastructure.
Tennessee Income Tax
No State Individual Income Tax
One of Tennessee's most attractive financial advantages for many residents is that Tennessee does not impose a broad individual state income tax on wages, salaries or other earned income.
This can be an important consideration for people relocating from states with individual income taxes.
Tennessee's tax structure instead relies more heavily on sales taxes and other state and local revenues.
For individuals considering retirement, relocation or employment in Tennessee, the absence of a broad individual income tax can be an important part of the overall cost-of-living picture.
Why Greene County?
Greene County offers a combination that is becoming increasingly desirable:
Beautiful Location
Nestled in the Appalachian foothills with rolling farmland, mountains, rivers and scenic countryside.
Four-Season Climate
Enjoy spring flowers, warm summers, spectacular autumn colors and generally mild winters.
Small-Town Atmosphere
Friendly communities where neighbors know one another and local traditions remain important.
Outdoor Recreation
Hiking, fishing, boating, camping, golf, hunting, horseback riding and countless opportunities to enjoy the outdoors.
Variety of Real Estate
From homes in town and established neighborhoods to farms, unrestricted acreage, mountain properties and private country estates.
Tennessee Tax Advantages
No broad individual state income tax, competitive property taxes and an established local tax structure.
Convenient Regional Location
Easy access to Greeneville, the Tri-Cities, Interstate 81, Interstate 26 and major regional destinations.
Make Greene County Your Home
Whether you're searching for a family home, a retirement property, a farm, recreational acreage or a peaceful place to build your dream home, Greene County offers a lifestyle that combines natural beauty with convenience and community.
Here, you can enjoy the peace and privacy of the countryside while remaining within easy reach of shopping, healthcare, schools, employment and entertainment.
Greene County is more than a place on the map. It's a place where people put down roots, build memories and call home.
Welcome to Greene County, Tennessee!
Tax rates, population figures and other statistics can change. Information provided is intended as a general community overview and should be independently verified with the appropriate county, municipal or state office before making financial, tax or real estate decisions.
