AcreScore β€” What's this?
74/ 100

Lincoln County, TN

Rolling Farmland and Southern Charm on the Alabama Border

πŸ“Š74/100AcreScore
πŸ’°$6KLand $/acre
🏠$195KHome Value
πŸ‘₯35,100Population
πŸ“ˆ+4.2%Growth (10yr)
🌊9%Flood RiskLow
🌑️Mixed HumidClimateZone 4A

πŸ—οΈ Can You Build Here?

Lincoln County in south-central Tennessee offers classic Middle Tennessee sceneryβ€”rolling pastures, creek-bottom farms, and historic Fayetteville as one of the state's most charming small towns. The county's affordable land, mild zoning, and USDA eligibility make it a top-tier barndominium destination.

ZoneMin LotBarndo OK?
Agricultural1 acreβœ… Yes
Rural Residential1.5 acresβœ… Yes
Residential0.5 acre⚠️ Conditional

Lincoln County has moderate zoning with agricultural use broadly permitted outside Fayetteville. Barndominiums are generally allowed in rural zones with standard permitting.

πŸ“‹ What Permits Do You Need?

Tennessee allows owner-builders to act as their own general contractor for personal residences. Licensed subs needed for electrical, plumbing, and HVAC.

Required Permits

  • β€’ Building permit from Lincoln County
  • β€’ Septic system permit
  • β€’ Electrical and plumbing inspections
  • β€’ Driveway access permit for state roads
  • β€’ Grading permit for sites over 1 acre disturbance

Permit Office

Lincoln County Building & Codes 112 Main Avenue S. Fayetteville, TN 37334 (931) 433-2454

🌊 What's the Flood & Soil Risk?

Lincoln County has modest flood risk around 9%, concentrated along the Elk River and Flint Creek corridors. The majority of the county's rolling uplands are flood-free.

9%
In Flood Zone
Good
Soil Drainage
Good
Septic Viability

Source: FEMA National Flood Hazard Layer, USDA Web Soil Survey

πŸ’° What Does It Cost?

Lincoln County provides excellent construction value with land prices and building costs well below the Nashville metro while still offering a high quality of life.

$6K
Median $/acre
$195K
Median Home Value
$115–$155/sq ft
Build Cost $/sqft
1.58%
Property Tax Rate

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024, Lincoln County Assessor

πŸ”οΈ Why People Love Living Here

Lincoln County delivers the best of south Middle Tennessee livingβ€”beautiful countryside, a walkable historic county seat, and easy access to both Nashville and Huntsville.

πŸ›οΈ

Historic Fayetteville

One of Tennessee's most picturesque courthouse squares, with locally owned shops, restaurants, and a vibrant small-town community.

🐴

Equestrian Country

Rolling pastures and gentle terrain make Lincoln County popular with horse owners and hobby farmers.

🌊

Elk River Recreation

The Elk River winds through the county, offering canoeing, kayaking, fishing, and beautiful waterfront property opportunities.

At a Glance

Population~35,100
10-Year Growth4.2%
County SeatFayetteville
State Income TaxNone
ClimateMixed Humid (Zone 4A)

How Close Is Everything?

Nashville90 miles north
Huntsville, AL35 miles south
Shelbyville30 miles northeast
Tullahoma20 miles east
Pulaski30 miles west

πŸ’§ Utilities & Infrastructure

Lincoln County has good utility coverage with TVA-powered electric service, multiple water utility districts, and expanding broadband in the Fayetteville area.

ElectricFayetteville Public Utilities / Duck River EMC
WaterFayetteville Water / utility districts
SewerMunicipal in Fayetteville; septic elsewhere
InternetFiber in Fayetteville / DSL / fixed wireless
GasNatural gas in Fayetteville; propane rural
TrashMunicipal and private pickup

🏦 Financing & Incentives

Lincoln County's full USDA eligibility provides excellent financing options for barndominium projects, with zero-down Rural Development loans available countywide.

βœ… USDA Eligible
All of Lincoln County qualifies for USDA Rural Development loans with zero-down financing for eligible buyers.
FHA / VA
Available county-wide
1.58%
Property tax rate

Check USDA eligibility for your address β†’

πŸ“ Nearby Counties

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Lincoln County rated 74 for barndominiums?
Affordable land, scenic rolling terrain, full USDA eligibility, manageable zoning, and proximity to both Nashville and Huntsville earn Lincoln County a high score.
Is Fayetteville a good small town?
Fayetteville is consistently rated one of Tennessee's best small towns, with a historic square, strong schools, and a welcoming community.
How close is Lincoln County to Huntsville?
Fayetteville is only about 35 miles from Huntsville, making it popular with aerospace and defense workers who prefer rural Tennessee living.
What outdoor recreation is available?
The Elk River offers paddling and fishing, there are excellent hunting opportunities, and the rolling countryside is perfect for horseback riding and hiking.