AcreScore β€” What's this?
73/ 100

Stewart County, TN

Land Between the Lakes meets affordable Tennessee acreage. Fort Donelson history, Kentucky Lake access, and rock-bottom land prices.

πŸ“Š73/100AcreScore
πŸ’°$9KLand $/acre
🏠$185KHome Value
πŸ‘₯13,279Population
πŸ“ˆ+2.8%Growth (10yr)
🌊14%Flood RiskLow
🌑️Mild Four-SeasonClimateZone 4A

πŸ—οΈ Can You Build Here?

Yes β€” Stewart County has minimal zoning and welcomes barndominiums in most areas. Owner-builders find very few obstacles here.

ZoneMin LotBarndo OK?
AgriculturalNoneβœ… Yes
Residential1 acre⚠️ Conditional

Source: Stewart County Planning. Minimal zoning β€” most land is unzoned or agricultural.

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
  • β€’ Septic permit
  • β€’ Electrical permit
  • β€’ Plumbing permit

Permit Office

Stewart County Building Dept 225 Donelson Pkwy, Dover, TN 37058 (931) 232-5765 Mon–Fri 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

🌊 What's the Flood & Soil Risk?

Moderate flood risk near Kentucky Lake and the Cumberland River. Stick to upland parcels away from the river bottoms for clean building sites.

14%
In Flood Zone
Good
Soil Drainage
Good
Septic Viability

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

πŸ’° What Does It Cost?

Stewart County is one of the cheapest places to buy land in Tennessee. At $8,500/acre median, your building budget stretches far.

$9K
Median $/acre
$185K
Median Home Value
$120–175
Build Cost $/sqft
0.49%
Property Tax Rate

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

πŸ”οΈ Why People Love Living Here

Stewart County is where history buffs and outdoor lovers find their paradise. Fort Donelson, Land Between the Lakes, and Kentucky Lake β€” all without the tourist crowds.

🎣

Kentucky Lake Access

One of the largest man-made lakes in the eastern US is right here. Fishing, boating, and waterfront living.

πŸ›οΈ

Civil War History

Fort Donelson National Battlefield preserves a pivotal moment in American history β€” and it's in your backyard.

πŸ’°

Rock-Bottom Land Prices

Median $8,500/acre. Buy 10 acres for what a half-acre costs near Nashville.

At a Glance

Population13,279
10-Year Growth+2.8%
County SeatDover
State Income TaxNone
ClimateMild four-season (Zone 4A)

How Close Is Everything?

Clarksville35 min
Nashville1.5 hr
Kentucky LakeIn county
Land Between the Lakes10 min
Fort Campbell45 min

πŸ’§ Utilities & Infrastructure

Rural infrastructure. Most areas use wells, septic, and propane. Broadband is limited β€” Starlink is common. Electric service is reliable via TVA.

Electric ProviderCumberland EMC / TVA
WaterWell (most areas)
SewerSeptic (nearly all)
InternetLimited / Starlink
Cell CoverageSpotty in rural areas
Natural GasPropane only

🏦 Financing & Incentives

All of Stewart County qualifies for USDA Rural Development β€” zero down payment for eligible buyers.

βœ… USDA Eligible
Zero down payment
FHA / VA
Available county-wide
0.49%
Property tax rate

Check USDA eligibility for your address β†’

πŸ“ Nearby Counties

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Can I build a barndominium in Stewart County?
Yes β€” most of Stewart County has minimal zoning and welcomes barndominiums. Agricultural land has no restrictions on building type.
Is Stewart County eligible for USDA loans?
Yes β€” the entire county qualifies for USDA Rural Development zero-down-payment loans.
How far is Stewart County from Nashville?
About 1.5 hours via I-24 to Clarksville, then Highway 79 to Dover. Clarksville is 35 minutes away.
What about Kentucky Lake access?
Stewart County has extensive Kentucky Lake shoreline. Public boat ramps and marinas are available. Waterfront parcels command a premium but are still affordable compared to other lake counties.