AcreScore β€” What's this?
67/ 100

Tipton County, TN

Memphis commuter county with affordable farmland. Mississippi River Delta flat, USDA eligible in most areas, and significantly cheaper than Shelby.

πŸ“Š67/100AcreScore
πŸ’°$14KLand $/acre
🏠$210KHome Value
πŸ‘₯62,315Population
πŸ“ˆ+5.8%Growth (10yr)
🌊18%Flood RiskModerate
🌑️Warm HumidClimateZone 3A

πŸ—οΈ Can You Build Here?

Yes β€” Tipton County is barndo-friendly in agricultural zones. Flat terrain makes site prep easy and affordable.

ZoneMin LotBarndo OK?
A (Agricultural)2 acresβœ… Yes
R-1 (Low Density Residential)1 acre⚠️ Conditional
R-2 (Residential)15,000 sqft❌ No

Source: Tipton County Planning Commission

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
  • β€’ Flood zone certification

Permit Office

Tipton County Building Dept 1801 S College St, Covington, TN 38019 (901) 476-0211 Mon–Fri 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM

🌊 What's the Flood & Soil Risk?

Higher flood risk. 18% of land is in FEMA flood zones β€” the Mississippi River and Hatchie River create significant flood areas in the western part. Eastern uplands are cleaner.

18%
In Flood Zone
Good
Soil Drainage
Good
Septic Viability

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

πŸ’° What Does It Cost?

Tipton County offers Memphis-area access at a fraction of the cost. Land at $14K/acre is a bargain compared to Shelby County.

$14K
Median $/acre
$210K
Median Home Value
$130–195
Build Cost $/sqft
0.68%
Property Tax Rate

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

πŸ”οΈ Why People Love Living Here

Tipton County is where Memphis workers come for breathing room. Cotton fields, catfish ponds, and a slower pace β€” with Memphis BBQ just 30 minutes down the road.

🌾

Delta Farmland

Rich Mississippi Delta soil, flat terrain, and affordable acreage for farming or building.

πŸš—

Memphis Commute

Covington to Memphis is 30 minutes. Affordable living with city jobs.

πŸ’°

Value Play

Land at $14K/acre β€” a fraction of Shelby County prices.

At a Glance

Population62,315
10-Year Growth+5.8%
County SeatCovington
State Income TaxNone
ClimateWarm humid (Zone 3A)

How Close Is Everything?

Memphis30 min
Memphis Airport (MEM)35 min
Shelby Farms25 min
Jackson TN1 hr
Reelfoot Lake1.5 hr

πŸ’§ Utilities & Infrastructure

Covington and Munford have municipal services. Rural areas rely on wells and septic. Broadband expanding along the US-51 corridor.

Electric ProviderCovington Electric / TVA
WaterMunicipal or Well
SewerMixed (septic in rural)
InternetAT&T / Cable (varies)
Cell CoverageGood along US-51
Natural GasLimited

🏦 Financing & Incentives

Most of Tipton County outside Covington and Munford qualifies for USDA Rural Development loans.

⚠️ Limited USDA
Rural areas eligible
FHA / VA
Available county-wide
0.68%
Property tax rate

Check USDA eligibility for your address β†’

πŸ“ Nearby Counties

πŸ”„ People Also Compare

Making products from home?

A new tax law lets you deduct 100% of a production workshop β€” not just equipment, the building itself.

See if you qualify β†’

Get Tipton County Land Alerts

New listings, zoning changes, and builder availability β€” delivered to your inbox.

No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. We never sell your data.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Can I build a barndominium in Tipton County?
Yes β€” Agricultural zones allow barndominiums on 2+ acre lots. R-1 zones may allow them conditionally.
Is Tipton County eligible for USDA loans?
Most rural areas qualify. Covington and Munford city limits are excluded.
What about flood risk?
18% of land is in flood zones β€” higher than average. Avoid low-lying areas near the Mississippi and Hatchie Rivers. Eastern parcels are generally cleaner.
How far is Tipton County from Memphis?
Covington to downtown Memphis is about 30 minutes via US-51.