AcreScore β€” What's this?
72/ 100

Trousdale County, TN

Tennessee's smallest county by area β€” but big on value. Affordable land, USDA eligible, and Nashville is just 45 minutes away.

πŸ“Š72/100AcreScore
πŸ’°$12KLand $/acre
🏠$215KHome Value
πŸ‘₯11,284Population
πŸ“ˆ+6.5%Growth (10yr)
🌊10%Flood RiskLow
🌑️Mild Four-SeasonClimateZone 4A

πŸ—οΈ Can You Build Here?

Yes β€” Trousdale County has relaxed zoning and welcomes barndominiums. As the state's smallest county, regulations are straightforward.

ZoneMin LotBarndo OK?
Agricultural1 acreβœ… Yes
Residential1 acre⚠️ Conditional

Source: Trousdale County Planning. Minimal zoning β€” very builder-friendly.

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

Trousdale County Building Dept 200 E Main St, Hartsville, TN 37074 (615) 374-2461 Mon–Fri 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

🌊 What's the Flood & Soil Risk?

Moderate flood risk along the Cumberland River. About 10% of land is in FEMA zones. Upland areas are plentiful and clean.

10%
In Flood Zone
Good
Soil Drainage
Good
Septic Viability

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

πŸ’° What Does It Cost?

Excellent value. Land at $12K/acre with Nashville access makes Trousdale one of the best bargains in the Nashville commuter zone.

$12K
Median $/acre
$215K
Median Home Value
$130–190
Build Cost $/sqft
0.55%
Property Tax Rate

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

πŸ”οΈ Why People Love Living Here

Trousdale County is a small-town gem. Hartsville's town square, Friday night football, and neighbors who know your name. Nashville is close enough for weekends.

🏘️

Small-Town Charm

Tennessee's smallest county means tight community and everyone knows everyone.

πŸ’°

Nashville-Adjacent Value

$12K/acre with Nashville 45 minutes away. One of the region's best values.

🌳

Rolling Countryside

Beautiful Middle Tennessee hills without the suburban sprawl.

At a Glance

Population11,284
10-Year Growth+6.5%
County SeatHartsville
State Income TaxNone
ClimateMild four-season (Zone 4A)

How Close Is Everything?

Nashville45 min
Gallatin20 min
Lebanon25 min
Cookeville50 min
Nashville Airport (BNA)50 min

πŸ’§ Utilities & Infrastructure

Basic rural infrastructure. Hartsville has municipal water. Most rural areas use wells and septic. Broadband is limited.

Electric ProviderHartsville Electric / TVA
WaterMunicipal or Well
SewerSeptic (most areas)
InternetAT&T / Limited broadband
Cell CoverageAdequate
Natural GasLimited

🏦 Financing & Incentives

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

βœ… USDA Eligible
Zero down payment
FHA / VA
Available county-wide
0.55%
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 Trousdale County?
Yes β€” most of Trousdale County allows barndominiums. Agricultural zones have minimal restrictions.
Is Trousdale County eligible for USDA loans?
Yes β€” the entire county qualifies for USDA Rural Development zero-down-payment loans.
How small is Trousdale County really?
At 114 square miles, it's the smallest county in Tennessee by area. But that means less sprawl and a tight-knit community.
How far is Trousdale County from Nashville?
About 45 minutes to downtown Nashville via I-65 and Highway 231.