Tennessee's wealthiest county. Franklin's charm and top schools β but you'll pay a premium for every acre.
π58/100AcreScore
π°$85KLand $/acre
π $650KHome Value
π₯253,370Population
π+28.5%Growth (10yr)
π8%Flood RiskLow
π‘οΈMild Four-SeasonClimateZone 4A
ποΈ Can You Build Here?
Possible but expensive. Williamson County has strict zoning, HOAs are common, and land prices are the highest in Tennessee. Agricultural zones exist in the southern part.
Zone
Min Lot
Barndo OK?
AG (Agricultural)
5 acres
β οΈ Conditional
R-1 (Low Density Residential)
2 acres
β No
R-2 (Residential)
1 acre
β No
PUD (Planned Unit Development)
Varies
β No
Source: Williamson County Planning Commission. Strict zoning with many HOA-governed subdivisions.
π 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 (if applicable)
β’ Electrical permit
β’ Plumbing permit
β’ Stormwater management permit
Permit Office
Williamson County Building Dept
1320 W Main St, Suite 400, Franklin, TN 37064
(615) 790-5725
MonβFri 8:00 AM β 4:30 PM
π What's the Flood & Soil Risk?
Low flood risk. Only 8% in FEMA zones, mostly along the Harpeth River. Most buildable land is clean.
8%
In Flood Zone
Good
Soil Drainage
Varies
Septic Viability
Source: FEMA National Flood Hazard Layer, USDA Web Soil Survey
π° What Does It Cost?
The most expensive land in Tennessee. At $85K/acre median, Williamson County is a premium market. Southern rural areas are cheaper but still above $40K/acre.
$85K
Median $/acre
$650K
Median Home Value
$175β275
Build Cost $/sqft
0.52%
Property Tax Rate
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024, Williamson County Assessor
ποΈ Why People Love Living Here
Williamson County is where Nashville's money lives. Franklin's downtown is one of America's best small towns. Schools rank #1 in Tennessee. The catch? Everything costs more.
π
Top Schools
Williamson County schools consistently rank #1 in Tennessee. Families move here for education.
ποΈ
Franklin & Brentwood
Historic downtown Franklin, upscale Brentwood, and Cool Springs shopping β Nashville's premier suburbs.
π
Fastest Appreciation
28.5% growth in 10 years. Home values have skyrocketed and continue to climb.
At a Glance
Population253,370
10-Year Growth+28.5%
County SeatFranklin
State Income TaxNone
ClimateMild four-season (Zone 4A)
How Close Is Everything?
Nashville20 min
Nashville Airport (BNA)25 min
Murfreesboro30 min
Columbia30 min
Cool Springs MallIn county
π§ Utilities & Infrastructure
Excellent infrastructure. Municipal water and sewer throughout most of the county. Fiber internet widely available.
Electric ProviderMTEMC / TVA
WaterConsolidated Utility District
SewerPublic sewer (most areas)
InternetAT&T Fiber / Comcast
Cell CoverageExcellent
Natural GasPiedmont Natural Gas
π¦ Financing & Incentives
Williamson County is NOT eligible for USDA Rural Development due to its urban/suburban classification. Conventional, FHA, and VA loans are available.
New listings, zoning changes, and builder availability β delivered to your inbox.
β Frequently Asked Questions
Can I build a barndominium in Williamson County?
Difficult. Agricultural zones may allow them conditionally on 5+ acre lots. Most residential zones and HOAs prohibit non-traditional construction.
Why is Williamson County's AcreScore lower?
High land costs ($85K/acre), strict zoning, and no USDA eligibility make it harder for budget-conscious builders. If money isn't the issue, it's a premier location.
Is Williamson County eligible for USDA loans?
No β Williamson County's urban/suburban classification excludes it from USDA Rural Development programs.
How much does land cost?
Median is $85K/acre β the highest in Tennessee. Southern Williamson County (Leiper's Fork area) may have cheaper parcels, but expect $40K+/acre minimum.
What about schools?
Williamson County schools are consistently ranked #1 in Tennessee. This is the primary draw for families and a major driver of home values.