DeKalb County, Tennessee
5 ZIP codes · Avg score 62/100 · Grade C · Updated 2026-07-19
ZipCheckup grade for DeKalb: C.
A mixed picture - some signals here are worth your attention.
DeKalb County's water quality grade reflects a middle-ground assessment - its 5 ZIP codes range from fully compliant to violation-flagged.
How DeKalb County Compares
How DeKalb County Compares
DeKalb County scores 7 points below the Tennessee state average (69/100) and 6 points below the national average (68/100).
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-07-19
ZIP Code Risk Map
Water Quality Map: DeKalb County, Tennessee
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Key Risk Factors
Health risk index: 16.2 (asthma 11.1%, diabetes 15.1%)
Estimated additional annual cost per homeowner: $758, driven primarily by energy_code_gap
Infrastructure: 0.358% avg pipe failure probability, 20% of ZIPs at high risk
52.8% of homes built before 1978 (lead paint era)
Violation History (2021–2024)
→ Stable trendEPA violation counts by year across DeKalb County water systems. Health-based shown in red, total in blue.
Peak year: 2022 with 3 violations. Past 5 years: 8 total (8 health-based).
Source: EPA SDWIS historical violations. Data may lag 6–12 months for the most recent year.
County Health Indicators vs National Average
Black markers indicate national averages. Source: CDC PLACES, Census ACS.
Infrastructure Overview
Sources: Census ACS (housing age), EPA SDWIS (infrastructure risk model), state bridge inspection data.
Compound Risk Breakdown
Estimated additional annual cost per homeowner: $758
Bar widths proportional to share of total annual risk cost. Source: compound risk model (FEMA, EPA, USGS).
Housing Age Distribution
9,868 housing units in DeKalb County
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034 (Year Structure Built).
Water Safety Affordability
How much it costs to fix water issues relative to home values in DeKalb County
Remediation costs are relatively manageable for most homeowners in DeKalb County, representing a small fraction of property value.
Remediation includes water filtration, lead abatement, radon mitigation, and flood protection where applicable. Source: Census ACS, EPA SDWIS.
Health Outcomes vs National Average
CDC PLACES data for DeKalb County residents
Black markers = national averages. Red = above national avg. Green = below. Source: CDC PLACES, Census ACS.
Water systems serving DeKalb County
8 community water systems serving DeKalb County.
- B
- D
- C
- D
- B
- C
Show all 8 water systems
- D
- B
12 total water systems serve DeKalb County.
Systems with the most violations in DeKalb County
1 water system with recorded EPA violations.
- D
All ZIP Codes in DeKalb County
5 ZIP codes tracked in DeKalb County.
| # | ZIP Code | City | Safety Score | Grade | Violations | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 37166 | Smithville | 78 | B | 10 (1 health) | $184K |
| 2 | 37095 | Liberty | 63 | C | 0 | $197K |
| 3 | 38547 | Brush Creek | 63 | C | 0 | $229K |
| 4 | 37059 | Dowelltown | 55 | C | 0 | $223K |
| 5 | 38587 | Walling | 53 | D | 0 | $203K |
Recommended Buyer Guides for DeKalb County
Strictly editorial - no paid placements influence which guides appear; the selection draws on NSF certifications and EPA detection records for water systems serving this county.
- Best Lead Paint Test Kits — 52.8% of homes built before 1978
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for DeKalb County, Tennessee
Overview
DeKalb County in Tennessee covers 5 ZIP codes with an average Home Safety Score of C (62/100).
1 of 5 ZIP codes have recorded EPA violations. 1 health-based violation have been documented.
← Back to Tennessee water quality report
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Home values: U.S. Census Bureau ACS (median estimates by ZCTA)
Updated daily.