DeKalb County, Tennessee
3 ZIP codes · Avg score 73/100 · Grade B · Updated
ZipCheckup grade for DeKalb County: B.
This ZIP looks solid, with a few items worth a quick check.
Unlike many counties its size, DeKalb County keeps violation rates low - all 3 ZIP codes score at or above the state average for tap water safety, with no systemic concerns flagged in the current data set.
How DeKalb County Compares
How DeKalb County Compares
DeKalb County scores 1 points above the Tennessee state average (72/100) and 0 points above the national average (73/100).
Data: ZipCheckup Home Safety Score model 4.0.0; EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, EPA radon zones, EPA AirData Last verified:
Key Risk Factors
Health risk index: 16.6 (asthma 11.1%, diabetes 15.9%)
Estimated additional annual cost per homeowner: $560, driven primarily by flood
48.3% 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 2 violations. Past 5 years: 6 total (6 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
Modeled area-level indicator, not a failure probability. Sources: Census ACS housing age, EPA DWINS infrastructure needs, EPA SDWIS violations, and EPA lead indicators.
Compound Risk Breakdown
Estimated additional annual cost per homeowner: $560
Bar widths proportional to share of total annual risk cost. Source: compound risk model (FEMA, EPA, USGS).
Housing Age Distribution
7,643 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
- B
- B
- B
Show all 8 water systems
9 total water systems serve DeKalb County.
Systems with the most violations in DeKalb County
5 water systems with recorded EPA violations.
- B
- B
All ZIP Codes in DeKalb County
3 ZIP codes tracked in DeKalb County.
| # | ZIP Code | City | Safety Score | Grade | Violations | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 37166 | Smithville | 73 | B | 17 (2 health) | $184K |
| 2 | 37059 | Dowelltown | — | — | 81 (3 health) | $223K |
| 3 | 38569 | Lancaster | — | — | 46 (2 health) | $335K |
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 Water Filters for PFAS — PFAS detected in 2 ZIP codes
- Best Under-Sink Reverse Osmosis Systems — Multi-contaminant removal at the kitchen tap
- Best Sump Pumps — Flood is the top compound risk factor
- Best Mold Test Kits — Flood-driven moisture and mold risk
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for DeKalb County, Tennessee
Overview
DeKalb County in Tennessee covers 3 tracked ZIP records with an average Home Safety Score of B (73/100) across 1 scored records.
3 of 3 ZIP codes with a reported violation count in the available EPA record have recorded EPA violations. 5 health-based violations appear in the available health breakdown.
← Back to Tennessee Home Safety Profile
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- PFAS screening: EPA UCMR 5
- Radon zones: EPA Map of Radon Zones
- Air quality: EPA AirData annual AQI
- Home values: U.S. Census Bureau ACS (median estimates by ZCTA)
Reporting periods vary by source. Missing data is shown as unavailable, not as zero.