countyscore
50.3
County Score
Cost of Living 88.3Water Quality 86Schools 72.8

County Report Card

About Appling County, Georgia

A Middle-of-the-Road National Profile

Appling County earns a composite score of 50.3, placing it just slightly above the national median of 50.0. This score indicates a balanced livability profile that aligns closely with the average American experience.

Outperforming the Georgia State Average

With a 50.3 composite score, the county comfortably exceeds the Georgia state average of 46.7. This performance suggests Appling offers a higher quality of life than many of its rural state neighbors.

Affordable Housing and Quality Schools

The county shines in housing affordability with a Cost Score of 88.3, supported by a low median rent of $711. Local education is also a major highlight, as the School Score reaches an impressive 72.8.

Economic Growth and Health Outcomes

Local residents face significant economic hurdles, reflected in a very low Income Score of 5.8 and a median household income of $43,728. Public health also needs attention, as the Health Score currently sits at 16.1.

The Verdict: Best for Budget-Conscious Families

Appling County is an ideal fit for families who prioritize low-cost living and reliable public schools over high-income career tracks. Its blend of affordability and educational strength provides a solid foundation for those seeking a quiet rural lifestyle.

Score breakdown

Tax49.2Cost88.3Safety30.5Health16.1Schools72.8Income5.8Risk49.8Water86Weather33.6
🏛49.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠88.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼5.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡30.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤16.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓72.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡49.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤33.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱28.7
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

Jeff Davis County
Georgia
46.6
Bacon County
Georgia
51.8
Tattnall County
Georgia
49.8
Pierce County
Georgia
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Wayne County
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Toombs County
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Montgomery County
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Long County
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Deep Dives

Appling County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Appling County

via TaxByCounty

Appling's taxes rank low nationally

At 0.846%, Appling County's effective tax rate sits well below the national median of 0.88%, placing it in the lower third of U.S. counties. Homeowners here pay just $689 annually on the median property, compared to the national median of $2,690—a difference of nearly $2,000 per year.

Below Georgia's statewide average

Appling County ranks favorably within Georgia, with an effective rate of 0.846% versus the state average of 0.898%. The county's median tax bill of $689 trails the state median of $1,529 by $840, making it one of Georgia's more affordable counties to own property.

Among the region's lowest-taxed

Appling County's 0.846% rate is lower than neighboring Atkinson County (0.883%) and Bacon County (1.022%). Combined with modest home values averaging $81,400, Appling offers some of Southeast Georgia's most favorable property tax conditions.

Median home, median tax bill

On a typical $81,400 home in Appling County, owners pay roughly $689 in annual property taxes. For homeowners with mortgages, that figure rises to around $1,058 when factoring in escrow and insurance—still well below statewide norms.

Check if you're overassessed

Many Georgia homeowners discover they're paying taxes on inflated assessments. If you believe your Appling County home's assessed value is too high, a formal appeal costs nothing and could lower your annual bill significantly.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Appling County

via CostByCounty

Appling rents beat the national curve

At 19.5%, Appling County's rent-to-income ratio sits just above the national average, meaning renters here spend a slightly larger share of paychecks on housing than most Americans. The county's median rent of $711 is substantially cheaper than the national median, but so is median income at $43,728 versus the national $74,755.

Slightly worse than Georgia average

Appling's 19.5% rent-to-income ratio edges above Georgia's state average of 18.6%, placing the county in the middle range of affordability statewide. Median rent here is $216 below the state average, though wages lag further behind the state's economic profile.

More affordable than Atkinson next door

Appling County residents pay $711 in median rent compared to $620 in nearby Atkinson County, making Appling slightly pricier despite similar affordability ratios. Bacon County to the south offers higher rents ($789) alongside higher incomes, suggesting different economic markets within the region.

Rents eat up a fifth of income

With a median household income of $43,728, the typical Appling renter spends $711 monthly on rent—about 19.5% of gross income. Homeowners fare slightly better, with median mortgage costs of $529 monthly on homes valued at $81,400, leaving more breathing room in household budgets.

Consider Appling for rural Georgia living

If you're relocating to rural Georgia, Appling offers below-state-average rents and moderate homeownership costs, though wages are lower statewide. Compare housing costs here to neighboring Atkinson and Bacon counties to find your best fit within Southeast Georgia's affordability landscape.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Appling County

via IncomeByCounty

Appling earns 41% below the nation

Appling County's median household income of $43,728 trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by nearly $31,000 annually. This income gap places Appling among the lower-earning counties nationally, reflecting limited high-wage job opportunities in the region.

Below Georgia's county average

At $43,728, Appling's median household income falls 28% short of Georgia's state county average of $60,488. The county ranks in the lower third of Georgia's 159 counties for household earning power.

Modest earnings among rural peers

Appling County earns $6,582 more than nearby Atkinson County ($38,438) but $6,582 less than Bacon County ($50,310). Within this cluster of rural Southeast Georgia counties, Appling sits firmly in the middle tier.

Housing remains affordable here

Appling's 19.5% rent-to-income ratio is healthy—well below the 30% affordability threshold—meaning renters spend a manageable share of earnings on housing. With a median home value of $81,400, homeownership is accessible to working families earning close to the county median.

Build wealth on modest income

Even with lower regional earnings, Appling households can strengthen finances by maximizing employer retirement plans and exploring low-cost investment accounts. Start small with automated savings; even $50 monthly compounds significantly over decades.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Appling County

via CrimeByCounty

Appling County Outpaces National Safety Benchmarks

Appling County maintains a safety score of 97.4, indicating a secure environment for its residents. Its total crime rate of 1,648.5 per 100K people is significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

A Competitive Safety Profile in Georgia

The county's safety score of 97.4 sits just below the Georgia state average of 97.8. While the local crime rate is slightly higher than the state average of 1,412.9, it remains a reliable baseline for rural safety.

Comparing Appling to Its Regional Neighbors

Appling’s crime rate of 1,648.5 per 100K is higher than neighboring Bacon County at 709.3 and Atkinson County at 471.9. However, it still offers a more secure profile than many of Georgia’s more urbanized regions.

Understanding the Local Crime Mix

Property crime accounts for the vast majority of local incidents at 1,437.0 per 100K residents. The violent crime rate of 211.5 is well below the national average of 369.8, showing that most concerns are non-violent in nature.

Securing Your Appling County Residence

Since property crime makes up nearly 87% of local reports, residents should prioritize home security systems and perimeter lighting. Basic deterrents remain the most effective way to protect your assets in this community.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Appling County

via HealthByCounty

Life expectancy lags national average

Appling County residents live an average of 71.5 years, about 5.5 years shorter than the U.S. average of 76.9 years. One in five residents (22.2%) report poor or fair health, compared to the national rate of 17.8%. These gaps signal ongoing health challenges that deserve attention and resources.

Below Georgia's average lifespan

At 71.5 years, Appling County's life expectancy falls nearly two years below Georgia's state average of 73.3 years. The county ranks in the lower half statewide for health outcomes, with room for improvement in chronic disease prevention and healthcare access. Closing this gap requires coordinated effort across the community.

Healthier than nearby Atkinson

Appling County's 71.5-year life expectancy outpaces neighboring Atkinson County (69.1 years) but trails Bacon County (69.5 years when adjusted). The county's 22.2% poor/fair health rate sits between Atkinson's 28.3% and Bacon's 23.9%, suggesting moderate health status in the region. Primary care access at 43 providers per 100K is solid compared to regional peers.

Insurance gaps complicate care access

Nearly one in five Appling residents (18.7%) lack health insurance, nearly 4 percentage points above Georgia's 15% average. The county has adequate primary care providers (43 per 100K) but limited mental health capacity (103 per 100K), creating barriers for residents seeking behavioral health support. This mix leaves many decisions about basic healthcare to chance and ability to pay.

Explore coverage options today

Uninsured residents in Appling County should investigate Medicaid eligibility, marketplace plans during open enrollment, and community health center sliding-scale programs. Visiting healthcare.gov or calling 1-800-318-2596 takes just minutes and can connect you to affordable coverage. Coverage transforms access—take the first step this week.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Appling County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Small but Robust Education Infrastructure

Appling County supports 3,463 students across five public schools, including three elementary centers, one middle school, and one high school. This entire student body is managed within a single, centralized school district. The infrastructure serves a local population with an average school size of 693 students.

High Graduation Rates Outpace State Averages

The county boasts an impressive 93.0% graduation rate, significantly exceeding the Georgia state average of 88.1% and the national benchmark of 87.0%. While per-pupil expenditure is $8,367—higher than the state average of $7,405—the investment pays off with a school score of 58.1, which sits comfortably above the state median. These metrics suggest a system that successfully translates funding into student achievement.

Centralized Learning in the Appling District

The Appling County School District operates all five local schools, managing an enrollment of 3,463 students. There are currently no charter schools in the county, meaning the district provides the primary educational framework for all residents. This unified structure ensures consistent standards across the county's primary and secondary levels.

A Blend of Town and Rural Settings

The educational experience here is shaped by a mix of three rural and two town-based schools, offering different environmental scales. Appling County Elementary School is the largest campus with 1,189 students, while Fourth District Elementary offers a more intimate setting with just 121 students. This variety allows for both large-scale campus resources and smaller, community-focused learning environments.

Invest in a Community That Values Education

With graduation rates that lead the state, Appling County is an attractive destination for families prioritizing academic success. Exploring homes near top-rated schools like Appling County High ensures proximity to the county's strongest educational assets. Quality schools remain a key driver of long-term property value in this growing Georgia community.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Appling County

via RiskByCounty

Appling's risk sits above the national average

Appling County scores 50.22 on the composite risk scale, placing it in the relatively low category but well above Georgia's state average of 39.49. The county faces higher-than-typical exposure to multiple hazard types, particularly hurricane and earthquake risks that elevate its overall profile.

Appling ranks in the upper half of Georgia counties

Among Georgia's 159 counties, Appling's composite risk score of 50.22 places it in the riskier half of the state. This reflects above-average vulnerability compared to most Georgia neighbors, driven primarily by coastal weather hazards.

More exposed than most surrounding counties

Appling faces notably higher risk than nearby Atkinson (7.32) and Bacon (20.58) counties. At 50.22, Appling's score is significantly elevated, making it one of the more vulnerable areas in its region despite sharing similar geography with lower-risk neighbors.

Hurricane and wildfire pose greatest threats

Hurricane risk dominates Appling's profile at 90.91, substantially higher than any other hazard type and reflecting vulnerability to tropical systems. Wildfire and earthquake risks round out the top concerns at 52.93 and 52.99 respectively, requiring year-round preparedness.

Prioritize hurricane and wind coverage now

Appling residents should ensure homeowners policies include hurricane and wind damage coverage, given the 90.91 hurricane risk score. Consider flood insurance as a separate policy since standard homeowners coverage typically excludes flood damage; the county's 24.05 flood risk warrants protection planning.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Appling County

via WeatherByCounty

A Warm Subtropical Profile in South Georgia

Appling County averages 66.3°F annually, which is significantly warmer than the national median temperature. This reflects a classic humid subtropical environment that remains balmy throughout most of the year.

Exceeding the State Temperature Average

At 66.3°F, Appling sits nearly 3 degrees warmer than the Georgia state average of 63.7°F. It is part of the warmer southern tier of counties that drive the state's heat profile.

Drier and Warmer Than Regional Neighbors

The county receives 45.7 inches of rain annually, notably drier than the state average of 51.4 inches. While Appling is hot, nearby Bacon County is even warmer, averaging 67.4°F.

A Long Summer With No Snow

Summer is intense with 86 days reaching 90°F or higher and a July average of 81.5°F. Winter is very mild, averaging 51.7°F, and snowfall is virtually non-existent at 0.0 inches.

Preparing for Nearly Three Months of Heat

Robust HVAC systems are essential here to handle 86 days of extreme heat. Residents can skip the snow shovels but should plan for a long, relatively dry growing season.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Appling County

via SoilByCounty

Analyzing Appling's Soil Identity

Specific taxonomic data and pH levels for Appling are currently unrecorded in the primary dataset. Local soils typically trend toward the state average pH of 5.26, which is more acidic than the national median of 6.5.

Evaluating Soil Texture and Workability

Current surveys do not provide exact percentages for sand, silt, and clay in this area. Residents should conduct local texture tests to determine if their acreage leans toward the sandy profiles common in south Georgia.

Organic Matter and Water Capacity

While specific fertility data is unavailable for the county, the state average organic matter sits at 1.83%. Increasing organic content can help reach the national average of 2.0% for healthier crops.

Managing Water and Drainage

Dominant drainage classes and hydrologic groups remain unmapped for this specific FIPS code. Understanding local topography is vital for managing water runoff in new construction or agricultural projects.

Successful Gardening in Zone 9a

Appling sits in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a, which supports a long growing season for heat-loving crops. Use the mild climate to your advantage and start a garden with citrus or southern vegetables today.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Appling County

via LawnByCounty

Overcoming lawn care hurdles in Appling County

Appling County faces a lawn difficulty score of 28.7, making it significantly more challenging to maintain than the national median of 50.0. Homeowners in Hardiness Zone 9a navigate a climate that is tougher than the Georgia state average score of 35.8. Success requires a strategic approach to manage the intense heat and humidity of the deep South.

High heat drives intensive mowing schedules

The county endures 86 extreme heat days per year, well above the state average of 65 days. While annual precipitation of 45.7 inches falls within the ideal lawn range, 6,304 growing degree days mean grass grows rapidly and requires frequent attention. You should expect a long, active maintenance season that demands consistent hydration for your turf.

Preparing your soil for success

Specific local soil measurements are currently unavailable for this area, but regional trends suggest a need for baseline testing. Most lawns in this zone require amendments to reach the ideal pH range of 6.0 to 7.0 for optimal nutrient uptake. Before planting, consult a local extension office to determine if your specific plot requires lime or organic matter.

Managing lawns through persistent drought

Appling County has spent 33 weeks in drought over the past year, with 100% of the area currently experiencing severe conditions. To maintain resilience, water deeply and infrequently to encourage deep root growth rather than shallow surface roots. Using mulch around lawn perimeters can help retain critical soil moisture during these dry spells.

Starting your Appling County lawn

Heat-tolerant varieties like St. Augustine or Centipede grass thrive in Zone 9a and stand up to the local climate. Aim to seed or sod after the last spring frost on March 17 to give roots time to establish before the peak summer heat. With the first fall frost arriving around November 18, you have a long window to build a healthy, durable landscape.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Appling County's county score?
Appling County, Georgia has a composite county score of 50.3 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Appling County rank among counties in Georgia?
Appling County ranks #58 among all counties in Georgia on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Appling County, Georgia?
The median annual property tax in Appling County is $689, with an effective tax rate of 0.85%. This earns Appling County a tax score of 49.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Appling County?
The median household income in Appling County, Georgia is $43,728 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Appling County earns an income score of 5.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Appling County, Georgia a good place to live?
Appling County scores 50.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #58 in Georgia. The best way to evaluate Appling County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Appling County with other counties side by side.

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🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.