countyscore
56
County Score
Disaster Risk 92.7Cost of Living 90.1Safety 80

County Report Card

About Atkinson County, Georgia

Exceeding National Livability Standards

Atkinson County secures a composite score of 56.0, notably higher than the national median of 50.0. This score puts the county in a strong position relative to thousands of peers across the country.

A Top Performer in Georgia

At a 56.0 composite score, Atkinson significantly outperforms the Georgia state average of 46.7. It stands out as a high-ranking option for residents looking for stability within the Peach State.

Exceptional Safety and Environmental Stability

The county excels at risk management with a score of 92.7 and maintains high personal safety at 80.0. These strengths are paired with incredible housing value, reflected in a Cost Score of 90.1.

Addressing Healthcare and Income Gaps

Economic and health metrics present the largest hurdles, with scores of 2.2 and 4.0 respectively. A median household income of $38,438 and a low Water Score of 8.9 suggest infrastructure and earning potential require long-term investment.

The Verdict: A Haven for Peace and Value

This county is perfect for retirees or remote workers who value safety and extremely low living costs above all else. While local wages are low, the sense of security and bargain-priced housing offer a unique appeal.

Score breakdown

Tax46.3Cost90.1Safety80Health4Schools62Income2.2Risk92.7Water8.9Weather35.8
🏛46.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠90.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼2.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡80
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓62
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡92.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧8.9
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤35.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱37.5
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

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47.4
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Ware County
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Deep Dives

Atkinson County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Atkinson County

via TaxByCounty

Atkinson keeps taxes well below national norms

Atkinson County's effective rate of 0.883% matches nearly all U.S. counties' typical range, but homeowners pay just $674 annually—far below the national median tax of $2,690. This translates to roughly 75% savings compared to the average American homeowner.

Slightly above Georgia average

At 0.883%, Atkinson County's effective rate edges above Georgia's state average of 0.898%, yet its median tax bill of $674 remains $855 below the state median of $1,529. This seeming paradox reflects Atkinson's lower property values compared to statewide averages.

Competitive with surrounding counties

Atkinson County (0.883%) sits between Appling County (0.846%) and Bacon County (1.022%) in the regional tax rate hierarchy. With a median home value of $76,300, Atkinson offers attractive affordability for Southeast Georgia buyers.

Annual tax on typical Atkinson home

The median $76,300 home in Atkinson County carries roughly $674 in annual property taxes. With mortgage and insurance, that grows to approximately $910 per year—a manageable expense for rural Georgia homeowners.

Appeals can reduce your assessment

If your Atkinson County property assessment seems high, you have the right to challenge it for free. Many homeowners successfully lower their taxable assessments by appealing to the county assessor's office with comparable property sales data.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Atkinson County

via CostByCounty

Atkinson's rent squeeze hits hardest

Atkinson County's 19.4% rent-to-income ratio is among the nation's tightest, reflecting both low rents ($620) and even lower incomes ($38,438). This county ranks as one of the least affordable places in America relative to earning power, despite headline rents that appear cheap nationwide.

Georgia's toughest rental market

Atkinson's 19.4% rent-to-income ratio is the second-highest in our regional analysis, exceeding Georgia's state average of 18.6% despite the lowest median rent in this group at $620. The county's median income of $38,438 is the lowest among these eight counties, creating outsized housing burden.

Cheapest rents, lowest wages

Atkinson County offers the lowest median rent ($620) across this eight-county cluster, undercutting nearby Appling ($711) and Bacon ($789). However, it also has the lowest median household income at $38,438, making renters stretch further to cover housing costs.

Nearly a fifth goes to housing

Atkinson residents earning a median of $38,438 annually pay $620 in monthly rent, consuming 19.4% of gross income—above the state average. Homeowners with median costs of $587 monthly still face affordability pressures on median home values of $76,300.

Best for homebuyers seeking lowest values

Atkinson County appeals to budget-conscious homebuyers eyeing the region's lowest median home value ($76,300), though renters should note the tightest income-to-rent ratio here. Compare housing options with surrounding Appling and Bacon counties before deciding—wages matter as much as rent prices.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Atkinson County

via IncomeByCounty

Atkinson earns 49% below U.S. median

Atkinson County's median household income of $38,438 ranks among Georgia's lowest, falling nearly $36,300 short of the national median of $74,755. This significant gap reflects limited employment diversity and wage opportunities in this rural Southeast Georgia county.

Lowest earner in rural cluster

Atkinson County's median household income of $38,438 ranks in the bottom 20% statewide, well below Georgia's county average of $60,488. The county faces economic headwinds shared by several rural counties in the region.

Trailing adjacent rural counties

Atkinson's $38,438 median is the lowest among its Southeast Georgia neighbors, ranking $4,872 below Appling County and $11,872 below Bacon County. Economic development initiatives could help close this gap with slightly more prosperous nearby counties.

Rents remain manageable despite low income

Atkinson's 19.4% rent-to-income ratio keeps housing costs affordable, falling well short of the 30% benchmark for financial stress. At $76,300, the median home value makes homeownership achievable for most working families in the county.

Small wins build long-term security

Atkinson residents earning near the county median should prioritize emergency savings before investing—aim for three months of expenses in a high-yield savings account. Once that cushion exists, even modest monthly investments in low-fee index funds can create meaningful wealth over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Atkinson County

via CrimeByCounty

Atkinson County Ranks Among America's Safest

With a safety score of 99.3, Atkinson County is remarkably secure compared to national standards. Its total crime rate of 471.9 per 100K is roughly one-fifth of the national average of 2,385.5.

Exceeding Georgia's Safety Averages

Atkinson County's safety score of 99.3 significantly outperforms the Georgia state average of 97.8. The local crime rate of 471.9 is nearly three times lower than the state's average of 1,412.9.

Leading the Pack in South Georgia

Atkinson County stands out as a regional leader in safety, with a crime rate of 471.9 per 100K. This is considerably lower than neighbor Appling County, which sits at 1,648.5 per 100K.

Low Risk Across All Categories

Violent crime is rare here, with a rate of just 96.8 per 100K compared to the U.S. average of 369.8. Property crime is also minimal at 375.1, suggesting a high level of community trust.

Maintaining a Secure Property

Despite low local crime rates, maintaining awareness through community watch programs and basic locks is always prudent. Protecting your home ensures these record-low statistics continue for years to come.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Atkinson County

via HealthByCounty

Atkinson faces urgent health crisis

Atkinson County's life expectancy of 69.1 years ranks among the lowest in the nation, roughly 7.8 years below the U.S. average of 76.9 years. More than one in four residents (28.3%) report poor or fair health—the highest rate in this eight-county group and far above the 17.8% national average. These numbers reflect deep and systemic health disparities demanding immediate action.

Georgia's lowest life expectancy

Atkinson County ranks at the bottom of Georgia's 159 counties for life expectancy, trailing the state average of 73.3 years by over four years. The county's 28.3% poor/fair health rate is among the worst statewide, signaling concentrated health challenges that require targeted intervention. No other county in this analysis faces such steep health headwinds.

Significantly worse than surrounding areas

Atkinson's 69.1-year life expectancy is substantially lower than neighboring Appling (71.5), Bacon (69.5), and Bacon counties. Its 28.3% poor/fair health rate far exceeds all regional peers, putting residents at heightened risk. Data on provider access is currently unavailable, making it unclear whether limited care capacity compounds these disparities.

Uninsured rates compound health risk

Atkinson has the highest uninsured rate in this group at 20.7%, nearly 6 percentage points above Georgia's 15% average. Limited data on provider availability makes it difficult to assess local care capacity, but the combination of no insurance and potential provider shortages leaves residents particularly vulnerable. Addressing both insurance access and provider availability is critical.

Insurance is your health lifeline

Uninsured Atkinson residents should immediately explore Medicaid eligibility, ACA marketplace plans, and rural health clinic options that often provide sliding-scale care. Contact the Georgia Department of Community Health or visit healthcare.gov to begin enrollment—many residents qualify for subsidized coverage. This step directly improves your health outcomes and financial security.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Atkinson County

via SchoolsByCounty

Essential Education in a Rural Setting

Atkinson County operates four public schools serving a total enrollment of 1,630 students. The system includes two elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school, all managed by a single district. This streamlined infrastructure focuses on providing core educational services to a smaller student population.

Exceeding Benchmarks with Targeted Spending

Students here achieve a 92.0% graduation rate, which is five points higher than the national average and four points above the Georgia state average. The county spends $7,706 per pupil, slightly more than the state average, resulting in a composite school score of 56.1. These figures indicate that Atkinson County effectively leverages its resources to ensure student success.

Unified Atkinson County School District

The Atkinson County School District is the sole provider of public education, overseeing 1,630 students across its four campuses. There are no charter schools available in the county, concentrating all educational resources and community focus into the traditional public system. The district manages an average school size of 408 students, allowing for personal attention.

Exclusively Rural Learning Environments

All four schools in Atkinson County are classified as rural, reflecting the county's agricultural and open-space character. Pearson Elementary School is the largest facility with 644 students, while Willacoochee Elementary is significantly smaller with 178 students. This rural setting fosters a tight-knit community feel where teachers and families are often well-acquainted.

Discover Rural Living with Academic Excellence

Families seeking a high-performing rural district will find Atkinson County's 92% graduation rate a compelling reason to settle here. Real estate near Pearson or Willacoochee provides access to schools that outperform many urban counterparts. Education quality is a cornerstone of the lifestyle in this peaceful Georgia county.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Atkinson County

via RiskByCounty

Atkinson is among the safest in the nation

With a composite risk score of just 7.32, Atkinson County ranks in the very low category and sits well below Georgia's state average of 39.49. This county faces substantially less natural disaster exposure than typical U.S. communities.

Atkinson ranks among Georgia's safest counties

Atkinson's score of 7.32 places it in the bottom quartile for risk across Georgia's 159 counties. Few counties in the state enjoy lower composite risk than Atkinson, making it one of Georgia's most naturally resilient areas.

Safest county in its region by far

At 7.32, Atkinson significantly outperforms nearby Bacon (20.58) and Baker (9.76) counties in overall risk resilience. This relative safety extends across most hazard categories, giving residents substantially lower exposure than adjacent communities.

Hurricane risk requires disproportionate attention

Despite Atkinson's overall safety, hurricane risk scores 78.10—far exceeding all other hazards and representing the county's most significant vulnerability. Wildfire and tornado risks remain well below state averages at 43.42 and 28.75 respectively.

Hurricane coverage is your essential protection

Atkinson's exceptionally low risk profile means basic homeowners insurance typically suffices, but residents must ensure hurricane and wind coverage given the 78.10 hurricane score. Standard policies often exclude these coastal weather impacts, so verify your coverage now.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Soil Quality in Atkinson County

via SoilByCounty

The Foundation of Atkinson's Earth

Soil taxonomic and pH data for Atkinson County is currently limited in the federal survey. Local gardeners often find acidic conditions typical of the region, diverging from the national median pH of 6.5.

Texture and Soil Composition

Data regarding the specific mix of sand, silt, and clay is currently unavailable for this county. Knowing your soil's texture is the first step toward improving drainage and nutrient retention on your land.

Local Fertility Benchmarks

Organic matter and available water capacity metrics are not currently logged for Atkinson. Aiming for the state average of 1.83% organic matter provides a good starting point for soil improvement efforts.

Hydrology and Land Use

Official drainage and hydrologic group classifications are missing from the current county profile. Careful observation of how water moves after heavy rain can help you plan effective drainage solutions.

Planting in Hardiness Zone 9a

Atkinson belongs to Hardiness Zone 9a, offering a warm environment for many perennial species. This climate allows for early spring planting and a late fall harvest for most home gardeners.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Atkinson County

via LawnByCounty

Navigating Atkinson's Zone 9a lawn challenges

Atkinson County earns a lawn difficulty score of 37.5, which is slightly more favorable than the Georgia state average of 35.8. Despite this, it remains harder to maintain than the national median of 50.0 due to the demands of its warm Hardiness Zone 9a climate. Gardeners here benefit from slightly better conditions than their neighbors in Appling County.

Balancing rainfall and extreme Georgia heat

Annual precipitation averages 47.5 inches, sitting comfortably within the ideal 30-50 inch range for healthy turf. However, 84 extreme heat days per year can quickly stress grass and lead to browning without supplemental irrigation. Watch your watering schedule closely during the sweltering July peak, when average temperatures hit 81.4°F.

Building a healthy soil base

While detailed local soil data is currently limited, your lawn likely needs a pH between 6.0 and 7.0 to flourish. Testing your soil for drainage capacity is essential, as stagnant water can lead to root rot in the high humidity of southern Georgia. Proper aeration and the addition of organic compost can improve the foundation for any new grass.

Weathering severe drought conditions

The county is currently 100% covered by severe drought conditions and has faced 27 weeks of drought in the last year. Focus on water conservation by timing your irrigation for the early morning to minimize evaporation loss. Consistent monitoring is vital since water stress is the primary threat to lawn health in this region.

Selecting the right turf for Atkinson

Warm-season grasses like Bermuda or Zoysia are excellent choices for the long growing season in Zone 9a. Because frost dates vary, ensure you wait until the soil is consistently warm before laying sod or seeding. With proper selection and moisture management, you can maintain a vibrant green space despite the regional climate pressures.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Atkinson County's county score?
Atkinson County, Georgia has a composite county score of 56 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 Atkinson County rank among counties in Georgia?
Atkinson County ranks #23 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 Atkinson County, Georgia?
The median annual property tax in Atkinson County is $674, with an effective tax rate of 0.88%. This earns Atkinson County a tax score of 46.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Atkinson County?
The median household income in Atkinson County, Georgia is $38,438 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Atkinson County earns an income score of 2.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Atkinson County, Georgia a good place to live?
Atkinson County scores 56/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #23 in Georgia. The best way to evaluate Atkinson 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 Atkinson County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛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.