countyscore
51.5
County Score
Water Quality 86Cost of Living 81.9Disaster Risk 79.4

County Report Card

About Bacon County, Georgia

Just Above the National Median

Bacon County posts a composite score of 51.8, placing it in the top half of counties nationwide. It remains competitive with the 50.0 national median while offering distinct regional advantages.

Rising Above the Georgia Average

The county's 51.8 score sits well above the state average of 46.7. This margin indicates that Bacon County provides a more robust livability profile than many other Georgia municipalities.

Excellent Water and Environmental Resilience

Clean resources are a major asset here, with a Water Score of 86.0 and a Risk Score of 79.4. Housing remains accessible to most, as shown by a solid Cost Score of 73.8.

Balancing Health and Tax Burdens

The county struggles with health outcomes, earning a Health Score of just 10.8. Additionally, the effective tax rate of 1.022% contributes to a relatively low Tax Score of 36.6.

The Verdict: Reliable Rural Living

Bacon County suits individuals who prioritize environmental quality and physical safety in a rural setting. It offers a stable, middle-class lifestyle with a median household income of $50,310.

2040608010027.181.969.810.857.35.379.48629.4Tax27.1Cost81.9Safety69.8Health10.8Schools57.3Income5.3Risk79.4Water86Weather29.451.5/100
This county
National avg
4 above average4 below average

Bacon County DNA

Foverall

How Bacon County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Bacon County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (81.9/100) but notably weak in Income (5.3/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
27.1-24.9
Cost
81.9+33.900000000000006
Safety
69.8+14.799999999999997
Health
10.8-39.2
Schools
57.3
Income
5.3-45.7
Risk
79.4+32.400000000000006
Water
86+28
Weather
29.4-26.6
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Bacon County?

Many homeowners in Bacon County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$101,400

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$743/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$101,400/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$29,720/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.3x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $44,694/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

44.9

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Deep Dives

Bacon County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Bacon County

via TaxByCounty

Bacon County taxes run slightly above U.S. median

Bacon County's 1.022% effective rate is above the national median of 0.88%, placing it in the higher-taxed quarter of American counties. However, the median tax bill of $1,064 remains far below the national median of $2,690, thanks to lower property values.

Highest rate in this county group

Bacon County's effective rate of 1.022% stands notably above Georgia's state average of 0.898%. Its median tax of $1,064 approaches the state median of $1,529, signaling higher tax pressure than most Georgia counties examined here.

Most tax-heavy in Southeast Georgia region

Bacon County's 1.022% rate exceeds all neighboring counties in this analysis, including Appling (0.846%) and Atkinson (0.883%). Combined with a median home value of $104,100—higher than immediate neighbors—Bacon County residents face elevated property tax burdens.

Higher rates mean higher bills here

A median $104,100 home in Bacon County generates roughly $1,064 in annual property taxes—the highest median bill among Southeast Georgia counties analyzed. With mortgage and insurance, owners pay approximately $1,092 yearly.

Assessment review is especially valuable here

Given Bacon County's higher tax rates, a successful assessment appeal could save you significant money annually. Request a reassessment if comparable properties in your neighborhood sell for less than your home's current assessed value.

Income & Jobs in Bacon County

via IncomeByCounty

Bacon trails nation by 33%

Bacon County's median household income of $50,310 falls $24,445 short of the U.S. median of $74,755. Though below the national average, Bacon outearns its rural Georgia peers, suggesting more stable local employment.

Middle-tier earner within Georgia

At $50,310, Bacon County's median household income exceeds Georgia's county average of $60,488 by a modest $10,178, placing it in the state's middle range. The county performs better than 40% of Georgia counties on household earnings.

Strongest earner in its cluster

Bacon County's $50,310 median household income leads its rural Southeast Georgia neighbors, outpacing both Appling ($43,728) and Atkinson ($38,438) counties by $6,582 and $11,872 respectively. This relative strength suggests more diversified local economic opportunities.

Housing costs well within reach

Bacon County's 18.8% rent-to-income ratio demonstrates healthy affordability, with renters spending far less than the 30% benchmark. A median home value of $104,100 makes single-family homeownership realistic for households earning near the county median.

Leverage stability for long-term growth

Bacon County's relative stability compared to neighboring counties creates opportunity for wealth-building—households can confidently open retirement accounts and explore homeownership as inflation hedges. Combine these strategies with regular contributions to compound returns over 20+ years.

Safety in Bacon County

via CrimeByCounty

Bacon County Provides High-Level Security

Bacon County earns an impressive safety score of 98.9, placing it well above national norms. Its total crime rate of 709.3 per 100K is less than a third of the U.S. average of 2,385.5.

A Top Performer in the Peach State

The county's safety score of 98.9 exceeds the Georgia average of 97.8. Its total crime rate is also much lower than the state average, coming in at 709.3 versus the state's 1,412.9.

How Bacon Compares to Nearby Areas

Bacon County is safer than neighboring Appling County, which has a crime rate more than double Bacon's at 1,648.5. It closely mirrors the quiet safety found in Atkinson County.

Analyzing the 2022 Crime Data

The violent crime rate is very low at 98.8 per 100K, far below the national average of 369.8. Property crimes make up the bulk of reports at 610.5, but still represent a very low frequency of incidents.

Simple Steps for Continued Safety

The high safety score reflects a vigilant community, so keeping doors locked and using smart doorbells can further reduce risk. These simple habits help maintain the county's reputation as a secure place to live.

Weather & Climate in Bacon County

via WeatherByCounty

Deep South Warmth Well Above National Medians

Bacon County’s 67.4°F average temperature makes it significantly warmer than the national median. The climate is defined by high humidity and very little variation in winter cold.

One of Georgia’s Hottest Counties

At 67.4°F, Bacon is nearly 4 degrees warmer than the 63.7°F Georgia average. It stands as one of the hottest locations in the entire state.

Hotter and Drier Than Surrounding Areas

The county averages 67.4°F, making it warmer than neighboring Appling County at 66.3°F. Bacon’s 44.8 inches of annual rain falls well below the state average of 51.4 inches.

Extreme Heat Dominates the Calendar

Residents face a staggering 92 days of extreme heat over 90°F each year. Summer averages 81.4°F, while winter remains comfortable with a 52.9°F average and only 0.1 inches of snowfall.

Budgeting for Year-Round Cooling

Cooling costs are a major factor here, as triple-digit heat days are common. Lightweight, breathable clothing is a year-round necessity given that freezing temperatures are rare.

Soil Quality in Bacon County

via SoilByCounty

Bacon County's Soil Profile

Primary data for pH and soil taxonomy is currently unavailable for Bacon County. Most local soils require amendments to reach the national median pH of 6.5 for optimal plant nutrient uptake.

Mix and Workability Factors

The specific balance of sand, silt, and clay is not recorded in the available data. Understanding your unique soil composition helps determine how easily you can till and prepare your garden beds.

Building Fertile Ground

We lack specific readings for Bacon's organic matter and available water capacity. Using the state average of 1.83% organic matter as a baseline can help you gauge your soil's health.

Water Management on the Land

There is no current data on the dominant drainage class or hydrologic group for this county. Monitoring your land during the wet season is essential for preventing structural or agricultural drainage issues.

Opportunities in Zone 9a

Bacon County resides in Hardiness Zone 9a, ideal for plants that crave heat and long summers. Your local climate provides plenty of warmth to support a thriving, diverse home garden.

Lawn Care in Bacon County

via LawnByCounty

Managing lawns in the Bacon County heat

Bacon County has a lawn difficulty score of 34.1, placing it just below the Georgia state average of 35.8. Residents face significant challenges compared to the national average score of 50.0. Living in Hardiness Zone 9a requires a focused strategy to keep grass green through the intense southern summers.

Extreme heat defines the growing season

With 92 extreme heat days annually, Bacon County is significantly hotter than the state average of 65 days. The 6,629 growing degree days indicate a very high metabolic rate for plants, necessitating frequent mowing and heavy nutrient management. Annual precipitation of 44.8 inches provides a solid base, but the heat quickly evaporates surface moisture.

Evaluating your lawn's soil needs

Comprehensive soil texture and pH data are not currently available for this specific county. Local experts recommend testing to ensure your soil hits the 6.0-7.0 pH sweet spot for lawn health. Amending the soil with organic matter can help it retain the 44.8 inches of annual rain more effectively.

Staying green through severe drought

Bacon County has experienced 26 weeks of drought over the past year and currently faces 100% severe drought coverage. During these periods, allow your grass to grow slightly taller to shade the soil and reduce water loss. Prioritize watering the most stressed areas of the lawn to conserve resources while maintaining curb appeal.

Planting for a Bacon County summer

Hardy, heat-loving grasses like Bahia or Bermuda are best suited for the 92 days of extreme heat this county endures. Plan your planting after the last spring frost on March 11 to maximize the long growing season before the first fall frost on November 20. These dates provide a wide window for establishing a strong, heat-resistant lawn.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Bacon County's county score?
Bacon County, Georgia has a composite county score of 51.5 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 Bacon County rank among counties in Georgia?
Bacon County ranks #49 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 Bacon County, Georgia?
The median annual property tax in Bacon County is $1,144, with an effective tax rate of 1.13%. This earns Bacon County a tax score of 27.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Bacon County?
The median household income in Bacon County, Georgia is $44,694 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Bacon County earns an income score of 5.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Bacon County, Georgia a good place to live?
Bacon County scores 51.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #49 in Georgia. The best way to evaluate Bacon 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 Bacon County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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