countyscore
51.8
County Score
Water Quality 86Disaster Risk 79.4Cost of Living 73.8

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.

Score breakdown

Tax36.6Cost73.8Safety69.8Health10.8Schools57.3Income15.1Risk79.4Water86Weather29.4
🏛36.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠73.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼15.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡69.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤10.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓57.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡79.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤29.4
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱34.1
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

Appling County
Georgia
50.3
Pierce County
Georgia
35.2
Jeff Davis County
Georgia
46.6
Coffee County
Georgia
47.4
Atkinson County
Georgia
56
Ware County
Georgia
54
Wayne County
Georgia
44.7
Brantley County
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48.6

Deep Dives

Bacon County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Bacon County

via CostByCounty

Bacon balances income and affordability

Bacon County's 18.8% rent-to-income ratio sits just below the national average, supported by a median household income of $50,310 that's higher than Appling and Atkinson neighbors. At $789 in median rent, Bacon represents a middle ground between Southeast Georgia's cheaper and pricier rental markets.

Slightly better than Georgia average

Bacon County's 18.8% rent-to-income ratio edges below Georgia's state average of 18.6%, ranking among the state's better-performing rural counties. The county's median rent of $789 sits closer to the state average of $927, suggesting a more balanced local market.

Middle ground between Atkinson and Baker

Bacon County's $789 median rent falls between cheaper Atkinson ($620) and pricier Baker ($643 nearby), while its $50,310 median income exceeds both neighbors. This positioning makes Bacon a moderate option within the region's rural housing landscape.

Rent takes nearly a fifth of paychecks

Bacon County residents earning $50,310 median income spend $789 monthly on rent—exactly 18.8% of gross household income. Homeowners with $608 monthly mortgage costs on $104,100 median-valued homes keep housing expenses in check relative to regional peers.

Bacon offers balanced rural Georgia living

If you're seeking rural Georgia with better wage-to-housing balance, Bacon County's affordability metrics rank above Atkinson and Appling while remaining below state averages. Check surrounding counties' home values and rents—Bacon's $104,100 median home value offers middle-tier pricing in this region.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

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.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Bacon County

via HealthByCounty

Life expectancy trails national norms

Bacon County residents average 69.5 years of life, about 7.4 years below the U.S. average of 76.9 years. Nearly one in four (23.9%) report poor or fair health, exceeding the national rate of 17.8%. These gaps indicate significant health challenges rooted in chronic disease, healthcare access, or socioeconomic factors.

Well below Georgia's average

At 69.5 years, Bacon County's life expectancy falls nearly 3.8 years short of Georgia's state average of 73.3 years, placing it in the lower tier statewide. The county's 23.9% poor/fair health rate is notably elevated compared to the state, reflecting concentrated health challenges. Improving outcomes requires sustained focus on prevention and access.

Slightly better than Atkinson county

Bacon's 69.5-year life expectancy marginally edges Atkinson's 69.1 years but trails Appling's 71.5 years. The county's 23.9% poor/fair health rate falls between Atkinson's elevated 28.3% and Appling's 22.2%. Primary care access (45 per 100K) is adequate, but mental health providers are extremely sparse (9 per 100K), the lowest in this group.

Moderate uninsured, weak mental health access

Bacon's uninsured rate of 17.2% exceeds Georgia's 15% average, affecting one in six residents. While primary care availability is reasonable, mental health provider capacity at just 9 per 100K is critically low—residents needing behavioral health support face long waits or travel burdens. This gap likely contributes to poor overall health ratings.

Get insured and connected to care

Bacon County residents without coverage should enroll in a plan through healthcare.gov, Georgia Medicaid, or community health centers offering sliding-scale fees. Having insurance opens access to preventive care, mental health services, and chronic disease management that reduce emergency visits and improve outcomes. Take action this month—coverage is affordable and available.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Bacon County

via SchoolsByCounty

Focused Schools for a Growing Community

Bacon County maintains a focused educational footprint with four public schools serving 2,128 students. The system is split evenly with two elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school. This distribution provides a clear pathway for students as they progress from primary grades through graduation.

Strong Results on a Lean Budget

Bacon County achieves a high 92.0% graduation rate despite a per-pupil expenditure of $7,340, which is slightly below the state average. The county’s school score of 55.3 remains higher than the state average of 53.4, demonstrating high efficiency in academic delivery. Students here consistently outperform national graduation benchmarks by five percentage points.

The Bacon County School District

One district manages the entire student population of 2,128, ensuring a unified curriculum and administrative approach. The county does not host any charter schools, focusing all community engagement on its four core public institutions. Average school sizes are kept manageable at roughly 532 students per campus.

A Balanced Mix of Town and Country

The school landscape is split between two town-based and two rural locales, offering a variety of social settings for students. Bacon County High School is the largest institution with 641 students, while the elementary schools are sized similarly to ensure consistent peer groups. Attending school here feels like a traditional Georgia experience, blending local town life with rural surroundings.

Find Your Place in Bacon County Schools

With a graduation rate that beats the state average, Bacon County is a smart choice for families evaluating local school quality. Homes in Alma and the surrounding rural areas offer direct access to these efficient, high-performing schools. Proximity to the centralized high school campus is a popular factor for many local homebuyers.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Bacon County

via RiskByCounty

Bacon sits in the low-risk national range

Bacon County's composite score of 20.58 places it firmly in the very low risk category, nearly half Georgia's state average of 39.49. The county faces significantly less natural disaster exposure than most American communities.

Bacon ranks among Georgia's safer counties

At 20.58, Bacon County places well below the state average and in the lower third of Georgia's 159 counties by risk. This favorable standing reflects relatively robust natural disaster resilience compared to most of the state.

Lower risk than Appling, comparable to Baker

Bacon's 20.58 score is substantially safer than nearby Appling (50.22) while comparing favorably to Baker County (9.76). Within its region, Bacon represents a middle ground—safer than northern neighbors but with slightly elevated risk from specific hazards.

Wildfire and hurricane are dual concerns

Wildfire risk dominates Bacon's profile at 56.58, followed by hurricane exposure at 84.36—both substantially above the county's otherwise low baseline. Tornado risk remains moderate at 37.53, requiring some seasonal preparedness but remaining below state averages.

Hurricane coverage essential despite low overall risk

Even with Bacon's favorable overall risk profile, the 84.36 hurricane score demands strong wind and hurricane coverage in your homeowners policy. Bundle flood insurance separately; wildfire risk at 56.58 means considering whether defensible space around your home is adequate.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

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.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

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.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

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.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Bacon County's county score?
Bacon County, Georgia has a composite county score of 51.8 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 #48 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 $1,064, with an effective tax rate of 1.02%. This earns Bacon County a tax score of 36.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Bacon County?
The median household income in Bacon County, Georgia is $50,310 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Bacon County earns an income score of 15.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Bacon County, Georgia a good place to live?
Bacon County scores 51.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #48 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.

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.