countyscore
32.8
County Score
Property Tax 60.2Disaster Risk 50Cost of Living 47.1

County Report Card

About Baldwin County, Georgia

Falling Behind National Averages

Baldwin County’s composite score of 33.5 trails significantly behind the national median of 50.0. This suggests the county faces systemic challenges that impact overall resident satisfaction.

Below the Georgia State Average

The county's 33.5 score sits well below the state average of 46.7. While it offers some advantages, it ranks lower than many surrounding Georgia counties across most measured dimensions.

Low Taxes and Moderate Incomes

The county provides some relief through a Tax Score of 58.5, thanks to a low effective tax rate of 0.742%. Household incomes are also relatively competitive for the region at $55,413.

High Safety and Infrastructure Concerns

Public safety is a critical concern, with a score of only 4.9. The county also struggles with environmental factors, as shown by a low Water Score of 20.2 and a mediocre School Score of 33.6.

The Verdict: For the Tax-Conscious Professional

Baldwin County is best suited for individuals who can benefit from its low tax burden and decent income levels. However, residents must be comfortable with local infrastructure and safety trade-offs.

2040608010060.247.14.922.733.620.25020.244.9Tax60.2Cost47.1Safety4.9Health22.7Schools33.6Income20.2Risk50Water20.2Weather44.932.8/100
This county
National avg
6 below average

Baldwin County DNA

Foverall

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

Baldwin County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Safety (4.9/100), though Property Tax (60.2/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
60.2+8.200000000000003
Cost
47.1
Safety
4.9-50.1
Health
22.7-27.3
Schools
33.6-20.4
Income
20.2-30.8
Risk
50
Water
20.2-37.8
Weather
44.9-11.100000000000001
Sponsored

Compare mortgage rates in Baldwin County

Whether buying or refinancing in Baldwin County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

See Today's Rates

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$181,900

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$923/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$181,900/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$36,920/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.3x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $54,403/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

32.1

per 100K

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

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
Compare Baldwin County with Maricopa County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Maricopa County
Arizona
Median income: $89,300
32.8
Parker County
Texas
Median income: $104,443
32.8
Grant County
Washington
Median income: $73,267
32.8
Fresno County
California
Median income: $74,201
32.7
Rogers County
Oklahoma
Median income: $80,067
32.7
Colleton County
South Carolina
Median income: $51,114
32.7
Andrews County
Texas
Median income: $72,242
32.7
San Joaquin County
California
Median income: $92,179
32.9

Nearby counties

Putnam County
Georgia
45.6
Hancock County
Georgia
46
Wilkinson County
Georgia
53.4
Jones County
Georgia
48.1
Washington County
Georgia
46.4
Bibb County
Georgia
22
Twiggs County
Georgia
54.1
Jasper County
Georgia
47.8

Deep Dives

Baldwin County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Baldwin County

via TaxByCounty

Baldwin's low rate ranks in top tier nationally

Baldwin County's 0.742% effective rate ranks among America's lowest-taxed counties, placing it in the top 10% nationally. A median home valued at $164,700 generates only $1,222 in annual taxes—still well below the national median of $2,690.

Georgia's most favorable rate in this group

Baldwin County's 0.742% effective rate significantly undercuts Georgia's state average of 0.898%, making it one of the state's most tax-friendly counties. Its median tax of $1,222 sits $307 below the state median, despite higher-valued homes than rural peers.

Clear tax advantage over region

Baldwin County (0.742%) offers substantially lower rates than all analyzed neighbors, including Appling (0.846%), Atkinson (0.883%), and Bacon (1.022%). For Mid-Georgia residents, Baldwin provides exceptional tax efficiency.

Lowest taxes on typical home

On a median $164,700 home, Baldwin County residents pay approximately $1,222 annually—the lowest median bill in this county group relative to property value. With mortgage and insurance, annual costs rise to about $1,381 for typical homeowners.

Even low-tax counties have appeal opportunities

Baldwin County's favorable rates don't eliminate assessment errors; overvalued properties still occur here. If your assessed value seems inflated compared to recent neighborhood sales, a free appeal could lower an already reasonable tax bill further.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Baldwin County

via IncomeByCounty

Baldwin earns 26% below nation

Baldwin County's median household income of $55,413 falls $19,342 short of the U.S. median of $74,755, positioning it below the national average but substantially ahead of its rural Georgia neighbors. The county's relative strength reflects the presence of Milledgeville and its institutional economy.

Upper-middle earner statewide

Baldwin County's $55,413 median household income nearly matches Georgia's county average of $60,488, placing it in the state's upper-middle tier. The county ranks in the top half of Georgia's 159 counties for household earning power.

Strong performance vs rural cluster

Baldwin County's $55,413 median household income outpaces Bacon County ($50,310) by $5,103 and exceeds Appling County ($43,728) by $11,685. This strength positions Baldwin as an economic anchor in Central Georgia's rural corridor.

Solid housing affordability profile

Baldwin's 18.7% rent-to-income ratio indicates healthy housing affordability, well below the 30% stress threshold. At $164,700, the median home value is substantially higher than neighboring counties, reflecting institutional demand and community stability.

Build equity through homeownership

Baldwin County households earning near the median should aggressively pursue homeownership to build equity and benefit from appreciation trends. Combine this foundation with retirement account maximization and diversified investments to accelerate wealth accumulation.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Baldwin County

via CrimeByCounty

Public Safety Trends in Baldwin County

Baldwin County carries a safety score of 94.4, which reflects a total crime rate of 3,536.0 per 100K residents. This rate is notably higher than the national average of 2,385.5.

Below the Georgia Safety Average

The county's safety score of 94.4 sits below the Georgia state average of 97.8. Its total crime rate of 3,536.0 is more than double the state average of 1,412.9, suggesting higher-than-average local activity.

Regional Comparisons in Middle Georgia

Baldwin County faces higher crime challenges than neighboring rural counties. Its rate of 3,536.0 indicates a more active landscape for law enforcement than many of its smaller neighbors.

Violent vs. Property Crime Realities

Property crime is the primary driver of local stats at 2,967.2 per 100K residents. The violent crime rate of 568.8 also exceeds the national average of 369.8, necessitating increased community awareness.

Practical Steps for Home Security

With property crime rates above average, installing high-quality cameras and reinforcing entry points is highly recommended. Active participation in neighborhood watch programs can help lower these numbers over time.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Baldwin County

via WeatherByCounty

A Balanced Southern Transition Zone

Baldwin County’s 63.9°F annual temperature sits comfortably above the national median. The climate offers a balanced mix of warm summers and cool, but not harsh, winters.

Tracking Closely With State Averages

Baldwin tracks very closely to the state average of 63.7°F, with only a 0.2-degree difference. It represents a typical climate profile for Central Georgia.

Typical Central Georgia Weather Patterns

The county receives 48.2 inches of rain annually, which is slightly less than the Georgia average of 51.4 inches. It shares similar heat patterns with Baker County, both seeing 78 days over 90°F.

Hot Summers and Chillier Winter Nights

Summers are hot with a July average of 81.8°F, but winters offer a real chill with a January average of 45.5°F. The area sees 0.6 inches of annual snowfall, marking a distinct change from southern counties.

Preparing for Both Heat and Ice

Dual-functioning HVAC systems are vital here to handle the 78 extreme heat days and the sub-50 degree winter average. Residents should also prepare for occasional light winter weather events.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Baldwin County

via SoilByCounty

Characterizing Baldwin's Soil

Soil taxonomy and pH data are currently unavailable in the Baldwin County soil records. Most growers in this region must manage for acidity, as state levels typically fall below the 6.5 national median.

Texture and Composition

We lack specific data on the percentages of sand, silt, and clay for this county. Identifying your soil texture is a crucial first step for improving your land's drainage and overall workability.

Organic Matter and Capacity

Current data does not include organic matter or water capacity for Baldwin. Gardeners can use the 1.83% state organic matter average as a target when adding compost to their soil.

Local Water Movement

Information on the dominant drainage class and hydrologic group is not currently available. Proper land management requires observing how your soil handles heavy rainfall to prevent erosion.

Plants for Zone 8b

Baldwin County sits in Hardiness Zone 8b, supporting a diverse range of fruits, vegetables, and ornamentals. With the right care, your local climate can sustain a highly productive garden year-round.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Baldwin County

via LawnByCounty

Understanding Baldwin County lawn care

Baldwin County has a lawn difficulty score of 33.9, which aligns closely with the Georgia state average of 35.8. While more challenging than the national median of 50.0, it offers a more manageable environment than many southern neighbors. This Zone 8b region requires balanced attention to heat and moisture to stay healthy.

A long season of warmth and rain

Baldwin County sees 78 extreme heat days and receives 48.2 inches of annual precipitation, falling perfectly within the ideal range for turf. The 5,652 growing degree days suggest a slightly shorter active growth period than the far south of the state. This means you will spend less time mowing than in coastal counties, though summer heat still demands care.

Preparing the ground for growth

There is currently no specific soil data for Baldwin County regarding pH or texture, so local testing is highly recommended. Aiming for a pH between 6.0 and 7.0 will ensure your grass can access the nutrients it needs to thrive. Proper soil preparation now will prevent the need for expensive corrective measures during the peak of summer.

Drought conditions in Central Georgia

The county has spent 22 weeks in drought over the last year, and 100% of the area is currently classified as abnormally dry. Fortunately, none of the county is currently in severe drought, providing a window to strengthen your lawn. Focus on core aeration to help water reach the root zone more effectively during the upcoming hotter months.

Planting your Baldwin County lawn

Bermuda grass is a top performer in Zone 8b because it recovers quickly from traffic and heat stress. Aim to start your lawn after the last spring frost on March 25, once the risk of a late freeze has passed. You should have your turf well-established before the first fall frost arrives around November 9.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Baldwin County's county score?
Baldwin County, Georgia has a composite county score of 32.8 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 Baldwin County rank among counties in Georgia?
Baldwin County ranks #148 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 Baldwin County, Georgia?
The median annual property tax in Baldwin County is $1,276, with an effective tax rate of 0.70%. This earns Baldwin County a tax score of 60.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Baldwin County?
The median household income in Baldwin County, Georgia is $54,403 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Baldwin County earns an income score of 20.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Baldwin County, Georgia a good place to live?
Baldwin County scores 32.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #148 in Georgia. The best way to evaluate Baldwin 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 Baldwin County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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