countyscore
33.5
County Score
Property Tax 58.5Cost of Living 50.1Disaster Risk 50

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.

Score breakdown

Tax58.5Cost50.1Safety4.9Health22.7Schools33.6Income26.1Risk50Water20.2Weather44.9
🏛58.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠50.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼26.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡4.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤22.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓33.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡50
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧20.2
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤44.9
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱33.9
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

Putnam County
Georgia
43.8
Hancock County
Georgia
51.8
Wilkinson County
Georgia
55.2
Jones County
Georgia
48.9
Washington County
Georgia
45
Bibb County
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Twiggs County
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Jasper County
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Deep Dives

Baldwin County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Cost of Living in Baldwin County

via CostByCounty

Baldwin straddles middle-class affordability

Baldwin County's 18.7% rent-to-income ratio sits just above the national average, supported by a median household income of $55,413 that exceeds most rural peers. At $865 in median rent and $164,700 median home value, Baldwin represents a step up into more developed Georgia markets.

Balanced Georgia housing market

Baldwin County's 18.7% rent-to-income ratio matches Georgia's state average almost exactly, positioning it squarely within the state's mainstream housing landscape. The county's $55,413 median income sits above the rural cluster but trails suburban Georgia counties significantly.

Gateway to higher-cost Georgia

Baldwin County's $865 median rent and $164,700 home value mark a clear jump from the rural Southeast Georgia cluster to the south. Compared to nearby Baker ($643 rent, $120,100 homes), Baldwin offers a transitional market with meaningfully higher incomes to match.

Housing takes a healthy chunk

Baldwin County residents earning $55,413 median income allocate $865 monthly to rent—18.7% of gross household earnings. Homeowners with $818 monthly mortgage costs on $164,700 median homes pay proportionally more, reflecting Baldwin's position as a more developed Georgia market.

Baldwin bridges rural and suburban Georgia

If you're upgrading from rural Georgia, Baldwin County offers moderate housing costs aligned with state averages and notably higher incomes than Southeast Georgia counties. Its $164,700 median home value represents significant appreciation potential compared to neighboring rural markets.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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

Health in Baldwin County

via HealthByCounty

Life expectancy near national average

Baldwin County residents live an average of 72.7 years, just over 4 years below the U.S. average of 76.9 years. One in five (21.9%) report poor or fair health, below the national average of 17.8% but still elevated. The county demonstrates moderate health outcomes with room for improvement in chronic disease management.

Slightly below Georgia average

At 72.7 years, Baldwin County's life expectancy trails Georgia's state average of 73.3 years by just 0.6 years, placing it in the middle tier statewide. The 21.9% poor/fair health rate is below the national average and better than most counties in this group, signaling relatively stronger health status. The county's 15.3% uninsured rate closely mirrors the state's 15% average.

Among region's healthier communities

Baldwin's 72.7-year life expectancy outpaces Bacon (69.5), Atkinson (69.1), and Appling (71.5), placing it among the healthier counties regionally. Its 21.9% poor/fair health rate is among the lowest in this group, indicating better population health. Strong mental health provider access (214 per 100K) supports behavioral health—a major contributor to overall wellness.

Strong provider access, near-average coverage

Baldwin offers 43 primary care providers per 100K and exceptionally strong mental health capacity at 214 per 100K—nearly double most peers. The 15.3% uninsured rate is nearly identical to Georgia's state average, meaning coverage is available but not universal. This combination of robust provider supply and reasonable insurance access creates a solid foundation for health.

Secure coverage to unlock full access

Baldwin's uninsured residents should enroll in marketplace plans or Medicaid using healthcare.gov or local health department resources—the county's strong provider network means coverage immediately opens care access. For insured residents, annual wellness visits with your primary care provider maximize the mental health and preventive services available locally. Coverage plus prevention creates lasting health gains.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Baldwin County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Comprehensive Town-Based School System

Baldwin County features seven public schools that serve a total enrollment of 4,702 students. The landscape includes four elementary schools, one middle school, one high school, and a specialized education facility. This diverse infrastructure supports a broad range of student needs across different age groups and learning styles.

Working Toward State Performance Levels

The county reports an 85.0% graduation rate, which is slightly behind the state average of 88.1% and the national rate of 87.0%. Per-pupil expenditure is $7,169, which is below the state average of $7,405, and the school score of 51.3 reflects this lean investment. Educators continue to focus on closing the gap between local scores and state medians.

Focus on the Baldwin County District

The Baldwin County School District is the primary educator, overseeing six of the seven schools and 4,693 students. No charter schools are currently operating in the county, making the district the central hub for local academic life. Baldwin High School is the district's largest asset, serving 1,311 students.

A Prominent Town Setting

Five of the county’s schools are located in town settings, providing an accessible, community-centric feel for most families. The largest schools, Baldwin High and Oak Hill Middle, create a bustling campus environment for over 1,000 students each. This contrasts with more rural pockets of the county, providing a varied experience for the 672-student average campus.

Settle Near Top Town-Based Schools

Families moving to Baldwin County often prioritize homes within the town limits for easy access to the primary and secondary schools. With a wide range of schools from Lakeview Primary to Baldwin High, there are options for every stage of a child's education. Proximity to these centralized campuses is a significant benefit for residents in Milledgeville and surrounding areas.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Baldwin County

via RiskByCounty

Baldwin faces above-average national risk

Baldwin County scores 50.03 on the composite risk scale, rating relatively low but sitting above Georgia's state average of 39.49. The county experiences elevated exposure across multiple hazard types, reflecting a more complex risk landscape than most U.S. counties.

Baldwin ranks in Georgia's higher-risk tier

Baldwin's 50.03 score places it well above the Georgia state average and in the upper half of risk among the state's 159 counties. Only a minority of Georgia communities face comparable cumulative natural disaster exposure.

More vulnerable than most adjacent counties

Baldwin's 50.03 score significantly exceeds typical neighbors, rivaling Appling (50.22) as one of the region's highest-risk areas. The county's multi-hazard exposure sets it apart from and above surrounding communities in overall vulnerability.

Wildfire, flood, and earthquake form triple threat

Baldwin faces elevated risk across three major categories: wildfire (66.92), flood (63.20), and earthquake (73.09), each among the county's highest scores. Tornado risk at 51.94 and hurricane exposure at 68.34 complete a diverse hazard portfolio requiring comprehensive preparedness.

Multi-hazard coverage essential for Baldwin residents

Baldwin residents must secure both standard homeowners insurance with wind coverage and separate flood insurance, given flood (63.20) and wildfire (66.92) risks. Review your earthquake coverage options as well; at 73.09, Baldwin faces substantial seismic exposure compared to most Georgia counties.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

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 33.5 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 Baldwin County rank among counties in Georgia?
Baldwin County ranks #146 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 $1,222, with an effective tax rate of 0.74%. This earns Baldwin County a tax score of 58.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Baldwin County?
The median household income in Baldwin County, Georgia is $55,413 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Baldwin County earns an income score of 26.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Baldwin County, Georgia a good place to live?
Baldwin County scores 33.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #146 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.

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.