Banks County scores 75.4 out of 100, ranking substantially above the national median of 50.0. The county demonstrates strong livability fundamentals across the United States.
2 / 5
Among Georgia's best
At 75.4, Banks County ranks among the highest in Georgia, exceeding the state average composite score of 70.9. The county stands out as a top performer statewide.
3 / 5
Highest income and lowest taxes
Banks County leads this group with a median household income of $68,830 and an income score of 28.3, while boasting the lowest effective tax rate at 0.630%. The tax score of 84.5 reflects exceptional tax efficiency for higher-earning households.
4 / 5
Premium housing prices
The median home value of $251,700 is the second-highest in the group, and the cost score of 80.3 reflects this premium. Data on schools, health, safety, and environmental factors remain unavailable.
5 / 5
Best for affluent tax avoiders
Banks County suits affluent families and professionals seeking high incomes with minimal tax burden, and who can afford higher property values. The powerful combination of strong earnings, exceptional tax rates, and quality neighborhoods appeals to those prioritizing wealth optimization.
Banks County scores 75.4 out of 100, ranking substantially above the national median of 50.0. The county demonstrates strong livability fundamentals across the United States.
Among Georgia's best
At 75.4, Banks County ranks among the highest in Georgia, exceeding the state average composite score of 70.9. The county stands out as a top performer statewide.
Highest income and lowest taxes
Banks County leads this group with a median household income of $68,830 and an income score of 28.3, while boasting the lowest effective tax rate at 0.630%. The tax score of 84.5 reflects exceptional tax efficiency for higher-earning households.
Premium housing prices
The median home value of $251,700 is the second-highest in the group, and the cost score of 80.3 reflects this premium. Data on schools, health, safety, and environmental factors remain unavailable.
Best for affluent tax avoiders
Banks County suits affluent families and professionals seeking high incomes with minimal tax burden, and who can afford higher property values. The powerful combination of strong earnings, exceptional tax rates, and quality neighborhoods appeals to those prioritizing wealth optimization.
Score breakdown
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🏛84.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Banks County's 0.630% effective rate ranks among the lowest in America, placing it in the nation's top 5% for tax efficiency. With a median home value of $251,700, homeowners pay just $1,586 annually—less than 59% of the national median tax of $2,690.
Dramatically below Georgia average
Banks County's 0.630% rate is the lowest among all Georgia counties analyzed, standing 30% below the state average of 0.898%. Despite higher-valued homes than statewide norms, its median tax of $1,586 runs only $57 above the state median of $1,529.
The region's clear tax leader
Banks County (0.630%) outpaces all comparable counties, offering rates far below Barrow (0.832%), Bartow (0.725%), and every other analyzed peer. This makes Banks County exceptionally attractive for North Georgia property buyers prioritizing low taxes.
Premium homes, bargain tax bills
A median $251,700 home in Banks County generates roughly $1,586 in annual property taxes—the highest dollar amount here, reflecting higher home values. With mortgage and insurance, owners pay approximately $1,777 yearly, a remarkable value given median home prices.
Verify your assessment's accuracy
Banks County's low rates shouldn't discourage periodic assessment reviews; even efficient tax systems occasionally overvalue properties. Request an assessment comparison with recent sales if you suspect your home is valued above market rate.
Banks County's 13.7% rent-to-income ratio is exceptional—the lowest across all eight counties and far below the national average—thanks to a robust median household income of $68,830. At $788 in median rent on incomes nearly matching the national median, Banks residents enjoy unmatched housing affordability in this dataset.
Georgia's housing affordability champion
Banks County's 13.7% rent-to-income ratio demolishes Georgia's state average of 18.6%, standing out as one of the state's most economically balanced counties. The county's $68,830 median income ranks second-highest in this group, enabling comfortable housing costs.
Twice as affordable as rural peers
Banks County's 13.7% rent-to-income ratio crushes nearby rural counties like Appling (19.5%) and Atkinson (19.4%), while its $68,830 income significantly outpaces them. The $251,700 median home value reflects a fundamentally different, more affluent market than Southeast Georgia's rural tier.
Housing costs are genuinely manageable
Banks County residents earning $68,830 median income spend $788 monthly on rent—just 13.7% of gross household earnings, leaving substantial room for other expenses. Homeowners with $921 monthly mortgage costs on $251,700 median homes still maintain healthy affordability relative to their higher incomes.
Banks offers Atlanta-area value proposition
Banks County delivers genuine housing affordability at 13.7% rent-to-income—the best in this dataset—while maintaining $251,700 median home values suggesting strong equity appreciation. Consider Banks as a gateway to North Georgia living with incomes and costs that actually align favorably.
Banks County's median household income of $68,830 closely approaches the U.S. median of $74,755, falling just $5,925 short. This near-parity with national earnings reflects strong employment options and growing residential appeal in Northeast Georgia.
Top earner in Georgia counties
Banks County's $68,830 median household income ranks among Georgia's highest, exceeding the state county average of $60,488 by $8,342. The county ranks in the top 15% of Georgia's 159 counties for household earning power.
Outearns all comparable counties
Banks County's $68,830 median household income significantly outpaces every rural peer examined, exceeding Baldwin County ($55,413) by $13,417. This leadership reflects the county's growing population and proximity to North Georgia economic centers.
Exceptional housing affordability
Banks County's 13.7% rent-to-income ratio is the lowest among all examined counties, indicating exceptional housing affordability despite higher home values. With a median home value of $251,700, properties offer strong equity-building potential for households with above-average incomes.
Maximize earnings and investing
Banks County residents should leverage their above-median incomes to aggressively contribute to retirement accounts and invest in diversified portfolios. The combination of stable, higher earnings and low housing-cost ratios creates an ideal environment for wealth accumulation and long-term financial security.
Banks County residents average 73.9 years—nearly 3 years above the U.S. average of 76.9 years, making it the healthiest county in this group. Just 22.7% report poor or fair health, below the national average of 17.8%. This strong showing reflects lower chronic disease burden or better management of existing conditions.
Above Georgia's state average
At 73.9 years, Banks County's life expectancy exceeds Georgia's state average of 73.3 years by 0.6 years, placing it in the upper tier statewide. The 22.7% poor/fair health rate is near state baseline, indicating population health aligned with or slightly better than Georgia overall. The 17.6% uninsured rate slightly exceeds the state's 15%, a modest gap.
Leads eight-county comparison
Banks's 73.9-year life expectancy matches Bartow's but trails Barrow's 74.9 years and outpaces all other counties in this analysis. The 22.7% poor/fair health rate is below the statewide average, indicating strong population health relative to peers. Primary care provider data is limited (16 per 100K), suggesting potential capacity constraints.
Strong outcomes, limited primary care depth
Banks achieves strong health outcomes despite relatively sparse primary care capacity at just 16 per 100K—the lowest among counties with data. The 17.6% uninsured rate slightly exceeds the state average, affecting roughly one in six residents. Mental health provider data is unavailable, making it unclear whether residents can access behavioral health locally.
Protect your health with coverage
Banks residents without insurance should enroll in a plan through healthcare.gov or Medicaid to ensure access to preventive care and management of chronic conditions. The county's strong health outcomes suggest community wellness awareness—extend that by ensuring all residents have insurance protection. Coverage gaps can quickly reverse health gains, so act today.
Banks County's composite score of 12.40 places it firmly in the very low risk category, less than one-third of Georgia's state average of 39.49. The county enjoys substantially below-average exposure to natural disasters compared to the U.S. baseline.
Banks ranks among Georgia's safest counties
At 12.40, Banks County places in the lower third of risk across Georgia's 159 counties, well below the state average. This favorable positioning reflects strong relative resilience to natural disasters throughout the state.
Safer than most surrounding communities
Banks' 12.40 score compares favorably to nearby Barrow (45.61) and Bartow (65.27), placing it substantially safer than northern neighbors. The county's risk profile stands as one of the region's most favorable overall.
Hurricane and earthquake risks are minor concerns
Banks faces its highest exposure to hurricane risk at 60.78, still below state averages and reflecting coastal weather vulnerability. Earthquake (44.72) and tornado (37.34) risks remain moderate; flood and wildfire pose minimal threats at 19.72 and 24.40 respectively.
Standard insurance typically covers Banks residents
Banks County's low overall risk means standard homeowners insurance with wind coverage usually provides adequate protection, though confirm your policy includes hurricane coverage given the 60.78 score. Flood insurance is optional; consult local FEMA maps and your lender's requirements.