countyscore
44.5
County Score
Water Quality 86Income & Jobs 83.2Weather & Climate 65.8

County Report Card

About Bartow County, Georgia

Approaching the National Median

Bartow County earns a 44.6 composite score, sitting just a few points below the national median of 50.0. This makes it a competitive choice with strong individual category performances.

Nearly Matching the State Average

With a score of 44.6, Bartow is virtually tied with the Georgia state average of 46.7. It functions as a standard-bearer for many of Georgia’s developing suburban-fringe counties.

High Incomes and Excellent Resources

The county boasts a high Income Score of 83.2, with a median household income of $79,431. Residents also benefit from great water quality (86.0) and a very low 0.725% tax rate.

Strained Housing Affordability

Rapid growth has led to a low Cost Score of 17.3, with home values reaching $262,200. Health and environmental risk also represent areas for improvement, both scoring in the mid-30s.

The Verdict: A Suburban Growth Hub

Bartow County is an excellent match for upwardly mobile professionals seeking strong incomes and low taxes. While housing costs are climbing, the economic opportunities make it a compelling destination for those looking to build wealth.

2040608010060.217.345.834.550.883.234.78665.8Tax60.2Cost17.3Safety45.8Health34.5Schools50.8Income83.2Risk34.7Water86Weather65.844.5/100
This county
National avg
2 above average3 below average

Bartow County DNA

Foverall

How Bartow County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Bartow County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Income (83.2/100) but notably weak in Cost of Living (17.3/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
60.2+8.200000000000003
Cost
17.3-30.7
Safety
45.8-9.200000000000003
Health
34.5-15.5
Schools
50.8
Income
83.2+32.2
Risk
34.7-12.299999999999997
Water
86+28
Weather
65.8+9.799999999999997
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$262,200

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,202/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$262,200/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$48,080/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.3x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $79,431/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

6.3

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
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Nearby counties

Paulding County
Georgia
43.2
Floyd County
Georgia
38.1
Polk County
Georgia
43.6
Gordon County
Georgia
43.2
Cherokee County
Georgia
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Cobb County
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Pickens County
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Haralson County
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46.6

Deep Dives

Bartow County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Bartow County

via TaxByCounty

Bartow County: exceptional tax efficiency

Bartow County's 0.725% effective rate ranks among America's lowest-taxed counties, placing it in the top 10% nationally. A median home valued at $262,200 generates just $1,901 in annual taxes—28% below the national median of $2,690, despite higher-than-average home values.

Well below Georgia's average rate

Bartow County's 0.725% rate stands 19% below Georgia's state average of 0.898%, making it one of the state's most tax-efficient counties. Its median tax of $1,901 trails the state median of $1,529 by only $372, even on homes worth $262,200—a notable advantage for higher-value properties.

Superior rates for North Georgia region

Bartow County (0.725%) offers lower rates than Barrow (0.832%) while maintaining higher median home values of $262,200. Combined with proximity to Atlanta growth corridors, Bartow delivers compelling tax efficiency for suburban buyers.

Premium location, favorable tax bill

A median $262,200 home in Bartow County incurs roughly $1,901 in annual property taxes—an excellent value for a suburban county this close to Atlanta. With mortgage and insurance, owners pay approximately $2,181 yearly.

Regular assessment checks pay dividends

Bartow County's favorable rates don't guarantee accurate assessments; periodic reviews comparing your home to recent neighborhood sales remain worthwhile. Even small assessment reductions on $260,000+ properties generate meaningful annual savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Bartow County

via CostByCounty

Bartow leads Georgia's affordability pack

Bartow County's 18.2% rent-to-income ratio is the best among these eight Georgia counties and near the national average, buoyed by the highest median household income at $79,431. At $1,202 in median rent on the strongest wages statewide, Bartow delivers premium Georgia housing with proportional income support.

Top tier of Georgia affordability

Bartow County's 18.2% rent-to-income ratio ranks among Georgia's most affordable counties in this dataset, edging below the state average of 18.6%. The county's $79,431 median income is the highest in this group, signaling an economically strong North Georgia market.

Atlanta-area champion with best wages

Bartow County's $1,202 median rent and $262,200 median home value match Barrow County's North Georgia profile, but Bartow's $79,431 median income is the dataset's highest. This wage premium makes Bartow the region's most balanced housing market despite premium price tags.

Strong incomes offset premium rents

Bartow County residents earning $79,431 median income allocate $1,202 monthly to rent—18.2% of gross household earnings, a comfortable ratio. Homeowners with $1,176 monthly mortgage costs on $262,200 median homes benefit from the county's strong wage base, keeping affordability on track.

Bartow is North Georgia's best value

If you're relocating to North Georgia, Bartow County delivers the region's best wage-to-housing ratio at 18.2% while maintaining the highest median income at $79,431. Compare Bartow's $262,200 median homes to neighboring Barrow—Bartow's slightly better affordability ratio makes it worth considering first.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Bartow County

via IncomeByCounty

Bartow leads region nationally

Bartow County's median household income of $79,431 exceeds the U.S. median of $74,755 by $4,676, ranking it firmly above the national average. This strong performance reflects diverse employment opportunities and vibrant economic growth in Northwest Georgia.

Georgia's top earner tier

At $79,431, Bartow County's median household income ranks among the highest in Georgia, exceeding the state county average of $60,488 by $18,943. The county secures a top-5% position among all 159 Georgia counties for household earnings.

Highest earner in examined group

Bartow County's $79,431 median household income leads all examined counties, surpassing Barrow County ($77,477) by $1,954 and Banks County ($68,830) by $10,601. The county represents the earnings pinnacle of this eight-county analysis.

Income comfortably covers housing

Bartow's 18.2% rent-to-income ratio shows excellent housing affordability despite the highest median home value of $262,200 in this group. Households earning near the county median can confidently pursue homeownership while maintaining financial flexibility.

Build substantial long-term wealth

Bartow County residents should embrace comprehensive wealth-building: maximize retirement accounts, invest surplus income in diversified funds, and consider real estate as a secondary investment vehicle. These strategies can realistically generate multi-million dollar net worth within two decades.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Bartow County

via CrimeByCounty

Bartow County Maintains Strong Safety Scores

With a safety score of 98.1, Bartow County is significantly safer than much of the United States. Its total crime rate of 1,214.7 per 100K is about half the national average of 2,385.5.

Beating the Georgia State Average

Bartow County's safety score of 98.1 exceeds the Georgia state average of 97.8. The local crime rate of 1,214.7 is also lower than the state's average of 1,412.9, showing a proactive safety environment.

Regional Safety in Northwest Georgia

Bartow County offers a secure alternative to more urbanized neighbors in the Atlanta metro fringe. Its crime rate remains lower than many similarly sized counties across the state.

Low Risk of Violent Incident

The violent crime rate is exceptionally low at 127.0 per 100K, compared to the U.S. average of 369.8. Property crime stands at 1,087.7, which is also well below national trends.

Deterring Property Crime in Bartow

Since property crime is the main local metric, keeping garages closed and using motion sensors is highly effective. These small actions help preserve Bartow County's high safety standing.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Bartow County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Diverse and Multi-District Landscape

Bartow County supports 23 public schools and 18,303 students, one of the most comprehensive systems in the region. The infrastructure is divided into 14 elementary schools, five middle schools, and four high schools. Unlike many neighbors, the county’s education is split between two distinct school districts.

High Graduation Rates and Strong Scores

The county achieves a strong 91.0% graduation rate, outperforming both the state and national averages. While per-pupil spending of $7,196 is lower than the state average, the county earns a school score of 54.5, which is higher than the state median. These results indicate that Bartow County provides a high return on its educational investment.

Two Districts Serving the Community

The Bartow County District is the larger of the two, managing 19 schools and 13,806 students. The Cartersville City District operates four schools with an enrollment of 4,497, offering a more localized urban option. Neither district currently includes charter schools, focusing instead on traditional comprehensive public education.

Rural Roots with Suburban Growth

Bartow County offers a varied locale mix with 15 rural schools and 7 suburban schools, reflecting its transition from country to commuter hub. Cass High and Woodland High are the largest schools, each serving over 1,400 students. The average school size of 796 students ensures that campuses are large enough to offer robust resources while maintaining community ties.

Top-Tier Schools for Bartow Homebuyers

Prospective residents can choose between the expansive Bartow County system or the localized Cartersville City district. Homes near high-performing schools like Adairsville or Cartersville High are highly sought after by families. The 91% graduation rate makes this county a premier destination for those prioritizing academic excellence.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Bartow County

via RiskByCounty

Bartow faces the region's highest risk level

Bartow County scores 65.27 on the composite risk scale, rating relatively low but significantly exceeding Georgia's state average of 39.49. The county faces cumulative natural disaster exposure above 65% of U.S. communities, driven by multiple high-risk hazards.

Bartow ranks among Georgia's riskiest counties

At 65.27, Bartow places well above the Georgia state average and in the upper tier of risk among the state's 159 counties. Only the most hazard-exposed Georgia communities score higher, making Bartow one of the state's most vulnerable areas.

Riskiest county in its broader region

Bartow's 65.27 score substantially exceeds all nearby counties including Barrow (45.61), Banks (12.40), and most others in north Georgia. The county stands out as an elevated-risk area requiring heightened preparedness and insurance protection.

Tornado, flood, and earthquake drive high risk

Bartow's tornado risk of 87.05 ranks among Georgia's highest, followed by substantial flood (67.84) and earthquake (81.04) exposure. Wildfire at 62.18 and hurricane at 50.15 round out a diverse and significant multi-hazard profile.

Comprehensive multi-hazard insurance is essential

Bartow residents must prioritize wind and hail coverage in homeowners policies to address the 87.05 tornado risk and consider a safe room or shelter investment. Flood insurance is critical; at 67.84, Bartow's flood exposure demands separate NFIP or private coverage as a non-negotiable protection measure.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Bartow County

via WaterByCounty

Perfect Compliance Grade for Bartow

Bartow County earns an "A" grade for its drinking water, with zero health violations reported over a five-year lookback. This places the county well ahead of the Georgia state average of 152.5 violations per 100,000 people.

Bartow Watershed Faces Diverse Impairments

Data shows 47.9% of the 48 assessed water bodies are impaired, nearly matching the state average of 48.4%. Leading causes of failure include fecal coliform and PCB contamination in fish tissue.

Extensive Monitoring Network in Bartow

The county boasts a high monitoring density with 13,182 measurements taken at 14 sites over the past five years. This extensive dataset covers physical, nutrient, and organic characteristics.

Etowah River at Low Levels

The Etowah River near Kingston currently flows at 592 cfs, just 23% of its long-term mean. Such low flow levels can increase the concentration of existing contaminants like PCBs.

Guidance on Local Contaminant Risks

While tap water is consistently safe, the presence of PCBs in fish tissue across many impaired streams warrants caution for local anglers. Reduced flow in the Etowah River further emphasizes the need for watershed conservation.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Bartow County

via WeatherByCounty

Temperate Appalachian Foothills Climate

Bartow County’s 60.2°F annual average temperature is several degrees warmer than the national median but cool for the Southeast. The region enjoys a healthy balance of heat and cold.

Notably Cooler Than the State Average

Bartow is cooler than the Georgia state average of 63.7°F by more than three degrees. It represents the typical climate of the North Georgia foothills.

Consistent Weather in the Northern Tier

With 50.5 inches of rain annually, Bartow is slightly drier than the Georgia average of 51.4 inches. It shares a very similar thermal profile with Banks County, which averages 60.1°F.

Moderate Summer Heat and Chilly Winters

The county experiences 51 days of extreme heat over 90°F each year. Winters are chilly, averaging 42.9°F, and the area typically sees about 0.5 inches of snow.

Prepare for a Varied Annual Wardrobe

Residents need gear for 40.8°F January lows and 78.2°F July highs. Reliable heating is necessary for the winter months, while 51 days of summer heat require efficient cooling.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Bartow County

via SoilByCounty

The Ancient Ultisols of Bartow

Bartow's soil consists of Ultisols with an average pH of 5.29, nearly identical to the state average of 5.26. This acidic profile is much lower than the national median of 6.5, making lime amendments a common necessity.

A Balanced Sandy Loam Mix

The county features a sandy loam texture composed of 48.4% sand, 34.3% silt, and 16.5% clay. This mix offers a perfect balance between easy workability and the ability to hold onto vital plant nutrients.

High Water Retention Capacity

Organic matter measures 1.61%, which is slightly lower than the state average of 1.83%. However, the available water capacity of 0.146 in/in beats the state average of 0.114, providing a strong buffer against dry spells.

Ideal Drainage for Development

Most of Bartow's land is well drained and falls into hydrologic group B. This makes the soil excellent for agricultural use and provides a stable foundation for residential or commercial building.

Thriving in Hardiness Zone 8a

With a soil score of 25.1, Bartow far exceeds the state average of 17.6. Gardeners in Zone 8a can successfully grow a wide array of crops from summer squash to hardy fruit trees.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Bartow County

via LawnByCounty

Managing Bartow County's unique landscape

Bartow County has a lawn difficulty score of 40.0, making it easier to manage than the Georgia state average of 35.8. While more challenging than the national median, its location in Hardiness Zone 8a provides a good balance for many turf types. Success here depends on addressing specific soil acidity and periodic drought.

Ample rain with moderate heat

With 50.5 inches of annual rainfall, Bartow County is right on the edge of the ideal precipitation range for lawns. The county sees 51 extreme heat days, which is less than the state average but still enough to stress sensitive grass types. Mowing needs are moderate, supported by 4,723 growing degree days throughout the season.

Correcting acidic sandy loam soil

The local soil is a well-drained sandy loam, but with a pH of 5.29, it is significantly more acidic than the ideal 6.0-7.0 range. You will likely need to apply lime to raise the pH and unlock essential nutrients for your grass. The soil's 48.4% sand content ensures good drainage but may require more frequent light watering.

Navigating severe drought alerts

Over 87% of Bartow County is currently in severe drought, having spent 23 weeks in drought over the last year. In sandy loam soils, moisture can evaporate quickly, so using organic mulch or compost top-dressing can help retain water. Focus on deep-root irrigation strategies to help your lawn survive these extended dry periods.

Planting your Bartow County lawn

Bermuda and Zoysia are excellent choices for sandy loam soils, while Fescue can work if provided with enough summer shade. Seed or sod after the last spring frost on April 5 to ensure warm soil for new growth. Aim to have your lawn established before the first fall frost on November 1 to prepare for winter.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Bartow County's county score?
Bartow County, Georgia has a composite county score of 44.5 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 Bartow County rank among counties in Georgia?
Bartow County ranks #100 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 Bartow County, Georgia?
The median annual property tax in Bartow County is $1,901, with an effective tax rate of 0.72%. This earns Bartow County a tax score of 60.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Bartow County?
The median household income in Bartow County, Georgia is $79,431 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Bartow County earns an income score of 83.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Bartow County, Georgia a good place to live?
Bartow County scores 44.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #100 in Georgia. The best way to evaluate Bartow 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 Bartow County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & 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.