countyscore
37.7
County Score
Water Quality 86Cost of Living 81.8Disaster Risk 74.6

County Report Card

About Ben Hill County, Georgia

Falling Behind the National Average

Ben Hill County earns a composite score of 37.7 out of 100, placing it well below the national median of 50.0. This score reflects significant economic and health-related headwinds compared to the rest of the country.

Struggling to Match State Performance

The county trails the Georgia state average composite score of 46.7 by nine points. It sits in the lower tier of Georgia's 159 counties, largely due to depressed income metrics and health outcomes.

Affordability and Stability are Key

Housing affordability is a major draw, evidenced by a high cost score of 81.8 and a median gross rent of just $692. The county also excels in environmental stability, boasting a water score of 86.0 and a low-risk score of 74.6.

Economic and Health Gaps

The income score is nearly at the bottom of the scale at 2.5, with a median household income of $39,081. Safety and health outcomes also lag significantly behind, scoring 4.2 and 8.8 respectively.

A Budget-Friendly Rural Option

This county best suits retirees or remote workers who prioritize low housing costs over local job markets. Families with high healthcare needs may find the local infrastructure more challenging than neighboring areas.

Score breakdown

Tax33.7Cost81.8Safety4.2Health8.8Schools49.1Income2.5Risk74.6Water86Weather36.6
🏛33.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠81.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼2.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡4.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤8.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓49.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡74.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤36.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱30.6
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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Deep Dives

Ben Hill County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Ben Hill County

via TaxByCounty

Ben Hill's Tax Rate Sits Above National Median

Ben Hill County's effective tax rate of 1.061% runs higher than Georgia's average of 0.898% and well above the national median of 0.87%. This puts the county in roughly the 60th percentile nationally—higher than most American counties, though not among the steepest.

A Middle Performer Among Georgia Counties

Ben Hill ranks in the upper-middle tier of Georgia's 159 counties by effective tax rate. The county's $1,216 median property tax is below the state average of $1,529, reflecting its lower median home values of $114,600 compared to the statewide median.

Higher Taxes Than Most Regional Peers

Ben Hill's 1.061% rate exceeds neighboring Berrien County (0.989%) and Bleckley County (1.082% but lower absolute taxes). Among the eight-county sample, only Brooks County at 1.281% and Brantley County at 1.120% tax at notably steeper rates.

A $114,600 Home Costs $1,216 Annually

The typical Ben Hill County homeowner with a $114,600 property pays $1,216 in annual property taxes. Owners with mortgages typically pay $1,390 due to escrow requirements; those without mortgages pay $943.

Your Assessment Might Be Too High

Many homeowners across Georgia discover their properties are overassessed during county reassessments. Ben Hill residents should verify their home's assessed value against recent sales of comparable properties and consider filing a formal appeal if they believe their assessment is inflated.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Ben Hill County

via CostByCounty

Ben Hill rents eat larger share of income

Renters in Ben Hill County spend 21.3% of their household income on rent, well above the national benchmark where housing should consume no more than 30% but ideally closer to 28%. This burden hits harder here than nationwide, where median household income reaches $74,755 compared to Ben Hill's $39,081.

Above Georgia's affordability line

At 21.3%, Ben Hill's rent-to-income ratio exceeds Georgia's state average of 18.6%, placing it among the less affordable counties statewide. The county's median rent of $692 runs $235 cheaper than Georgia's state average of $927, but incomes lag further behind, creating the affordability gap.

Affordable compared to nearby peers

Ben Hill's $692 rent undercuts most neighboring counties—Bibb County averages $1,026 and Bleckley $765. However, Ben Hill's lower incomes mean residents feel the squeeze more acutely than neighbors with similar or higher rents.

Renters and owners face similar pressures

Monthly rent averages $692 while homeowners pay $654 in costs on median homes valued at $114,600. With median household income at $39,081 annually, housing consumes over one-fifth of what families earn each month.

Consider Ben Hill for true affordability

If you're relocating on a modest budget, Ben Hill offers some of Georgia's lowest rents and home values. Compare these numbers carefully with counties like Bibb or Bulloch, where higher incomes may offset higher housing costs for your specific situation.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Ben Hill County

via IncomeByCounty

Ben Hill lags far behind national income

Ben Hill County's median household income of $39,081 falls 48% below the U.S. median of $74,755, placing it among the lowest-earning counties nationally. This gap signals economic challenges that require targeted workforce development and business investment to close.

One of Georgia's lowest-income counties

At $39,081, Ben Hill ranks in the bottom tier among Georgia's 159 counties, earning $21,407 less than the state median of $60,488. Only a handful of Georgia counties report lower household incomes.

Income trails all neighboring counties

Ben Hill's $39,081 median income falls short of every adjacent county, including Berrien ($50,414) and Bleckley ($53,005). The disparity suggests Ben Hill faces distinct economic headwinds compared to its regional peers.

Rent consumes manageable but tight share

At 21.3%, Ben Hill's rent-to-income ratio sits within acceptable bounds, though it edges above the ideal 20% threshold. With limited household income, residents have little cushion for other expenses like healthcare, childcare, and transportation.

Build emergency savings before investing

Ben Hill residents earning $39,081 should prioritize establishing a 3–6 month emergency fund before pursuing investments. Once that foundation is secure, even modest monthly contributions to retirement accounts can compound significantly over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Ben Hill County

via CrimeByCounty

Crime Levels Exceed National Benchmarks

Ben Hill County faces a total crime rate of 3,739.3 per 100,000 residents, which is significantly higher than the national average of 2,385.5. Despite these figures, the county maintains a safety score of 94.1 out of 100.

Safety Score Trails Georgia Average

The county's safety score of 94.1 sits below the Georgia state average of 97.8. This indicates that Ben Hill is currently less safe than many of its counterparts across the state.

Ben Hill Compared to Local Neighbors

At 3,739.3, Ben Hill's crime rate is much higher than nearby Berrien County, which reports a rate of 2,061.9. It also more than doubles the state average total crime rate of 1,412.9.

Property Offenses Drive Local Crime Data

Property crime dominates the local landscape at 2,970.5 per 100,000 people. Violent crime is also elevated at 768.8, which is more than double the national violent crime average of 369.8.

Securing Your Property in Ben Hill

High property crime rates make home security a top priority for local residents. Consider installing motion-sensor lights and smart cameras to protect your home from theft.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Ben Hill County

via HealthByCounty

Ben Hill's life expectancy lags nationwide

At 69.7 years, Ben Hill County residents live nearly 5 years less than the U.S. average of 74.5 years. The county's poor or fair health rate of 28.1% far exceeds the national benchmark, signaling significant underlying health challenges in the community.

Among Georgia's healthiest gap counties

Ben Hill's life expectancy of 69.7 years trails Georgia's state average of 73.3 years by 3.6 years, placing it in the lower quartile of Georgia counties. The 28.1% poor or fair health rate exceeds the state trend, reflecting concentrated health disparities.

Competing challenges in rural south Georgia

Ben Hill (69.7 years) sits between Brantley County (71.5 years) and Brooks County (73.9 years), showing significant variation even among neighboring rural communities. The county's 28.1% poor health rate is notably higher than Bleckley County's 19.6%, suggesting localized health barriers.

Strong primary care, but mental health gaps

Ben Hill offers 47 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—above the rural average—yet mental health provider availability at 41 per 100,000 remains constrained. The uninsured rate of 15.0% matches Georgia's state average, though financial barriers still affect care access for vulnerable residents.

Find your health coverage path

One in six Ben Hill residents lacks health insurance. Check healthcare.gov or Georgia's health marketplace to explore plans, Medicaid eligibility, and subsidies that could reduce your out-of-pocket costs.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Ben Hill County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Consolidated Rural Education Infrastructure

Ben Hill County operates a focused educational network of 5 public schools serving 3,003 students. The infrastructure includes two elementary schools, one middle school, and two high schools, all managed by a single unified district. This centralized system provides a streamlined pathway for the county's student population from primary years through graduation.

Competitive Academic Scores with Lean Spending

The county earns a 54.4 composite school score, which outpaces the Georgia state average of 53.4 and the national median of 50.0. While the 86.0% graduation rate sits slightly below the national average of 87%, the district achieves these results with a per-pupil expenditure of $8,396. This spending level is higher than the state average of $7,405 but remains well below the national average of $13,000.

Ben Hill County District at a Glance

The Ben Hill County school district manages all 3,003 public school students in the area. There are currently no charter schools operating within the county, meaning traditional public education remains the primary choice for local families. The district focuses its resources on a single, coherent academic track for all residents.

Rural Roots and Town Center Schools

Schools here are split between rural and town settings, with an average enrollment of 601 students per campus. Ben Hill County Primary School is the largest facility with 864 students, providing a busy start for young learners. In contrast, the Hurricane Transition Academy offers a much more intimate environment with just 49 students.

Investing in Your Family's Future

Choosing a home in Ben Hill County means joining a community that prioritizes steady academic results. With school scores exceeding state benchmarks, the local education system is a significant asset for property values. Explore your options to find a neighborhood that aligns with these solid local schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Ben Hill County

via RiskByCounty

Ben Hill's disaster risk: well below average

Ben Hill County scores 25.41 on the national composite risk scale, earning a Very Low rating—significantly safer than the U.S. average of roughly 50. This county faces lower overall exposure to natural hazards compared to most American communities.

Among Georgia's safest counties

Ben Hill ranks among Georgia's lowest-risk counties with a composite score of 25.41, well below the state average of 39.49. Only a small share of Georgia counties maintain this level of natural disaster resilience.

Safer than nearby counties

Ben Hill's 25.41 score edges out Bleckley County (25.67) and substantially undercuts Berrien County (39.31) and Brooks County (42.11). This positions Ben Hill as one of the more protected rural communities in south-central Georgia.

Hurricanes and tornadoes pose greatest threats

Ben Hill's hurricane risk score of 77.22 and tornado risk of 64.66 represent its most significant natural hazard exposures, though both remain below state averages for these hazards. Flooding risk is comparatively modest at 23.25, reflecting the county's terrain and drainage patterns.

Ensure coverage for wind and severe storms

While Ben Hill's overall risk is low, homeowners should prioritize wind and hail coverage given tornado and hurricane threat levels. Standard homeowners policies typically cover tornado damage, but review your deductibles and ensure you're adequately protected for severe weather events.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Ben Hill County

via WeatherByCounty

Deep South Heat Well Above National Norms

Ben Hill County’s 66.3°F annual temperature is much higher than the national median. This climate is characterized by prolonged heat and very mild winters.

Ranking High Among Georgia’s Warmest

At 66.3°F, Ben Hill is nearly 3 degrees warmer than the Georgia state average of 63.7°F. It ranks as one of the consistently warmer counties in the state's interior.

Drier Conditions Than the State Average

The county receives 47.6 inches of rain annually, which is drier than the statewide average of 51.4 inches. Its temperature profile is identical to Baker and Appling counties.

Intense Summer Heat and Snow-Free Winters

High summer heat is a defining feature, with 76 days over 90°F and a July average of 82.5°F. Winter remains very mild with a 51.2°F average and no measurable annual snowfall.

Focus on Summer Energy Efficiency

Energy budgets should focus heavily on air conditioning to manage 76 days of extreme heat. With zero annual snow, winter gear requirements are minimal, focusing more on rain protection.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Ben Hill County

via SoilByCounty

Awaiting Soil Taxonomy Classification

Ben Hill County currently lacks a specific taxonomic order or pH reading in the central registry. Most regional soils trend acidic, falling well below the national 6.5 pH median.

Unknown Soil Texture Profile

Specific percentages for sand, silt, and clay are not yet recorded for this county. Gardeners should perform a jar test to see if their local soil is sandy or heavy with clay.

Building Fertility Locally

Organic matter and water capacity data remain unlisted for this area. To ensure success, aim to supplement your soil until it exceeds the state average of 1.83% organic matter.

Planning for Local Drainage

The database does not provide a dominant drainage class or hydrologic group for the county. Local builders and farmers should observe water movement on-site before starting any major projects.

Long Seasons in Zone 9a

Hardiness zone 9a provides a long, warm window for growing citrus and sweet potatoes. Start your garden today to take full advantage of this favorable South Georgia climate.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Ben Hill County

via LawnByCounty

Challenging conditions in Ben Hill County

Ben Hill County earns a lawn difficulty score of 30.6, making it tougher to maintain than the national average of 50.0 and slightly trailing the Georgia state average of 35.8. This USDA Hardiness Zone 9a region requires specific warm-season turf strategies to thrive in southern Georgia's climate.

Intense heat drives mowing needs

The county endures 76 extreme heat days per year, significantly exceeding the state average of 65 days. While 47.6 inches of annual precipitation falls within the ideal range for grass, 6,298 growing degree days mean turf grows rapidly and requires frequent mowing.

Unknown soil requires professional testing

Specific local data for soil pH and texture is currently unavailable for Ben Hill County. Homeowners should conduct a local soil test to ensure their lawn isn't drifting far from the 6.0-7.0 ideal pH range. Proper testing identifies exactly which nutrients or lime applications your specific lot needs.

Severe drought impacts entire county

Current data shows 100% of the county is experiencing severe drought conditions, having faced 28 weeks of drought over the last year. To protect your investment, water deeply but infrequently in the early morning to minimize evaporation and fungal growth.

Start your Zone 9a lawn today

Warm-season grasses like Centipede or St. Augustine are ideal for this climate once the last frost passes around March 2nd. Aim to establish your sod or seed well before the first fall frost hits in late November. With a long growing season, these varieties offer the best resilience against the local heat.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ben Hill County's county score?
Ben Hill County, Georgia has a composite county score of 37.7 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 Ben Hill County rank among counties in Georgia?
Ben Hill County ranks #132 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 Ben Hill County, Georgia?
The median annual property tax in Ben Hill County is $1,216, with an effective tax rate of 1.06%. This earns Ben Hill County a tax score of 33.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Ben Hill County?
The median household income in Ben Hill County, Georgia is $39,081 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Ben Hill County earns an income score of 2.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Ben Hill County, Georgia a good place to live?
Ben Hill County scores 37.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #132 in Georgia. The best way to evaluate Ben Hill 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 Ben Hill 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.