countyscore
39.7
County Score
Water Quality 86Cost of Living 70.8Disaster Risk 60.7

County Report Card

About Berrien County, Georgia

Positioned Below the National Median

With a composite score of 39.7, Berrien County ranks roughly 10 points below the national median of 50.0. While it offers a quiet rural lifestyle, it faces development challenges common to the Southeast.

Below the Georgia Standard

The county's overall score sits below the Georgia state average of 46.7. Despite this, it maintains a competitive edge in regional affordability for South Georgia residents.

Affordable Living and Low Environmental Risk

The county shines in housing affordability with a cost score of 70.8 and a median home value of $115,200. Residents also benefit from high-quality water resources (86.0) and a solid environmental risk score of 60.7.

Room for Growth in Income and Health

Economic indicators are a primary concern, with an income score of 15.3 and a median household income of $50,414. Public health also remains a hurdle, reflected in a relatively low health score of 17.5.

Quiet Living for the Cost-Conscious

Berrien County is an excellent fit for those seeking a slow-paced lifestyle with low barriers to homeownership. It offers a stable environment for residents who are less dependent on high-growth local employment.

Score breakdown

Tax38.8Cost70.8Safety20.6Health17.5Schools39.3Income15.3Risk60.7Water86Weather42.1
🏛38.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠70.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼15.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡20.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤17.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓39.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡60.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤42.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱
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

Cook County
Georgia
52.6
Lanier County
Georgia
41.7
Atkinson County
Georgia
56
Tift County
Georgia
38.2
Irwin County
Georgia
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Lowndes County
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Coffee County
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Brooks County
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Deep Dives

Berrien County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Berrien County

via TaxByCounty

Berrien's Tax Rate Edges Above National Average

Berrien County's effective tax rate of 0.989% sits modestly above the national median of 0.87%, placing it near the 55th percentile nationally. While Georgia's state average is 0.898%, Berrien runs slightly higher, reflecting local funding priorities.

Berrien Ranks in Georgia's Mid-Range

With a 0.989% effective rate, Berrien occupies the middle band of Georgia's 159 counties. Its $1,139 median property tax falls nearly 26% below the state average of $1,529, partly because median home values here reach only $115,200.

Among the Most Tax-Friendly in the Region

Berrien's 0.989% rate is the lowest among its immediate peers in this eight-county sample, beating Ben Hill County (1.061%), Bleckley (1.082%), and several others. Only Bulloch County (0.778%) and Bryan County (0.789%) tax at lighter rates.

A $115,200 Home Costs $1,139 Annually

The median Berrien County homeowner with a $115,200 property pays $1,139 in yearly property taxes. With a mortgage, expect $1,329; without, you'll pay $798.

Appeal Your Assessment if Values Seem Off

Berrien homeowners should compare their assessed values against recent arm's-length sales of similar homes in the area. If your assessment appears out of line with the market, filing an appeal with the county assessor's office is a straightforward way to potentially reduce your tax bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Berrien County

via CostByCounty

Berrien stays near affordability sweet spot

Renters in Berrien County spend just 18.4% of household income on rent, near Georgia's state average of 18.6% and well within the healthy range. The county's $50,414 median household income falls significantly below the national average of $74,755, yet housing costs remain manageable.

Georgia's affordability goldilocks zone

Berrien's 18.4% rent-to-income ratio ranks it among Georgia's more affordable counties, sitting just below the state average. At $771 monthly rent, the county splits the difference between Georgia's cheapest and priciest housing markets.

Middle ground for south Georgia renting

Berrien's $771 rent positions it squarely between Ben Hill ($692) and Bibb ($1,026), offering a balanced housing market. The county's affordability edges out nearby Bleckley ($765) and Brooks ($752) despite comparable costs.

Balanced housing burden across tenures

Renters average $771 monthly while homeowners pay $689 on median homes valued at $115,200. At $50,414 annual income, Berrien households dedicate roughly 18% to rent and similar proportions to mortgage payments.

Berrien balances cost and community

Relocating families seeking affordability without rock-bottom housing should examine Berrien closely against Bleckley and Ben Hill. The county offers mainstream rental and ownership options at prices that don't overwhelm typical household budgets.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Berrien County

via IncomeByCounty

Berrien's income trails national average

Berrien County's median household income of $50,414 sits 33% below the U.S. median of $74,755. While this gap is significant, Berrien performs better than many rural Georgia counties.

Middle-lower rank within Georgia

Berrien's $50,414 median income falls $10,074 short of Georgia's state median of $60,488, ranking it in the lower-middle segment of the state's 159 counties. This positioning reflects Berrien's rural character and limited urban economic centers.

Income above some neighbors, below others

Berrien ($50,414) outearns Ben Hill ($39,081) and Brooks ($47,656) but trails Bleckley ($53,005) and Bulloch ($56,832). This mixed performance reflects varied economic structures across the region.

Affordable housing supports household stability

Berrien's rent-to-income ratio of 18.4% is among the healthiest in this county cluster, well below the 20% benchmark. Residents enjoy more breathing room for savings and other essential expenses.

Leverage lower costs for wealth building

Berrien's affordable housing environment creates an opportunity for households to redirect savings into retirement and investment accounts. Even on a $50,414 income, consistent contributions to a 401(k) or IRA can build meaningful wealth over decades.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Berrien County

via CrimeByCounty

Safe Community Below National Averages

Berrien County is safer than the average U.S. community, reporting a total crime rate of 2,061.9 per 100,000 residents. This falls comfortably below the national average of 2,385.5 and earns the county a safety score of 96.7.

Berrien Measures Close to State Average

The county’s safety score of 96.7 is just slightly lower than the Georgia state average of 97.8. While very safe, it trails some of its highly ranked neighbors in the region.

A Middle Ground in Regional Safety

Berrien’s crime rate of 2,061.9 is much lower than Ben Hill’s 3,739.3, yet higher than Brooks County’s 1,431.6. It remains above the state average crime rate of 1,412.9 per 100,000.

Low Violent Crime Defines the Area

Violent crime is low here at 263.9 per 100,000, which is well below the national average of 369.8. Property crime accounts for most activity at a rate of 1,798.0.

Vigilance Protects Berrien Homes

Even in safer areas, property crime remains the most likely threat to residents. Simple steps like locking all entry points and using timed interior lighting can deter opportunistic thieves.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Berrien County

via HealthByCounty

Berrien's life expectancy trails U.S. average

At 71.2 years, Berrien County residents live roughly 3.3 years less than the U.S. average of 74.5 years. The 22.7% poor or fair health rate underscores persistent health risks that shorten lifespans in this rural community.

Below Georgia's health benchmarks

Berrien's 71.2-year life expectancy trails Georgia's state average of 73.3 years by 2.1 years, placing it among lower-performing counties statewide. The 22.7% poor or fair health rate exceeds state patterns, indicating concentrated health vulnerabilities.

Mixed outcomes among rural peers

Berrien (71.2 years) falls between Ben Hill County (69.7 years) and Bleckley County (72.2 years), showing that nearby rural counties experience varied health trajectories. Berrien's 22.7% poor health rate mirrors Brantley County's 22.4%, suggesting shared regional challenges.

Limited primary care, stronger mental health access

Berrien has just 22 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—significantly below the rural median—making routine medical care harder to access. Mental health providers at 49 per 100,000 are more abundant, though the shortage of primary care remains a daily barrier for preventive health.

Explore health insurance options now

Berrien's 15.1% uninsured rate matches Georgia's state average, yet gaps remain. Visit healthcare.gov or your state marketplace to check Medicaid expansion eligibility and affordable coverage plans suited to your family's needs.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Berrien County

via SchoolsByCounty

Education Foundations in Berrien County

Berrien County supports 3,074 students across 5 public schools, including two elementary campuses, one middle school, and two high schools. The entire system is managed by the Berrien County school district, providing a consistent educational experience. This compact infrastructure ensures that resources are concentrated on a small number of key facilities.

High Graduation Rates and Efficient Operations

The county boasts an 88.0% graduation rate, exceeding the national average of 87% and closely following the Georgia state average. Educators achieve these results with a per-pupil expenditure of $7,038, which is lower than both the state and national averages. The composite school score of 52.6 indicates performance that is roughly in line with statewide standards.

Unified District with Charter Options

The Berrien County district oversees all 5 schools, but it uniquely includes one charter school, representing 20% of the local educational landscape. The Berrien Academy Performance Learning Center serves as the county's charter option, offering an alternative to traditional high school settings. This mix provides families with specialized choices within a small rural district.

A Mix of Rural and Town Life

Education in Berrien County takes place in a mix of three rural and two town settings, with schools averaging 615 students. Berrien High School is the largest institution, housing 851 students in a town environment. For students seeking a smaller setting, the Berrien Academy charter school enrolls just 73 students.

Small-Town Feel with Strong Schools

For families looking to move, Berrien County offers a rare combination of high graduation rates and a close-knit community. The presence of a charter option adds flexibility to the local real estate appeal. Consider making a home here to take advantage of an efficient school system that consistently hits its marks.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Berrien County

via RiskByCounty

Berrien holds steady at average national risk

Berrien County's composite risk score of 39.31 places it at approximately the national average, with a Very Low overall rating. This county experiences moderate natural disaster exposure compared to the broader United States.

Right at Georgia's risk midpoint

Berrien's 39.31 score matches Georgia's state average of 39.49, placing it squarely in the middle of the state's risk distribution. The county faces neither exceptional nor minimal natural hazard exposure within Georgia's context.

More vulnerable than Ben Hill, safer than Brooks

Berrien (39.31) sits between Ben Hill County (25.41) to the west and Brooks County (42.11) to the south. Among south Georgia's comparable rural counties, Berrien represents a moderate-risk profile.

Hurricane exposure dominates the risk profile

Berrien's hurricane risk score of 86.65 is exceptionally high and represents the county's primary natural hazard concern—well above wildfire (53.66) and tornado (58.08) risks. This reflects Berrien's position in the coastal plain region susceptible to tropical systems.

Prioritize hurricane and wind insurance now

Berrien residents face significant hurricane risk and should verify that wind and hail coverage is included in their homeowners policy—many insurers exclude or limit these in high-risk zones. Review your deductibles carefully, as storm damage can escalate quickly along coastal Georgia pathways.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Soil Quality in Berrien County

via SoilByCounty

Regional Acidic Soil Trends

Berrien County lacks a specific taxonomic profile in the current dataset. Like neighboring areas, its soil likely measures below the 6.5 national pH median, requiring lime for many crops.

Texture Data Pending

No specific measurements for sand, silt, or clay are available for the county at this time. Understanding your local texture is key to managing drainage and determining workability.

An Open Fertility Book

Fertility indicators like organic matter and water capacity are not yet recorded for this county. Adding compost is a reliable way to boost productivity toward the state average of 1.83% organic matter.

Observation-Based Hydrology

Specific drainage classes remain unlisted in the central database. You can estimate your land's drainage by watching how quickly rainwater disappears after a summer thunderstorm.

Thriving in Zone 9a

Residents enjoy an exceptionally long growing season in hardiness zone 9a. This warm climate is perfect for tropical-leaning plants and extended harvests of summer vegetables.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Berrien County

via LawnByCounty

Navigating Berrien County's hardiness zone

Berrien County sits in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a, where mild winters and long summers dictate lawn care schedules. While a specific difficulty score is unavailable, the region shares the demanding characteristics of its south Georgia neighbors.

Hot summers define the growing year

Specific annual precipitation and heat day counts are currently limited for this county. Local gardeners generally prepare for high humidity and temperatures that support warm-season grasses but increase the risk of fungal diseases.

Prepare your soil for success

With limited public data on local soil texture and pH, a DIY soil test kit is an essential first step. Maintaining a pH between 6.0 and 7.0 ensures your lawn can actually absorb the nutrients you provide through fertilizer.

Total county coverage of severe drought

The county has spent 26 weeks in drought over the past year, and 100% of the area currently faces severe drought levels. Efficient irrigation is critical to keep turf alive without wasting water during these prolonged dry spells.

Select heat-tolerant turf varieties

Since Berrien County resides in Zone 9a, heat-tolerant species like Bermuda or Zoysia are your best bets. Consult with a local nursery for specific frost dates to time your spring seeding or sodding perfectly.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Berrien County's county score?
Berrien County, Georgia has a composite county score of 39.7 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 Berrien County rank among counties in Georgia?
Berrien County ranks #123 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 Berrien County, Georgia?
The median annual property tax in Berrien County is $1,139, with an effective tax rate of 0.99%. This earns Berrien County a tax score of 38.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Berrien County?
The median household income in Berrien County, Georgia is $50,414 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Berrien County earns an income score of 15.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Berrien County, Georgia a good place to live?
Berrien County scores 39.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #123 in Georgia. The best way to evaluate Berrien 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 Berrien 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.