countyscore
46.6
County Score
Water Quality 86Disaster Risk 74.4Schools 73.2

County Report Card

About Bleckley County, Georgia

Closing in on the National Average

Bleckley County earns a respectable composite score of 46.6, nearly reaching the national median of 50.0. It stands out as a high-performing rural county on the national stage.

A Top-Tier State Performer

With a score of 46.6, Bleckley is effectively tied with the Georgia state average of 46.7. It performs better than many of its neighbors, making it a competitive choice for Georgians.

Strong Schools and Safe Environment

The county excels in education with a school score of 73.2 and maintains a safe environmental profile with a risk score of 74.4. Homebuyers benefit from a high cost score of 71.0 and a median home value of $132,900.

Economic and Safety Improvements

While strong overall, the county has room to grow its income score of 20.7 and safety score of 20.3. The median household income of $53,005 remains modest compared to suburban metro areas.

Ideal for Growing Families

Bleckley County is a standout for families seeking quality public schools and affordable housing. It offers a balanced quality of life that is hard to find in other rural Georgia counties.

Score breakdown

Tax32.3Cost71Safety20.3Health31.5Schools73.2Income20.7Risk74.4Water86Weather41.1
🏛32.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠71
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼20.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡20.3
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤31.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓73.2
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡74.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤41.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱37.8
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

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Georgia
45.1
Twiggs County
Georgia
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Dodge County
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Houston County
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Laurens County
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Peach County
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Wilkinson County
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Deep Dives

Bleckley County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Bleckley County

via TaxByCounty

Bleckley's Tax Rate Runs Above National Norm

Bleckley County's effective tax rate of 1.082% exceeds the national median of 0.87% by 24%, landing in approximately the 65th percentile nationally. It also runs 20% above Georgia's state average of 0.898%.

Bleckley Ranks in the Upper-Middle Tier

With a 1.082% rate, Bleckley occupies the upper third of Georgia's 159 counties. The $1,438 median property tax exceeds the state average of $1,529 by about 6%, reflecting a median home value of $132,900.

Higher Taxes Than Most Surrounding Counties

Bleckley's 1.082% rate exceeds Berrien County (0.989%), Ben Hill (1.061%), and both Bulloch and Bryan counties. Only Brooks County (1.281%) and Brantley County (1.120%) tax at notably higher rates in this regional sample.

A $132,900 Home Costs $1,438 Annually

The median Bleckley County homeowner with a $132,900 property pays $1,438 in annual property taxes. Mortgage-holding owners pay $1,870; those without mortgages pay $1,271.

Review Your Assessment for Potential Overvaluation

Bleckley homeowners facing elevated tax bills should examine their assessed values against comparable home sales in the county. If your assessment exceeds what similar properties recently sold for, file an appeal during the county's designated window to seek a reduction.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Bleckley County

via CostByCounty

Bleckley achieves true affordability balance

Bleckley County residents spend just 17.3% of household income on rent, below both Georgia's 18.6% state average and the national comfort zone. With $53,005 median household income and $765 monthly rent, the county delivers one of the region's healthiest housing-to-income ratios.

Bleckley beats Georgia's affordability test

At 17.3%, Bleckley's rent-to-income ratio ranks among Georgia's best, sitting comfortably below the state average of 18.6%. The county manages this feat while keeping rents reasonable at $765 monthly.

The region's affordability champion

Bleckley's 17.3% rent ratio outperforms all nearby counties in this cluster, from Ben Hill (21.3%) to Bibb (24.3%). At $765 monthly rent, it undercuts Bibb while offering better income levels than Ben Hill.

Housing costs stay in healthy proportion

Renters pay $765 monthly while homeowners spend $696 on median homes valued at $132,900. At $53,005 annual income, Bleckley households dedicate less than one-fifth of earnings to housing.

Bleckley offers smart relocation value

Families seeking genuine affordability with solid incomes should prioritize Bleckley over higher-cost Bibb or lower-income Ben Hill. The county balances reasonable rents with household earnings that stretch your housing dollars furthest.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Bleckley County

via IncomeByCounty

Bleckley outearns most rural Georgia peers

Bleckley County's median household income of $53,005 remains 29% below the U.S. median of $74,755, but ranks among the stronger earners in this county cluster. This solid regional position reflects Bleckley's diverse agricultural and small-business base.

Lower-middle tier in Georgia standings

Bleckley's $53,005 median income trails Georgia's state average of $60,488 by $7,483, placing it in Georgia's lower-middle band of 159 counties. This positioning reflects a stable rural economy with modest but steady income.

Regional income leader among county peers

Bleckley ($53,005) outearns five of its neighboring counties, including Ben Hill ($39,081), Brantley ($47,801), and Brooks ($47,656). Only Bulloch ($56,832) surpasses Bleckley in this immediate region.

Lowest housing burden in the region

Bleckley's rent-to-income ratio of 17.3% is the healthiest among these eight counties, offering residents genuine affordability. This favorable ratio allows households to save and invest more than peers in higher-cost areas.

Turn affordability into long-term gains

Bleckley households earning $53,005 benefit from rare affordability—use this advantage to maximize retirement account contributions and build investment portfolios. Consistent monthly investing, even in modest amounts, compounds dramatically over 20–30 year horizons.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Bleckley County

via CrimeByCounty

Safer than the Typical U.S. County

Bleckley County reports a total crime rate of 2,070.4 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This earns the county a respectable safety score of 96.7.

Safety Score Close to State Mean

Bleckley's safety score of 96.7 is slightly under the Georgia state average of 97.8. While relatively safe, there is more crime activity here than in the state's most secure rural counties.

Favorable Comparison to Nearby Bibb

Bleckley is significantly safer than neighboring Bibb County, which has a crime rate of 5,320.2. However, it still sees more activity than the state average of 1,412.9.

Property Crimes Outpace Violent Incidents

The violent crime rate is quite low at 225.6 per 100,000, well below the national 369.8 average. Most local reports involve property crime, which sits at 1,844.8.

Focus on Neighborhood Vigilance

With property crime as the primary concern, residents should focus on securing outdoor equipment and vehicles. Neighborhood watch programs are an effective way to keep local rates low.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Bleckley County

via HealthByCounty

Bleckley outperforms on life expectancy

At 72.2 years, Bleckley County residents live 2.3 years less than the U.S. average of 74.5 years. The 19.6% poor or fair health rate is among Georgia's best, suggesting more effective health management and lower chronic disease burden in this rural community.

Georgia's healthier rural counties

Bleckley's 72.2-year life expectancy is just 1.1 years below Georgia's state average of 73.3 years, placing it in the upper half of Georgia counties. The 19.6% poor or fair health rate is significantly better than most rural peers, indicating stronger community health.

Health leader among rural south Georgia

Bleckley (72.2 years) outpaces Ben Hill (69.7 years), Berrien (71.2 years), and Bibb (70.6 years), and its 19.6% poor health rate is the region's best. The county demonstrates that rural areas can achieve above-average health outcomes with sustained community effort.

Modest provider access, strong health outcomes

Bleckley has just 24 primary care and 24 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—among the county's lowest provider densities—yet still achieves superior health metrics. The 12.3% uninsured rate is Georgia's best, suggesting that strong insurance uptake and preventive care culture offset limited provider supply.

Maintain Bleckley's coverage momentum

Bleckley's 12.3% uninsured rate shows what's possible when residents prioritize coverage. If you're among the uninsured, visit healthcare.gov to join the community's health-conscious majority.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Bleckley County

via SchoolsByCounty

High Performance in a Small District

Bleckley County operates a compact system of 5 public schools that serve a total of 2,605 students. The district structure consists of two elementary schools, one middle school, and two high schools. This small-scale infrastructure allows for a tightly integrated community where every student follows a similar academic path.

Exemplary Results for Local Students

With a 97.0% graduation rate, Bleckley County significantly outperforms the national average of 87% and the state average of 88.1%. The county's school score of 58.1 is one of the highest in the region, easily beating the national median of 50. This success is achieved with a per-pupil expenditure of $7,411, which perfectly aligns with the state average.

Consistency Through a Single District

All students in the county are served by the Bleckley County school district, which maintains no charter schools. This traditional public school model has proven highly effective, as evidenced by the county's elite graduation rates. The district manages all 2,605 students across its five specialized campuses.

Rural Focus and Individual Attention

Four out of the five schools in Bleckley County are in rural settings, fostering a quiet and focused learning atmosphere. The average school size is 521 students, ensuring that campuses remain manageable and community-oriented. Bleckley County Primary is the largest school with 766 students, while the Success Academy offers a tiny cohort of just 53 students.

Top-Tier Education for New Homeowners

Families looking for academic excellence will find Bleckley County to be one of the strongest options in Georgia. The 97% graduation rate makes this area a premier destination for those prioritizing their children's secondary education. Buying a home here provides access to a top-performing district with a proven track record of student success.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Bleckley County

via RiskByCounty

Bleckley ranks among safest U.S. counties

Bleckley County's composite risk score of 25.67 places it well below the national average, with a Very Low rating. This rural south-central county experiences among the lowest natural disaster exposure in the United States.

Georgia's most protected county

Bleckley's 25.67 score ranks it as one of Georgia's lowest-risk counties, substantially below the state average of 39.49. The county's minimal overall exposure makes it statistically one of the safest places in Georgia for natural disasters.

Bleckley rivals Ben Hill as safest in region

Bleckley (25.67) essentially ties Ben Hill County (25.41) as the safest counties in south-central Georgia, both dramatically outperforming Bibb County (78.50) to the north. This positioning reflects Bleckley's rural character and distance from major flood and storm corridors.

Wildfire and earthquake risks exceed modest baselines

Bleckley's wildfire risk (48.98) and earthquake risk (50.00) are its highest individual scores, though both remain below state and national averages. Tornado and hurricane exposure remain minimal at 28.40 and 73.80 respectively.

Standard coverage likely sufficient

Bleckley residents can reasonably rely on basic homeowners insurance with standard wind and hail coverage—specialized flood or earthquake policies are not urgently necessary given the county's low exposure. Periodic policy reviews ensure your coverage remains adequate as property values change.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Soil Quality in Bleckley County

via SoilByCounty

Awaiting Local Soil Data

Bleckley County does not currently have specific taxonomic or pH data listed in the central registry. Most local soils likely fall below the national 6.5 pH median, mirroring the state's acidic trend.

Workability Remains Unmeasured

Data regarding the exact percentages of sand, silt, and clay is currently unavailable for this area. Local growers should assess their own soil texture to determine how well it retains water.

Nurturing the Land

The county lacks specific data for organic matter and available water capacity at this time. Comparing your own soil tests against the state average of 1.83% organic matter will help guide your fertilization.

Hydrologic Mapping Pending

Hydrologic groups and drainage classes remain unlisted for the county's dominant soils. Site-specific drainage assessments are essential for preventing water management issues on farms or construction sites.

Hardiness Zone 8b Potential

Bleckley County sits in hardiness zone 8b, allowing for a wide variety of southern staples. Don't let the lack of database figures stop you from cultivating a thriving vegetable garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Bleckley County

via LawnByCounty

Stronger lawn potential in Bleckley

With a lawn difficulty score of 37.8, Bleckley County actually outperforms the Georgia state average of 35.8. Homeowners in Hardiness Zone 8b find it slightly easier to maintain green spaces here than in many neighboring counties.

Optimal rainfall for thirsty turf

Bleckley receives 48.5 inches of annual precipitation, which sits perfectly within the 30-50 inch ideal range for lawns. However, 83 extreme heat days per year mean your watering schedule must remain rigorous during the peak of summer.

Monitor soil for better results

Public soil data for Bleckley County is currently limited. Because central Georgia soils vary, a professional soil test is recommended to determine if your lot requires sulfur or lime to hit the 6.0-7.0 pH sweet spot.

Severe drought impacts local lawns

Every acre of the county is currently under severe drought conditions following 25 weeks of drought over the past year. Combat these conditions by aerating your soil to ensure water actually reaches the root zone rather than running off.

Healthy lawns start with heat-tolerance

Choose grasses like Centipede or Zoysia that can handle the 83 days of 90-degree heat typical of Zone 8b. Start your lawn projects in the spring to take advantage of the 48.5 inches of rain before the summer heat intensifies.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Bleckley County's county score?
Bleckley County, Georgia has a composite county score of 46.6 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 Bleckley County rank among counties in Georgia?
Bleckley County ranks #81 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 Bleckley County, Georgia?
The median annual property tax in Bleckley County is $1,438, with an effective tax rate of 1.08%. This earns Bleckley County a tax score of 32.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Bleckley County?
The median household income in Bleckley County, Georgia is $53,005 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Bleckley County earns an income score of 20.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Bleckley County, Georgia a good place to live?
Bleckley County scores 46.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #81 in Georgia. The best way to evaluate Bleckley 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 Bleckley 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.