countyscore
41
County Score
Water Quality 86Cost of Living 65.7Disaster Risk 57.9

County Report Card

About Brooks County, Georgia

Respectable Scores in Rural Context

Brooks County scores a 41.0, trailing the national median of 50.0. While it faces some economic hurdles, it remains a viable option compared to other rural Southern counties.

Trailing the State Average

The county's score of 41.0 sits below the Georgia state average of 46.7. However, its balanced school and safety scores keep it competitive within the South Georgia region.

Water Quality and Moderate Schools

A water score of 86.0 and a school score of 50.7 are the county's primary strengths. Residents also enjoy relatively affordable housing with a cost score of 65.7 and median rent at $752.

High Tax Burden and Low Income

The tax score is a low 21.7, driven by an effective tax rate of 1.281% which is higher than many neighbors. The income score of 10.5 also points to limited local high-wage opportunities.

A Solid Choice for Commuters

Brooks County suits individuals who work in neighboring Valdosta but prefer a more affordable, rural home base. It offers decent schools and environmental stability for middle-income households.

2040608010021.765.737.819.750.710.557.98635.6Tax21.7Cost65.7Safety37.8Health19.7Schools50.7Income10.5Risk57.9Water86Weather35.641/100
This county
National avg
3 above average5 below average

Brooks County DNA

Foverall

How Brooks County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Brooks County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Water Quality (86/100) but notably weak in Income (10.5/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
21.7-30.3
Cost
65.7+17.700000000000003
Safety
37.8-17.200000000000003
Health
19.7-30.3
Schools
50.7
Income
10.5-40.5
Risk
57.9+10.899999999999999
Water
86+28
Weather
35.6-20.4
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Brooks County?

Many homeowners in Brooks County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$118,100

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$752/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$118,100/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$30,080/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.5x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $47,656/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

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

Lowndes County
Georgia
31.9
Cook County
Georgia
52.6
Colquitt County
Georgia
40.7
Thomas County
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Lanier County
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Madison County
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Berrien County
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Echols County
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Deep Dives

Brooks County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Brooks County

via TaxByCounty

Brooks County Has Georgia's Steepest Tax Rate

Brooks County's effective tax rate of 1.281% ranks in the top 10% nationally, nearly 47% above the national median of 0.87%. This places Brooks among the highest-taxing counties in the entire United States.

Brooks Leads Georgia in Effective Tax Rate

At 1.281%, Brooks County's rate far exceeds Georgia's 0.898% state average—a 42.8% premium. Brooks ranks at or near the top of Georgia's 159 counties for effective property tax rates.

Distinctly Higher Taxes Than All Regional Peers

Brooks County's 1.281% rate substantially exceeds every other county in this eight-county sample. The next-highest, Brantley County, taxes at 1.120%; Bibb follows at 1.101%; Brooks is an outlier in this region.

A $118,100 Home Costs $1,513 Annually

The typical Brooks County homeowner with a $118,100 property pays $1,513 in annual property taxes. Owners with mortgages face $1,957; those without mortgages pay $1,183.

Aggressive Assessment Review Could Save Significantly

Brooks County's unusually high tax rate makes it especially important for homeowners to verify their assessments are accurate. Comparing your assessed value to recent comparable home sales and filing an appeal if overvalued could yield substantial annual tax savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Brooks County

via CostByCounty

Brooks stays just above affordability average

Brooks County residents spend 18.9% of household income on rent, marginally above Georgia's 18.6% state average yet well within the healthy range. The county's $47,656 median household income runs nearly $27,000 below the national average, yet housing remains manageable.

Brooks ranks near Georgia's middle ground

At 18.9%, Brooks' rent-to-income ratio sits just slightly above Georgia's state average, positioning it as reasonably affordable statewide. Monthly rent of $752 hovers near the state average of $927, creating a balanced housing market.

Standard pricing in south Georgia cluster

Brooks' $752 rent falls squarely in the middle of this regional group, comparing closely to Bleckley ($765) and Berrien ($771). The county sits well below Bibb ($1,026) while offering slightly higher rents than Ben Hill and Brantley.

Ownership costs exceed renting burden

Renters pay $752 monthly while homeowners spend $787 on median homes valued at $118,100. At $47,656 annual income, Brooks households dedicate roughly 19% to rent but nearly 20% to ownership costs.

Brooks offers middle-road housing options

Relocating renters should compare Brooks favorably against Bleckley and Berrien for similar affordability, while potential homebuyers might find better values in Ben Hill or Brantley. The county works well for those seeking standard south Georgia housing without extreme budget constraints.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Brooks County

via IncomeByCounty

Brooks struggles to keep pace nationally

Brooks County's median household income of $47,656 falls 36% short of the U.S. median of $74,755. This income gap places Brooks among the lowest-earning counties nationally and reflects broader rural economic stagnation.

Among Georgia's lowest-income counties

Brooks's $47,656 median income trails Georgia's state average of $60,488 by $12,832, ranking in the lower third of all 159 Georgia counties. Economic diversification challenges limit wage growth for residents.

Income comparable to region's most struggling

Brooks ($47,656) nearly matches Brantley ($47,801) but lags most other neighbors, outpacing only Ben Hill ($39,081). The county's modest income reflects shared rural economic pressures across south Georgia.

Housing affordability provides financial cushion

Brooks's rent-to-income ratio of 18.9% sits slightly below the healthy 20% benchmark, offering residents manageable housing costs. This affordability helps households navigate limited income with greater stability.

Start small but start now with investing

Brooks residents earning $47,656 should commit even $50–100 monthly to a diversified investment fund; time matters more than initial size. Begin with employer retirement plans or low-fee index funds to build wealth despite modest earnings.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Brooks County

via CrimeByCounty

Crime Rates Well Below National Benchmarks

Brooks County is safer than the national average, with a total crime rate of 1,431.6 per 100,000 residents compared to the U.S. average of 2,385.5. It holds a high safety score of 97.7.

Matching the Georgia Safety Profile

The county's safety score of 97.7 is nearly identical to the Georgia state average of 97.8. This indicates that Brooks County aligns with the typical safety level for the state.

Local Comparisons Favor Brooks County

Brooks County's crime rate of 1,431.6 is much lower than Berrien County's 2,061.9. It sits almost exactly at the Georgia state average of 1,412.9.

Property Offenses Represent Main Concern

Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,112.1 per 100,000 people. Violent crime is also lower than the national average, sitting at 319.5 compared to 369.8 nationally.

Simple Steps to Deter Property Theft

Most local crime involves property, so securing outbuildings and farm equipment is essential. Use visible security signage and motion sensors to discourage trespassers.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Brooks County

via SchoolsByCounty

Intimate Learning in South Georgia

Brooks County manages a small but comprehensive educational system of 6 schools for its 2,141 students. The landscape includes two elementary schools, one middle school, two high schools, and a dedicated early learning center. This small footprint allows the district to provide a specialized focus for each age group.

Efficiency and Excellence in Results

The county earns a 54.3 school score, exceeding both state and national medians. Graduation rates are a highlight at 92.0%, which is significantly higher than the national average of 87% and Georgia's average of 88.1%. These strong outcomes are achieved with lean spending of $6,855 per pupil, showing high operational efficiency.

One District, Zero Charter Schools

The Brooks County school district provides the sole educational framework for the county's 2,141 students. There are no charter schools, ensuring that the community's resources and student population remain concentrated within the traditional public system. This unity helps maintain a consistent academic standard across all six campuses.

Small Schools in a Rural Setting

All schools in Brooks County are classified as rural, providing a calm atmosphere with an average school size of only 357 students. Quitman Elementary is the largest campus with 576 students, while the Brooks County Early Learning Center offers a specialized start for 102 children. This small-scale environment helps ensure that no student gets lost in the crowd.

A Tight-Knit Community for Your Family

Brooks County is an ideal location for those looking for a home in a district where every student is known. The high graduation rate and above-average school scores make it a smart investment for families moving to the area. Explore local listings to find a place near these high-performing, rural campuses.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Brooks County

via RiskByCounty

Brooks risk moderately exceeds national norm

Brooks County's composite risk score of 42.11 slightly exceeds the national average, with a Very Low overall rating. The county faces somewhat above-typical natural disaster exposure compared to U.S. communities broadly.

Above-average risk within Georgia

Brooks scores 42.11, modestly exceeding Georgia's state average of 39.49, placing it in the upper half of Georgia's risk distribution. The county represents a transition zone between Georgia's safest and more vulnerable areas.

Riskier than Ben Hill, comparable to Berrien

Brooks (42.11) ranks higher than Ben Hill (25.41) and Bleckley (25.67) but closely mirrors Berrien County (39.31). This positions Brooks as a moderate-risk county in south Georgia's rural landscape.

Hurricane and tornado exposure tops the list

Brooks faces significant hurricane risk (86.02) and elevated tornado risk (58.56), which together dominate its hazard profile. Wildfire risk (56.36) also exceeds state averages, while earthquake and flood risks remain comparatively modest.

Wind and storm coverage must be current

Brooks residents should ensure their homeowners insurance includes comprehensive wind and hail coverage given the county's elevated hurricane and tornado exposure. Review your policy annually and consider a higher coverage limit if you live in a storm-prone area of the county.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Brooks County

via WaterByCounty

Brooks County Maintains Perfect Safety Record

Brooks County reports a Grade A for drinking water compliance with zero health violations over the last five years. The county maintains a violation rate of 0.0, compared to the Georgia average of 152.5.

Half of Watershed Fails 2022 Standards

Exactly 50% of the 18 assessed water bodies in Brooks County fail to meet Clean Water Act standards. Fecal coliform and low dissolved oxygen levels are the most common impairments found in local streams.

Monitoring Focuses on Organics and Pesticides

Five monitoring sites have yielded 3,272 measurements over the past five years, providing a detailed look at local conditions. These records focus on physical data, organic compounds, and pesticide levels.

Withlacoochee River Flow Drops Significantly

The Withlacoochee River near Quitman is currently at 67 cfs, which is only 6% of its long-term average flow. Such low volumes can reduce the river's ability to dilute pollutants and support aquatic life.

Contaminants Concentrate During Low Flows

With the Withlacoochee River flowing at only 6% of its normal rate, bacterial contaminants like fecal coliform can become more concentrated. Stick to treated drinking water, which continues to meet all safety standards.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Brooks County

via WeatherByCounty

Significant warmth in the southern tier

Brooks County averages 66.6°F annually, making it one of the warmer locations in the continental United States. This environment is far warmer than the national median, supporting a long growing season.

Nearly three degrees above state average

The county's 66.6°F average exceeds the Georgia state mark of 63.7°F by a wide margin. It sits firmly within the hottest thermal zone of the state.

Matching the heat of its neighbors

Brooks is slightly warmer than neighboring Brantley, though both share exactly 76 days per year over 90°F. This consistency defines the weather patterns of the South Georgia borderlands.

Hot summers and snow-free winters

July averages 80.7°F, contributing to a summer mean of 80.2°F. Winters are very gentle, with a December-February average of 51.9°F and no recorded snowfall.

Prepare for a long cooling season

Cooling systems must be robust to handle 76 days of extreme heat. Light layers are usually sufficient for the mild 49.8°F January temperatures.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Brooks County

via SoilByCounty

Border County Soil Identity

Brooks County lacks specific taxonomic and pH records in the current database. Local soils typically trend toward acidity, falling short of the national 6.5 pH median common in other regions.

Unknown Mineral Mix

Specific percentages for sand, silt, and clay are not yet available for Brooks County. Testing your own soil's texture will tell you how easily it can be worked and how much water it will hold.

Defining Growing Potential

Fertility markers like organic matter and water capacity remain unrecorded here. To maximize yields, gardeners should aim to build their soil organic matter toward the state average of 1.83%.

Hydrologic Data Missing

The database does not list a dominant drainage class or hydrologic group for the county. Observing local runoff patterns after a storm is the best way to understand your property's hydrology.

Zone 9a Gardening Success

Brooks County's location in hardiness zone 9a is ideal for heat-loving crops and extended growing seasons. Grab a shovel and start planting to see what your local soil can really do.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Brooks County

via LawnByCounty

Brooks County's steep lawn challenge

A lawn difficulty score of 20.0 makes Brooks County one of the most challenging places in Georgia for turf management. Gardeners in this Zone 9a region must work twice as hard compared to the national average to keep grass green.

Extreme heat dominates the calendar

The county sees 76 extreme heat days, which is 11 days more than the Georgia average. High activity with 6,378 growing degree days means your lawn never really stops growing during the long, hot southern summer.

Check your soil before planting

Specific soil metrics are currently unavailable for Brooks County. A quick soil test is the best way to determine if you need to add organic matter to help your soil hold water during those 76 days of extreme heat.

Severe drought grips the region

With 100% of the county in severe drought and 28 weeks of drought in the past year, water management is paramount. Consider drought-tolerant landscaping and ensure your irrigation system is leak-free to conserve every drop.

Target the March planting window

Your growing season effectively kicks off after the last frost on March 11th. Choose resilient warm-season varieties like Bermuda or Centipede grass to ensure your lawn survives until the mid-November frost.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Brooks County's county score?
Brooks County, Georgia has a composite county score of 41 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 Brooks County rank among counties in Georgia?
Brooks County ranks #119 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 Brooks County, Georgia?
The median annual property tax in Brooks County is $1,513, with an effective tax rate of 1.28%. This earns Brooks County a tax score of 21.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Brooks County?
The median household income in Brooks County, Georgia is $47,656 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Brooks County earns an income score of 10.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Brooks County, Georgia a good place to live?
Brooks County scores 41/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #119 in Georgia. The best way to evaluate Brooks 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 Brooks 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.