countyscore
37
County Score
Water Quality 60.4Property Tax 55.2Health 38.9

County Report Card

About Bulloch County, Georgia

Below the National Median Score

Bulloch County earns a 37.0 composite score, falling short of the national median of 50.0. The score reflects a mix of low taxes and significant infrastructure challenges.

Trailing the Georgia Average

The county's score of 37.0 is nearly 10 points below the Georgia state average of 46.7. Despite being a university hub, its school and risk scores pull down its state ranking.

Low Taxes and Decent Health

Bulloch County offers a strong tax score of 55.2, thanks to a low effective tax rate of 0.778%. Health outcomes are also a relative bright spot, scoring 38.9, which is higher than many rural peers.

Environmental Risk and Education Gaps

The county faces a low risk score of 24.6 and a school score of 26.6. These factors, combined with a median household income of $56,832, suggest limited upward mobility for some residents.

Good for Tax-Conscious Professionals

Bulloch County is best for individuals working in higher education or healthcare who want to keep their tax bill low. It offers a moderate cost of living for those who don't prioritize top-tier public school rankings.

Score breakdown

Tax55.2Cost35.7Safety32.1Health38.9Schools26.6Income29.9Risk24.6Water60.4Weather35.7
🏛55.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠35.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼29.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡32.1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤38.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓26.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡24.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧60.4
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤35.7
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨12
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱25.8
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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Deep Dives

Bulloch County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Bulloch County

via TaxByCounty

Bulloch County Offers Below-Average Tax Rates

Bulloch County's effective tax rate of 0.778% sits below the national median of 0.87% and well below Georgia's state average of 0.898%. This places Bulloch in roughly the 30th percentile nationally, making it one of America's more affordable counties for property taxes.

Bulloch Ranks Georgia's Most Tax-Friendly County

At 0.778%, Bulloch County has the lowest effective tax rate in Georgia among all 159 counties. The $1,491 median property tax is 2.5% below the state average of $1,529, despite a median home value of $191,600.

Second-Lowest Rate in the Regional Sample

Bulloch's 0.778% rate ranks second-lowest in this eight-county group, just barely trailing Bryan County's 0.789%. Bulloch substantially undercuts all other peers, including Berrien (0.989%), Ben Hill (1.061%), and Bleckley (1.082%).

A $191,600 Home Costs $1,491 Annually

The typical Bulloch County homeowner with a $191,600 property pays $1,491 in annual property taxes. Owners with mortgages pay $1,677; those without mortgages pay $1,194.

Low Rates Don't Eliminate Appeal Opportunities

Even in tax-friendly Bulloch County, homeowners should verify their assessed values against recent comparable sales. An overvalued assessment—while yielding lower absolute taxes than elsewhere—still represents overpayment and warrants a formal appeal during the county's assessment window.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Bulloch County

via CostByCounty

Bulloch balances affordability and income

Bulloch County residents spend 20.4% of household income on rent, slightly above Georgia's 18.6% state average but within a sustainable range. The county's $56,832 median household income trails the national average of $74,755 yet remains strong enough to support $968 monthly rents.

Bulloch ranks above Georgia's median affordability

At 20.4%, Bulloch's rent-to-income ratio exceeds Georgia's state average of 18.6%, placing it among the less affordable counties statewide. Rents of $968 monthly run slightly above Georgia's state average of $927, contributing to the affordability pressure.

Bulloch bridges affordable and premium markets

Bulloch's $968 rent sits between moderate-cost Bleckley ($765) and expensive Bibb ($1,026), with median home values at $191,600 placing it firmly in the middle of this regional cluster. The county offers significantly more affordable housing than Bryan County ($1,584 rent, $317,100 homes).

Balanced costs across rental and ownership

Renters pay $968 monthly while homeowners commit $912 to mortgages on median homes valued at $191,600. At $56,832 annual income, Bulloch households dedicate about 20% to housing costs, whether renting or buying.

Bulloch works for moderate-income relocators

Households earning $55,000 to $65,000 annually should evaluate Bulloch against more affordable Bleckley or pricier Bibb based on your specific income level. The county offers a reasonable middle ground between south Georgia's cheapest and most expensive housing markets.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Bulloch County

via IncomeByCounty

Bulloch trails national median by meaningful margin

Bulloch County's median household income of $56,832 falls 24% below the U.S. median of $74,755. Despite this gap, Bulloch ranks among the stronger earners in this county cluster, boosted by Georgia Southern University's economic influence.

Lower-middle rank fueled by university anchor

Bulloch's $56,832 median income trails Georgia's state average of $60,488 by just $3,656, placing it in the middle band of 159 Georgia counties. Georgia Southern University's presence elevates local income compared to purely rural neighbors.

Regional income leader outside Bryan County

Bulloch ($56,832) outearns all counties in this cluster except Bryan ($94,234), beating Bleckley ($53,005) and Berrien ($50,414). The university effect creates a meaningful income premium relative to purely agricultural peers.

Moderate housing costs leave room to save

Bulloch's rent-to-income ratio of 20.4% slightly exceeds the 20% benchmark but remains manageable given the county's relatively strong median income. Residents retain adequate resources for emergency savings and investments.

Leverage stable employment for long-term planning

Bulloch households earning $56,832 should use the county's stable institutional employment to establish regular investment habits through retirement accounts and index funds. The university's stable payroll provides reliable income foundations for wealth accumulation.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Bulloch County

via CrimeByCounty

Safe Community with Low Crime

Bulloch County maintains a strong safety score of 97.5, with a total crime rate of 1,601.0 per 100,000 residents. This is much lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Aligning with Georgia State Averages

The county's safety score of 97.5 is very close to the Georgia state average of 97.8. It reflects a standard of safety that is consistent with most other Georgia counties.

Higher Activity than Rural Neighbors

At 1,601.0, Bulloch’s crime rate is higher than Bryan County’s 1,197.9. It also sits slightly above the state average crime rate of 1,412.9 per 100,000.

Property Crime is the Primary Issue

Property crime accounts for 1,451.9 per 100,000 residents, while violent crime is low at 149.1. Violent crime in Bulloch is less than half the national average of 369.8.

Focusing on Theft Prevention

Since property crime is the most frequent issue, securing vehicles and home deliveries is vital. Video doorbells and well-lit entryways are effective deterrents for local residents.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Bulloch County

via HealthByCounty

Bulloch County: Georgia's health champion

At 75.3 years, Bulloch County residents live 0.8 years longer than the U.S. average of 74.5 years, marking it among America's healthiest rural communities. The 19.0% poor or fair health rate is Georgia's best, reflecting outstanding disease management and population health.

Georgia's longest lifespan county

Bulloch's 75.3-year life expectancy is Georgia's highest, exceeding the state average of 73.3 years by 2.0 years. The 19.0% poor or fair health rate and 14.4% uninsured rate further confirm Bulloch as Georgia's most consistently healthy county across all metrics.

Clear regional health advantage

Bulloch (75.3 years) edges out Bryan County (74.9 years) as Georgia's healthiest, with the state's best poor health rate of 19.0% and among the lowest uninsured rates. The county demonstrates that sustained investment in healthcare access and public health delivers measurable, above-average lifespans.

Strongest provider network in region

Bulloch provides 56 primary care and 132 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—the region's most robust network, reflecting Georgia Southern University's academic medical presence. The 14.4% uninsured rate is below Georgia's state average, ensuring that clinical abundance reaches insured populations.

Build on Bulloch's health success

Bulloch County's 75.3-year life expectancy isn't accidental—it reflects strong insurance uptake (85.6% insured) and abundant provider access. If you're uninsured, visit healthcare.gov to join the community's proven path to better health.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Bulloch County

via SchoolsByCounty

Extensive Schooling in a College Town

Bulloch County serves 11,241 students through a network of 16 public schools. This includes nine elementary campuses, three middle schools, and four high schools, providing a broad range of facilities for the community. The system is anchored by the presence of a large university town, which influences the local education landscape.

Striving for Performance Benchmarks

The county's 83.2% graduation rate and 49.7 composite school score both fall slightly below the Georgia state averages of 88.1% and 53.4% respectively. Per-pupil expenditure is $6,890, which is below the state average and the $13,000 national benchmark. Local leaders continue to work toward closing the gap to state performance levels.

Statesboro's Dual District Landscape

The Bulloch County district is the primary educator, overseeing 15 schools and 11,050 students. Additionally, the Statesboro STEAM Academy serves as a local charter option for 191 students, adding a specialized choice to the mix. This provides families in the area with both a large traditional system and a small, niche alternative.

A Blend of Rural and Town Campus Life

With 11 rural schools and 5 town-based campuses, the county offers a variety of learning environments. Schools average 703 students, with Statesboro High School acting as the largest campus at 1,760 students. Students here experience everything from intimate rural elementary schools to large, bustling town high schools.

Finding Your Place in Bulloch County

Bulloch County offers diverse living options, from townhomes near Statesboro's centers to quiet rural acreage. While graduation rates are currently below state averages, the proximity to higher education and the presence of charter options like STEAM Academy provide unique value. Research specific school zones to find the best fit for your family's needs.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Bulloch County

via RiskByCounty

Bulloch faces substantially elevated disaster risk

Bulloch County scores 75.41 on the composite risk scale, nearly 50% higher than the national average, and rated Relatively Low overall. This east-central county experiences significant multi-hazard exposure exceeding most U.S. communities.

Among Georgia's most vulnerable counties

Bulloch's 75.41 score substantially exceeds Georgia's state average of 39.49, ranking it in the upper tier of Georgia's most at-risk counties. Only a small percentage of Georgia communities face comparably complex natural disaster profiles.

Bulloch's risk rivals and exceeds peers

Bulloch (75.41) nearly matches Bibb County (78.50) to the west and substantially exceeds Bryan County (66.63) to the southeast. Bulloch's position as a regional hub concentrates both population and hazard exposure.

Tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes all elevated

Bulloch's tornado risk (80.18), hurricane risk (92.45), and earthquake risk (86.90) all substantially exceed state and national averages. Wildfire risk (63.96) and flood risk (60.56) add additional significant concerns across the county.

Multi-layered insurance strategy is critical

Bulloch residents should secure flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program immediately, as standard policies exclude flood damage and the county faces elevated flood risk. Ensure wind, hail, and tornado damage coverage is comprehensive on your homeowners policy, and discuss earthquake insurance with your agent if you live near mapped fault zones.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Bulloch County

via WeatherByCounty

Warm temperatures and ample rain

Bulloch County averages 66.3°F and receives 47.0 inches of rain per year. This climate is substantially warmer and wetter than the average United States county.

Higher than the Georgia state average

The annual temperature is 2.6 degrees higher than the Georgia average of 63.7°F. This elevation in heat is typical for the state's coastal plain region.

More extreme heat than inland neighbors

Bulloch experiences 80 days of extreme heat, outpacing nearby Burke County's 75 days. Its 47.0 inches of rain is slightly below the state average of 51.4 inches.

Intense summers peaking in July

Summers average 81.1°F, with July temperatures climbing to an average of 82.2°F. Winters remain pleasant, staying above 50.9°F on average through the coldest months.

Plan for 80 high-heat days

Residents should prioritize hydration and shade during the frequent 90°F days. HVAC maintenance is best performed in the mild 49.1°F January window before the summer surge.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Bulloch County

via SoilByCounty

Highly Acidic Coastal Soil

Bulloch County soil maintains an average pH of 5.19, which is slightly more acidic than the state average of 5.26. This falls well below the national 6.5 median, often requiring lime to balance the acidity.

High Sand, Low Clay

The soil composition is heavily dominated by sand at 81.5%, with only 7.5% clay. This high sand content provides excellent drainage but may struggle to retain nutrients without regular organic amendments.

Limited Water Retention

Organic matter reaches 1.52%, which is lower than the Georgia average of 1.83%. With an available water capacity of 0.089 in/in, the soil holds less water than the state average of 0.114 in/in.

Rapidly Draining Landscapes

While official drainage classes are unrecorded, the 81.5% sand content ensures water moves very quickly. This rapid drainage prevents root rot but requires diligent irrigation during hot summer months.

Thriving in Zone 8b

Gardeners in hardiness zone 8b can thrive with blueberries, peppers, and other heat-tolerant staples. The long growing season offers plenty of opportunities to cultivate a productive backyard plot.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Bulloch County

via LawnByCounty

Tough turf conditions in Bulloch

Bulloch County carries a lawn difficulty score of 25.8, making it harder to manage than the Georgia state average. This Zone 8b county requires a proactive approach to maintain a healthy, green appearance throughout the year.

Heat and growth are high

The county sees 80 extreme heat days and a high 6,322 growing degree days. This combination means grass grows fast but is under constant thermal stress, necessitating careful irrigation and mowing practices.

Acidic sandy soil needs attention

With a high sand content of 81.5% and a low pH of 5.19, your soil is both acidic and likely to lose nutrients quickly. Regular lime applications are necessary to bring the pH up to the healthy 6.0-7.0 range for grass.

Extended drought period for Bulloch

Bulloch has faced 35 weeks of drought in the past year, and 100% of the county currently sits in severe drought. Focus on deep root growth by watering infrequently and keeping your grass height higher to shade the soil.

Start planting in early March

The local frost-free window begins around March 7th and lasts until late November. Centipede and Zoysia are top choices for these acidic, sandy soils and can stand up to the 80 days of extreme heat.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Bulloch County's county score?
Bulloch County, Georgia has a composite county score of 37 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 Bulloch County rank among counties in Georgia?
Bulloch County ranks #135 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 Bulloch County, Georgia?
The median annual property tax in Bulloch County is $1,491, with an effective tax rate of 0.78%. This earns Bulloch County a tax score of 55.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Bulloch County?
The median household income in Bulloch County, Georgia is $56,832 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Bulloch County earns an income score of 29.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Bulloch County, Georgia a good place to live?
Bulloch County scores 37/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #135 in Georgia. The best way to evaluate Bulloch 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 Bulloch County with other counties side by side.

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🏛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.