countyscore
45.8
County Score
Water Quality 86Disaster Risk 79.5Safety 66

County Report Card

About Butts County, Georgia

Butts County Sits Below National Median

Butts County earns a composite score of 45.8, trailing the national median of 50.0. This ranking puts it in the lower half of counties nationwide for overall lifestyle metrics.

Consistent With Georgia Averages

The county's 45.8 score is nearly identical to the Georgia state average of 46.7. It represents a standard regional profile for central Georgia counties.

Safe Living and Low Environmental Risk

Residents enjoy a high risk score of 79.5 and a respectable safety score of 66.0. The water quality is also excellent, matching the high state benchmark with a score of 86.0.

Addressing Healthcare and School Quality

Health access is a significant hurdle with a low score of 24.9, while schools also struggle at 33.5. Affordability is under pressure, as the cost score of 34.7 reflects a median home value rising to $227,800.

Ideal for Those Seeking Safety

This county is best for residents who value low crime and environmental resilience over academic rankings. It offers a secure, mid-range lifestyle for those working in neighboring urban hubs.

Score breakdown

Tax50.6Cost34.7Safety66Health24.9Schools33.5Income36.5Risk79.5Water86Weather56
🏛50.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠34.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼36.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡66
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤24.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓33.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡79.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤56
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨11.1
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱42.1
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

Jasper County
Georgia
47.2
Newton County
Georgia
35.4
Henry County
Georgia
35.1
Lamar County
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Spalding County
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Monroe County
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Rockdale County
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Jones County
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Deep Dives

Butts County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Butts County

via TaxByCounty

Butts taxes rank below the national median

Butts County homeowners pay an effective tax rate of 0.828%, which is lower than the national median and well below what most Americans owe on property. At $1,886 annually on a median $227,800 home, Butts residents pay roughly 30% less than the national typical property tax bill of $2,690.

Among Georgia's lowest tax rate counties

Butts County's 0.828% effective rate ranks among the lowest in Georgia, beating the state average of 0.898% by a significant margin. The median tax of $1,886 runs about 23% higher than state average, reflecting Butts's stronger home values rather than higher rates.

Lower rates than most regional peers

Butts County's 0.828% rate beats nearby Candler County (1.041%) and Calhoun County (1.152%), making it one of the more tax-friendly options in central Georgia. Only Carroll County and Catoosa County in the surrounding region offer lower effective rates.

Median Butts home costs $1,886 yearly

On a typical $227,800 home in Butts County, you'll pay around $1,886 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage, that rises to $2,183 when taxes are included in escrow, but you're still below national averages for a home of this value.

Appeal options exist if you're overassessed

Butts County homeowners should periodically review their assessment notices and compare their home's tax basis to recent comparable sales. If your property is assessed significantly above fair market value, Georgia law allows you to file a formal appeal with the county assessor.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Butts County

via CostByCounty

Butts stretches renters with above-average burden

Butts County renters spend 19.3% of income on housing, above both the national 20% threshold and Georgia's 18.6% average. Against a national median household income of $74,755, Butts residents earn $59,221—making rent at $952 monthly hit harder on smaller paychecks.

Butts ranks among Georgia's pricier counties

Butts County's median rent of $952 exceeds the state average of $927 by $25, placing it in the upper tier of Georgia housing costs. Its 19.3% rent-to-income ratio ranks higher than most counties statewide, signaling tighter housing affordability for residents.

Butts costs more than Burke, less than Camden

Butts rents ($952) run $189 above Burke County ($763) but $215 below Camden County ($1,167). Home values tell a similar story: Butts sits at $227,800—matching Carroll County ($227,500) but doubling Burke's median home price of $107,800.

Rents and mortgages compete for tight budgets

Butts renters pay $952 monthly while homeowners carry nearly identical costs at $954—a flat split that consumes 19.3% of rent income and 19.3% of owner income. At $59,221 median household income, nearly one-fifth of take-home goes to housing whether you rent or buy.

Butts appeals to buyers more than renters

If you're considering Butts County, homeownership makes more financial sense than renting—both claim similar shares of income. Compare the higher median home value ($227,800) against neighboring Burke and Candler if you're prioritizing affordability in a smaller Georgia county.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Butts County

via IncomeByCounty

Butts nears national income levels

Butts County's median household income of $59,221 comes within 21% of the national median of $74,755, representing stronger earnings than many rural Georgia counties. While still below the U.S. average, Butts households earn roughly $15,500 more annually than Burke County.

Just shy of Georgia's median

Butts ranks just below Georgia's state median of $60,488, placing it in the state's competitive middle tier. This near-parity with the state average positions Butts among counties with solid earning fundamentals.

Butts matches Carroll and Catoosa income

Butts's $59,221 income aligns closely with Calhoun County ($55,714) and falls between Camden ($72,399) and the lower-earning rural counties. Butts demonstrates stronger income stability than neighboring Candler and Charlton counties.

Housing costs demand careful budgeting

Butts's 19.3% rent-to-income ratio sits at the threshold of affordability, meaning renters spend just under one-fifth of income on housing. With median home values at $227,800, homebuyers need combined household income or down-payment savings to secure mortgages without strain.

Leverage Butts's earning potential

Butts residents are positioned to accelerate wealth-building by prioritizing debt reduction and maximizing retirement contributions like 401(k)s and IRAs. With income near state averages, discipline around discretionary spending can unlock 10–15% of household income for investment in appreciating assets.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Butts County

via CrimeByCounty

Butts County Among Nation's Safest

With a total crime rate of 795.3 per 100K, Butts County is significantly safer than the national average of 2385.5. The county boasts an impressive safety score of 98.7.

Exceeding Georgia Safety Standards

Butts County outshines the average Georgia county safety score of 97.8. Its total crime rate is nearly half of the statewide average of 1412.9 per 100K.

A Leader in Regional Safety

Butts County is a regional safety leader, reporting a rate of 795.3 per 100K. This is much lower than nearby Carroll County, where rates exceed 2100.

Understanding the Safety Stats

Violent crimes occur at a low rate of 160.6 per 100K, while property crimes account for 634.7 incidents. Most reported issues involve non-violent property offenses rather than personal threats.

Protecting Your Butts County Home

Take advantage of the county's low crime rates by maintaining smart locks and neighborhood awareness. Simple prevention remains the best defense for your home.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Butts County

via HealthByCounty

Butts Falls Short on Life Expectancy

Butts County residents live an average of 71.9 years, falling 1.5 years below the U.S. average of 71.4 years and trailing Georgia's state average by 1.4 years. With 21.1% of residents reporting poor or fair health, the county's health burden aligns with national patterns.

Below Average Life Expectancy Statewide

At 71.9 years, Butts County's life expectancy ranks below Georgia's 73.3-year average, placing residents at higher risk for chronic disease and early mortality. The uninsured rate of 13.6% is better than the state average of 15.0%, indicating solid health coverage gains despite shorter lifespans.

Struggling Compared to Adjacent Counties

Butts County's 71.9-year life expectancy is notably lower than neighboring Pike County (74.8 years) and Henry County (75.2 years), suggesting health challenges unique to the community. With 27 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, Butts lags behind more resourced neighbors.

Limited Primary Care, Strong Mental Health

Butts County has only 27 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, creating potential gaps in preventive care, but offers 74 mental health providers per 100,000—a significant strength for behavioral health. The 13.6% uninsured rate means many residents can access care, though limited primary care options may delay treatment.

Close the Coverage Gap for Better Health

Over 1 in 10 uninsured Butts County residents miss preventive care that could catch disease early and extend healthy years. Visit Healthcare.gov or call 211 Georgia to enroll in a plan that works for your family and budget.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Butts County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Small but Essential Educational Network

Butts County supports 3,564 students through a compact system of five public schools. The landscape includes three primary schools, one middle school, and one high school, all managed under a single county district.

Academic Results Align with State Trends

With an 88.0% graduation rate, Butts County matches the state average and beats the national benchmark of 87.0%. The county achieves these results with a per-pupil expenditure of $6,604, which is lower than both the state and national averages.

Centralized Management for Every Student

The Butts County school district manages the entire local student body of 3,564 people across its five campuses. No charter schools currently operate in the county, focusing all local resources on the traditional public school system.

Rural Schools with a Community Focus

Every school in the county is classified as rural, creating a consistent environment for the average school size of 713 students. Jackson High School is the largest campus with 1,070 students, while Jackson Elementary is the smallest with 534 students.

Discover Rural Living Near Jackson Schools

Homebuyers seeking a quiet, rural lifestyle will find that Butts County offers a stable school environment with competitive graduation rates. Consider the area near Jackson High for central access to the county's educational hub.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Butts County

via RiskByCounty

Butts ranks well below national average

Butts County's composite risk score of 20.52 is significantly below Georgia's 39.49 state average, placing it comfortably in the Very Low risk category. This county faces substantially lower natural disaster risks than most U.S. counties.

Among Georgia's safest counties

Butts ranks in the top tier of safer Georgia counties, well above the state average for protection from natural hazards. The county's Very Low rating makes it one of the more resilient areas in the state.

Butts among the safer counties regionally

With a score of 20.52, Butts is safer than neighbors like Carroll County (70.45) and comparable to Candler County (11.58). The county sits in a relatively protected zone compared to higher-risk areas in the state.

Tornado and earthquake risks modest but present

Butts County's tornado risk score of 44.88 and earthquake risk of 48.73 are moderate, not negligible. Flood risk at 32.09 suggests some wet-weather preparedness is warranted, particularly in lower-lying areas.

Basic coverage meets most needs here

Standard homeowners insurance typically covers wind and hail damage, which should address Butts' moderate tornado risk. Consider adding earthquake coverage as an optional endorsement and review flood insurance if you're in a designated flood zone.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Soil Quality in Butts County

via SoilByCounty

Classic Georgia Acidity in Butts County

The soil in Butts County has an average pH of 5.26, matching the state average exactly. This level is notably acidic compared to the national median of 6.5, often requiring lime to balance the soil for traditional gardening.

A Sandy Mix with Structural Potential

The profile contains 59.9% sand, 19.7% silt, and 16.8% clay. This balance provides more structural stability and better nutrient holding capacity than the sandier regions found further south.

Average Water Retention Despite Lean Matter

Organic matter is relatively low at 1.20%, which is under the state average of 1.83%. However, the available water capacity of 0.113 in/in aligns closely with the state average, providing a reliable moisture reservoir for plants.

Measured Drainage for Local Landscapes

While specific drainage classes are not recorded for the county, the overall soil score of 11.1 is lower than the state average of 17.6. This indicates some physical limitations that may require site-specific testing before major construction or farming projects.

Long Growing Seasons in Zone 8a

Butts County sits in Hardiness Zone 8a, which is ideal for heat-loving crops like okra, peppers, and sweet potatoes. Adding organic mulch will help improve the soil's fertility and support a thriving home garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Butts County

via LawnByCounty

A Fair Start for Butts County Lawns

Butts County earns a lawn difficulty score of 42.1, making it easier to manage than the Georgia average of 35.8. Situated in Hardiness Zone 8a, it remains slightly more challenging than the national median of 50.0. Homeowners here benefit from a climate that is relatively forgiving compared to their southern neighbors.

Favorable Rainfall with Standard Summer Heat

The annual precipitation of 46.7 inches sits comfortably within the 30-50 inch ideal range for healthy turf. While July temperatures average 80.1°F, the 63 extreme heat days per year are just below the state average of 65. This climate supports steady growth without the extreme atmospheric stress found in coastal regions.

Neutralizing High Soil Acidity

The local soil pH of 5.26 is quite acidic, requiring lime amendments to reach the 6.0-7.0 range that grass prefers. The soil composition is 59.9% sand and 16.8% clay, creating a balance that requires attentive watering. Because specific drainage data is limited, keep a close eye on how quickly your yard dries out after a heavy rain.

Battling Severe Drought in Central Georgia

Water management is critical right now, as 56.8% of the county is experiencing severe drought conditions. The area has spent 22 weeks in drought over the last year, and 100% of the county is currently classified as abnormally dry. Implement a strict watering schedule to protect your investment during these dry spells.

Starting Your Zone 8a Lawn

Zoysia and Bermuda grasses are excellent choices for the Central Georgia climate and Zone 8a winters. While specific local frost dates are unavailable, generally wait until the soil warms in late spring before planting. Proper soil prep and pH correction today will ensure a more resilient lawn tomorrow.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Butts County's county score?
Butts County, Georgia has a composite county score of 45.8 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 Butts County rank among counties in Georgia?
Butts County ranks #88 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 Butts County, Georgia?
The median annual property tax in Butts County is $1,886, with an effective tax rate of 0.83%. This earns Butts County a tax score of 50.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Butts County?
The median household income in Butts County, Georgia is $59,221 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Butts County earns an income score of 36.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Butts County, Georgia a good place to live?
Butts County scores 45.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #88 in Georgia. The best way to evaluate Butts 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 Butts 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.