countyscore
57.8
County Score
Cost of Living 90.9Disaster Risk 83.7Safety 78.2

County Report Card

About Calhoun County, Georgia

Exceeding the National Livability Median

Calhoun County boasts an impressive composite score of 57.7, significantly outperforming the national median of 50.0. This high score places it in the upper tier of American counties.

A Top Performer in Georgia

The county's 57.7 score far exceeds the Georgia state average of 46.7. It stands out as one of the most livable rural options in the state's southwestern region.

Safety, Affordability, and Quality Schools

Calhoun excels across the board with a cost score of 86.3, a safety score of 78.2, and a school score of 75.5. Median rent is a low $638, making it one of the most affordable high-quality areas available.

Navigating Healthcare and Tax Burdens

The health score is low at 16.1, suggesting limited local medical facilities. Additionally, the effective tax rate of 1.152% results in a lower tax score of 27.9 compared to neighbors.

Perfect for Frugal Families

Calhoun County is a hidden gem for families who want safe streets and good schools without the high price tag. It is a premier choice for those willing to travel for specialized healthcare.

2040608010027.990.978.216.175.57.883.727.744.1Tax27.9Cost90.9Safety78.2Health16.1Schools75.5Income7.8Risk83.7Water27.7Weather44.157.8/100
This county
National avg
4 above average5 below average

Calhoun County DNA

Foverall

How Calhoun County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Calhoun County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (90.9/100) but notably weak in Income (7.8/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
27.9-24.1
Cost
90.9+42.900000000000006
Safety
78.2+23.200000000000003
Health
16.1-33.9
Schools
75.5+21.5
Income
7.8-43.2
Risk
83.7+36.7
Water
27.7-30.3
Weather
44.1-11.899999999999999
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Calhoun County?

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

Check My Assessment

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$81,000

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$546/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$81,000/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$21,840/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum1.7x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $46,940/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

72.4

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Deep Dives

Calhoun County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Calhoun County

via TaxByCounty

Calhoun's rate is highest compared to nation

Calhoun County's effective tax rate of 1.152% ranks significantly above the national median, making it one of the higher-tax counties even though the actual dollar amount stays modest. At $947 annually on a median home valued at $82,200, the rate reflects lower home prices offsetting what would otherwise be a substantial tax burden.

Calhoun ranks among Georgia's highest rates

Calhoun County's 1.152% effective rate substantially exceeds Georgia's state average of 0.898%, placing it in the upper tier of Georgia counties by effective rate. Despite the high rate, the median tax of $947 falls below the state median of $1,529 due to Calhoun's depressed property values.

Noticeably higher than surrounding counties

Calhoun County's 1.152% rate towers above nearby Burke (0.907%) and Charlton (0.908%), and it's the highest rate among all eight comparison counties in this region. The elevated rate is a key consideration for anyone buying property or relocating within the area.

Median Calhoun home costs $947 yearly

If you own a median-valued $82,200 home in Calhoun County, expect to pay approximately $947 in annual property taxes. With mortgage escrow, that increases to around $1,143, still a manageable amount but worth factoring into your housing budget.

High rates make assessments worth reviewing

In higher-rate counties like Calhoun, even small assessment errors compound quickly—a $5,000 overvaluation adds roughly $58 to your annual bill. Filing an appeal with the Calhoun County assessor's office is free and could return significant savings if your home is overvalued.

Income & Jobs in Calhoun County

via IncomeByCounty

Calhoun lags national earnings by 25%

Calhoun County's median household income of $55,714 trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by roughly 26%, or $19,041 annually. Despite this gap, Calhoun's earnings exceed many of its rural Georgia neighbors, reflecting modest but real economic activity.

Mid-tier standing in Georgia

Calhoun ranks near Georgia's state median of $60,488, positioning it in the state's middle band of counties. The $4,774 shortfall reflects Calhoun's modest but respectable earnings relative to the broader state economy.

Calhoun outperforms lowest-earning peers

Calhoun's $55,714 income exceeds both Charlton ($48,534) and Candler ($50,431) counties but trails the $59,221 of Butts County. Calhoun represents the median tier among its immediate rural Georgia neighbors.

Housing affordable in Calhoun

Calhoun's 13.7% rent-to-income ratio is the strongest among these eight counties, indicating renters carry minimal housing burden. With median home values of just $82,200, homeownership is significantly more accessible than in neighboring counties, freeing income for other needs.

Calhoun's affordability unlocks savings

Low housing costs in Calhoun create a unique opportunity to redirect savings toward investments and wealth-building. Households here can realistically target 15–20% of income for retirement savings, emergency funds, and long-term assets without sacrificing basic security.

Safety in Calhoun County

via CrimeByCounty

Exceptional Safety in Calhoun

Calhoun County is exceptionally safe, posting a total crime rate of just 518.5 per 100K compared to the national average of 2385.5. This earns the county a stellar safety score of 99.2.

Top-Tier Georgia Ranking

Calhoun ranks high in Georgia, with a safety score far exceeding the state average of 97.8. Its crime rate is less than half of the statewide average of 1412.9.

Outperforming Nearby Counties

Calhoun provides a much quieter environment than neighbor Burke County, which has a crime rate nearly four times higher. It remains one of the most peaceful counties in the region.

Minimal Violent Crime Levels

Violent crime is rare here, with only 35.8 incidents per 100K residents. The vast majority of activity consists of property crimes at 482.7 per 100K.

Maintaining Peace in Calhoun

Keep your entryways well-lit and secure to maintain this county's high safety standards. Small preventive steps ensure Calhoun remains a top choice for safety.

Weather & Climate in Calhoun County

via WeatherByCounty

A lush and rainy landscape

Calhoun County receives 51.6 inches of precipitation annually, which is significantly higher than the national median. This abundant rain supports a thick, green environment year-round.

Typical precipitation for Georgia

The county's 51.6 inches of rain sits right at the Georgia state average of 51.4 inches. While temperature data is limited, the rainfall suggests a standard humid southern climate.

Wetter than neighbors to the east

Calhoun receives more rain than nearby Bibb or Burke counties, which average around 47 inches. Like much of the region, it records 0.0 inches of snowfall annually.

Consistent rain and no snow

The lack of snow and 51.6 inches of rain point toward mild winters and wet summers. While specific seasonal temps are unavailable, the county follows the state's subtropical trends.

Invest in quality rain gear

With over 51 inches of annual rain, drainage and rain protection are the primary climate concerns. Residents can skip the snow shovels, as the county historically sees zero snowfall.

Soil Quality in Calhoun County

via SoilByCounty

Agricultural Traditions in Southwest Georgia

Specific taxonomic and pH data for Calhoun County is currently limited in federal records. Like most of the region, the soil typically trends toward an acidic profile that is lower than the 6.5 national median.

Classic Coastal Plain Textures

While exact sand and clay percentages are not listed, the county shares the Coastal Plain characteristics of its neighbors. These soils are generally easier to till but require careful management of soil health.

Rich Potential for Growing Crops

Specific organic matter and water capacity data are currently unavailable for this area. However, the county's agricultural heritage suggests a landscape capable of high productivity with proper nutrient management.

Observing Local Water Movement

No dominant drainage class is currently recorded for the county. Residents should monitor how quickly water disappears after heavy rain to determine if their site is better suited for drainage-loving plants or water-tolerant varieties.

Endless Summer in Zone 8b

The warm climate of Zone 8b allows for a long growing season that favors corn, cotton, and squash. Start a garden today and test your soil locally to unlock the specific needs of your backyard plot.

Lawn Care in Calhoun County

via LawnByCounty

Average Difficulty in Calhoun County

Calhoun County scores a 35.9 for lawn difficulty, placing it exactly in line with the Georgia state average. This Hardiness Zone 8b region is more demanding than the national median, requiring specific local knowledge to succeed. You should expect a moderate maintenance routine to keep your grass healthy year-round.

Generous Rainfall Supports Grass Growth

The county receives 51.6 inches of annual precipitation, which is slightly above the ideal upper limit for most lawns. This abundance of water can be a blessing during growth cycles but may require better drainage management during wet months. While specific heat day data is limited, the Zone 8b designation suggests a long, warm growing season.

Planning Around Limited Soil Data

Official soil data for pH and texture is currently unavailable for this area, so a private soil test is your best first step. Most Georgia soils tend toward acidity, so checking your levels before applying fertilizer is highly recommended. Understanding your specific lot's clay-to-sand ratio will help you tailor your watering needs.

Severe Drought Affects Entire County

Calhoun County is currently facing a significant water crisis, with 100% of the area in severe drought. The region has endured 30 weeks of drought conditions over the past year, making water conservation your top priority. Use mulch in garden beds and keep grass slightly longer to shade the soil and retain moisture.

Choosing Success in Zone 8b

St. Augustine and Centipede grasses are popular in Zone 8b for their ability to handle southern heat and humidity. Since specific frost dates are not provided, observe local nurseries for the best timing to seed your lawn. Focus on deep-root establishment to help your turf survive the current severe drought conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Calhoun County's county score?
Calhoun County, Georgia has a composite county score of 57.8 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 Calhoun County rank among counties in Georgia?
Calhoun County ranks #15 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 Calhoun County, Georgia?
The median annual property tax in Calhoun County is $903, with an effective tax rate of 1.11%. This earns Calhoun County a tax score of 27.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Calhoun County?
The median household income in Calhoun County, Georgia is $46,940 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Calhoun County earns an income score of 7.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Calhoun County, Georgia a good place to live?
Calhoun County scores 57.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #15 in Georgia. The best way to evaluate Calhoun 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 Calhoun County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.