countyscore
57.7
County Score
Cost of Living 86.3Disaster 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.

Score breakdown

Tax27.9Cost86.3Safety78.2Health16.1Schools75.5Income27Risk83.7Water27.7Weather44.1
🏛27.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠86.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼27
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡78.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤16.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓75.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡83.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧27.7
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤44.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱35.9
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

Randolph County
Georgia
52.5
Baker County
Georgia
63.2
Terrell County
Georgia
47.9
Dougherty County
Georgia
29.6
Clay County
Georgia
56
Early County
Georgia
43.5
Miller County
Georgia
54.3
Mitchell County
Georgia
34.8

Deep Dives

Calhoun County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Calhoun County

via CostByCounty

Calhoun offers Georgia's best rent affordability

Calhoun County renters spend just 13.7% of income on housing—a full 6 percentage points below Georgia's 18.6% average and well under the national 20% benchmark. With median rents at $638 and household income at $55,714, Calhoun delivers rare breathing room in the housing market.

Calhoun ranks among Georgia's most affordable

Calhoun County's 13.7% rent-to-income ratio places it in Georgia's top tier for housing affordability, far outpacing the state average. Its $638 median rent sits $289 below the state average of $927, making it a standout option for budget-conscious renters.

Calhoun beats every neighbor on rent price

Calhoun's median rent of $638 undercuts all surrounding counties: Burke ($763), Candler ($706), Charlton ($895), and Butts ($952). With the lowest home values in the region at $82,200, Calhoun offers exceptional value across both rental and ownership markets.

Housing leaves room in the budget

At $638 monthly rent and $631 monthly ownership costs, Calhoun residents dedicate just 13.7% to rent or 13.6% to mortgages. The $55,714 median household income stretches further in Calhoun than nearly any other county in Georgia, freeing up dollars for savings and other needs.

Calhoun is Georgia's affordability champion

If housing affordability is your priority, Calhoun County is hard to beat in Georgia: lowest rents in the region, affordable home values, and the lightest housing burden statewide. Compare it against nearby Burke and Candler, but Calhoun's numbers tell a clear story of exceptional value.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

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.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Calhoun County

via HealthByCounty

Calhoun's Life Expectancy Slight Advantage

Calhoun County residents live 73.5 years on average, exceeding both the U.S. average of 71.4 years and Georgia's state average of 73.3 years by a narrow margin. However, 30.6% of Calhoun residents report poor or fair health—the highest rate among these eight counties and well above the national average of 21%.

Longest Lifespan, Poorest Reported Health

Calhoun County's paradox shows a 73.5-year life expectancy slightly above Georgia's 73.3-year average, yet 30.6% report poor or fair health, suggesting residents struggle with chronic disease and disability despite living longer. The 15.4% uninsured rate marginally exceeds Georgia's 15.0% average, limiting health access.

High Disease Burden in Region

Calhoun County's 30.6% poor/fair health rate significantly exceeds neighboring Early County (25.2%) and Decatur County (22.8%), indicating concentrated health challenges in Calhoun. With only 18 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, Calhoun has fewer doctors than nearby counties to manage this burden.

Scarce Primary Care, Limited Mental Health

Calhoun County has only 18 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—among the lowest in this group—making it harder for residents to access routine checkups and disease management. With 37 mental health providers per 100,000 and a 15.4% uninsured rate, many residents lack both primary and behavioral health support.

Insurance Opens Door to Prevention

Nearly 1 in 6 Calhoun County residents are uninsured, and with limited primary care access, many miss early detection of chronic diseases driving the county's high poor health rates. Enroll in a health plan through Healthcare.gov or call 211 Georgia to connect with affordable coverage and local providers.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Calhoun County

via SchoolsByCounty

Small-Scale Learning in Southwest Georgia

Calhoun County manages four public schools serving a total of 1,042 students. This small infrastructure includes one elementary school, one middle school, one high school, and a unique K-12 multi-level academy.

Exceptional Graduation Rates in Calhoun

The county achieves a remarkable 95.0% graduation rate, far exceeding the national average of 87.0%. With a school score of 58.4 and per-pupil spending of $8,024, the county outperforms state averages in both categories.

A Mix of District and Charter Options

Education is split between the Calhoun County district and Pataula Charter Academy, which serves 575 students. The charter school represents 25% of the county's schools and actually holds the largest share of the total student enrollment.

Intimate Rural Campuses with Personalized Attention

All schools are located in rural settings, and the average school size is very small at just 261 students. While Pataula Charter Academy is the largest with 575 students, Calhoun County Middle School serves a tiny cohort of only 98 students.

High-Achieving Schools in a Quiet Setting

For families who value small class sizes and high graduation rates, Calhoun County is a standout choice. The presence of a successful charter academy adds a unique dimension to the local housing search.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Calhoun County

via RiskByCounty

Calhoun sits well below national standards

Calhoun County's composite risk score of 16.32 is less than half Georgia's 39.49 average, placing it in the Very Low category. The county ranks among the safest jurisdictions for natural disaster exposure in the nation.

Georgia's safer side of the map

Calhoun is among Georgia's lowest-risk counties overall, with a score well below the state average. The county enjoys unusually strong protection against most major natural hazards.

Calhoun among the region's safest

At 16.32, Calhoun rivals Candler County (11.58) as one of the area's most protected counties. The contrast is stark when compared to higher-risk neighbors like Carroll County (70.45) and Catoosa County (64.63).

Hurricane is the primary hazard here

Calhoun's hurricane risk score of 78.72 stands out as notably elevated compared to its other hazard scores. Tornado risk at 43.00 and wildfire risk at 29.33 remain secondary concerns.

Hurricane coverage is essential

Calhoun residents should prioritize comprehensive wind and hurricane coverage, especially if they own older homes with vulnerable roofing. Standard homeowners insurance covers basic wind damage, but specialized hurricane coverage may offer broader protection.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

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.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

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.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

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.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Calhoun County's county score?
Calhoun County, Georgia has a composite county score of 57.7 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 #17 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 $947, with an effective tax rate of 1.15%. 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 $55,714 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Calhoun County earns an income score of 27/100 on CountyScore.
Is Calhoun County, Georgia a good place to live?
Calhoun County scores 57.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #17 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.

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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.