countyscore
37.3
County Score
Disaster Risk 88.5Cost of Living 87.8Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About Candler County, Georgia

Low National Ranking for Candler

Candler County struggles with a composite score of 37.3, well below the national median of 50.0. This indicates significant gaps in infrastructure compared to the rest of the country.

Trailing the Georgia State Average

The county's 37.3 score falls short of the Georgia average of 46.7. It faces uphill battles in social services compared to many of its state neighbors.

Natural Resilience and High Affordability

Candler excels in environmental safety with a risk score of 88.5 and a water score of 86.0. It is also highly affordable, boasting a cost score of 87.8 and median rent of only $706.

Critical Gaps in Education and Health

School and health scores are extremely low at 0.8 and 4.6, respectively. These figures highlight a severe lack of local services and academic performance in the area.

A Quiet Choice for Retirees

Candler County suits individuals who prioritize low living costs and disaster safety above all else. It is less ideal for families with children or those requiring frequent medical care.

204060801003587.8294.60.815.488.58633.8Tax35Cost87.8Safety29Health4.6Schools0.8Income15.4Risk88.5Water86Weather33.837.3/100
This county
National avg
3 above average6 below average

Candler County DNA

Foverall

How Candler County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Candler County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Disaster Risk (88.5/100) but notably weak in Schools (0.8/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
35-17
Cost
87.8+39.8
Safety
29-26
Health
4.6-45.4
Schools
0.8-53.2
Income
15.4-35.6
Risk
88.5+41.5
Water
86+28
Weather
33.8-22.200000000000003
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Many homeowners in Candler 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

$135,600

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$706/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$135,600/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$28,240/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.7x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $50,431/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

36.5

per 100K

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

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Georgia
43.6
Bulloch County
Georgia
37
Evans County
Georgia
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Toombs County
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Jenkins County
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Tattnall County
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Treutlen County
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Montgomery County
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Deep Dives

Candler County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Candler County

via TaxByCounty

Candler's tax burden below national average

Candler County's effective tax rate of 1.041% sits above the national median, yet at $1,412 annually on a median $135,600 home, residents still pay roughly 47% less than the national typical tax of $2,690. This reflects Candler's lower property values offsetting its above-average rate.

Notable gap above Georgia's average rate

Candler County's 1.041% effective rate significantly exceeds Georgia's state average of 0.898%, ranking it among the higher-tax counties statewide. The median tax of $1,412 sits nearly at the state median of $1,529, despite Candler's lower median home value of $135,600.

Highest rate in this eight-county region

Candler County's 1.041% rate is the second-highest in this comparison group, exceeded only by Calhoun County's 1.152%, making it notably more expensive than neighbors Burke, Butts, and Charlton. Buyers considering Candler should budget accordingly for ongoing property tax obligations.

Median Candler home costs $1,412 yearly

If you own a median $135,600 home in Candler County, expect to pay approximately $1,412 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage, escrow payments push the total to around $1,765, making Candler one of the pricier options in the region despite lower home values.

Assessment review essential at higher rates

With effective rates above 1%, small assessment errors in Candler County translate into sizable annual costs, making a periodic review of your property value essential. Georgia homeowners have the right to appeal assessments through the board of equalization if they believe their home is overvalued.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Candler County

via CostByCounty

Candler renters enjoy below-average housing costs

Candler County renters spend 16.8% of income on housing, well below Georgia's 18.6% average and the national 20% mark. At $50,431 median household income against a national median of $74,755, Candler residents earn less but spend a lighter share on rent at just $706 monthly.

Candler ranks solidly for affordability statewide

Candler County's 16.8% rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below Georgia's 18.6% average, placing it among the state's more affordable counties. Its median rent of $706 falls well below the state average of $927, offering genuine relief for budget-minded renters.

Candler undercuts most neighbors on rent

Candler's median rent of $706 beats Burke ($763), Charlton ($895), and Butts ($952), though it exceeds Calhoun's $638. Home values at $135,600 sit below Butts ($227,800) and Camden ($233,900) but above Burke ($107,800) and Calhoun ($82,200).

Ownership offers slight advantage over renting

Candler renters pay $706 monthly while homeowners spend $545—a $161 gap favoring ownership and representing 13.6% of income. At $50,431 median household income, the typical household allocates about one-sixth of earnings to rent or one-tenth to mortgage, leaving room for other priorities.

Candler balances affordability and value

Consider Candler County if you want a small Georgia town with reasonable rents ($706), modest home values ($135,600), and below-state-average housing burden. It sits in the sweet spot between ultra-affordable Calhoun and pricier Butts, making it a solid compromise for rural Georgia living.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Candler County

via IncomeByCounty

Candler income trails nation by 33%

Candler County's median household income of $50,431 falls $24,324 short of the national median of $74,755, representing a 33% earnings gap. This significant shortfall limits purchasing power and asset-building capacity for typical Candler households.

Among Georgia's lower-earning counties

Candler ranks well below Georgia's state median of $60,488, placing it in the state's lower tier of counties. The $10,057 shortfall reflects Candler's constrained economic activity relative to state averages.

Candler ranks near lowest of peer group

Candler's $50,431 income edges slightly above Charlton ($48,534) and Burke ($50,739) but significantly trails higher-earning neighbors like Camden and Catoosa. Candler belongs among the lower-earning cluster of these eight counties.

Rent remains reasonable in Candler

Candler's 16.8% rent-to-income ratio indicates renters carry modest housing burden, below the 20% affordability threshold. With median home values of $135,600, homeownership requires careful financial planning but remains achievable for many households.

Strategic saving critical in Candler

Candler residents should prioritize automating savings of at least 10–15% of income into tax-advantaged accounts and emergency funds. Even modest, consistent investments compound significantly; starting with $200 monthly in a retirement account can accumulate $100,000+ over 20 years.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Candler County

via CrimeByCounty

Candler Below National Thresholds

Candler County reports a total crime rate of 1699.2 per 100K, comfortably below the national average of 2385.5. It earns a solid safety score of 97.3 out of 100.

Candler vs. State Averages

Candler's safety score sits just below the Georgia average of 97.8. Its total crime rate is slightly higher than the state average of 1412.9 per 100K.

Safest Choice in the Area

Candler's crime rate of 1699.2 is lower than neighboring Burke County's rate of 1943.6. It remains a safer residential option in the central Georgia region.

Addressing Theft and Safety

The county sees 1388.6 property crimes per 100K, more than four times the violent crime rate of 310.6. Theft is a much more common concern than violence for residents.

Enhancing Neighborhood Safety

Enhancing home security with motion-sensing lights can deter potential intruders. Stay connected with neighbors to build a safer and more vigilant community.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Candler County

via SchoolsByCounty

Metter Schools Anchor the Local Landscape

Candler County operates four public schools serving a total of 2,201 students. The system includes one elementary, one middle, and two high schools, including a specialized college and career academy.

Critical Gaps in Academic Performance Metrics

Current data shows a graduation rate of 21.5% and a school score of 13.3, both of which fall significantly below state and national benchmarks. The county spends $5,074 per pupil, which is approximately $2,300 less than the Georgia state average.

Candler County District Oversees All Schools

The Candler County school district is the single administrator for all 2,201 students in the area. There are no charter schools in the county, with the Metter-branded schools serving as the primary educational path for all residents.

Centralized Enrollment in a Rural Setting

Most students attend school in Metter, with a mix of three rural and one town-based locale. Metter Elementary is by far the largest school with 1,041 students, while the Metter College and Career Academy is the smallest with 154.

Small-Town Living in the Metter Area

Families looking for a small-town atmosphere will find affordable housing options near the Metter school campuses. While graduation data indicates challenges, the local career academy provides specialized vocational paths for area students.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Candler County

via RiskByCounty

Candler among America's safest counties

Candler County's composite risk score of 11.58 is less than one-third of Georgia's 39.49 state average, placing it in the Very Low category. The county ranks among the most protected jurisdictions in the nation from natural disasters.

Georgia's lowest-risk county tier

Candler stands near the very bottom of Georgia's risk rankings, enjoying exceptional protection across most natural hazard categories. The county represents one of the state's safest places to live regarding disaster exposure.

Candler leads the safety rankings locally

At 11.58, Candler is the safest county in this regional grouping, followed by Calhoun (16.32) and Charlton (26.72). The contrast grows starker when compared to higher-risk neighbors like Carroll County (70.45).

Hurricane and earthquake are secondary concerns

Candler's hurricane risk of 78.35 and earthquake risk of 53.12 represent its highest hazard exposures. Tornado risk at 32.82 and flood risk at 12.44 remain well below state and national benchmarks.

Standard insurance typically sufficient

Candler homeowners can rely on standard homeowners insurance for most protection needs, with basic wind and hail coverage addressing the county's low tornado risk. Consider optional earthquake coverage as a low-cost addition if desired.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Candler County

via WaterByCounty

Perfect Compliance Grade for Candler County

Candler County maintains a Grade A for drinking water, with zero health violations reported in the last five years. This perfect record is significantly better than the state average violation rate of 152.5 per 100,000 people. Residents can trust that local public water systems are meeting all federal safety requirements.

Significant Impairment in Local Water Bodies

70% of the 10 water bodies assessed in Candler County fail to meet Clean Water Act standards, according to the 2022 cycle. This impairment rate is much higher than the Georgia average of 48.4%. The primary culprits are fecal coliform, mercury in fish tissue, and low dissolved oxygen.

Monitoring Records from Three Active Sites

Three monitoring sites in Candler County have generated ,1746 measurements over the past five years. Most of these readings focus on physical, nutrient, and inorganic metal groups. This data provides the baseline used to identify the high rates of impairment in the county's small stream network.

No Active USGS Streamflow Data

There is currently no representative USGS streamgage providing live data for Candler County. Without real-time flow monitoring, it is difficult to assess current drought or flood conditions through federal portals. Residents should instead look to the county's excellent drinking water compliance as the primary indicator of system stability.

Address Runoff to Help Local Streams

While your drinking water is highly rated, the high 70% watershed impairment suggests that local streams are under stress from bacteria and low oxygen. Avoid swimming in local creeks immediately after heavy rains due to fecal coliform risks. Efforts to reduce agricultural or septic runoff could significantly improve the health of the county's waterways.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Candler County

via WeatherByCounty

High heat and moderate rain

Candler County averages 66.8°F, placing it well above the national median for temperature. The area receives 47.2 inches of annual precipitation, typical for the humid South.

Three degrees warmer than average

Candler's 66.8°F average temperature is 3.1 degrees higher than the Georgia state average. It is one of the more thermally intense inland counties in the region.

Intense summer heat vs neighbors

Candler sees 82 extreme heat days, which is slightly more than nearby Bulloch. It shares a similar rainfall profile with its neighbors, averaging roughly 47 inches per year.

Lengthy summers and mild winters

The county endures 82 days over 90°F, with a hot July average of 82.5°F. Winters are comfortable and snow-free, averaging 51.7°F from December through February.

Manage the summer heat surge

The 81.5°F summer average makes air conditioning a vital utility for nearly half the year. Use the 49.6°F January weather to complete heavy outdoor maintenance tasks.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Candler County

via SoilByCounty

Heart of the Coastal Plain

Specific taxonomic data and pH levels for Candler County are not currently available in the central records. Regional trends suggest an acidic soil profile that is typical for the South Georgia agricultural belt.

Regional Soil Mix Remains Undocumented

The exact percentages of sand, silt, and clay are missing for this county. Local farmers typically work with the well-drained, sandy-loam mixtures that have made this region famous for onion and tobacco production.

Focusing on Local Soil Health

Data regarding organic matter and available water capacity are currently unavailable. Despite this gap, the county remains an agricultural hub, indicating that with proper care, the soil is highly productive.

Practical Water Management

No dominant drainage class is officially recorded for the county. Because much of the region is well-drained, local growers should watch for rapid drying during the hot summer months to prevent plant stress.

Bountiful Harvests in Zone 8b

Hardiness Zone 8b supports a wide variety of crops from Vidalia-style onions to pecans. Your local extension office can provide a soil test to help you tailor your garden to the specific needs of your land.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Candler County

via LawnByCounty

High Difficulty for Candler County Lawns

Candler County is one of the more difficult places to grow a lawn, with a low score of 26.6. This is significantly below the state average of 35.8 and nearly half the national median score of 50.0. In Zone 8b, your lawn must be tough to survive the local climate stressors.

Enduring Intense Georgia Heat

Homeowners must manage a brutal 82 extreme heat days per year, which is significantly higher than the state average of 65. With 6467 growing degree days, the grass grows aggressively, yet 47.2 inches of rain may not always be enough to keep up. Expect to spend more time on heat management and mowing than the average Georgian.

Customizing Your Soil Strategy

While specific county-level soil data is unavailable, local conditions often require significant intervention to support healthy turf. You likely deal with the sandy loam common to the region, which requires careful nutrient management. Perform a soil test to determine your specific pH and organic matter needs before the growing season starts.

Record Drought Pressure in Candler

Candler County has faced 35 weeks of drought over the last year, and currently, 100% of the county is in severe drought. This intense water stress makes efficient irrigation absolutely vital for lawn survival. Focus on maintaining a healthy root system now to help your turf weather these prolonged dry spells.

Timely Planting for Zone 8b

Bermuda and Zoysia are the most resilient choices for the high heat and drought conditions found here. The frost-free window opens early on March 2 and lasts until November 27, providing a long period for growth. Ensure your new grass is well-established before the peak summer heat arrives in July.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Candler County's county score?
Candler County, Georgia has a composite county score of 37.3 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 Candler County rank among counties in Georgia?
Candler County ranks #133 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 Candler County, Georgia?
The median annual property tax in Candler County is $1,412, with an effective tax rate of 1.04%. This earns Candler County a tax score of 35/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Candler County?
The median household income in Candler County, Georgia is $50,431 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Candler County earns an income score of 15.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Candler County, Georgia a good place to live?
Candler County scores 37.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #133 in Georgia. The best way to evaluate Candler 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 Candler County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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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.