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.

Score breakdown

Tax35Cost87.8Safety29Health4.6Schools0.8Income15.4Risk88.5Water86Weather33.8
🏛35
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠87.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼15.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡29
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤4.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓0.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡88.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤33.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱26.6
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

Emanuel County
Georgia
43.6
Bulloch County
Georgia
37
Evans County
Georgia
43.4
Toombs County
Georgia
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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 10 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

Health in Candler County

via HealthByCounty

Candler Faces Severe Life Expectancy Gap

Candler County residents live just 67.8 years on average—3.6 years below the U.S. average of 71.4 years and a troubling 5.5 years below Georgia's state average of 73.3 years. With 26.7% reporting poor or fair health and 20.2% uninsured, Candler faces compounding health challenges rare among Georgia counties.

Georgia's Lowest Life Expectancy

Candler County's 67.8-year life expectancy is significantly below every other county in this analysis and far below Georgia's 73.3-year state average. The 20.2% uninsured rate—the highest here—exceeds Georgia's 15.0% average by 5.2 percentage points, leaving 1 in 5 residents without health security.

Crisis in Health Outcomes

Candler County's 67.8-year life expectancy trails neighboring Evans County (71.5 years) and Jenkins County (70.2 years) by 3-4 years, signaling acute health system failure. The combination of low life expectancy, high uninsured rate (20.2%), and limited primary care (18 per 100K) creates a health emergency.

Critical Gaps in Healthcare Access

Candler County has only 18 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, forcing many residents to travel for basic care, while 20.2% are uninsured and cannot afford treatment. With 90 mental health providers per 100,000, behavioral health capacity exists, but uninsured residents cannot access it.

Urgent: Get Covered Now

Candler County's health crisis demands immediate action—1 in 5 residents lack health insurance, and life expectancy has dropped 5+ years below state average. Call 211 Georgia or visit Healthcare.gov immediately to enroll in coverage; free assistance is available, and coverage could help extend and improve your life.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

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

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.

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.