countyscore
42
County Score
Income & Jobs 72Property Tax 71.6Weather & Climate 69

County Report Card

About Carroll County, Georgia

Carroll County Below National Median

Carroll County receives an overall score of 42.1, which is lower than the national median of 50.0. Higher costs and safety concerns pull down its national ranking.

Below the Georgia State Average

With a 42.1 composite, Carroll County sits below the state average of 46.7. While it has strong economic pockets, it lags behind the state's top performers.

High Incomes and Low Taxes

The county excels with a tax score of 71.6 due to a low effective tax rate of 0.624%. It also supports a strong workforce with an income score of 72.0 and a median household income of $72,327.

Safety and Environmental Risk Concerns

The safety score is low at 18.6, and the risk score of 29.6 suggests vulnerability to various hazards. Housing costs are also high relative to the region, with a cost score of 23.8.

Suited for Commuting Professionals

Carroll County is a good fit for high-earning individuals who want to minimize their tax burden. Those moving here should prioritize gated communities or high-security areas to mitigate safety concerns.

Score breakdown

Tax71.6Cost23.8Safety18.6Health36.2Schools56.7Income72Risk29.6Water68Weather69
🏛71.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠23.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼72
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡18.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤36.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓56.7
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡29.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧68
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤69
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱39.5
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 →
Sponsored

Compare mortgage rates in Carroll County

Whether buying or refinancing in Carroll County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

See Today's Rates

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
Compare Carroll County with Dallas County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Dallas County
Iowa
Median income: $102,349
42
Marshall County
Iowa
Median income: $72,785
42
Johnson County
Kansas
Median income: $107,261
42
Morton County
Kansas
Median income: $65,625
42
Caroline County
Maryland
Median income: $66,368
42
Neshoba County
Mississippi
Median income: $53,087
42
Vernon County
Missouri
Median income: $54,519
42
Cotton County
Oklahoma
Median income: $60,313
42

Nearby counties

Haralson County
Georgia
46.6
Douglas County
Georgia
36
Heard County
Georgia
51.1
Paulding County
Georgia
43.2
Coweta County
Georgia
41.6
Cleburne County
Alabama
57.6
Polk County
Georgia
43.6
Randolph County
Alabama
56.9

Deep Dives

Carroll County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Carroll County

via TaxByCounty

Carroll's taxes are among the nation's lowest

Carroll County's effective tax rate of 0.624% is one of the lowest in the nation, and at $1,420 annually, residents pay roughly 47% less than the national median property tax of $2,690. This exceptional rate makes Carroll an attractive choice for homeowners seeking tax relief.

Georgia's most tax-friendly county option

Carroll County's 0.624% effective rate is the lowest in Georgia by a substantial margin, beating the state average of 0.898% by 30%. The median tax of $1,420 runs nearly at state average despite a median home value of $227,500, reflecting Carroll's exceptional tax efficiency.

Dramatically lower rates than all nearby counties

Carroll County's 0.624% rate is a clear winner among this comparison group, with only Catoosa County's 0.689% coming close. Homebuyers comparing Carroll to Calhoun (1.152%) or Candler (1.041%) will find Carroll significantly more affordable from a property tax perspective.

Median Carroll home costs just $1,420 yearly

On a typical $227,500 home in Carroll County, you'll pay approximately $1,420 in annual property taxes—among the lowest rates for a home this valuable. With mortgage escrow, homeowners typically pay around $1,630 annually, providing substantial long-term savings compared to neighboring counties.

Even low assessments deserve verification

Carroll County's exceptional tax rate doesn't eliminate the need to verify your assessment, as any error works against you regardless of the overall rate. Review your property tax notice annually and contact the county assessor if your home's assessed value doesn't align with recent comparable sales in your area.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Carroll County

via CostByCounty

Carroll renters pay right at Georgia's average

Carroll County renters spend 18.6% of income on housing—exactly matching Georgia's state average and tracking below the national 20% threshold. With a median household income of $72,327, well above the national median of $74,755, Carroll residents enjoy stronger earning power to support $1,124 monthly rents.

Carroll sits squarely at the state median

Carroll County's 18.6% rent-to-income ratio mirrors Georgia's statewide average precisely, placing it at the midpoint for housing affordability among the state's 159 counties. Its median rent of $1,124 runs above the state average of $927, reflecting Carroll's position as a more developed, suburban-adjacent market.

Carroll rents match Butts, cost more elsewhere

Carroll's median rent of $1,124 mirrors Butts County ($952 lower), Catoosa ($953 lower), and exceeds smaller rural neighbors. Home values at $227,500 match Butts ($227,800) almost exactly, positioning Carroll as part of an affordable suburban tier relative to pricier Camden ($233,900).

Ownership and renting split income nearly equally

Carroll renters pay $1,124 monthly (18.6% of income) while homeowners spend $1,036 (14.3% of income)—a $88 gap favoring ownership. At $72,327 median household income, both costs remain manageable, though buying delivers a noticeable monthly savings compared to renting.

Carroll suits middle-income Georgia families

If your household earns near $72,000 and seeks suburban Georgia with state-average affordability, Carroll County's $1,124 rents and $227,500 home values align with your income level. Compare it against neighboring Catoosa (slightly more affordable) and Butts (similar costs) to find your best fit.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Carroll County

via IncomeByCounty

Carroll nearly matches national median

Carroll County's median household income of $72,327 comes within 3.2% of the national median of $74,755, placing it among Georgia's strongest-earning counties. Typical households here earn roughly $22,000 more annually than lower-income Georgia peers.

Top earner in Georgia's county rankings

Carroll's $72,327 income exceeds Georgia's state median of $60,488 by nearly $12,000, positioning it in the state's upper tier. This premium reflects Carroll's robust local economy and workforce earning capacity.

Carroll rivals top-earning county peers

Carroll's $72,327 ranks just below Catoosa ($72,425) and matches Camden ($72,399) almost exactly, placing it among the three highest-earning counties in this group. Carroll demonstrates economic strength comparable to the most prosperous counties evaluated here.

Housing costs reasonable for Carroll earners

Carroll's 18.6% rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below affordability thresholds, allowing renters to manage payments without hardship. With median home values of $227,500, homebuyers earning near the county median can secure conventional mortgages with manageable monthly costs.

Carroll residents primed for wealth building

Carroll's above-average income enables residents to invest aggressively in retirement accounts, home equity, and diversified portfolios. Households here can realistically target 20–25% savings rates while maintaining comfortable lifestyles, substantially accelerating long-term financial security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Carroll County

via CrimeByCounty

Carroll County Crime Landscape

Carroll County's total crime rate of 2158.9 per 100K approaches the national average of 2385.5. The county holds a safety score of 96.6 out of 100.

Positioning in Georgia

Carroll falls below the Georgia average safety score of 97.8 and has a crime rate 52% higher than the state average of 1412.9. Local authorities monitor 10 reporting agencies to manage safety.

Regional Safety Differences

Crime rates here are significantly higher than in Butts County, where the rate is only 795.3 per 100K. Carroll experiences more urban-style crime pressures than its rural neighbors.

Property Crimes Drive Stats

Property crime accounts for 1904.0 incidents per 100K residents, while violent crime is much lower at 254.9. Physical safety remains higher than theft-related concerns in this area.

Prioritizing Home Defense

Residents should prioritize home security systems and visible deterrents to protect their belongings. Being proactive about safety helps lower the risk of common property crimes.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Carroll County

via HealthByCounty

Carroll County Leads in Provider Access

Carroll County residents live 73.0 years on average, slightly below Georgia's 73.3-year state average but above the U.S. average of 71.4 years. With just 17.6% reporting poor or fair health—the lowest rate in this group—and robust provider infrastructure, Carroll demonstrates how healthcare access drives better outcomes.

Superior Provider Network Statewide

Carroll County's life expectancy of 73.0 years sits near Georgia's 73.3-year average, but its 51 primary care providers per 100,000 residents far exceeds state norms, ranking among Georgia's best-served counties. The 13.8% uninsured rate is better than Georgia's 15.0% average, reflecting strong community health investment.

Highest Primary Care Density in Region

Carroll County's 51 primary care providers per 100,000 residents significantly outpace neighboring Heard County (32 per 100K) and Troup County (38 per 100K), creating better access to preventive and routine care. The 17.6% poor/fair health rate is the lowest in this eight-county group, reflecting dividends from this provider investment.

Exceptional Provider Infrastructure

Carroll County offers 51 primary care providers and 192 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—among the highest in this analysis—making routine care and behavioral health highly accessible. The 13.8% uninsured rate means most residents can use these providers, supporting lower disease burden and better preventive care.

Strengthen Your Coverage Today

Carroll County's strong health outcomes reflect good insurance coverage and abundant providers, but nearly 1 in 7 residents still lack health insurance. Keep your family protected by enrolling in or renewing coverage at Healthcare.gov or calling 211 Georgia for assistance.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Carroll County

via SchoolsByCounty

Extensive Infrastructure Across Two Districts

Carroll County features a large network of 28 public schools serving 21,593 students. The infrastructure is diverse, including 13 elementary schools, eight middle schools, and six high schools to accommodate the growing population.

High Graduation Rates Beat National Averages

The county maintains a strong 93.8% graduation rate, nearly seven points higher than the national average. Despite spending only $6,807 per pupil, the district achieves a school score of 55.1, which exceeds the state average.

A Dual-District System for County Residents

Education is split between the Carroll County district, with 15,981 students, and the Carrollton City district, which serves 5,612 students. No charter schools operate in the area, as the two traditional districts manage all public education.

From Suburban Campuses to Rural Schools

The county offers an incredible mix of 15 rural, eight town, and five suburban schools. While Villa Rica High is the largest single campus with 1,807 students, the average school size across the county remains manageable at 771 students.

Diverse Housing Near Top-Rated Districts

Whether you prefer a suburban neighborhood or a rural homestead, Carroll County provides high graduation rates across the board. The Carrollton City area is particularly popular for those seeking a town-based educational experience.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Carroll County

via RiskByCounty

Carroll faces elevated national risk

Carroll County's composite risk score of 70.45 is well above Georgia's 39.49 state average, placing it in the Relatively Low category but with significantly elevated exposure. The county faces substantially higher natural disaster risks than most U.S. counties.

Among Georgia's riskiest counties

Carroll ranks in Georgia's top tier for natural disaster risk, with one of the state's highest composite scores. The county's Relatively Low rating reflects state comparisons but masks serious multi-hazard vulnerabilities.

Carroll stands out as the highest-risk county

Carroll's score of 70.45 is significantly higher than regional peers like Catoosa (64.63), Burke (37.31), and Butts (20.52). Only a handful of Georgia counties exceed Carroll's overall risk exposure.

Tornado risk is the dominant threat

Carroll's tornado risk score of 91.79 is among Georgia's highest, reflecting the county's location in a naturally active weather corridor. Flood risk at 70.77 and wildfire risk at 78.66 compound the vulnerability, with earthquake and hurricane risks also significant at 76.24 and 64.66 respectively.

Multi-hazard protection is critical

Carroll residents should carry comprehensive homeowners insurance with strong wind and hail coverage for tornado protection. Adding flood insurance is prudent given the 70.77 flood risk, and wildfire coverage should be evaluated for properties in forest-adjacent areas.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Carroll County

via WeatherByCounty

A Temperate Presence in the Southeast

Carroll County maintains an average annual temperature of 61.3°F, which sits notably higher than the U.S. national median of approximately 55°F. This humid subtropical climate is characterized by its consistent warmth and 53.5 inches of annual precipitation.

Cooler Than the Georgia Average

At 61.3°F, Carroll County is roughly two degrees cooler than the Georgia state average of 63.7°F. This makes it a slightly more temperate option for residents compared to the hotter southern reaches of the state.

Carroll vs the Region

Compared to nearby Chattooga County at 59.8°F, Carroll experiences slightly warmer year-round conditions. However, it remains much cooler than eastern neighbors like Clarke County, which sees 52 extreme heat days compared to Carroll's 36.

Mild Winters and Humid Summers

Summer temperatures average 77.9°F with 36 days reaching over 90°F, while winters remain gentle at 44.6°F. Snow is a rare event here, with only 0.6 inches falling in a typical year.

Preparing for Humidity and Heat

Residents should prioritize moisture control in homes to manage the 53.5 inches of annual rainfall. While winters are mild, homeowners should still prepare for the occasional 42.6°F January low with basic insulation.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Carroll County

via SoilByCounty

Piedmont Landscapes in Carroll County

Specific pH and taxonomic data are not currently available for Carroll County. Situated in the Piedmont region, local soils are typically acidic and dominated by the red clay characteristic of North Georgia.

Clay-Rich Profiles of the Uplands

Composition data is missing from the current records, but regional trends suggest a significant clay component. This texture usually provides excellent nutrient retention while requiring careful management of drainage.

Inherent Nutrient Storage Potential

While specific organic matter percentages are not listed, the region's heavy soils generally hold onto minerals well. Water capacity is typically high in these upland areas, providing a buffer against short-term drought.

Navigating Piedmont Drainage Patterns

Specific drainage classes are unavailable, but the local topography often dictates how water moves across the land. Gardeners should check for slow-draining spots in their yards before planting sensitive root crops.

Versatile Gardening in Zone 8a

Carroll County’s Zone 8a climate is perfect for tomatoes, zinnias, and fruit trees. With a little soil preparation, your backyard can become a highly productive space for both flowers and food.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Carroll County

via LawnByCounty

A Stronger Outlook in Carroll County

Carroll County scores a 39.5 on the lawn difficulty scale, making it one of the easier Georgia counties for lawn care. While still below the national median of 50.0, it outperforms the state average of 35.8. Homeowners here in Zone 8a benefit from a slightly more temperate climate than their southern neighbors.

Abundant Rain and Mild Summers

The county receives 53.5 inches of rain annually, which exceeds the state average and the ideal 50-inch threshold. With only 36 extreme heat days per year, Carroll County escapes much of the scorching heat seen elsewhere in Georgia. This combination of high moisture and lower heat stress creates a productive environment for various grass types.

Focusing on Drainage and pH

Official soil data is missing for this county, but the high annual rainfall makes understanding your soil's drainage class essential. You should test for acidity, as many North Georgia soils require lime to balance the naturally low pH. Ensuring your soil can handle the 53.5 inches of rain without waterlogging is key to preventing root rot.

Navigating Significant Summer Drought

Despite the high annual rainfall, 62% of the county is currently facing severe drought. Carroll has seen 26 weeks of drought in the past year, proving that even wet regions face seasonal water shortages. Mulching and avoiding over-mowing during these periods will help your lawn retain what little moisture is available.

Planting Success in Zone 8a

Fescue is an option in shaded areas here, but Bermuda remains the king for full-sun resilience in Zone 8a. Aim to start your lawn after the last spring frost on March 28 and before the first fall frost on November 5. This window allows for a healthy establishment period before the winter dormancy begins.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Carroll County's county score?
Carroll County, Georgia has a composite county score of 42 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 Carroll County rank among counties in Georgia?
Carroll County ranks #116 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 Carroll County, Georgia?
The median annual property tax in Carroll County is $1,420, with an effective tax rate of 0.62%. This earns Carroll County a tax score of 71.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Carroll County?
The median household income in Carroll County, Georgia is $72,327 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Carroll County earns an income score of 72/100 on CountyScore.
Is Carroll County, Georgia a good place to live?
Carroll County scores 42/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #116 in Georgia. The best way to evaluate Carroll 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 Carroll 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.