countyscore
47.3
County Score
Income & Jobs 72.2Weather & Climate 69.7Property Tax 64.3

County Report Card

About Catoosa County, Georgia

Catoosa County Nears National Benchmark

Catoosa County earns a 47.3 composite score, placing it just slightly below the national median of 50.0. It offers a relatively standard American suburban lifestyle.

Beating the Georgia State Average

The county’s score of 47.3 exceeds the Georgia state average of 46.7. This makes it a slightly more attractive option than the typical Georgia county.

Strong Incomes and Favorable Taxes

Catoosa performs well with an income score of 72.2 and a median household income of $72,425. A low effective tax rate of 0.689% contributes to a healthy tax score of 64.3.

Affordability and Safety Trade-offs

The cost score of 31.8 reflects rising home values of $214,200, making it less affordable than rural neighbors. Safety and risk scores are also on the lower side, both under 36.

A Balanced Option for Workers

Catoosa County is best for middle-to-high-income families seeking a combination of good health access and lower taxes. It provides a solid middle-ground for those balancing career and family life.

2040608010064.331.834.352.653.372.235.449.169.7Tax64.3Cost31.8Safety34.3Health52.6Schools53.3Income72.2Risk35.4Water49.1Weather69.747.3/100
This county
National avg
3 above average3 below average

Catoosa County DNA

Foverall

How Catoosa County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Catoosa County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Income (72.2/100) but notably weak in Safety (34.3/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
64.3+12.299999999999997
Cost
31.8-16.2
Safety
34.3-20.700000000000003
Health
52.6
Schools
53.3
Income
72.2+21.200000000000003
Risk
35.4-11.600000000000001
Water
49.1-8.899999999999999
Weather
69.7+13.700000000000003
Sponsored

Compare mortgage rates in Catoosa County

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

See Today's Rates

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$214,200

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$953/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$214,200/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$38,120/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.0x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $72,425/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

19.0

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
Compare Catoosa County with Pike County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Pike County
Alabama
Median income: $47,961
47.3
Johnson County
Indiana
Median income: $87,227
47.3
Plymouth County
Iowa
Median income: $81,600
47.3
Boone County
Kentucky
Median income: $94,752
47.3
Tuscarawas County
Ohio
Median income: $64,494
47.3
Warren County
Ohio
Median income: $107,843
47.3
Fayette County
Texas
Median income: $76,541
47.3
Irion County
Texas
Median income: $58,125
47.3

Nearby counties

Whitfield County
Georgia
40.2
Walker County
Georgia
55
Hamilton County
Tennessee
35.7
Dade County
Georgia
63.5
Murray County
Georgia
61.1
Bradley County
Tennessee
43.5
Gordon County
Georgia
43.2
Chattooga County
Georgia
46.3

Deep Dives

Catoosa County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Catoosa County

via TaxByCounty

Catoosa's taxes rank below national median

Catoosa County's effective tax rate of 0.689% is significantly lower than the national median, and at $1,475 annually on a median home, residents pay roughly 45% less than the national typical property tax of $2,690. The county offers attractive tax conditions for homeowners in higher-value properties.

Second-lowest rate in Georgia

Catoosa County's 0.689% effective rate ranks second-lowest in Georgia, trailing only Carroll County's 0.624% and well below the state average of 0.898%. The median tax of $1,475 closely mirrors the state median despite Catoosa's lower rate, reflecting the county's solid median home value of $214,200.

Highly competitive rates in the region

Catoosa County's 0.689% rate ranks second-best in this eight-county comparison, surpassed only by Carroll County, and substantially beats higher-rate neighbors like Calhoun (1.152%) and Candler (1.041%). The county's position near Chattanooga adds appeal for commuters seeking lower tax burdens.

Median Catoosa home costs $1,475 yearly

If you own a median $214,200 home in Catoosa County, expect to pay approximately $1,475 in annual property taxes. With mortgage escrow included, homeowners typically remit around $1,605 per year, benefiting from one of the region's most favorable tax rates.

Verify assessments even at lower rates

Catoosa County's favorable rates should not discourage you from reviewing your property assessment annually against recent comparable home sales. Challenging an inflated assessment could yield hundreds in annual savings, and the appeals process is straightforward and cost-free.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Catoosa County

via CostByCounty

Catoosa renters enjoy better-than-average burden

Catoosa County renters spend 15.8% of income on housing—4.2 percentage points below Georgia's 18.6% average and well under the national 20% benchmark. With a median household income of $72,425 and rents at $953 monthly, Catoosa residents combine solid earning power with lighter housing costs than most peers.

Catoosa ranks among Georgia's easier markets

Catoosa County's 15.8% rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below the Georgia average of 18.6%, placing it among the state's more affordable options. Its median rent of $953 runs slightly above the state average of $927 but delivers outstanding value relative to the income available.

Catoosa offers the best affordability ratio nearby

Catoosa's 15.8% rent-to-income ratio beats Butts (19.3%), Carroll (18.6%), and Camden (19.3%), while its median rent of $953 undercuts only Calhoun ($638). Home values at $214,200 sit below Carroll ($227,500) and Butts ($227,800), offering price relief in a higher-earning market.

Ownership costs barely exceed rents here

Catoosa renters pay $953 monthly while homeowners spend $1,021—a modest $68 gap representing 15.8% of rent income and 14.1% of owner income. At $72,425 median household income, both rental and ownership remain comfortably affordable compared to many peers.

Catoosa balances affordability with earning power

If you earn near $72,000 and want the easiest housing burden in your income range, Catoosa County delivers Georgia's best rent-to-income ratio among higher-earning communities. It outpaces neighbors Carroll and Butts on affordability while matching their earning power, making it an underrated choice.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Catoosa County

via IncomeByCounty

Catoosa matches national income benchmark

Catoosa County's median household income of $72,425 virtually equals the national median of $74,755, differing by just 3.1% and placing it among Georgia's elite-earning counties. Typical Catoosa households earn $22,000+ more annually than the lowest-income counties in this cohort.

Catoosa leads Georgia in median earnings

Catoosa's $72,425 income surpasses Georgia's state median of $60,488 by nearly $12,000, positioning it at the top tier of the state's counties. This leadership reflects Catoosa's strong labor market and economic opportunity.

Catoosa tops the eight-county cohort

Catoosa's $72,425 slightly edges Catoosa ($72,425) to become the highest-earning county in this eight-county group. Catoosa and Carroll represent the economic leaders, with incomes $24,000 above the lowest-earning peers.

Catoosa offers strong housing affordability

Catoosa's 15.8% rent-to-income ratio is the second-best among these counties, indicating renters enjoy substantial affordability. With median home values of $214,200, homebuyers earning the county median can qualify for conventional mortgages with low debt ratios and stable payments.

Catoosa households maximize wealth potential

Catoosa's combination of strong income and favorable housing costs creates an ideal foundation for aggressive wealth-building through diversified investments. Residents can comfortably allocate 25%+ of income to retirement savings, home equity acceleration, and portfolio growth, positioning themselves for generational financial security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Catoosa County

via CrimeByCounty

Catoosa's Strong Safety Profile

Catoosa County features a total crime rate of 1526.8 per 100K, well below the national average of 2385.5. It achieves a safety score of 97.6.

Aligning with Georgia Standards

Catoosa's safety score is nearly identical to the Georgia average of 97.8. Its total crime rate is only slightly higher than the statewide average of 1412.9.

Safer than Regional Peers

Catoosa is safer than Carroll County, where the crime rate is roughly 41% higher. It remains a secure choice for families in the North Georgia region.

Low Risk of Violent Crime

Property crimes occur at a rate of 1385.7 per 100K, dwarfing the violent crime rate of 141.1. For most residents, the risk of property loss is more likely than a violent encounter.

Securing Your North Georgia Home

Secure your home by installing modern alarm systems and keeping landscaping trimmed for visibility. Collective vigilance helps maintain the safety of this community.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Catoosa County

via SchoolsByCounty

Suburban Excellence in Catoosa County

Catoosa County operates 16 public schools that serve a total of 10,426 students. The system is well-distributed with 10 elementary schools, three middle schools, and three high schools under a single district.

Competitive Scores and Solid Graduation Rates

Catoosa County delivers a 90.0% graduation rate, outperforming both state and national benchmarks. The county's school score of 54.9 is supported by a per-pupil expenditure of $7,653, which is higher than the state average.

Unified District Serving a Growing Population

The Catoosa County school district manages the entire local student body of over 10,000 students. The district maintains traditional public school offerings across its 16 campuses with no charter schools currently in operation.

Large Suburban Campuses Near the Border

The majority of schools are in suburban locales, creating a consistent neighborhood feel for the average student body of 652. Heritage High School is the largest in the county with 1,242 students, representing the area's modern, large-scale facilities.

Search for Homes in Suburban Catoosa

Catoosa County is a prime location for families seeking a suburban lifestyle with school performance that beats state averages. High-performing schools like Ringgold and Heritage make the surrounding neighborhoods highly desirable for buyers.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Catoosa County

via RiskByCounty

Catoosa faces significantly above-average risk

Catoosa County's composite risk score of 64.63 substantially exceeds Georgia's 39.49 state average, placing it in the Relatively Low category with elevated exposure. The county confronts higher-than-typical natural disaster risks across multiple hazard types.

Among Georgia's riskier counties statewide

Catoosa ranks in the upper tier of Georgia's natural disaster risk counties, with a score well above the state average. The county's positioning reflects genuine multi-hazard vulnerability rather than isolated exposure.

Catoosa riskier than most regional peers

At 64.63, Catoosa trails only Carroll County (70.45) in this grouping and significantly exceeds safer neighbors like Burke (37.31), Butts (20.52), and Candler (11.58). The county sits in a notably vulnerable zone for natural disasters.

Tornado and earthquake dominate the threat landscape

Catoosa's tornado risk of 84.51 and earthquake risk of 78.72 are among its most serious hazards, reflecting the county's mountainous terrain and active weather patterns. Flood risk at 65.04 compounds concerns, particularly in valley and creek bottoms.

Robust wind and earthquake coverage essential

Catoosa homeowners should prioritize comprehensive wind and hail coverage to address tornado risk, with earthquake coverage as a critical add-on given the 78.72 earthquake risk. Flood insurance is strongly recommended for properties in or near designated flood zones.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Catoosa County

via WaterByCounty

Drinking Water Compliance Needs Improvement

Catoosa County currently holds a Grade D for drinking water, with 12 health violations recorded over the last five years. While the rate of 17.7 violations per 100,000 people is below the state average, the repeated issues signal a need for infrastructure or process updates. Residents should stay engaged with their local utility's remediation plans.

High Impairment Rates in Local Streams

A staggering 75.9% of the 29 assessed water bodies in Catoosa County fail to meet water quality standards. The 2022 assessment lists fish and benthic macroinvertebrate bioassessments and fecal coliform as the top causes. This impairment rate is significantly higher than the Georgia average of 48.4%.

Steady Monitoring of Six Local Sites

Over the past five years, six monitoring sites have recorded 3,642 measurements of local water quality. These records focus on physical parameters, nutrients, and major inorganic substances. This data is critical for understanding why so many local streams are failing to support healthy aquatic life.

Critical Low Flow at Ringgold

South Chickamauga Creek at Ringgold is currently at a critical low, flowing at just 50 cfs, or 16% of its typical mean. For this 169 square mile drainage area, such low levels represent a severe hydrological deficit. These conditions can lead to stagnant water and increased temperatures, harming local fish populations.

Urgent Need for Conservation and Filtration

With drinking water at a Grade D and streamflow at critical lows, residents should prioritize water conservation and consider home filtration. The high impairment rate suggests local streams are very sensitive to runoff, especially fecal coliform. Avoid recreational contact with local creeks during these low-flow periods when contaminants are most concentrated.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Catoosa County

via WeatherByCounty

Standard Precipitation for the Region

While specific temperature data is unavailable, Catoosa County records 49.5 inches of annual precipitation. This rain profile aligns closely with the southeastern national average but stays below Georgia's state average of 51.4 inches.

Tracking Catoosa's State Standing

Without specific annual temperature rankings, we look to rainfall where Catoosa is slightly drier than the 51.4-inch state average. This suggests a climate that, while humid, may have more frequent dry spells than its neighbors.

A Drier Neighbor in North Georgia

Catoosa receives 49.5 inches of rain, which is significantly less than the 58.3 inches seen in nearby Chattooga County. Unlike several surrounding counties, Catoosa reports zero annual snowfall on average.

Winter Without the White Stuff

Though seasonal temperature data is missing, the lack of measurable snowfall distinguishes Catoosa from other northern Georgia counties. The 49.5 inches of rain is distributed throughout the year to support local greenery.

Rainwater Management is Key

With nearly 50 inches of rain annually, residents should focus on gutter maintenance and proper property drainage. Since specific heat data is unavailable, following general Georgia heat safety during July is a wise precaution.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Catoosa County

via SoilByCounty

High-Quality Loam in Catoosa County

Catoosa County features an impressive soil score of 25.4, significantly higher than the Georgia average of 17.6. The dominant texture is loam, though its pH of 5.21 remains slightly more acidic than the state average.

A Perfectly Balanced Soil Texture

The soil is remarkably balanced with 46.7% silt, 31.1% sand, and 21.6% clay. This loamy mix offers the best of all worlds: easy workability from the sand, nutrient retention from the clay, and moisture holding from the silt.

Superior Water Capacity for Plants

The available water capacity of 0.163 in/in far exceeds the Georgia average of 0.114. While organic matter is 1.43%, the superior moisture retention makes this soil highly resilient during dry spells.

Moderate Drainage for Productive Lands

Classified as moderately well-drained in Hydrologic Group C, the soil manages water at a steady, controlled pace. This makes it productive for agriculture but requires careful site planning for construction and septic systems.

A Gardener’s Dream in Zone 8a

With such high-quality loam and a Zone 8a climate, you can grow almost anything from peaches to leafy greens. The soil's natural ability to hold water gives you a massive head start on a successful garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Catoosa County

via LawnByCounty

The Most Manageable Lawns in the Region

Catoosa County boasts a lawn difficulty score of 45.3, the highest among these Georgia counties and near the national average of 50.0. This Zone 8a region offers a much more favorable environment than the state average of 35.8. Homeowners here have a significant head start on achieving a beautiful, healthy yard.

Ideal Rainfall for Healthy Turf

Catoosa receives 49.5 inches of annual precipitation, placing it perfectly at the top of the ideal range for lawn health. While specific temperature data is limited, the general climate in this northern part of the state avoids the extreme heat extremes of South Georgia. Consistent rain reduces the need for constant supplemental irrigation through the growing season.

Working with Loamy Soil Bases

The soil here is a loam texture, featuring 21.6% clay and 31.1% sand, which is a desirable mix for holding nutrients. However, the pH is quite acidic at 5.21, so you will need to apply lime to reach the ideal 6.0-7.0 range. The soil is classified as moderately well-drained, providing a stable foundation for most grass types.

Managing Severe Drought Periods

Catoosa is currently 100% covered by severe drought conditions, despite having only 18 weeks of drought over the past year. This sudden shift means you must be vigilant with your water conservation efforts right now. Prioritize watering the most visible or valuable parts of your lawn until conditions improve.

Ready to Grow in Catoosa

The loamy soil makes this an excellent spot for Zoysia or high-quality Bermuda grass varieties. Without specific local frost dates, watch for the soil to hit 65 degrees in the spring before seeding or sodding. Your favorable difficulty score suggests that with just a bit of pH correction, your lawn can thrive.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Catoosa County's county score?
Catoosa County, Georgia has a composite county score of 47.3 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 Catoosa County rank among counties in Georgia?
Catoosa County ranks #75 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 Catoosa County, Georgia?
The median annual property tax in Catoosa County is $1,475, with an effective tax rate of 0.69%. This earns Catoosa County a tax score of 64.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Catoosa County?
The median household income in Catoosa County, Georgia is $72,425 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Catoosa County earns an income score of 72.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Catoosa County, Georgia a good place to live?
Catoosa County scores 47.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #75 in Georgia. The best way to evaluate Catoosa 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 Catoosa County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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.