countyscore
53.1
County Score
Water Quality 86Safety 79Disaster Risk 73.3

County Report Card

About Charlton County, Georgia

Above the National Quality Median

Charlton County earns a composite score of 53.1, surpassing the national median of 50.0. This score indicates a higher overall quality of life than many US counties.

A Standout Performer in Georgia

With a 53.1 score, Charlton County significantly outperforms the Georgia state average of 46.7. It is one of the more desirable rural locations in the state.

High Safety and Clean Water

Safety is a major asset here with a score of 79.0, complemented by an excellent water score of 86.0. The county also remains affordable, with homes valued at a median of $119,000.

Economic and Healthcare Limitations

Income levels are a challenge, with a score of 12.0 and a median household income of $48,534. Health scores are also low at 19.4, indicating fewer local medical resources.

Top Choice for Quiet Stability

Charlton County is perfect for retirees or remote workers who prioritize security and low costs over local career growth. It offers a safe, environmentally stable haven for those with independent incomes.

2040608010044.664.67919.454.11273.38619.7Tax44.6Cost64.6Safety79Health19.4Schools54.1Income12Risk73.3Water86Weather19.753.1/100
This county
National avg
4 above average3 below average

Charlton County DNA

Foverall

How Charlton County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Charlton County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Water Quality (86/100) but notably weak in Income (12/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
44.6
Cost
64.6+16.599999999999994
Safety
79+24
Health
19.4-30.6
Schools
54.1
Income
12-39
Risk
73.3+26.299999999999997
Water
86+28
Weather
19.7-36.3
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Charlton County?

Many homeowners in Charlton County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$119,000

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$895/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$119,000/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$35,800/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.5x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $48,534/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

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 Charlton County with Marion County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Marion County
Georgia
Median income: $50,484
53.1
Meade County
Kansas
Median income: $74,868
53.1
Jefferson Davis Parish
Louisiana
Median income: $56,500
53.1
Sierra County
New Mexico
Median income: $37,840
53.1
Franklin County
New York
Median income: $63,747
53.1
Columbiana County
Ohio
Median income: $58,474
53.1
Bucks County
Pennsylvania
Median income: $111,951
53.1
Henderson County
Tennessee
Median income: $53,471
53.1

Nearby counties

Nassau County
Florida
48.6
Baker County
Florida
45.7
Camden County
Georgia
45.6
Clinch County
Georgia
49.6
Brantley County
Georgia
48.6
Duval County
Florida
30.3
Ware County
Georgia
54
Pierce County
Georgia
35.2

Deep Dives

Charlton County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Charlton County

via TaxByCounty

Charlton's taxes are well below national average

Charlton County's effective tax rate of 0.908% sits below the national median, and at $1,081 annually on a median $119,000 home, residents pay roughly 60% less than the national typical property tax of $2,690. Charlton offers affordable property tax conditions despite modest home values.

Slightly above Georgia's state average rate

Charlton County's 0.908% effective rate edges marginally above Georgia's state average of 0.898%, yet its median tax of $1,081 falls well short of the state median of $1,529. The gap reflects Charlton's lower median home value of $119,000 compared to statewide norms.

Mid-range rates in southeast Georgia

Charlton County's 0.908% rate sits nearly even with Burke County (0.907%) and just slightly below Candler County (1.041%), positioning it as a moderate-tax option in the rural southeast. Only Carroll and Catoosa counties offer notably lower rates in this regional comparison.

Median Charlton home costs $1,081 yearly

On a typical $119,000 home in Charlton County, you'll pay approximately $1,081 in annual property taxes. With mortgage escrow, homeowners typically remit around $1,165 per year, making Charlton a reasonably affordable option for those with modest property values.

Assessment review can uncover savings

Even in lower-value properties, assessment errors occur—and challenging an inflated appraisal costs nothing in Charlton County. If your home's assessed value seems high relative to recent comparable sales in your area, filing an appeal with the county assessor can reduce your tax obligation.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Charlton County

via CostByCounty

Charlton's housing burden ranks highest regionally

Charlton County renters spend 22.1% of income on housing—2.1 percentage points above the national 20% threshold and 3.5 points above Georgia's 18.6% average. With a median household income of just $48,534 and rents at $895 monthly, Charlton residents face the tightest squeeze in their region.

Charlton ranks among Georgia's most strained

Charlton County's 22.1% rent-to-income ratio sits well above Georgia's 18.6% average, placing it among the state's most housing-burdened counties. At $895 monthly rent, Charlton residents stretch limited incomes further than most counties, signaling genuine affordability stress.

Charlton's burden exceeds all nearby counties

Charlton's 22.1% rent-to-income ratio ranks highest among regional peers: far above Calhoun (13.7%), Burke (18.1%), Candler (16.8%), and even Butts (19.3%). Its median rent of $895 undercuts only Butts ($952) and Camden ($1,167), yet still consumes disproportionate income.

Renting strains tighter than owning in Charlton

Charlton renters pay $895 monthly (22.1% of income) while homeowners spend $575 (14.2% of income)—a $320 gap strongly favoring ownership. At $48,534 median household income, homeownership delivers meaningful relief for Charlton residents compared to the rental market.

Homeownership essential in budget-conscious Charlton

If you're considering Charlton County on a modest income, prioritize homeownership: the median home value of $119,000 offers $320 monthly savings versus renting. Compare it against more affordable Calhoun ($638 rent) or Candler ($706 rent) if lower housing burden is your priority.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Charlton County

via IncomeByCounty

Charlton income gap exceeds 35%

Charlton County's median household income of $48,534 trails the national median of $74,755 by 35%, or roughly $26,221 annually. This significant gap limits household capacity to save, invest, and secure long-term financial stability.

Charlton ranks lowest in Georgia tier

Charlton's $48,534 income falls well below Georgia's state median of $60,488, placing it among the state's lowest-earning counties. The $11,954 shortfall reflects constrained local economic activity and wage levels.

Charlton has lowest peer county income

Charlton's $48,534 is the lowest income among these eight counties, trailing Candler ($50,431) and Burke ($50,739). Charlton faces the most acute earnings challenges in this cohort, with incomes $24,000 below the highest-earning peers.

Charlton renters face housing pressure

Charlton's 22.1% rent-to-income ratio exceeds the 20% affordability threshold, meaning typical renters allocate over one-fifth of income to housing. With median home values of $119,000, homeownership requires substantial down payments or dual incomes to avoid mortgage strain.

Charlton residents must prioritize savings discipline

Despite modest income, Charlton households can build wealth through aggressive budgeting and consistent savings—even $75–100 monthly invested at age 30 can grow to $50,000+ by retirement. Accessing employer 401(k) matches, tax credits, and financial counseling services can substantially improve long-term outcomes.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Charlton County

via CrimeByCounty

Charlton Among Safest in US

Charlton County is one of the safest areas in the nation, with a total crime rate of 502.1 per 100K. This is far lower than the national average and yields a 99.2 safety score.

A Georgia Safety Leader

Charlton far exceeds the Georgia safety average of 97.8. Its crime rate is nearly one-third of the typical Georgia county rate of 1412.9.

Leading Nearby Counties

Charlton's rate of 502.1 makes it significantly safer than neighbor Camden County, which sits at 1003.5. It offers unmatched tranquility in the region.

Extremely Rare Violent Crime

Violent crime is nearly non-existent at just 47.8 per 100K residents. Property crime remains the primary focus at 454.3, though even those numbers are exceptionally low.

Preserving the Peace

Preserve Charlton's high safety standards by staying involved in local neighborhood watches. Even in safe areas, smart cameras provide extra peace of mind.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Charlton County

via SchoolsByCounty

Folkston's Integrated Small-Scale School System

Charlton County supports 1,686 students through a small system of four public schools. This includes two elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school, all coordinated by a single district office.

High Success Rates in a Rural District

Charlton County achieves a strong 92.0% graduation rate, surpassing both the Georgia and national averages. The county's school score of 54.8 is slightly above the state average, maintained with an investment of $7,107 per pupil.

Local District Expertise in Charlton County

All 1,686 students in the county are served by the Charlton County school district. There are zero charter schools in the area, ensuring that all local educational resources are focused on the four traditional public campuses.

Quiet Rural Schools and Smaller Classes

Three of the county's four schools are located in rural settings, with an average school size of only 422 students. Bethune Middle School is the largest campus with 563 students, while St. George Elementary offers a very small environment of 202 students.

Invest in a High-Graduation Rural Area

Homebuyers will find that Charlton County offers impressive academic outcomes in a quiet, rural atmosphere. Focus your search near Folkston to stay close to the county's main educational and community facilities.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Charlton County

via RiskByCounty

Charlton ranks below national average overall

Charlton County's composite risk score of 26.72 falls notably below Georgia's 39.49 state average, placing it solidly in the Very Low risk category. The county experiences lower-than-typical natural disaster exposure for the nation overall.

Among Georgia's safer counties

Charlton ranks in the safer half of Georgia's counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a score well below the state average. The county benefits from relatively modest exposure across most hazard types.

Charlton safer than high-risk regional peers

At 26.72, Charlton is safer than neighbors like Camden (54.55), Carroll (70.45), and Catoosa (64.63), though slightly riskier than Candler (11.58) and Calhoun (16.32). The county sits in a comparatively protected zone.

Hurricane and wildfire are primary concerns

Charlton's hurricane risk of 88.03 and wildfire risk of 72.17 represent its most significant hazards, reflecting coastal proximity and forest coverage. Tornado risk at 27.23 and earthquake risk at 35.78 remain secondary.

Hurricane and wildfire coverage recommended

Charlton homeowners should secure comprehensive wind coverage for hurricane protection and evaluate wildfire insurance, particularly if properties border forested areas. Standard homeowners policies cover basic wind damage, but dedicated hurricane coverage may provide more robust protection.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Charlton County

via WaterByCounty

Excellent Grade for Charlton Drinking Water

Charlton County earns a Grade A for its drinking water systems, reporting zero health violations over the past five years. This perfect compliance record is a strong indicator of public health safety, especially compared to the Georgia state average of 152.5 violations. Local water remains a reliable and safe resource for all residents.

Watershed Health Better Than State Average

The 2022 report shows that 40.7% of the 27 assessed water bodies in Charlton County are impaired. This is better than the state's 48.4% average, though issues like mercury in fish tissue and fecal coliform still persist. Low dissolved oxygen is also a common challenge in these slow-moving coastal plain waters.

Active Inorganics Monitoring at Eight Sites

Eight monitoring sites across the county have provided 1,575 measurements in the last five years. The focus is primarily on inorganics, metals, and physical characteristics. This monitoring network helps track the chemical balance of the unique blackwater streams found throughout the county.

No Live Streamflow Data Available

There are no active USGS streamflow gauges currently reporting data for Charlton County. In the absence of real-time flow data, the county relies on historical watershed assessments and drinking water compliance monitoring. Residents should look to local weather and rainfall patterns as the primary indicators of water levels.

Safe Drinking Water and Careful Consumption

While tap water compliance is perfect, residents should be aware of mercury impairments in local fish and follow all consumption advisories. The moderate watershed impairment suggests that protecting wetlands is vital for maintaining the county's water quality. Because live streamflow data is missing, observing local water levels during dry spells is recommended.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Charlton County

via WeatherByCounty

Charlton's Intense Subtropical Warmth

Charlton County averages a warm 69.8°F annually, placing it nearly 15 degrees above the national median temperature. This makes it one of the warmest locations in the continental United States.

Leading the State in Heat

The county's 69.8°F average significantly exceeds the Georgia state average of 63.7°F. Residents here live in a climate far warmer than the northern parts of the state where averages hover closer to 60°F.

Hotter Than Coastal Neighbors

Charlton is notably hotter than Chatham County, which averages 67.4°F. While Chatham sees 81 extreme heat days, Charlton endures a staggering 109 days per year with temperatures at or above 90°F.

A Long Summer and No Snow

The summer season is dominant here, with an average temperature of 82.5°F and no annual snowfall. Winter remains extremely mild with a January average of 54.2°F, which is warmer than the winter average of most other Georgia counties.

Designing for Extreme Heat

With 109 days of extreme heat, high-efficiency cooling systems are essential for every household. Residents should also plan for 52.3 inches of rain by ensuring robust roofing and moisture barriers are in place.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Charlton County

via SoilByCounty

Gateway to the Okefenokee

Official pH and taxonomic data for Charlton County are currently missing from the database. This region is home to unique wetland soils that differ significantly from the upland areas of the state.

Diverse Textures of the Swamp Edge

Detailed percentages of sand, silt, and clay are not currently recorded. In this area, one can find everything from very sandy ridges to thick, organic-rich muck near the swamp boundaries.

Unique Organic Potential

While specific fertility numbers are unavailable, the county's proximity to the Okefenokee suggests pockets of extremely high organic matter. These areas offer a very different growing environment than the typical Georgia clay or sand.

Managing a High Water Table

No dominant drainage class is listed, but much of Charlton County features a high water table. Successful building and gardening often depend on managing water flow and choosing plants that don't mind 'wet feet.'

Subtropical Bounty in Zone 9a

Charlton County’s Zone 9a status means very mild winters and a long, humid growing season. It is a fantastic place to try growing citrus, blueberries, and heat-tolerant ornamentals.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Charlton County

via LawnByCounty

Charlton County’s High-Maintenance Lawns

With a lawn difficulty score of 23.7, Charlton County is the most challenging area in this group to maintain a lawn. This score is far below the Georgia average of 35.8 and less than half the national median of 50.0. Success in Hardiness Zone 9a requires a dedicated approach and the right specialized turf.

Brutal Heat and High Growth Demands

Residents face an incredible 109 extreme heat days per year, nearly double the state average of 65. Combined with 7385 growing degree days, your grass will grow with relentless speed, requiring frequent mowing. The 52.3 inches of rain provides some relief, but the extreme heat can quickly evaporate surface moisture.

Prepare for Sandy Southern Soils

Specific soil data is unavailable for Charlton, but the region is known for sandy profiles that drain almost too well. You will likely need to incorporate organic matter to help your soil hold onto the 52.3 inches of annual rain. Testing your soil is the only way to ensure your pH is not sabotaging your lawn's health.

Total County-Wide Severe Drought

Charlton County is currently 100% in severe drought, having spent 26 weeks in drought over the last year. In 109-degree heat, a drought can kill a lawn quickly if you are not careful with your irrigation timing. Deep, infrequent watering is the best way to encourage the deep roots needed for survival.

Maximize the Zone 9a Season

Centipede and St. Augustine are the most reliable choices to handle the intense heat of the Okefenokee region. Your growing window is massive, stretching from the last frost on February 26 to the first frost on December 7. Start your lawn early to take advantage of the long season, but be ready to water heavily.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Charlton County's county score?
Charlton County, Georgia has a composite county score of 53.1 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 Charlton County rank among counties in Georgia?
Charlton County ranks #41 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 Charlton County, Georgia?
The median annual property tax in Charlton County is $1,081, with an effective tax rate of 0.91%. This earns Charlton County a tax score of 44.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Charlton County?
The median household income in Charlton County, Georgia is $48,534 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Charlton County earns an income score of 12/100 on CountyScore.
Is Charlton County, Georgia a good place to live?
Charlton County scores 53.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #41 in Georgia. The best way to evaluate Charlton 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 Charlton 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.