CountyScore

Charlton County

Georgia · GA

#62 in Georgia
68.3
County Score

County Report Card

About Charlton County, Georgia

Charlton ranks solidly nationwide

Charlton County's composite score of 72.4 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 22.4 points, placing it in the top 45% of U.S. counties. This South Georgia county demonstrates competitive livability.

Matches Georgia's statewide performance

At 72.4, Charlton County scores 1.5 points above Georgia's average of 70.9, placing it in the upper-middle tier of state rankings. The county performs reliably compared to its state peers.

Strong housing affordability

Charlton County's cost score of 83.5 reflects attractive median home values of $119,000 and monthly rents of $895. The tax score of 76.7 (effective rate 0.908%) adds to its budget-friendly appeal.

Income levels constrain opportunity

The income score of just 15.1 is the lowest in this sample, with median household income of $48,534 indicating limited earning potential. Critical data on safety, health, schools, and environmental factors are unavailable.

Best for budget-first families

Charlton County suits families and retirees with modest incomes who prioritize affordable housing and low taxes in a rural South Georgia setting. It rewards frugality but offers limited income advancement.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax76.7Cost83.5SafetyComing SoonHealth55.6SchoolsComing SoonIncome15.1Risk73.3WaterComing Soon
🏛76.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠83.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼15.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤55.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡73.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Charlton County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Etowah County
Alabama
68.3
Median income: $53,070
Greene County
Arkansas
68.3
Median income: $56,793
Wilkes County
Georgia
68.3
Median income: $52,542
Greene County
Illinois
68.3
Median income: $60,976
Wright County
Iowa
68.3
Median income: $64,033

Deep Dives

Charlton County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

Health in Charlton County

via HealthByCounty

Charlton Slightly Above National Average

Charlton County residents live 73.5 years on average, exceeding the U.S. average of 71.4 years but matching Georgia's state average of 73.3 years exactly. However, 24.6% report poor or fair health, notably above the national average of 21%, indicating underlying chronic disease burden despite adequate life expectancy.

Matched to State Average, Higher Disease

At 73.5 years, Charlton County's life expectancy matches Georgia's 73.3-year state average, but 24.6% of residents report poor/fair health, exceeding typical state burden. The 16.3% uninsured rate surpasses Georgia's 15.0% average, leaving 1 in 6 residents without coverage to manage their chronic conditions.

Struggling With Limited Provider Access

Charlton County's 73.5-year life expectancy and 24.6% poor/fair health rate fall behind neighboring Camden County (76.5 years, 20.1%) and match Glynn County, reflecting resource constraints. With only 24 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, Charlton residents face barriers to managing chronic disease compared to neighbors.

Minimal Mental Health, Limited Primary Care

Charlton County has only 24 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and just 23 mental health providers per 100,000—the lowest mental health capacity in this group—creating significant care gaps. The 16.3% uninsured rate compounds these access problems, leaving many residents unable to afford the limited care available.

Coverage Is Your First Step

Charlton County's high disease rates and limited provider access mean uninsured residents face double barriers to care; nearly 1 in 6 lack coverage. Enroll today at Healthcare.gov or call 211 Georgia to find affordable health insurance and connect with available local providers.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

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

ByCounty Network

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Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS — informational only.