CountyScore

Chatham County

Georgia · GA

#154 in Georgia
59.3
County Score

County Report Card

About Chatham County, Georgia

Chatham outpaces national median

Chatham County's composite score of 63.9 sits 28% above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 78th percentile nationally. This means the county ranks better than roughly three-quarters of all U.S. counties on overall livability.

Slightly below Georgia average

With a score of 63.9, Chatham falls modestly below Georgia's state average of 70.9. Among the state's counties, Chatham ranks in the middle-to-upper tier for livability overall.

Tax burden and affordability shine

Chatham County excels in tax burden with a tax score of 76.9 and an effective rate of just 0.901%, well below typical state levels. Cost affordability also stands out at 62.9, with median rent at $1,382/month and median home values of $273,300.

Income growth lags significantly

The county's income score of 28.8 is notably low, with a median household income of $69,575—below both state and national standards. Additional dimensions like safety, health, schools, and water quality data are not yet available, limiting a complete livability picture.

Best for tax-conscious moderate earners

Chatham suits families and professionals seeking reasonable tax rates and moderate housing costs without requiring top incomes. The county offers stable, affordable living for those prioritizing financial efficiency over premium income levels.

Score breakdown

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

Tax76.9Cost62.9SafetyComing SoonHealth66.1SchoolsComing SoonIncome28.8Risk2.6WaterComing Soon
🏛76.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠62.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼28.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤66.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡2.6
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 Chatham County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Tazewell County
Illinois
59.3
Median income: $76,704
Macon County
Illinois
59.2
Median income: $62,449
Washington County
Oregon
59.2
Median income: $104,434
Gaines County
Texas
59.2
Median income: $76,605
Aleutians West Census Area
Alaska
59.4
Median income: $107,344

Deep Dives

Chatham County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Chatham County

via TaxByCounty

Chatham's tax rate tracks with the nation

At 0.901%, Chatham County's effective property tax rate sits just above the national median of 0.84%, placing it in the 58th percentile nationally. The median property tax here is $2,463, slightly below the national median of $2,690, despite a median home value of $273,300 that's close to the national average of $281,900.

Slightly above Georgia average

Chatham's 0.901% effective rate edges out Georgia's state average of 0.898%, making it a middle-of-the-pack county statewide. The median tax bill of $2,463 runs significantly higher than Georgia's state median of $1,529, reflecting both higher home values and consistent tax collection practices.

Chatham balances between urban and rural

Compared to nearby Clarke County (0.899% rate, $2,444 median tax), Chatham is virtually identical, though Clarke's homes are slightly cheaper at $271,900. Chatham's rate is noticeably lower than rural neighbors like Clinch County (1.396%) but higher than the affordable Chattooga County (0.855%).

Budget roughly $2,500 annually

A homeowner with a median-valued $273,300 home in Chatham pays approximately $2,463 per year in property taxes. With a mortgage, that bill climbs to $2,645 once financing and insurance factors are included.

Your assessment may be too high

Across Georgia, many homeowners pay taxes on inflated property valuations that don't match market reality. If you believe your home is overassessed, you can file a property tax appeal with the Chatham County Board of Assessors to potentially lower your annual bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Chatham County

via CostByCounty

Chatham rents run hot versus U.S.

Chatham County renters spend 23.8% of their income on rent, outpacing the national average of roughly 21%. While the county's median household income of $69,575 trails the U.S. figure of $74,755, rent costs here demand a bigger slice of paychecks than most American counties.

Housing squeeze in Savannah's backyard

Chatham's 23.8% rent-to-income ratio ranks among Georgia's least affordable counties, significantly above the state average of 18.6%. At $1,382 per month, median rent here exceeds Georgia's state average by $455, reflecting coastal Georgia's tighter market.

Chatham vs. regional housing costs

Chatham renters pay $1,382 monthly—roughly $155 more than Clarke County ($1,162) and $593 more than Chattooga County ($789). However, median home values in Chatham ($273,300) place it in the middle range regionally, more affordable than Cherokee County's $389,800 but pricier than Chattahoochee's $99,800.

Where Chatham dollars go

Renters dedicate nearly 24 cents of every dollar earned to housing, while homeowners spend 22.8% on monthly ownership costs. The median home value of $273,300 reflects a mix of affordability and coastal demand, squeezing both renters and buyers in this coastal market.

Considering Chatham? Know the trade-offs.

Chatham offers Savannah's amenities but demands higher housing costs than inland Georgia. Renters and buyers should compare the 23.8% rent burden here against more affordable counties inland, or budget carefully if the coastal lifestyle is worth the premium.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Chatham County

via IncomeByCounty

Chatham trails the nation on income

Chatham County's median household income of $69,575 sits about $5,200 below the national median of $74,755. This places the county in the lower-middle tier nationally, meaning local families earn roughly 7% less than the typical American household.

A step above Georgia's average

At $69,575, Chatham's median household income exceeds Georgia's state average of $60,488 by $9,087, putting it in the upper-middle rank among the state's 159 counties. The county's per capita income of $38,920 also outpaces the state average of $31,115 by 25%.

Strongest earner in coastal Georgia

Chatham significantly outearns nearby Chattooga County ($47,785) and Chattahoochee County ($59,221), positioning itself as the economic center of southeast Georgia. The $10,354 income advantage over Chattahoochee reflects Chatham's larger urban economy anchored by Savannah.

Rent takes a reasonable share

With a rent-to-income ratio of 23.8%, Chatham households spend roughly one-quarter of earnings on rental costs—just under the 25% threshold financial advisors recommend. At a median home value of $273,300, homeownership remains attainable for middle-income earners, though it requires careful budgeting.

Build financial security in Savannah's economy

Chatham's median income provides a solid foundation for saving and investing; households averaging $69,575 can target 10-20% for retirement and wealth-building accounts. Consider consulting a fee-only financial advisor to develop a plan that accounts for your local cost of living and long-term goals.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Chatham County

via HealthByCounty

Chatham lives longer than most Americans

At 75.6 years, Chatham County residents live roughly 5 years longer than the U.S. average of 76.1 years. The county's 17.0% poor or fair health rate runs below the national average, signaling better overall health outcomes than many parts of the country.

Beating Georgia's health average

Chatham County's 75.6-year life expectancy outpaces Georgia's state average of 73.3 years by 2.3 years. This places Chatham among the healthier counties in Georgia, with a notably lower poor/fair health rate than most of its peers.

A regional health leader

Chatham's 75.6-year life expectancy surpasses nearby Chattooga (70.6 years) and Clayton (73.8 years) counties by meaningful margins. The county also boasts robust mental health provider access at 215 per 100K—well above many neighboring regions.

Strong access, low uninsured rates

Just 14.1% of Chatham residents lack health insurance, below Georgia's 15.0% state average, and the county supports 93 primary care providers per 100K population. This solid provider-to-population ratio means shorter wait times and easier access for routine care.

Keep your coverage strong

Even in a well-insured county like Chatham, 14.1% of residents remain uninsured—leaving thousands vulnerable to medical debt. Visit healthcare.gov or Georgia's marketplace to explore plans that fit your budget and health needs.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Chatham County

via RiskByCounty

Chatham faces elevated disaster risk

Chatham County's composite risk score of 97.42 places it well above the national average, marking it as a relatively high-risk area. Hurricane risk dominates at 99.37, while flood risk reaches 96.00—both significantly outpacing typical U.S. county profiles. This coastal location amplifies exposure to multiple hazard types simultaneously.

Among Georgia's highest-risk counties

With a composite score of 97.42 versus Georgia's state average of 39.49, Chatham ranks among the state's most disaster-prone counties. The county's hurricane and flood risks are exceptional within Georgia, reflecting its Savannah-area coastal position and low-lying geography. Only a handful of Georgia counties face comparable multi-hazard exposure.

Significantly riskier than inland peers

Chatham's 97.42 score far exceeds neighboring inland counties like Clarke (66.95) and Chattooga (54.36), underscoring the coastal premium for hurricane and flood exposure. Even compared to other coastal-adjacent counties, Chatham's overall risk is notably elevated. This geographic distinction shapes insurance costs and preparedness priorities across the region.

Hurricanes and flooding dominate

Hurricane risk (99.37) and flood risk (96.00) are Chatham's primary hazards, with storm surge and rainfall flooding posing serious threats to homes and infrastructure. Tornado risk (77.45) adds a secondary concern, particularly during spring months. Residents should prioritize understanding evacuation routes and storm surge maps for their specific neighborhoods.

Comprehensive coverage is essential

Standard homeowners insurance does not cover flood or hurricane damage—Chatham residents need dedicated flood insurance (available through the National Flood Insurance Program) and confirmed hurricane coverage including wind and water damage. Given the county's 99.37 hurricane risk score, flood insurance is not optional for most properties. Review your policy annually and consider elevation or structural improvements to reduce long-term exposure.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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