countyscore
33.6
County Score
Water Quality 70.1Income & Jobs 65.3Schools 52.3

County Report Card

About Chatham County, Georgia

Chatham trails national livability medians

Chatham County earns a composite score of 33.6, placing it significantly below the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a community facing more structural challenges than the typical American county.

Falling behind the Georgia average

With a 33.6 overall score, Chatham sits more than 13 points below the Georgia state average of 46.7. This ranking suggests the county trails many of its peers across the Peach State in overall quality-of-life metrics.

Strong earners and clean water

The county shines in its income score of 65.3, supported by a healthy median household income of $69,575. Residents also benefit from high-quality utility infrastructure, reflected in a robust water score of 70.1.

Environmental risks and housing costs

A critical risk score of 2.6 indicates high vulnerability to natural hazards, while a cost score of 11.3 highlights a lack of affordable housing. Median gross rents of $1,382 exert significant pressure on local budgets compared to state norms.

Best for established professionals

Chatham County is best suited for high-earning professionals who can navigate a tight housing market and manage coastal environmental risks. It offers strong economic opportunity but requires a financial cushion to offset low affordability.

Score breakdown

Tax45.1Cost11.3Safety16.9Health46.4Schools52.3Income65.3Risk2.6Water70.1Weather32.1
🏛45.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠11.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼65.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡16.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤46.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓52.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡2.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧70.1
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤32.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱33
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 →
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Nearby counties

Bryan County
Georgia
43.3
Liberty County
Georgia
34.3
Jasper County
South Carolina
34.6
Effingham County
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Beaufort County
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McIntosh County
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Long County
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Evans County
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Deep Dives

Chatham County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Safety in Chatham County

via CrimeByCounty

Chatham County’s Crime Below National Levels

Chatham County maintains a total crime rate of 2,243.3 per 100,000 residents, which sits below the national average of 2,385.5. The county earns a safety score of 96.5 out of 100, reflecting its status as a high-activity coastal area.

Safety Trails the Georgia State Average

Chatham's safety score of 96.5 is lower than the Georgia state average of 97.8. Local law enforcement manages a higher volume of incidents than many of its rural counterparts across the state.

High Activity Compared to Rural Neighbors

With a total crime rate of 2,243.3, Chatham sees significantly more activity than the Georgia state average of 1,412.9. Its density and tourism industry contribute to higher reported numbers than surrounding quiet counties.

Property Crimes Lead Local Statistics

Property crimes account for 1,840.6 incidents per 100,000, while the violent crime rate stands at 402.7. While property crime is lower than the national average, the violent crime rate slightly exceeds the national mark of 369.8.

Prioritize Security Systems in Chatham

Residents should focus on home security to deter property theft, which is the most frequent crime type in the county. Simple measures like motion-sensor lighting and smart locks provide essential protection for coastal homes.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

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

Schools in Chatham County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Large Coastal Educational Infrastructure

Chatham County supports a robust network of 59 public schools serving 36,342 students. The infrastructure includes 34 elementary, 9 middle, and 13 high schools organized primarily under a single unified district. This extensive system provides diverse educational pathways for the growing coastal population.

Strong Graduation Rates and Targeted Spending

The county achieves a 90.0% graduation rate, surpassing both the Georgia state average of 88.1% and the national benchmark of 87.0%. While per-pupil expenditure of $7,563 is slightly above the state average, it remains well below the national median of $13,000. These investments yield a school score of 54.7, which outpaces the statewide average of 53.4.

Savannah-Chatham Leads the Region

The Savannah-Chatham County district dominates the landscape, managing 58 schools and nearly all 36,326 local students. Charter schools play a significant role here, with 6 institutions representing over 10% of the total school count. This mix offers families a variety of specialized learning environments within the public system.

Historic City Classrooms and Suburban Campuses

Education here has a distinctly urban feel, with 37 schools located in city settings and another 16 in suburbs. The average school size is 616 students, ranging from smaller neighborhood sites to New Hampstead High School with 1,436 students. Only five schools are located in rural areas, reflecting the county's concentrated population.

Settling Near Top-Performing Coastal Schools

Families looking for high graduation rates find Chatham County to be a compelling choice for relocation. Proximity to well-regarded institutions like Rice Creek School or Jenkins High often drives local real estate demand. Explore homes in Savannah or its suburbs to balance historic living with proven academic performance.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Weather & Climate in Chatham County

via WeatherByCounty

Chatham's Coastal Climate Profile

Chatham County averages 67.4°F annually, standing well above the national median of 55°F. Its coastal location influences a humid subtropical environment that rarely sees extreme cold.

Warmer Than the State Average

The county's average temperature of 67.4°F is nearly 4 degrees higher than the Georgia state average of 63.7°F. However, it receives 48.1 inches of rain, which is slightly less than the state average of 51.4 inches.

Comparing Coastal and Inland Heat

Chatham is cooler than its southern neighbor Charlton County, which averages 69.8°F. While Charlton deals with 109 extreme heat days, Chatham residents face a still-significant 81 days of 90°F or higher.

Hot Summers and Snowless Winters

Chatham experiences an average summer temperature of 81.7°F and records zero annual snowfall. Winters are quite mild, with the December to February average sitting at 52.6°F.

Preparing for Coastal Humidity

The 81 days of extreme heat require residents to have reliable air conditioning and proper hydration. Since the county receives 48.1 inches of rain but stays warm, mold prevention is a critical home maintenance task.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Chatham County

via SoilByCounty

Coastal Identity and Missing pH Data

Chatham County's specific soil taxonomic order and pH levels remain unrecorded in the current dataset. Local growers typically benchmark their land against Georgia's state average pH of 5.26, which is more acidic than the national median of 6.5.

Texture and Texture Mix Unknowns

Detailed percentages for sand, silt, and clay are currently unavailable for this coastal region. Because specific drainage and workability metrics are missing, on-site testing remains the best way to determine your local soil's makeup.

Reputation Over Recorded Data

While specific organic matter data is missing, the state average sits at 1.83%. Without a recorded Available Water Capacity (AWC), gardeners should monitor their soil's moisture retention relative to the Georgia average of 0.114 in/in.

Navigating Coastal Water Movement

Dominant drainage classes and hydrologic groups are not currently mapped for this county. Landowners should observe surface runoff patterns carefully before starting any major building or farming projects.

Thriving in Coastal Zone 9a

Hardiness zone 9a supports a long growing season for citrus, palms, and heat-tolerant ornamentals. Grab your tools and start a garden today to enjoy Chatham's unique maritime climate.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Chatham County

via LawnByCounty

Overcoming Coastal Lawn Hurdles in Chatham

Chatham County faces a challenging lawn difficulty score of 33.0, trailing both the Georgia average of 35.8 and the national median of 50.0. In Hardiness Zone 9a, local homeowners must manage turf in a climate far warmer than much of the state. Constant heat requires a strategic approach to maintain green space along the coast.

Managing High Heat and Coastal Humidity

With 81 extreme heat days annually, Chatham significantly exceeds the state average of 65 days. The 48.1 inches of annual precipitation falls within the ideal lawn range, but 6,657 growing degree days mean grass never truly stops needing attention. Frequent mowing and careful irrigation are necessary to combat the intense thermal stress on local turf.

Testing the Foundation of Coastal Soil

While specific regional soil data is limited for this area, coastal Georgia typically features sandy textures that drain rapidly. Since local pH and clay levels vary, a professional soil test is the essential first step before applying fertilizers. Proper amendments ensure your lawn can retain nutrients despite the challenging coastal environment.

Navigating Severe Coastal Drought Conditions

The entire county currently faces severe drought conditions, with residents enduring 23 weeks of drought over the last year. To preserve your lawn, water deeply and infrequently during the early morning hours to minimize evaporation. Using drought-tolerant grass varieties is critical when 100% of the area is under significant moisture stress.

Selecting Turf for the Long Coastal Season

St. Augustine and Bermuda grasses thrive in Zone 9a, offering the best resilience against the local heat. With the last spring frost typically occurring by March 2nd, you should prepare for a long growing season that lasts until late November. Start your sodding or seeding early to establish strong roots before the peak summer temperatures arrive.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Chatham County's county score?
Chatham County, Georgia has a composite county score of 33.6 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 Chatham County rank among counties in Georgia?
Chatham County ranks #145 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 Chatham County, Georgia?
The median annual property tax in Chatham County is $2,463, with an effective tax rate of 0.90%. This earns Chatham County a tax score of 45.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Chatham County?
The median household income in Chatham County, Georgia is $69,575 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Chatham County earns an income score of 65.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Chatham County, Georgia a good place to live?
Chatham County scores 33.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #145 in Georgia. The best way to evaluate Chatham 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 Chatham 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.