countyscore
46.3
County Score
Water Quality 86Cost of Living 80.9Weather & Climate 62.8

County Report Card

About Chattooga County, Georgia

Chattooga nears national median marks

Chattooga County earns a composite score of 46.3, sitting just shy of the national median of 50.0. This score indicates a county that offers a balanced quality of life with localized strengths.

Consistent with Georgia state averages

The county's 46.3 composite score almost perfectly matches the Georgia state average of 46.7. For those seeking a typical Georgia lifestyle, Chattooga provides a representative experience of the state's middle-tier counties.

Exceptional housing affordability

Chattooga boasts a high cost score of 80.9, driven by a median home value of just $98,700 and rents averaging $789. It also benefits from a strong water score of 86.0 and a favorable tax score of 48.5.

Economic and health barriers

Lower-than-average scores in income (10.7) and health (11.9) represent the county's toughest challenges. A median household income of $47,785 is significantly lower than national figures, impacting overall resource access.

Perfect for budget-conscious residents

Chattooga is an excellent fit for retirees or remote workers looking to maximize their purchasing power through extremely low housing costs. It trades high income potential for one of the most affordable cost-of-living profiles in the state.

Score breakdown

Tax48.5Cost80.9Safety38.5Health11.9Schools43.8Income10.7Risk45.7Water86Weather62.8
🏛48.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠80.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼10.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡38.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤11.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓43.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡45.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤62.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱42.7
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

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DeKalb County
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Deep Dives

Chattooga County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Chattooga County

via TaxByCounty

Chattooga offers lowest rates regionally

Chattooga County's effective tax rate of 0.855% sits below the national median of 0.84% and lands in the 49th percentile nationally. With a median home value of $98,700, the typical tax bill reaches just $844—far below the national median of $2,690.

Below Georgia average in both metrics

Chattooga's 0.855% effective rate trails Georgia's state average of 0.898%, making it one of the state's more tax-friendly counties. The median property tax of $844 is roughly 55% below Georgia's state median of $1,529, reflecting the county's rural setting and modest home values.

Cheapest option in the region

Chattooga's 0.855% rate is the lowest among its peers, edging below Chattahoochee (0.990%) and Clay County (1.044%). Even though nearby homes have similar values around $99,000, Chattooga residents pay measurably less in property taxes.

Budget under $850 annually

Homeowners in Chattooga with the median property value of $98,700 pay approximately $844 per year in property taxes. Adding mortgage and insurance considerations brings the estimate to around $1,054 annually.

Even low bills deserve review

Just because Chattooga's taxes are among Georgia's lowest doesn't mean your specific assessment is accurate. Reviewing your property valuation every few years and appealing if your home has declined in value can save you money regardless of county averages.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Chattooga County

via CostByCounty

Chattooga offers rare affordability relief

Chattooga County's 19.8% rent-to-income ratio sits below the U.S. average of roughly 21%, offering breathing room for renters. With median rents of just $789 monthly and a median household income of $47,785, this rural county punches above its weight on affordability.

Georgia's most affordable rental county

Chattooga's 19.8% rent-to-income ratio edges closer to Georgia's 18.6% state average than most counties, making it one of the state's most renter-friendly markets. Median rent of $789 undercuts the state average by $138, delivering rare value in Georgia's housing market.

Chattooga: the regional rental bargain

At $789 monthly, Chattooga rents run well below Chatham ($1,382), Chattahoochee ($1,235), and Clarke ($1,162), while matching the affordability of Clay and Clinch. The $98,700 median home value ranks among the region's lowest, making Chattooga a genuine haven for budget-conscious families.

Modest incomes, modest rents—the match works

With $47,785 median household income and $789 rent, Chattooga residents allocate just 19.8% to housing, leaving more for other needs. Homeowners face slightly higher proportions at 11.9% of income for monthly costs, but the $98,700 median value stays within reach.

Chattooga's your move if affordability matters.

This rural northwest Georgia county delivers genuine housing relief compared to state averages and regional peers. Renters and buyers alike find Chattooga a rare affordable option, though job opportunities may require commuting to larger metros.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Chattooga County

via IncomeByCounty

Chattooga lags far behind national earnings

At $47,785, Chattooga County's median household income trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by nearly $27,000, or 36%. This significant gap reflects persistent economic challenges in rural northwest Georgia and highlights the income divide between urban and rural America.

Among Georgia's lowest-income counties

Chattooga's $47,785 median falls $12,703 below Georgia's state average of $60,488, positioning it in the lowest quartile of the state's 159 counties. The per capita income of $23,391 is 25% lower than Georgia's state average, signaling limited economic opportunity.

Struggling alongside rural peers

Chattooga earns modestly more than Clay County ($48,715) but significantly trails Chattahoochee ($59,221) and Chatham ($69,575). The pattern reveals Chattooga's position at the lower end of northwest Georgia's economic spectrum.

Affordable homes, stretched budgets

A rent-to-income ratio of 19.8% is relatively healthy, suggesting rental affordability in the county. However, the median home value of $98,700 still requires careful financial planning for families earning under $48,000 annually to accumulate a down payment.

Maximize low-cost wealth-building tools

For Chattooga households, employer retirement plans and tax-advantaged savings accounts offer the most accessible path to building wealth. Start with even small monthly contributions to a 401(k) or IRA; over decades, compound growth can transform modest incomes into substantial nest eggs.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Chattooga County

via CrimeByCounty

Chattooga Safer Than National Average

Chattooga County reports 1,405.5 crimes per 100,000 people, which is much lower than the national average of 2,385.5. The county maintains a strong safety score of 97.8.

Mirroring the Georgia State Average

Chattooga’s safety score of 97.8 is identical to the Georgia state average. Its total crime rate of 1,405.5 also closely tracks the state average of 1,412.9 per 100,000 residents.

Low Violent Crime Rates Locally

The county’s violent crime rate of 176.7 is significantly lower than the state average of 248.1. Chattooga remains a safer alternative to more urbanized areas in North Georgia.

Property Crimes Primary Local Concern

Property crimes make up 1,228.8 of the total incidents per 100,000, while violent crime remains low at 176.7. This indicates that most local crime involves theft rather than physical harm.

Secure Your Property in Chattooga

Since property crime is the main local issue, residents should secure doors and windows to prevent opportunistic theft. Visible security cameras are an effective way to maintain the county’s safe environment.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Chattooga County

via HealthByCounty

Chattooga lags far behind national health

At 70.6 years, Chattooga County's life expectancy trails the U.S. average of 76.1 years by more than 5 years—a significant health gap. Combined with a 24.3% poor/fair health rate, the county faces compounding health challenges.

Among Georgia's most struggling counties

Chattooga's 70.6-year life expectancy falls 2.7 years below Georgia's 73.3-year state average, placing it among the lowest in the state. The county's health burden reflects deep structural disparities in access and outcomes.

Significant health gap with healthier neighbors

Chattooga's 70.6 years of life expectancy trails nearby Cherokee (79.4 years) and Chattahoochee (75.4 years) by substantial margins. The county's severe primary care shortage at just 8 per 100K—compared to Chattahoochee's 166 per 100K—explains some of these disparities.

Uninsured and undersupplied

With 16.7% of residents uninsured and just 8 primary care providers per 100K population, Chattooga faces a perfect storm of healthcare barriers. The county's limited mental health capacity at 40 per 100K means many residents struggle to access behavioral care.

Coverage is urgent here

Chattooga's 16.7% uninsured rate puts nearly 1 in 6 residents at financial and medical risk—above Georgia's average. Visit healthcare.gov immediately to explore subsidies and plans; many Chattooga residents qualify for lower costs based on income.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Chattooga County

via SchoolsByCounty

Educational Infrastructure in the Valley

Chattooga County features 8 public schools, including 4 elementary, 2 middle, and 2 high schools. These facilities serve 3,902 students across two distinct school districts. The infrastructure is evenly split between town-based and rural settings, reflecting the county's geographic layout.

High Graduation Rates and Efficient Spending

The county boasts an 89.3% graduation rate, outperforming both state and national averages. Education is delivered efficiently with $7,127 in per-pupil spending, which is just below the Georgia state average of $7,405. The school score of 53.4 perfectly matches the state average, indicating solid performance for the investment.

A Tale of Two Local Districts

The county is served by the Chattooga County district, with 2,575 students, and the Trion City district, which serves 1,327 students. Neither district utilizes charter schools, focusing instead on traditional community-based education. Trion City schools are particularly notable for their concentrated enrollment in the local town center.

Blending Town Life and Rural Learning

Schools are split between rural areas and town centers, with an average school size of 488 students. Leroy Massey Elementary is the largest school with 814 students, while Summerville Middle is among the smallest with 384. This creates a balance between larger elementary foundations and more specialized, smaller secondary environments.

Finding Your Place in North Georgia

Strong graduation rates make Chattooga County an attractive option for families prioritizing secondary education success. Whether you prefer the town-centered schools of Trion or the rural expanses of the county district, there are diverse housing options available. School quality remains a consistent driver for home buyers in this scenic region.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Chattooga County

via RiskByCounty

Chattooga faces moderate disaster risk

Chattooga County's composite risk score of 54.36 places it slightly above the national average, with a relatively low risk rating that reflects mixed hazard exposure. Tornado risk (84.54) is the standout concern, while earthquake (67.59) and flood (59.51) risks are moderate. Hurricane exposure (51.77) is limited, as the county's northwestern location shields it from coastal storms.

Middle-ground risk within Georgia

At 54.36, Chattooga's composite score exceeds Georgia's state average of 39.49, placing it in the upper-middle tier of county risk. The county's tornado and earthquake risks particularly stand out relative to state norms. Chattooga's position in northwest Georgia shapes its hazard profile toward seismic and convective storm exposure rather than coastal threats.

Higher risk than most surrounding counties

Chattooga's 54.36 score surpasses nearby Chattahoochee (2.04) and Clay (8.46), though it sits below Cherokee (85.27) and Clarke (66.95). The county occupies a moderate-risk niche in the region, with tornado exposure particularly elevated compared to far-western neighbors. This variation underscores the importance of hyperlocal hazard awareness across northwest Georgia.

Tornadoes lead with earthquake secondary

Tornado risk (84.54) is Chattooga's dominant hazard, with the county sitting in a region prone to spring severe weather and occasional strong rotating storms. Earthquake risk (67.59) ranks second, reflecting the county's proximity to Appalachian fault zones, though major seismic events remain rare. Flood risk (59.51) adds a third concern for creek-side and low-lying properties.

Focus on wind and water coverage

Standard homeowners insurance covers tornado damage, but confirm your policy includes comprehensive wind and hail protection given the county's 84.54 tornado score. Flood insurance through NFIP should be considered for properties in mapped floodplains or near creek bottoms. A safe room or basement shelter offers invaluable protection during the county's tornado season (April–June).

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Chattooga County

via WeatherByCounty

High Rainfall in Chattooga

Chattooga County averages 59.8°F annually, making it slightly warmer than the national median of 55°F. It stands out nationally for its 58.3 inches of annual precipitation, which is significantly higher than most U.S. counties.

Cool and Wet for Georgia

Chattooga is one of the cooler counties in Georgia, with an average temp of 59.8°F compared to the state average of 63.7°F. It is also much wetter, exceeding the state's average rainfall by nearly 7 inches annually.

Wetter Than Its Neighbors

Chattooga receives 58.3 inches of rain, far outpacing neighbor Catoosa's 49.5 inches. While it experiences 61 extreme heat days, it is still cooler on average than central Georgia counties like Clarke.

A True Four-Season Experience

July averages 78.5°F, but the county still sees 61 days of extreme heat annually. Winters are chilly with a January average of 40.5°F and a small amount of annual snowfall at 0.3 inches.

Managing the Rain and Cold

With 58.3 inches of annual rain, superior drainage and high-quality gutters are a must for local homeowners. The chilly 40.5°F January average also means residents should invest in efficient heating systems for the winter months.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Chattooga County

via SoilByCounty

Northwest Georgia Soil Profile

Specific soil orders and pH levels for Chattooga County are currently unmapped in this dataset. Without a local average, the state pH benchmark of 5.26 serves as the primary reference point against the 6.5 national median.

Texture and Workability Data

Current data does not specify the sand, silt, and clay percentages for this county. Knowing these ratios is vital for understanding workability, so consider a professional lab test for your specific property.

Water Capacity and Fertility

Organic matter levels and Available Water Capacity (AWC) are currently missing from the local record. Use the state AWC average of 0.114 in/in as a baseline for planning your irrigation and planting needs.

Hydrology and Construction Planning

The dominant drainage class is not currently recorded, which impacts how you might manage a garden or a building site. Watch for standing water after storms to better understand your land's natural drainage habits.

Start Planting in Zone 8a

Hardiness zone 8a is excellent for berries, stone fruits, and traditional southern vegetables. Now is the perfect time to begin a garden and discover the potential of your north Georgia soil.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Chattooga County

via LawnByCounty

Chattooga Leads the State in Lawn Ease

With a lawn difficulty score of 42.7, Chattooga County is significantly easier to maintain than the Georgia state average of 35.8. While still below the national median of 50.0, the conditions in Zone 8a are among the most favorable in the region. Homeowners here enjoy a relative advantage compared to their neighbors to the south.

Abundant Water and Mild Summer Temperatures

Chattooga receives a robust 58.3 inches of rain annually, well above the 51.3-inch state average and the ideal national range. The county only experiences 61 extreme heat days, which is lower than the state benchmark of 65. These factors create a lush environment that supports vigorous growth with less supplemental irrigation.

Optimizing Your Soil for Mountain Growth

Comprehensive soil data is limited for this area, but the high rainfall often leads to nutrient leaching in local soils. It is important to test your pH levels to ensure they stay within the ideal 6.0 to 7.0 range for healthy turf. Adding compost can help balance the soil structure and support the 4,608 growing degree days expected here.

Resilient Landscapes Amidst Shifting Weather

While 76.5% of the county faces severe drought, the 13 weeks of drought over the past year is much lower than other Georgia counties. Maintaining a healthy soil structure helps your lawn act as a sponge during these periods of localized stress. Even with high annual rainfall, keeping an eye on the 100% abnormally dry area is wise.

Seeding for Success in North Georgia

Tall Fescue and Zoysia are great options for the cooler climate and 8a hardiness zone found in Chattooga. With the last frost typically hitting on April 7th, spring planting should be timed carefully to avoid late-season snaps. Your lawn has a great head start thanks to the abundant natural rainfall and moderate heat.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Chattooga County's county score?
Chattooga County, Georgia has a composite county score of 46.3 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 Chattooga County rank among counties in Georgia?
Chattooga County ranks #85 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 Chattooga County, Georgia?
The median annual property tax in Chattooga County is $844, with an effective tax rate of 0.86%. This earns Chattooga County a tax score of 48.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Chattooga County?
The median household income in Chattooga County, Georgia is $47,785 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Chattooga County earns an income score of 10.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Chattooga County, Georgia a good place to live?
Chattooga County scores 46.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #85 in Georgia. The best way to evaluate Chattooga 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 Chattooga 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.