countyscore
46.1
County Score
Water Quality 86Cost of Living 82.7Weather & 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.

2040608010044.382.738.511.943.812.345.78662.8Tax44.3Cost82.7Safety38.5Health11.9Schools43.8Income12.3Risk45.7Water86Weather62.846.1/100
This county
National avg
2 above average4 below average

Chattooga County DNA

Foverall

How Chattooga County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Chattooga County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (82.7/100) but notably weak in Income (12.3/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
44.3
Cost
82.7+34.7
Safety
38.5-16.5
Health
11.9-38.1
Schools
43.8-10.200000000000003
Income
12.3-38.7
Risk
45.7
Water
86+28
Weather
62.8
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Chattooga County?

Many homeowners in Chattooga 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

$115,600

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$790/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$115,600/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$31,600/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.3x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $50,285/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

20.0

per 100K

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 Chattooga County with Clay County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Clay County
Kansas
Median income: $66,176
46.1
Dickinson County
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St. Landry Parish
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Dorchester County
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Chisago County
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Median income: $99,400
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Scott County
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Median income: $119,314
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Madison County
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Choctaw County
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46.1

Nearby counties

Floyd County
Georgia
37.2
Walker County
Georgia
54.5
DeKalb County
Alabama
61.9
Cherokee County
Alabama
49.9
Dade County
Georgia
64.2
Gordon County
Georgia
43.2
Catoosa County
Georgia
48.7
Whitfield County
Georgia
40.5

Deep Dives

Chattooga County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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

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

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 46.1 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 Chattooga County rank among counties in Georgia?
Chattooga County ranks #89 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 $1,022, with an effective tax rate of 0.88%. This earns Chattooga County a tax score of 44.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Chattooga County?
The median household income in Chattooga County, Georgia is $50,285 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Chattooga County earns an income score of 12.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Chattooga County, Georgia a good place to live?
Chattooga County scores 46.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #89 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.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, 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.