countyscore
52.2
County Score
Income & Jobs 96.6Water Quality 86Weather & Climate 84.1

County Report Card

About Cherokee County, Georgia

Strong performance against national medians

Cherokee County achieves a composite score of 52.2, placing it above the national median of 50.0. This indicates a higher level of general livability than more than half of all U.S. counties.

Outpacing the Georgia state average

With a 52.2 score, Cherokee significantly exceeds the Georgia average of 46.7. The county is a top performer in the state, largely due to its robust economic metrics and low tax burden.

Elite incomes and low taxes

The county features a near-perfect income score of 96.6, supported by a high median household income of $105,442. Its tax score of 63.2 is bolstered by a low effective tax rate of 0.701%, leaving more money in residents' pockets.

Housing costs and climate risk

Affordability is a major hurdle, with a cost score of 5.7 reflecting high median home values of $389,800. Residents also face a low risk score of 14.7, suggesting vulnerability to environmental factors.

Best for affluent professionals

Cherokee is tailor-made for high-earning families who prioritize income potential and low tax rates over cheap housing. It offers a premier lifestyle for those who can afford the entry price of its real estate market.

2040608010063.25.768.76649.796.614.78684.1Tax63.2Cost5.7Safety68.7Health66Schools49.7Income96.6Risk14.7Water86Weather84.152.2/100
This county
National avg
6 above average2 below average

Cherokee County DNA

Foverall

How Cherokee County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Cherokee County scores above average across most dimensions. It's a well-balanced county with particular strength in Income (96.6/100).

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
63.2+11.200000000000003
Cost
5.7-42.3
Safety
68.7+13.700000000000003
Health
66+16
Schools
49.7
Income
96.6+45.599999999999994
Risk
14.7-32.3
Water
86+28
Weather
84.1+28.099999999999994
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Compare mortgage rates in Cherokee County

Whether buying or refinancing in Cherokee County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$389,800

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,703/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$389,800/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$68,120/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.7x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $105,442/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

12.4

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
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Nearby counties

Pickens County
Georgia
57.5
Forsyth County
Georgia
58.5
Cobb County
Georgia
45.4
Dawson County
Georgia
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Bartow County
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Gwinnett County
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35.6
Gilmer County
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Gordon County
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43.2

Deep Dives

Cherokee County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Cherokee County

via TaxByCounty

Cherokee keeps taxes low on pricey homes

Cherokee County's effective tax rate of 0.701% ranks in the 35th percentile nationally, significantly below the national median of 0.84%. Despite median home values of $389,800—far above the national average of $281,900—the median tax bill is $2,734, just slightly above the national median of $2,690.

Georgia's best deal for affluent buyers

Cherokee's 0.701% effective rate is the lowest among all counties examined, well below Georgia's state average of 0.898%. With expensive homes averaging $389,800, residents benefit from a favorable tax structure that keeps median taxes at just $2,734—a steal compared to state peers.

Cherokee stands out for its value

Cherokee's 0.701% rate dramatically undercuts nearby Clayton County (0.893%) and Clarke County (0.899%), while homes in Cherokee are significantly more expensive. This combination makes Cherokee a tax haven for affluent homeowners in the greater Atlanta region.

Higher homes, moderate tax bills

A Cherokee homeowner with the median-valued $389,800 home pays approximately $2,734 in annual property taxes. With mortgage and insurance factors, that figure rises to roughly $2,966 per year.

Protect your tax advantage with appeals

Cherokee's low tax rate is a significant competitive advantage, but it only works if your assessed value reflects reality. Review your assessment regularly and file an appeal if your property's market value has shifted, ensuring you maintain the most favorable tax outcome.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Cherokee County

via CostByCounty

Cherokee: affluent but not overextended

Cherokee County's 19.4% rent-to-income ratio actually beats the U.S. average of roughly 21%, despite median rents of $1,703 monthly. With the state's highest median household income at $105,442, Cherokee residents earn enough to absorb higher housing costs comfortably.

Georgia's wealthiest, most balanced county

Cherokee stands out with Georgia's highest median household income ($105,442) paired with a reasonable 19.4% rent-to-income ratio, well below the state's 18.6% average. This northwest Atlanta suburb successfully balances premium housing costs against high earning power.

Cherokee commands premium—earned it

Cherokee rents of $1,703 rank highest regionally, but median household income of $105,442 dwarfs all peers—$35,867 above Chatham's and $46,221 above Clarke's. The $389,800 median home value is the region's highest, yet remains manageable given Cherokee's affluent demographics.

High income absorbs high housing costs

Renters spend 19.4% on rent while homeowners dedicate 17.8% to monthly ownership costs—both proportions well-managed on $105,442 median income. Cherokee's housing market reflects suburban Atlanta demand, with premium values justified by strong household earnings.

Cherokee for those chasing Atlanta growth.

If you earn $100K+ and value northwest Atlanta proximity, Cherokee's premium pricing aligns with income. The balanced rent-to-income ratio signals this upscale suburb absorbs housing costs better than most U.S. counties, making it a rational choice for affluent professionals.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Cherokee County

via IncomeByCounty

Cherokee earns 41% above U.S. median

Cherokee County's median household income of $105,442 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by a remarkable $30,687. This performance places Cherokee among the nation's most affluent counties and reflects its status as a wealthy suburban enclave north of Atlanta.

Georgia's highest-income county cluster

At $105,442, Cherokee ranks among Georgia's elite counties by income, nearly $45,000 above the state average of $60,488. The per capita income of $47,337 is 52% higher than Georgia's state average, indicating broad-based prosperity across the county.

Dominates the regional income landscape

Cherokee's $105,442 median income vastly outpaces all neighboring counties: Chatham ($69,575), Chattahoochee ($59,221), Chattooga ($47,785), Clarke ($52,267), Clay ($48,715), Clayton ($58,507), and Clinch ($55,549). The $35,821 advantage over Chatham underscores Cherokee's position as Georgia's premier suburban income center.

Affluence with modest housing burden

Cherokee's rent-to-income ratio of 19.4% is the healthiest among comparable counties, meaning housing costs consume less than one-fifth of household earnings. However, the median home value of $389,800 still requires substantial wealth accumulation, making it attainable primarily for dual-income and high-earning households.

Advanced wealth strategies for affluent households

Cherokee households earning $105,442 have capacity to pursue sophisticated wealth-building: tax-efficient investing, diversified portfolios, and estate planning. Allocate 15-25% toward retirement and investment accounts, and consider working with a financial advisor on tax optimization and long-term wealth preservation strategies.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Cherokee County

via CrimeByCounty

Cherokee Boasts Exceptional Safety Score

Cherokee County is highly safe, with a total crime rate of 731.3 per 100,000 residents, roughly one-third of the national average. It earns an impressive safety score of 98.8.

Outperforming the Georgia Safety Average

Cherokee's safety score of 98.8 is a full point higher than the Georgia average of 97.8. Its total crime rate is also significantly lower than the state average of 1,412.9.

Leader in Suburban Public Safety

Cherokee maintains much lower crime rates than its more urban neighbors in the Atlanta metro area. It stands out as one of the safest suburban counties in the entire region.

Minimal Violent Crime in Cherokee

Violent crime is very rare here at 98.7 per 100,000, compared to the national average of 369.8. Property crime is also exceptionally low at 632.6, providing high security for families.

Maintain Safety with Modern Security

To keep crime rates low, residents should continue using home security technology like smart doorbells. Even in safe areas, locked gates and lighting are effective deterrents against property crimes.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Cherokee County

via SchoolsByCounty

Large-Scale Suburban School Network

Cherokee County maintains a massive educational footprint with 38 public schools serving 42,513 students. The system is built on a foundation of 24 elementary schools, 7 middle schools, and 6 high schools. This infrastructure supports one of the most significant student populations in the North Georgia suburbs.

Elite Graduation Rates in the Suburbs

The county achieves an impressive 90.0% graduation rate, significantly higher than the 87.0% national average. Per-pupil spending of $7,363 is nearly identical to the Georgia state average, demonstrating high efficiency given the strong results. A composite school score of 54.3 further confirms that Cherokee schools outperform state norms.

Cherokee County Schools Lead the Way

The Cherokee County School District manages 37 of the 38 local schools, educating 41,891 students. A single charter school, Cherokee Charter Academy, serves 622 students, representing a small 2.6% share of the county's schools. The sheer scale of the main district allows for extensive extracurricular and academic resources.

Large Campuses in a Suburban Setting

With an average size of 1,119 students, Cherokee schools are significantly larger than the state average. Most institutions are located in suburban locales (27) or rural areas (11), creating a classic commuter-friendly feel. Cherokee High School is the largest in the county, hosting a massive student body of 2,937.

Relocating for Academic Excellence

High graduation rates and large, well-resourced high schools make Cherokee County a top destination for families. The suburban nature of the district means most homes are within a short drive of modern school campuses. Investing in Cherokee County real estate often translates to accessing some of the state's most consistent school performers.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Cherokee County

via RiskByCounty

Cherokee faces elevated multi-hazard risk

Cherokee County's composite risk score of 85.27 places it well above the national average with a relatively moderate risk rating. Tornado risk (94.82) and flood risk (88.52) are particularly pronounced, while earthquake (78.94) and wildfire (58.78) risks are also notable. This northern Georgia suburban county faces a diverse mix of natural hazards.

Among Georgia's higher-risk counties

Cherokee's 85.27 composite score significantly exceeds Georgia's state average of 39.49, placing it in the upper tier of county risk within the state. The county's tornado (94.82) and flood (88.52) risks are among Georgia's highest. Cherokee's position in fast-growing north Georgia amplifies exposure, as development increasingly extends into hazard-prone areas.

Riskier than nearby suburban counties

Cherokee's 85.27 score exceeds Clarke (66.95) and Chattooga (54.36), though it trails Chatham (97.42) and nearly matches Clayton (86.74). Within the Atlanta metro region, Cherokee stands out for elevated tornado and flood exposure. Proximity to metro Atlanta's flooding corridors and Georgia's severe weather zone drives the county's above-average composite score.

Tornadoes and flooding top the list

Tornado risk (94.82) is Cherokee's dominant hazard, with the county sitting squarely in Georgia's spring severe weather corridor—expect frequent severe thunderstorms and occasional strong rotation. Flood risk (88.52) ranks close behind, particularly along the Etowah River and in rapid-growth suburban drainage areas. Combined, these two hazards account for most of the county's risk profile.

Tornado shelter and flood insurance priority

Ensure your homeowners policy includes comprehensive wind and hail coverage for tornado protection, then prioritize flood insurance through NFIP for any property within a mapped floodplain or near stream corridors. With a 94.82 tornado score, identifying a safe room or basement shelter is essential for your family's spring safety plan. Review evacuation routes and community warning systems with household members annually.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Cherokee County

via WaterByCounty

Cherokee County Secures Top Compliance Grade

With zero health violations over five years, the county maintains a perfect Grade A. This 0.0 violation rate stands in stark contrast to the Georgia state average of 152.5 per 100K.

Strong Watershed Health vs State Average

Only 22.2% of 54 assessed water bodies are impaired, which is less than half of the state's 48.4% average. Fecal coliform and chlorophyll-a remain the top concerns in the 2022 reporting cycle.

Intensive Monitoring with 18,940 Measurements

Ten monitoring sites provide a high density of data, recording nearly 19,000 measurements over five years. Scientists primarily track physical, nutrient, and inorganic characteristics across the county.

Etowah River at Critical Low Flow

The Etowah River at Canton is flowing at 392 cfs, which is a mere 33% of its long-term typical discharge. This low flow impacts a large drainage area of 613 square miles.

Monitor River Conditions During Drought

Excellent drinking water compliance and low impairment rates are positive signs for residents. However, the Etowah River's current flow at 33% of normal levels warrants careful attention to local water use.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Cherokee County

via WeatherByCounty

A Rain-Heavy Northern Climate

Cherokee County receives 54.7 inches of annual precipitation, exceeding the national average. While annual temperature data is not recorded here, the precipitation levels mark it as a lush, humid environment.

Wetter and Snowier than Georgia's Average

Cherokee County's 54.7 inches of rain surpasses the Georgia state average of 51.4 inches. It also records 1.3 inches of annual snowfall, which is notably higher than many other counties in the state.

The Snow Capital of the Area

Compared to nearby Carroll and Clarke counties which see 0.6 inches of snow, Cherokee receives more than double at 1.3 inches. Its 54.7 inches of rain also makes it wetter than Clarke's 50.4 inches.

Distinct Winter Patterns

Although specific summer and winter temperatures are missing, the 1.3 inches of snow indicates a more active winter weather pattern than much of the state. This moisture supports a green landscape throughout the warmer months.

Plan for Winter Moisture

Residents should prepare for more frequent frozen precipitation than their southern neighbors. Proper insulation and winterizing outdoor pipes are essential to handle the 1.3 inches of snow and seasonal cold.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Cherokee County

via SoilByCounty

Cherokee's Foothill Soil Identity

Taxonomic data and local pH averages are currently unavailable for Cherokee County. Many growers in this region find their soil follows the state's acidic trend of 5.26 pH, compared to the national median of 6.5.

Texture Mix and Composition

Specific sand and clay percentages are not yet documented in the current dataset. Understanding your specific mix is crucial for nutrient retention, making home texture tests a valuable tool for local gardeners.

Soil Health and Growth Potential

Data for organic matter and Available Water Capacity (AWC) remains unlisted for the county. Aim to improve your soil toward the 1.83% state average for organic matter to boost your garden's fertility.

Building on Local Hydrology

There is currently no dominant drainage class or hydrologic group data available for this area. Evaluating how water moves through your landscape is a necessary first step for any farming or construction project.

Growing Success in Zone 8a

The 8a hardiness zone is ideal for classic Georgia crops like peaches and hydrangeas. Start digging today to turn your piece of Cherokee County into a productive green space.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Cherokee County

via LawnByCounty

Steady Maintenance in Cherokee County

Cherokee County holds a lawn difficulty score of 36.6, slightly outperforming the Georgia state average of 35.8. As a Zone 8a region, it presents a standard set of challenges for the Southeast, remaining below the national 50.0 median. Success requires a focused effort on water management and seasonal timing.

Plentiful Rainfall Supports Turf Growth

The county receives 54.7 inches of annual precipitation, which is higher than the state average of 51.3 inches and comfortably above the national ideal. This extra moisture provides a buffer for lawns, though consistent schedules remain necessary during peak growth. While heat data is limited, the high rainfall is a primary driver of local lawn health.

Preparing the Ground for Healthy Roots

With specific soil texture and pH data unavailable, local testing is the only way to ensure your lawn has the right foundation. Many North Georgia soils require lime to counteract natural acidity and improve nutrient uptake for the grass. Focus on aeration and organic amendments to help your lawn make the most of the high annual rainfall.

Managing Full-County Severe Drought

Cherokee County is currently 100% covered by severe drought conditions, with 26 weeks of drought recorded over the last year. Implementing water-saving techniques like mulching and reducing foot traffic is vital during these stressful periods. Despite high annual rain totals, these seasonal dry spells can quickly turn a green lawn brown.

Planting for the Piedmont Climate

Zoysia and Bermuda grass are highly recommended for the Zone 8a climate, offering excellent durability and drought resistance. Plan your planting around the transition from winter, ensuring the soil is warm enough to support new growth. With the right grass selection, your Cherokee lawn can stay resilient even when the rains stop.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cherokee County's county score?
Cherokee County, Georgia has a composite county score of 52.2 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 Cherokee County rank among counties in Georgia?
Cherokee County ranks #47 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 Cherokee County, Georgia?
The median annual property tax in Cherokee County is $2,734, with an effective tax rate of 0.70%. This earns Cherokee County a tax score of 63.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Cherokee County?
The median household income in Cherokee County, Georgia is $105,442 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Cherokee County earns an income score of 96.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Cherokee County, Georgia a good place to live?
Cherokee County scores 52.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #47 in Georgia. The best way to evaluate Cherokee 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 Cherokee County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & 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.