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.

2040608010061.85.568.76649.796.614.78684.1Tax61.8Cost5.5Safety68.7Health66Schools49.7Income96.6Risk14.7Water86Weather84.152.2/100
This county
National avg
5 above average2 below average

Cherokee County DNA

Foverall

How Cherokee County compares to the national average across nine baseline 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
61.8+9.799999999999997
Cost
5.5-42.5
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

$435,100

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$1,799/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$435,100/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$71,960/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum4.0x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $108,115/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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Counties with similar scores

Walton County
Florida
Median income: $81,986
52.2
Greene County
Georgia
Median income: $86,272
52.2
Warren County
Iowa
Median income: $94,588
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Kimball County
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Median income: $56,712
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Morris County
New Jersey
Median income: $137,326
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Crosby County
Texas
Median income: $52,188
52.2
Green Lake County
Wisconsin
Median income: $68,196
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Kenai Peninsula Borough
Alaska
Median income: $80,538
52.3

Nearby counties

Pickens County
Georgia
57.8
Forsyth County
Georgia
58.5
Cobb County
Georgia
45.2
Dawson County
Georgia
56.5
Bartow County
Georgia
44.5
Gwinnett County
Georgia
36
Gilmer County
Georgia
52.7
Gordon County
Georgia
43.2

Deep Dives

Cherokee County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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

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

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 #45 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 $2,985, with an effective tax rate of 0.69%. This earns Cherokee County a tax score of 61.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Cherokee County?
The median household income in Cherokee County, Georgia is $108,115 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 #45 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 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.