countyscore
29.2
County Score
Weather & Climate 60.8Water Quality 59.1Lawn Care 45.2

County Report Card

About Clarke County, Georgia

Clarke trails national livability standards

Clarke County scores a 29.3 overall, which is well below the national median of 50.0. This composite reflects significant pressure across safety, income, and cost dimensions.

Lagging behind the state average

The county's 29.3 score is nearly 18 points lower than the Georgia average of 46.7. This gap suggests that Clarke faces more systemic challenges than the average county in the state.

Stable water and tax profile

Clarke's strongest metrics are its water score of 59.1 and a tax score of 45.2. An effective tax rate of 0.899% is relatively competitive, providing some relief compared to higher-tax jurisdictions.

Safety and economic pressures

The county struggles with a very low safety score of 4.7 and an income score of 19.2. A median household income of $52,267 makes the local cost score of 18.5 particularly difficult for residents to manage.

Best for short-term residents

Clarke County's profile is often seen in college-centric areas where low incomes and safety scores are common data quirks. It suits students or young academics, though families may find the safety and economic hurdles challenging.

204060801004518.64.742.137.618.833.159.160.8Tax45Cost18.6Safety4.7Health42.1Schools37.6Income18.8Risk33.1Water59.1Weather60.829.2/100
This county
National avg
5 below average

Clarke County DNA

Foverall

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

Clarke County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Safety (4.7/100), though Weather & Climate (60.8/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
45
Cost
18.6-29.4
Safety
4.7-50.3
Health
42.1
Schools
37.6-16.4
Income
18.8-32.2
Risk
33.1-13.899999999999999
Water
59.1
Weather
60.8
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Compare mortgage rates in Clarke County

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

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$298,900

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$1,219/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$298,900/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$48,760/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum5.6x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $53,625/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

34.0

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
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Garfield County
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Wilson County
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Nearby counties

Oconee County
Georgia
54.4
Jackson County
Georgia
47.1
Madison County
Georgia
48.3
Oglethorpe County
Georgia
52.9
Barrow County
Georgia
37.3
Walton County
Georgia
46.6
Morgan County
Georgia
56.1
Banks County
Georgia
43.5

Deep Dives

Clarke County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Clarke County

via TaxByCounty

Clarke County mirrors national patterns

Clarke County's effective tax rate of 0.899% sits just above the national median of 0.84%, placing it in the 58th percentile nationally. The median property tax of $2,444 falls slightly short of the national median of $2,690, despite median homes valued near the national average at $271,900.

Nearly identical to Georgia average

Clarke's 0.899% effective rate essentially matches Georgia's state average of 0.898%, making it a typical county by state standards. At $2,444, the median tax bill runs 60% above Georgia's state median of $1,529, reflecting Clarke's more urban character and higher home values.

Clarke aligns with Chatham closely

Clarke County's metrics are nearly identical to nearby Chatham County (0.901% rate, $2,463 median tax), with both counties serving as regional economic anchors. Both stand in stark contrast to rural neighbors like Chattooga County, where taxes are significantly lower.

Expect roughly $2,450 annually

A homeowner with Clarke's median home value of $271,900 pays approximately $2,444 per year in property taxes. The county's straightforward assessment practice keeps costs predictable for both mortgaged and mortgage-free properties.

Appeal if your home lost value

Clarke County's real estate market has shifted over recent years, and some assessed values may not reflect current conditions. If your home has lost market value since your last assessment, filing an appeal with the Clarke County assessor could reduce your annual tax burden.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Clarke County

via IncomeByCounty

Clarke falls short of national income standard

Clarke County's median household income of $52,267 lags the U.S. median of $74,755 by $22,488, or 30%. The shortfall reflects Clarke's character as a college town where household income is suppressed by student populations and academic-sector wages.

Below average for Georgia

Clarke's $52,267 median sits $8,221 below Georgia's state average of $60,488, placing it in the lower-middle tier of the state's counties. Per capita income of $31,915 slightly exceeds Georgia's average ($31,115), reflecting the University of Georgia's influence on the local economy.

Middling earnings in diverse company

Clarke outearns Chattooga ($47,785) and Clay ($48,715) but trails Chatham ($69,575) and Chattahoochee ($59,221). The variation reflects Clarke's unique position as a university hub, which lifts some incomes while the student population depresses the median.

High housing cost stress in college town

Clarke's rent-to-income ratio of 26.7% is the highest in this county cluster, indicating substantial housing pressure on households earning $52,267. The contradiction is stark: median home value reaches $271,900—far exceeding what local median incomes can reasonably support—pricing out many year-round residents.

Navigate housing market strategically

Clarke households face outsized housing costs relative to income; consider first-time homebuyer programs, modest starter homes, or multi-unit properties that generate rental income. Even with constrained discretionary income, consistent savings and avoiding high-interest debt can gradually build equity and wealth over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Clarke County

via CrimeByCounty

Clarke County Faces Higher Crime Rates

Clarke County reports a total crime rate of 3,583.6 per 100,000 residents, which is 50% higher than the national average. This high volume results in a safety score of 94.3.

Safety Below the Georgia Average

The county's safety score of 94.3 is significantly lower than the Georgia state average of 97.8. Its total crime rate is more than double the state average of 1,412.9.

High Activity Near University Hubs

Clarke sees much higher crime activity than its rural neighbors, largely due to its high population density and student demographic. These urban factors push crime rates well above regional norms.

Property and Violent Crimes Elevated

The violent crime rate is 620.0 per 100,000, nearly double the national rate, while property crime is high at 2,963.6. These numbers mean residents should stay vigilant regarding their personal safety and belongings.

Stay Vigilant in High-Activity Clarke

Residents should invest in robust home security and bright outdoor lighting to combat high property crime. Always secure valuables and use alarm systems to protect your home in this busy environment.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Clarke County

via WeatherByCounty

Clarke's Balanced Subtropical Weather

Clarke County averages 61.6°F annually, which is warmer than the U.S. median of 55°F. This typical Georgia climate includes 50.4 inches of rain, falling just below the national average for the southeast.

Standard Georgia Temperatures

At 61.6°F, Clarke County is slightly cooler than the Georgia state average of 63.7°F. Its rainfall of 50.4 inches is also nearly identical to the state's average of 51.4 inches.

More Heat Days Than Carroll

Clarke County experiences 52 days of extreme heat per year, significantly more than Carroll County's 36 days. Despite this, both counties share a similar annual snowfall average of 0.6 inches.

Hot Summers and Crisp Winters

Summer averages 77.9°F with a July peak of 79.4°F, while winters drop to a January average of 43.0°F. The county sees 52 days above 90°F, marking a significant portion of the year as extremely hot.

Preparing for the Heat Index

With over 50 days of extreme heat, residents should ensure their cooling systems are serviced every spring. The 50.4 inches of rain requires standard home maintenance to prevent water damage during heavy storms.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Clarke County

via SoilByCounty

Athens Region Soil Characteristics

Local pH levels and taxonomic orders are currently unrecorded for Clarke County. Gardeners should compare their results to the state average pH of 5.26, which is significantly more acidic than the national 6.5 median.

Clay and Sand Composition

The precise percentages of sand, silt, and clay are not available in the current data for this county. Identifying your soil texture will help you determine the drainage and workability of your specific plot.

Measuring Fertility and Water

Clarke County lacks specific organic matter and Available Water Capacity (AWC) data. Benchmark your land against the state AWC average of 0.114 in/in to better understand its moisture potential.

Water Movement and Drainage

With no dominant drainage class currently listed, landowners must rely on site-specific observations. Proper drainage is key for healthy roots and stable foundations in this part of the state.

Cultivating in Hardiness Zone 8a

Hardiness zone 8a allows for a diverse range of perennials and summer vegetables. Start your gardening project today to see what you can grow in this vibrant university community.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Clarke County

via LawnByCounty

Clarke County’s Competitive Lawn Advantage

Clarke County boasts a lawn difficulty score of 45.2, making it one of the most lawn-friendly areas in the state. This score is significantly higher than the Georgia average of 35.8 and approaches the national median of 50.0. For residents in Zone 8a, the environment is surprisingly conducive to maintaining a vibrant landscape.

Ideal Precipitation and Manageable Heat

With 50.4 inches of rain per year, Clarke County stays very close to the state average and the ideal range for turf. The county experiences only 52 extreme heat days, which is much lower than the state average of 65 days. This combination of moderate heat and consistent rain reduces the overall stress on your lawn.

Building a Better Soil Base

Local soil data is currently unavailable, but the 5,013 growing degree days suggest a long and productive season for lawn biology. Homeowners should focus on maintaining organic matter to support the consistent growth favored by the local climate. A standard soil test will help you fine-tune your fertilizer applications for the best results.

Navigating 16 Weeks of Dry Weather

Though Clarke has seen 16 weeks of drought over the last year, 100% of the county is currently facing severe drought. It is important to utilize smart irrigation controllers to maximize every drop of water used during these periods. Even with better-than-average growing conditions, drought resilience remains a top priority for local yards.

Timing Your Spring Turf Start

Warm-season grasses like Bermuda perform exceptionally well here, with the last spring frost typically occurring on April 2nd. The long growing season continues until roughly November 10th, giving you plenty of time for establishment and maintenance. This favorable window makes Clarke County a premier place for Georgia lawn enthusiasts.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Clarke County's county score?
Clarke County, Georgia has a composite county score of 29.2 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 Clarke County rank among counties in Georgia?
Clarke County ranks #155 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 Clarke County, Georgia?
The median annual property tax in Clarke County is $2,610, with an effective tax rate of 0.87%. This earns Clarke County a tax score of 45/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Clarke County?
The median household income in Clarke County, Georgia is $53,625 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Clarke County earns an income score of 18.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Clarke County, Georgia a good place to live?
Clarke County scores 29.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #155 in Georgia. The best way to evaluate Clarke 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 Clarke 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.