countyscore
29.3
County Score
Weather & Climate 60.8Water Quality 59.1Property Tax 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.

Score breakdown

Tax45.2Cost18.5Safety4.7Health42.1Schools37.6Income19.2Risk33.1Water59.1Weather60.8
🏛45.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠18.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼19.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡4.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤42.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓37.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡33.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧59.1
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤60.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱45.2
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

Oconee County
Georgia
54.7
Jackson County
Georgia
47.5
Madison County
Georgia
48.3
Oglethorpe County
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Barrow County
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Walton County
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Morgan County
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Banks County
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Deep Dives

Clarke County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Cost of Living in Clarke County

via CostByCounty

Clarke's affordability crisis is real

Clarke County's 26.7% rent-to-income ratio ranks among America's worst, far exceeding the U.S. average of roughly 21%. On a median household income of just $52,267, residents here surrender over one-quarter of earnings to rent alone.

Georgia's toughest rental market

Clarke County's 26.7% rent-to-income ratio—the state's highest—dwarfs Georgia's 18.6% average by over 8 percentage points. Median rent of $1,162 runs $235 above state average, hitting hardest on Athens-area renters with lower-than-average incomes.

Clarke vs. region: an affordability outlier

Clarke's $1,162 rent matches or exceeds most peers despite having the lowest median household income ($52,267) in this comparison. Even Chattahoochee ($1,235) and Chatham ($1,382) residents earn more, making Clarke's rental burden uniquely punishing.

Renters squeezed, owners stretched

Renters dedicate 26.7% to housing—the worst ratio regionally—while homeowners pay 26.6% on ownership costs, offering little relief. The $271,900 median home value exceeds income-earning potential, locking renters out of affordable homeownership.

Clarke requires careful housing strategy.

Unless you earn well above Clarke's $52,267 median or plan to own, this Athens-based county presents genuine affordability headwinds. Consider nearby Chattooga (19.8% ratio) or negotiate remote work flexibility to offset Clarke's punishing rent burden.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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

Health in Clarke County

via HealthByCounty

Clarke exceeds national life expectancy

Clarke County's 77.3-year life expectancy surpasses the U.S. average of 76.1 years, reflecting better-than-average longevity. However, 20.8% of residents report poor or fair health, suggesting significant health burden alongside longer lifespans.

Well above Georgia's health baseline

At 77.3 years, Clarke County's life expectancy beats Georgia's 73.3-year state average by 4 full years. The county ranks among Georgia's top performers in longevity, though health disparities remain.

Regional health leader with standout resources

Clarke's 77.3-year life expectancy outpaces Clayton (73.8 years) and Chattooga (70.6 years) by meaningful margins. The county shines in mental health infrastructure with an exceptional 357 providers per 100K—among the highest in the state.

Good insurance, excellent mental health access

Clarke County's 14.6% uninsured rate sits just below Georgia's 15.0% state average, and 82 primary care providers per 100K offer solid access. The county's 357 mental health providers per 100K—likely driven by the University of Georgia's healthcare programs—make behavioral care readily available.

Make coverage count in Clarke County

With 14.6% of Clarke residents uninsured, there's room to improve reach in a county with excellent health resources. Visit healthcare.gov to find plans and take advantage of Clarke's robust network of mental health and primary care providers.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Clarke County

via SchoolsByCounty

Urban Education in a College Town

Clarke County features 22 public schools that serve a total of 14,859 students. The landscape is composed of 14 elementary schools, 4 middle schools, and 4 high schools. This urban-focused system is primarily centered around the city of Athens.

High Investment Amidst Unique Challenges

The county invests $8,733 per pupil, which is significantly higher than the Georgia state average of $7,405. Despite this funding, reported graduation rates sit at 36.3%, and the school score is 29.0, both of which fall well below state and national benchmarks. These figures are heavily influenced by the presence of large specialized charter programs in the area.

Traditional Schools and Charter Options

The Clarke County district operates 21 schools for 12,340 students, while Foothills Charter High School serves a large population of 2,519 students. This charter institution represents 4.5% of the schools but a significant portion of the high school enrollment. Families have the choice between traditional neighborhood schools and these larger flexible programs.

City-Centered Schools with Diverse Sizes

Education in Clarke County is overwhelmingly urban, with 18 of the 22 schools located in city settings. Average school size is 675 students, but this varies wildly from the massive Foothills Charter (2,519) to smaller elementary sites. The locale diversity is limited, with only three rural and one suburban school available.

Living Near Athens' Educational Hub

For those moving to the Athens area, the school landscape offers unique city-based opportunities and specialized charter paths. High per-pupil spending reflects a community committed to funding its educational resources. Research specific school zones in the city to find the best fit for your family's academic needs.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Clarke County

via RiskByCounty

Clarke balances moderate and elevated risks

Clarke County's composite risk score of 66.95 places it above the national average with a relatively low risk rating, reflecting a mixed hazard profile. Tornado (79.42), hurricane (71.34), and earthquake (83.33) risks are all notable, while wildfire exposure (25.64) is minimal. The county's central Georgia location creates exposure to multiple hazard types without coastal vulnerability.

Above-average risk for Georgia

Clarke's 66.95 composite score exceeds Georgia's state average of 39.49 by nearly 70 percent, placing it in the upper-middle tier of state county risk. Earthquake risk (83.33) is particularly elevated for inland Georgia, reflecting the county's proximity to Appalachian seismic zones. Tornado risk (79.42) aligns with the state's general convective weather exposure.

Moderate risk within central Georgia

Clarke's 66.95 score exceeds Chattooga (54.36) and Chattahoochee (2.04) but falls below Cherokee (85.27) and Chatham (97.42) in the broader regional context. The county occupies a moderate-risk position in central Georgia, with earthquake exposure slightly higher than typical for the region. This profile distinguishes Clarke from both its low-risk western neighbors and high-risk eastern/northern peers.

Earthquake and tornado, with hurricane distant

Earthquake risk (83.33) is Clarke's most notable hazard, ranking high for Georgia and reflecting the county's position near Appalachian fault zones, though major seismic events remain historically rare. Tornado risk (79.42) follows closely, with spring severe weather a routine concern. Hurricane risk (71.34) is elevated but reflects distant impacts rather than direct coastal exposure.

Earthquake and tornado awareness matter most

Confirm your homeowners policy includes wind/hail coverage for tornado risk (79.42), and consider flood insurance if your property sits near mapped floodplains or the Oconee River. While earthquake risk (83.33) is higher than most Georgia counties, standard homeowners policies exclude seismic damage—separate earthquake insurance is available but typically optional unless in a mapped risk zone. Secure heavy furniture and water heaters to foundation bracing as practical earthquake mitigation.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

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 29.3 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 Clarke County rank among counties in Georgia?
Clarke County ranks #156 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 $2,444, with an effective tax rate of 0.90%. This earns Clarke County a tax score of 45.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Clarke County?
The median household income in Clarke County, Georgia is $52,267 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Clarke County earns an income score of 19.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Clarke County, Georgia a good place to live?
Clarke County scores 29.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #156 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.

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🏛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.