countyscore
45.4
County Score
Income & Jobs 95Weather & Climate 90.5Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About Cobb County, Georgia

A High-Earning Metro Hub

Cobb County earns a composite score of 45.4, placing it slightly below the national median of 50.0. While it is an economic powerhouse, high living costs prevent it from ranking in the top tier of counties nationally.

Trailing Slightly Behind Georgia Averages

With a score of 45.4, Cobb County sits just below the Georgia state average of 46.7. This ranking highlights the tension between the county's exceptional wealth and its significant urban challenges.

Wealth and Health Drive Local Life

The county boasts a near-perfect income score of 95.0, supported by a high median household income of $98,712. Health outcomes are also a bright spot, with a score of 70.6 reflecting robust access to medical services.

Affordability and Environmental Risk Hurdles

Cobb faces steep challenges in affordability, with a cost score of only 5.8 and median rents of $1,640. Additionally, its risk score of 5.6 suggests high vulnerability to environmental or climate-related factors.

Built for High-Earning Professionals

Cobb County is best suited for families and professionals with six-figure incomes who value health amenities and low taxes. Those seeking entry-level housing may find the $373,700 median home value a significant barrier.

Score breakdown

Tax64.7Cost5.8Safety28.2Health70.6Schools53.5Income95Risk5.6Water86Weather90.5
🏛64.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠5.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼95
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡28.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤70.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓53.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡5.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤90.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨23.1
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱49.6
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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Deep Dives

Cobb County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Cobb County

via TaxByCounty

Cobb's tax rate ranks low nationally

At 0.685%, Cobb County's effective property tax rate sits well below the national median of 0.92%, placing it in the bottom 25% of U.S. counties by burden. Homeowners here pay $2,560 annually in median taxes—less than the national median of $2,690—despite owning homes worth significantly more ($373,700 vs. $281,900 nationally).

Georgia's most tax-friendly county

Cobb County's 0.685% rate is the lowest among Georgia's 159 counties, undercutting the state average of 0.898% by a significant margin. This advantage reflects Cobb's higher property values and diverse tax base, which spreads costs across a wealthier population.

Outpaces metro Atlanta peers

Cobb's 0.685% rate beats neighboring Coweta County (0.771%) and nearby Columbia County (0.846%), making it the most affordable option for homebuyers in the greater Atlanta region. Even Fulton and DeKalb counties, the metro's largest, carry heavier effective rates.

Median home costs $2,560 yearly

A typical Cobb County home valued at $373,700 generates $2,560 in annual property taxes. For mortgaged properties, expect $2,841 when factoring in county and school debt service; owners with paid-off homes pay $1,683.

Check your assessment today

Even in Georgia's lowest-taxed county, many homeowners are overassessed, especially after recent market shifts. Filing a formal assessment appeal takes less than an hour and can save hundreds annually if your home is valued above its market price.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Cobb County

via CostByCounty

Cobb's rent burden tops national norm

Cobb County residents spend 19.9% of household income on rent, outpacing the national average and signaling tighter affordability compared to most American counties. With a median household income of $98,712—well above the national median of $74,755—renters here still shoulder a heavier housing cost relative to earnings than the typical U.S. household.

Among Georgia's pricier rental markets

At 19.9%, Cobb's rent-to-income ratio exceeds Georgia's state average of 18.6%, placing it among the state's least affordable counties for renters. The median rent of $1,640 is 77% higher than Georgia's statewide median of $927, reflecting Cobb's position as a regional economic hub.

Cobb costs substantially more than peers

Cobb's median rent of $1,640 dwarfs nearby Coweta County ($1,397) and Columbia County ($1,330), making it the priciest rental market in this cluster. Even compared to similarly affluent counties, Cobb renters pay a measurable premium for metro Atlanta proximity.

Mortgage slightly cheaper than renting

Cobb homeowners pay a median monthly cost of $1,590, just $50 less than renters' $1,640, making both tenure options consume roughly one-fifth of household income. For a household earning $98,712 annually, housing—whether rented or owned—represents a significant expense despite strong regional incomes.

Shop metro Atlanta strategically

If Cobb's housing costs feel steep, nearby Columbia County offers rents nearly $310 cheaper per month while maintaining similar income levels, or consider Coweta County for suburban living with slightly lower rental premiums. Both preserve access to Atlanta's job market while easing housing affordability pressure.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Cobb County

via IncomeByCounty

Cobb outearns most American households

Cobb County's median household income of $98,712 runs 32% above the national median of $74,755, placing it among the wealthiest counties nationwide. This outperformance reflects a strong local economy anchored by major employers and a educated workforce.

Georgia's top income county

Cobb ranks first among Georgia's 159 counties with a median household income 63% higher than the state average of $60,488. Per capita income of $50,975 also significantly exceeds Georgia's state average of $31,115.

Cobb dominates metro Atlanta peers

Cobb's $98,712 median household income far exceeds neighboring Coweta County ($94,142) and Columbia County ($96,122), though all three lead Georgia's regional prosperity. The trio represents metro Atlanta's most affluent corridor.

Strong income covers housing costs

Cobb residents spend just 19.9% of income on rent—comfortably below the recommended 30% threshold—despite median home values reaching $373,700. This rent-to-income ratio suggests households have substantial discretionary income for savings and other expenses.

Build wealth with surplus earnings

With median household income at $98,712 and housing costs at just 20% of that figure, Cobb County households have significant capacity to invest, save for retirement, and grow long-term wealth. Consider working with a financial advisor to maximize investment opportunities in your area's strong economic climate.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Cobb County

via CrimeByCounty

Cobb County Outperforms National Safety Averages

Cobb's total crime rate of 1,733.3 per 100K sits well below the national average of 2,385.5. This performance earns the county a high safety score of 97.3 out of 100.

A Strong Performer in the Peach State

While Cobb's safety score is just below the Georgia state average of 97.8, its violent crime rate of 241.2 remains lower than the state average of 248.1. Eleven reporting agencies work to maintain this relative stability.

Comparing Safety Across Metro Atlanta

Cobb remains significantly safer than its neighbor Coweta County, which reports a higher crime rate of 2,021.7 per 100K. This makes Cobb a comparatively secure choice among Metro Atlanta’s heavy hitters.

Property Crime Leads Local Reports

Property crime drives most activity here, accounting for 1,492.1 incidents per 100K residents. Violent crime remains relatively low, affecting only about 241 people per 100,000 residents.

Securing Your Cobb County Residence

Since property crime represents the bulk of local incidents, residents should prioritize home security systems and well-lit entryways. Simple vigilance helps maintain the county’s strong safety standing.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Cobb County

via HealthByCounty

Cobb County's Health Leads the Region

With a life expectancy of 79.1 years, Cobb residents outlive the U.S. average of 76.4 years by nearly three years. Just 12.9% of Cobb residents report poor or fair health, well below the national rate of 18%, signaling strong overall wellness.

Georgia's Healthiest Major County

Cobb's 79.1-year life expectancy towers over Georgia's state average of 73.3 years—a remarkable 5.8-year advantage. The county ranks among Georgia's top performers in health outcomes, driven by better preventive care and higher provider availability.

A Health Oasis in Metro Atlanta

Cobb's life expectancy of 79.1 years significantly exceeds neighboring Coweta County (76.4 years) and Columbia County (78.4 years). With 78 primary care providers and 258 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, Cobb offers robust access compared to rural neighbors.

Low Barriers to Healthcare Access

Only 12.5% of Cobb residents lack health insurance, compared to Georgia's 15% average, making care more accessible and affordable. The county's 78 primary care providers per 100,000 residents ensure most residents can find a doctor without lengthy waits or travel.

Keep Cobb's Health Gains Going

Even in Cobb's strong healthcare market, 12.5% of residents remain uninsured—that's thousands of people without preventive care access. Visit healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 to explore coverage options and keep healthcare within reach.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Cobb County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Massive Network of Suburban Schools

Cobb County operates a robust infrastructure of 128 public schools serving 116,937 students across six districts. The landscape includes 77 elementary, 29 middle, and 19 high schools, providing comprehensive coverage for the state's largest suburban population.

High Performance with Efficient Spending

The county achieves an 88.7% graduation rate, outperforming both the state average of 88.1% and the national average of 87%. While the per-pupil expenditure of $8,050 is lower than the $13,000 national benchmark, the composite school score of 55.1 remains above the Georgia average.

Cobb County District Leads the Way

The Cobb County School District dominates the area with 106,703 students across 110 schools. The county also offers educational choice through five charter schools, including the high-performing Walton High School which serves 2,646 students.

Suburban Campus Life on a Grand Scale

Education here is overwhelmingly suburban, with 113 schools located in suburb settings and an average school size of 914 students. Large campuses like Campbell High, which enrolls 2,928 students, define the educational experience for many local families.

Top Schools Drive Local Real Estate

With graduation rates exceeding national benchmarks, Cobb County schools remain a primary draw for home buyers. Explore residential options near high-performing campuses to secure a future in one of Georgia's premier educational hubs.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Cobb County

via RiskByCounty

Cobb faces high disaster risk nationally

With a composite risk score of 94.37, Cobb County ranks as relatively high risk—far exceeding Georgia's state average of 39.49 and placing it well above typical U.S. counties. This elevated score reflects significant exposure across multiple hazard types, from tornadoes to earthquakes. Residents should expect natural disaster preparedness to be a priority.

Among Georgia's riskiest counties

Cobb County's composite risk of 94.37 ranks it as one of Georgia's most vulnerable counties, particularly due to exceptional tornado risk of 98.31—nearly at the maximum severity level. The county's flood risk of 96.12 and earthquake risk of 92.33 also place it in the highest tiers statewide. Few Georgia counties face this combination of hazards.

Significantly riskier than surrounding areas

Cobb's score of 94.37 far outpaces nearby Coweta County (65.62) and Columbia County (76.84), making it a notable outlier in the Atlanta metro region. Even Cook County to the south (34.83) faces less than half the composite risk of Cobb. This disparity underscores Cobb's unique vulnerability profile.

Tornado and flood threats dominate

Tornado risk scores 98.31 in Cobb County, meaning severe rotating storms pose an exceptional threat—residents should have a tested shelter plan and monitor spring weather closely. Flood risk of 96.12 is nearly as acute, driven by river systems and intense rainfall events; understanding your property's flood zone is critical.

Comprehensive coverage is essential here

Standard homeowners policies don't cover flood or earthquake damage—Cobb residents should strongly consider separate flood insurance and evaluate earthquake coverage given scores of 96.12 and 92.33 respectively. With tornado risk at 98.31, ensure your policy includes wind and hail damage, and verify your coverage limits match your home's replacement cost.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Cobb County

via WeatherByCounty

Moderate Temperatures for the Region

Cobb County features an average annual temperature of 60.1°F, which is milder than many of its Southern peers. The county receives a generous 55.1 inches of rain annually, significantly outpacing the national average for precipitation.

Cooler than the State Median

Cobb's 60.1°F average is nearly four degrees cooler than the Georgia state average of 63.7°F. This makes it a refreshing outlier in a state where heat often dominates the headlines.

The Coolest in the Metro Area

Compared to Clayton County's 62.7°F, Cobb offers a noticeably cooler climate for North Georgia residents. It also sees far fewer extreme heat days than neighbors located just a few dozen miles to the south.

Temperate Summers with Light Snow

Summer heat is surprisingly manageable with only 10 days per year reaching 90°F. Winters are crisp at 44.5°F and occasionally bring a dusting of snow, averaging 0.8 inches annually.

Prepare for Rain and Mild Weather

With 55.1 inches of annual rainfall, residents should ensure proper home drainage and reliable rain gear. Since extreme heat is rare, homeowners can focus on moderate climate control rather than heavy-duty industrial cooling.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Cobb County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Alfisols define Cobb County's ground

Cobb County features Alfisols with a pH of 5.52, which is more acidic than the national median of 6.5. Despite the acidity, it is less sour than the Georgia state average of 5.26, providing a slightly better baseline for local growers.

Sandy loam provides the perfect texture

The soil consists of 52.7% sand, 27.6% silt, and 19.2% clay, creating a versatile sandy loam texture. This composition offers a balanced mix of easy workability for gardeners and sufficient clay to retain necessary minerals.

Strong water capacity offsets lower organic matter

At 1.39%, the organic matter content is lower than the state average of 1.83% and the national 2.0% benchmark. However, its available water capacity of 0.133 in/in beats the state average of 0.114, ensuring plants stay hydrated longer.

Well-drained soils with high runoff potential

These soils are classified as well drained, yet they fall into hydrologic group D, which indicates a high risk of runoff. This means while roots won't rot in standing water, heavy rains require careful management to prevent erosion.

A prime spot for Zone 8a gardening

With a high soil score of 23.1 compared to the state average of 17.6, Cobb is an excellent place to plant. In hardiness zone 8a, you can expect great success with azaleas, blueberries, and heat-loving summer vegetables.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Cobb County

via LawnByCounty

Cobb County's High-Performing Georgia Lawns

Cobb County earns a lawn difficulty score of 49.6, placing it nearly at the national median and far above the Georgia state average of 35.8. Residents in Hardiness Zone 8a find it significantly easier to maintain lush turf here than in most other parts of the state.

Generous Rainfall Meets Moderate Heat

With 55.1 inches of annual precipitation, Cobb slightly exceeds the ideal 50-inch lawn threshold, helping to reduce reliance on irrigation. The county also experiences only 10 extreme heat days per year, which is far lower than the state average of 65 days.

Navigating Acidic Sandy Loam

The local soil is a well-drained sandy loam, but its pH of 5.52 is more acidic than the ideal 6.0-7.0 range. Most homeowners will need to apply lime to neutralize the acidity and ensure their grass can properly absorb nutrients.

Managing Severe Drought Conditions

Despite the high annual rainfall, 100% of the county currently faces severe drought after 26 weeks of dry conditions last year. To protect your lawn, prioritize deep watering early in the morning to encourage resilient root systems.

Warm-Season Success in Zone 8a

Bermuda and Zoysia are the top choices for this climate, thriving once the soil warms after the March 27 frost date. Start your planting in late spring to ensure the grass establishes before the first frost arrives around November 7.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cobb County's county score?
Cobb County, Georgia has a composite county score of 45.4 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 Cobb County rank among counties in Georgia?
Cobb County ranks #94 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 Cobb County, Georgia?
The median annual property tax in Cobb County is $2,560, with an effective tax rate of 0.69%. This earns Cobb County a tax score of 64.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Cobb County?
The median household income in Cobb County, Georgia is $98,712 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Cobb County earns an income score of 95/100 on CountyScore.
Is Cobb County, Georgia a good place to live?
Cobb County scores 45.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #94 in Georgia. The best way to evaluate Cobb 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 Cobb 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.