CountyScore

Cobb County

Georgia · GA

#147 in Georgia
61.7
County Score

County Report Card

About Cobb County, Georgia

Cobb outpaces national average

With a composite score of 64.1, Cobb County scores well above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top 28% of U.S. counties. This significant advantage reflects strong tax incentives and solid income levels that make the county competitive nationally.

Mid-tier ranking in Georgia

Cobb's score of 64.1 falls slightly below Georgia's state average of 70.9, indicating it ranks in the middle range among the state's counties. The county competes in a state with diverse economic profiles across its 159 counties.

Tax advantage and strong incomes

Cobb excels with a tax score of 83.0 and an effective tax rate of just 0.685%—among Georgia's most favorable. The county's median household income of $98,712 is nearly double the state average, reflecting a prosperous suburban economy.

Housing affordability lags

Cobb's cost score of 54.0 signals housing affordability concerns, with median home values at $373,700 and rents at $1,640 monthly. Additional data on schools, safety, and health is currently unavailable, leaving a fuller community picture incomplete.

Best for affluent suburbanites

Cobb County suits established professionals and higher-income families seeking a tax-efficient Atlanta suburb with strong earning potential. The tradeoff: expect to pay premium prices for housing in exchange for economic stability and low tax burden.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax83Cost54SafetyComing SoonHealth74.1SchoolsComing SoonIncome47.8Risk5.6WaterComing Soon
🏛83
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠54
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼47.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤74.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡5.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Cobb County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Alachua County
Florida
61.7
Median income: $59,659
Lake County
Florida
61.7
Median income: $69,956
Herkimer County
New York
61.7
Median income: $68,858
Lorain County
Ohio
61.7
Median income: $70,693
Erie County
Pennsylvania
61.7
Median income: $61,476

Deep Dives

Cobb County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

ByCounty Network

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Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS — informational only.