countyscore
47.4
County Score
Cost of Living 86.5Property Tax 52.6Schools 45.5

County Report Card

About Coffee County, Georgia

Approaching the National Median

Coffee County earns a composite score of 47.4, keeping it competitive with the national median of 50.0. It ranks higher than many rural peers by balancing low costs with steady public services.

Outperforming the Georgia State Average

With a score of 47.4, Coffee County exceeds the Georgia state average of 46.7. It stands out as a strong regional performer in the southern part of the state.

Exceptional Housing Affordability

The county shines with a cost score of 86.5, driven by a median home value of just $125,700. Its tax score of 52.6 and school score of 45.5 provide a stable foundation for families.

Economic and Healthcare Limitations

Income remains a challenge with a score of 14.8 and a median household income of $50,175. Health outcomes are also a concern, as the county's score of 12.3 is significantly lower than national peers.

A Haven for Budget-Conscious Living

Coffee County is an excellent fit for retirees or remote workers looking to maximize their purchasing power with $713 median rents. It suits those who prioritize low cost of living over high local wages.

Score breakdown

Tax52.6Cost86.5Safety44.6Health12.3Schools45.5Income14.8Risk40.4Water41.2Weather35.8
🏛52.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠86.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼14.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡44.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤12.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓45.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡40.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧41.2
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤35.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱28.2
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

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Bacon County
Georgia
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Jeff Davis County
Georgia
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Irwin County
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Berrien County
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Deep Dives

Coffee County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Coffee County

via TaxByCounty

Coffee County taxes rank low nationally

Coffee County's effective rate of 0.807% sits below the national median of 0.92%, placing it in the bottom 35% of U.S. counties for tax burden. Median property taxes here are just $1,014 annually—62% lower than the national median of $2,690—reflecting the county's more modest home values of $125,700.

Middle of Georgia's tax pack

At 0.807%, Coffee County ranks roughly in the middle of Georgia's 159 counties, slightly below the state average of 0.898%. The county's median tax bill of $1,014 falls well below Georgia's average of $1,529, thanks to lower property values rather than preferential assessment rates.

Lower than surrounding southeast counties

Coffee County's 0.807% rate undercuts neighboring Cook County (0.820%) and Crisp County (1.156%), making it a relatively affordable corner of south Georgia. Colquitt County (0.866%) nearby carries slightly higher rates, despite similar home values.

Median home costs $1,014 yearly

A typical Coffee County home valued at $125,700 generates $1,014 in annual property taxes. Mortgaged properties owe $1,264 including school debt; outright owners pay $672.

Appeal if your home is overvalued

Even in lower-value markets, assessment errors happen—properties are often appraised above recent sale prices or comparable homes. A quick appeal review could cut your bill by 5-10% if your home is overassessed.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Coffee County

via CostByCounty

Coffee County beats national affordability test

Coffee County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.1% sits comfortably below the national average, and its median household income of $50,175—while 33% below the U.S. median—supports relatively modest housing costs. At just $713 monthly, Coffee renters spend far less in absolute dollars than their national counterparts.

Among Georgia's most affordable counties

Coffee County ranks well within Georgia's affordable tier, with a 17.1% rent-to-income ratio below the state average of 18.6% and rent 23% lower than the statewide median. This rural South Georgia county offers some of the state's best housing value for lower-income households.

Competitive pricing in rural South Georgia

Coffee's $713 monthly rent undercuts Colquitt County ($779) and Cook County ($901), positioning it as the rental bargain of this rural cluster. All three counties maintain similarly modest incomes, but Coffee delivers the lowest housing-cost burden.

Homeownership costs less than renting

Coffee homeowners pay just $559 monthly—$154 cheaper than renters—making purchase a legitimate affordability advantage for qualified buyers with median home values of $125,700. This 22% ownership savings suggests strong buyer incentives in this rural market.

Rural Georgia value for budget-conscious relocators

Coffee County delivers genuine affordability for remote workers or retirees seeking lower living costs without the urban-suburban premiums of metro Atlanta. With rent under $713 and ownership under $559, your paycheck stretches significantly further here than in neighboring counties.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Coffee County

via IncomeByCounty

Coffee lags national income benchmarks

Coffee County's median household income of $50,175 trails the national median of $74,755 by nearly $25,000, placing it well below the typical American household. This $25,580 gap reflects limited local economic opportunity and lower average educational attainment.

Below-average Georgia income

Coffee County ranks in the lower half of Georgia counties, with median household income 17% below the state average of $60,488. Per capita income of $23,567 similarly underperforms Georgia's state average of $31,115.

Coffee aligned with south Georgia peers

Coffee County's $50,175 median income closely matches neighboring Colquitt County ($49,691) and Cook County ($50,133), reflecting consistent economic conditions across south-central Georgia. All three counties face similar workforce and income challenges.

Modest income, manageable housing costs

Coffee County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.1% remains healthy at $8,575 annually on median income, well below the 30% affordability threshold. However, median home values of $125,700 still represent 2.5 years of gross income for many households.

Building savings starts small here

With median household income at $50,175, Coffee County residents should prioritize emergency savings and lower-cost retirement vehicles like IRAs before pursuing higher-risk investments. Even modest monthly contributions compound significantly over time—start wherever you can and increase as income grows.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Coffee County

via CrimeByCounty

Coffee County Surpasses National Safety Baseline

Coffee County earns a high safety score of 98.0, indicating a secure environment for its residents. Its total crime rate of 1,238.0 per 100K is roughly half the national average of 2,385.5.

Leading the Way in Georgia Safety

The county is slightly safer than the average Georgia community, beating the state safety score of 97.8. Its total crime rate also stays comfortably below the state average of 1,412.9.

Safer than Neighboring Crisp County

Coffee County presents a safer alternative to nearby Crisp County, where crime rates are nearly four times higher. It also maintains a lower property crime rate than neighboring Colquitt County.

Analyzing Violent vs Property Crime

Most reports involve property crime at 954.6 per 100K, while violent crime sits at 283.4. These figures indicate that while safety is high, theft remains the primary concern for the seven local reporting agencies.

Protecting Your Coffee County Property

Residents can bolster their safety by securing outbuildings and using smart locks on all residential entries. These small steps help maintain the county's reputation as a secure rural community.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Coffee County

via HealthByCounty

Coffee County Faces Major Health Challenges

Coffee residents have a life expectancy of just 71.6 years, nearly five years below the U.S. average of 76.4 years. Nearly one in four residents (24.4%) report poor or fair health, compared to the national rate of 18%, indicating significant wellness gaps.

Well Below Georgia's Health Average

Coffee's 71.6-year life expectancy falls 1.7 years short of Georgia's 73.3-year average, placing the county among the state's lowest-performing regions. The 24.4% poor/fair health rate is 6.4 percentage points higher than state norms, reflecting chronic health disparities.

Struggling Alongside Rural Counties

Coffee shares similar health struggles with neighboring Crisp County (70.1 years) and Colquitt County (71.6 years), all well below the state average. With just 53 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, Coffee residents face limited local options compared to urban counties.

Healthcare Desert with High Uninsured Rates

Nearly one in five Coffee residents (19.1%) lack health insurance, more than 4 percentage points above Georgia's average, making care unaffordable for thousands. Mental health providers number just 35 per 100,000 residents—among the state's lowest—leaving residents struggling to access behavioral health services.

Breaking the Coverage Gap in Coffee County

With nearly 20% of residents uninsured, Coffee County faces a public health crisis that coverage expansion could help reverse. Call 1-800-318-2596 or visit healthcare.gov to explore Medicaid, marketplace plans, and assistance programs designed for rural Georgians.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Coffee County

via SchoolsByCounty

Concentrated Rural Education in Coffee County

Coffee County maintains 12 public schools under a single unified district, serving a total of 7,538 students. The system is built around eight elementary schools, one middle school, and two high schools to support the entire community.

Exceeding State Graduation Benchmarks

Coffee County reports an impressive 90.0% graduation rate, significantly higher than the 88.1% state average and the 87% national rate. This performance comes despite a per-pupil expenditure of $7,048, which is nearly half of the national average.

One District Serving All Students

The Coffee County School District manages all 7,538 students in the area with no charter school alternatives currently available. The district's central hub is Coffee Middle School, the largest facility in the county with 1,679 students.

A Blend of Rural and Town Schools

The educational feel is primarily rural, with eight schools in the countryside and four in town settings. While the average school size is 628 students, facilities range from small primary schools to the large 1,234-student Coffee County High.

Invest in a Community That Graduates

High graduation rates make Coffee County an attractive option for families prioritizing academic outcomes. Look for homes near the top-rated elementary schools to join this successful single-district community.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Coffee County

via RiskByCounty

Coffee County moderately elevated risk

Coffee County's composite risk score of 59.61 puts it in the relatively low category—but still 51% above Georgia's state average of 39.49, indicating meaningful disaster vulnerability. The county faces a broad spectrum of hazards rather than one dominant threat. This balanced risk profile warrants thoughtful preparedness planning.

Middle-of-the-pack risk among Georgia counties

Coffee County ranks in the moderate range statewide with a composite score of 59.61, notably driven by hurricane risk of 89.70 and tornado risk of 75.51. While not among Georgia's most vulnerable counties, Coffee's exposure to tropical systems and severe convective weather is significant. The county's wildfire risk of 68.16 adds another consideration.

Similar risk to peer counties southward

Coffee County (59.61) sits between Colquitt County (70.55) to the south and Crisp County (52.29) to the west, representing a typical risk profile for south-central Georgia. Nearby Cook County (34.83) is noticeably safer, while Columbia County (76.84) to the north carries greater peril. Coffee's position reflects exposure to tropical systems affecting the region.

Hurricane and tornado season threats

Hurricane risk of 89.70 makes tropical systems Coffee's foremost concern—late summer and fall require heightened attention to storm tracking and evacuation orders. Tornado risk of 75.51 compounds the threat during spring severe weather; having a designated shelter and family communication plan is essential.

Flood and wind coverage are priorities

Coffee County residents should secure separate flood insurance given the combination of hurricane risk (89.70) and tornado risk (75.51), as standard policies exclude flood damage. Verify your homeowners policy covers wind and hail damage, and consider reinforcing roof fasteners and installing storm shutters given tropical storm exposure.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Coffee County

via WeatherByCounty

Subtropical Heat in South Georgia

Coffee County averages 66.0°F annually, a figure that sits well above the national median. This climate is defined by high humidity and consistent warmth that persists through most of the year.

Outpacing the Georgia Average

The county's average temperature of 66.0°F is over two degrees higher than the Georgia state average of 63.7°F. This puts it firmly in the warmer tier of Georgia's 159 counties.

Parity with South Georgia Neighbors

Coffee County shares a nearly identical climate with nearby Clinch County, which is only slightly warmer at 66.2°F. Both counties experience the same intense Southern sun and limited winter relief.

A Long Season of Extreme Heat

Residents face 84 days of temperatures at or above 90°F, with July averages peaking at 81.4°F. Winter offers a mild respite at 51.0°F, with snowfall being an extremely rare event at just 0.1 inches.

Beat the Heat and Dry Spells

Given the 84 days of extreme heat, high-efficiency cooling is a necessity for all residents. Because annual precipitation is slightly lower than the state average at 47.5 inches, lawn irrigation planning is vital during the summer months.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Coffee County

via SoilByCounty

Regional characteristics define Coffee County's identity

Specific taxonomic and pH data for Coffee County are currently limited in the federal record. Typically, this region follows Georgia's trend of acidic soils that fall well below the national median pH of 6.5.

Awaiting detailed local composition metrics

Data regarding the exact percentages of sand, silt, and clay for this area are not available. Most neighboring counties feature high sand content, which generally translates to fast drainage and manageable workability for farmers.

Fertility potential follows state trends

While specific organic matter and water capacity figures are missing, Georgia's state average of 1.83% organic matter serves as a likely benchmark. Local soil testing is recommended to determine the specific nutrient needs of your property.

Hydraulic patterns favor careful land use

Information on the dominant drainage class and hydrologic group is not currently documented for this county. Understanding local water movement is essential for both agricultural success and sustainable building practices in the region.

Thriving in the warmth of Zone 9a

Coffee County sits in hardiness zone 9a, offering a long, warm growing season for citrus and palms. Even with limited soil data, the mild climate provides a fantastic opportunity to start a productive year-round garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Coffee County

via LawnByCounty

Beating the Heat in Coffee County

Coffee County faces a tough lawn difficulty score of 28.2, which is significantly lower than the national average of 50.0. In Hardiness Zone 9a, the combination of high temperatures and long growing seasons makes turf maintenance a constant effort.

Intense Summer Sun and High Growth

The county endures 84 extreme heat days annually, nearly 20 days more than the Georgia average. While 47.5 inches of precipitation is near the ideal range, the 6,206 growing degree days mean your mowing schedule will be very busy.

Proactive Testing for Coastal Soils

Specific soil data for Coffee County is currently unavailable, making a professional soil test your first essential step. Regional coastal plain soils often require organic matter to help retain moisture during the frequent 90-degree days.

Strategies for Year-Round Dry Spells

With 30 weeks of drought in the past year and 100% severe drought coverage today, water conservation is critical. Using smart irrigation and allowing grass to grow slightly taller can help shade the soil and preserve precious moisture.

Planting for the Long Growing Season

Heat-tolerant varieties like St. Augustine or Centipede thrive in Zone 9a. Plan your seeding or sodding after the early March 12 frost date to take full advantage of the long summer before the late November cooling.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Coffee County's county score?
Coffee County, Georgia has a composite county score of 47.4 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 Coffee County rank among counties in Georgia?
Coffee County ranks #73 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 Coffee County, Georgia?
The median annual property tax in Coffee County is $1,014, with an effective tax rate of 0.81%. This earns Coffee County a tax score of 52.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Coffee County?
The median household income in Coffee County, Georgia is $50,175 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Coffee County earns an income score of 14.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Coffee County, Georgia a good place to live?
Coffee County scores 47.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #73 in Georgia. The best way to evaluate Coffee 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 Coffee County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛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.