countyscore
40.7
County Score
Water Quality 86Cost of Living 73.6Property Tax 47.9

County Report Card

About Colquitt County, Georgia

Falling Below National Benchmarks

Colquitt County carries a composite score of 40.7, trailing the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a rural profile with high affordability but limited infrastructure in other categories.

Below the Georgia State Average

At 40.7, Colquitt County ranks below the Georgia state average of 46.7. It struggles to keep pace with the state's faster-growing metropolitan regions.

Strong Water Quality and Low Costs

Water quality is a major asset with a score of 86.0. Housing also remains very accessible, evidenced by a cost score of 73.6 and a median home value of $121,400.

Health and Income Gaps

Health outcomes are the primary challenge, with a score of 9.5 that is among the lowest in the state. An income score of 13.9 reflects a median household income below $50,000.

Traditional Rural Lifestyle

Colquitt County is best for those who value small-town life and very low housing costs. It is less suited for those requiring specialized medical care or high-wage local employment.

Score breakdown

Tax47.9Cost73.6Safety26.1Health9.5Schools44.5Income13.9Risk29.5Water86Weather35.1
🏛47.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠73.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼13.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡26.1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤9.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓44.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡29.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤35.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱27.8
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

Cook County
Georgia
52.6
Thomas County
Georgia
32.8
Mitchell County
Georgia
34.8
Tift County
Georgia
38.2
Brooks County
Georgia
41
Worth County
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Grady County
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Berrien County
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Deep Dives

Colquitt County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Colquitt County

via TaxByCounty

Colquitt's taxes stay below national norm

Colquitt County's 0.866% effective rate falls shy of the national median of 0.92%, landing in the bottom 40% of U.S. counties. Annual median property taxes of $1,051 run 61% lower than the national median of $2,690, matching the county's lower property values of $121,400.

Slightly above Georgia's average

Colquitt County's 0.866% rate edges above Georgia's state average of 0.898%, placing it in the middle tier of the state's 159 counties. The median tax bill of $1,051 remains $478 below Georgia's average of $1,529.

Higher than Coffee and Cook counties

Colquitt County taxes are 0.059 percentage points higher than Coffee County (0.807%) and 0.046 points above Cook County (0.820%), the two most affordable neighbors. Crawford County to the north carries a comparable 0.842% rate.

Median home costs $1,051 yearly

A typical Colquitt County home valued at $121,400 generates $1,051 in annual property taxes. With mortgage debt service factored in, owners pay $1,270; without, they pay $845.

Contest inflated valuations

Rural Georgia counties sometimes lag in assessment updates, leaving older homes valued above comparable recent sales. Filing a tax appeal in Colquitt County is free and can reverse years of overpayment if your assessment is out of date.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Colquitt County

via CostByCounty

Colquitt offers solid national affordability

Colquitt County's rent-to-income ratio of 18.8% aligns closely with national norms, and at $779 monthly, renters pay roughly half what national median rent suggests. A median household income of $49,691 supports these modest housing costs, making Colquitt accessible to working families across income tiers.

Slightly above Georgia's affordability average

Colquitt's 18.8% rent-to-income ratio edges just above Georgia's state average of 18.6%, positioning it in the moderate affordability zone across the state. At $779 monthly rent, it's still 16% cheaper than Georgia's median and serves as a rural alternative to pricier regions.

Middle ground in South Georgia rental market

Colquitt's $779 rent falls between Coffee County's bargain $713 and Cook County's $901, offering a reasonable middle option for South Georgia renters. All three maintain similar income levels, but Colquitt balances affordability with more developed infrastructure.

Ownership offers modest 19% cost advantage

Colquitt homeowners pay $632 monthly—$147 less than renters—on median home values of $121,400, creating a meaningful incentive for those able to qualify for mortgages. Housing costs consume roughly 19% of median household income under either tenure.

Balanced affordability in rural South Georgia

Colquitt County offers rural charm with moderate affordability, splitting the difference between Coffee's rock-bottom rents and Cook County's higher costs. Consider it if you want South Georgia living costs without sacrificing community amenities entirely.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Colquitt County

via IncomeByCounty

Colquitt below US household income median

Colquitt County's median household income of $49,691 falls $25,064 short of the national median of $74,755, ranking among lower-income U.S. counties. This persistent gap reflects limited job diversity and educational opportunity in this agricultural south Georgia region.

Bottom tier among Georgia counties

Colquitt ranks in Georgia's lower-income quartile with median household income 18% below the state average of $60,488. Per capita income of $27,073 also trails the Georgia state average of $31,115 by 13%.

Colquitt mirrors south Georgia income patterns

Colquitt's $49,691 median income closely resembles Coffee County ($50,175) and Cook County ($50,133), suggesting shared economic conditions across this rural region. All three counties face limited employment diversity and outmigration pressure.

Affordable housing relative to income

Colquitt's rent-to-income ratio of 18.8% indicates housing affordability—just $9,341 annually for median earners, well under the 30% benchmark. Median home value of $121,400 represents roughly 2.4 years of household income, among Georgia's most accessible markets.

Start investing despite modest income

Colquitt County residents earning $49,691 can still build wealth through consistent saving and low-cost index investing via employer 401(k) plans or Roth IRAs. Leverage your county's affordable housing and living costs to free up savings capacity.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Colquitt County

via CrimeByCounty

Colquitt Stays Below National Crime Levels

Colquitt County maintains a safety score of 97.1, reflecting its position as a relatively safe area. Its total crime rate of 1,809.5 per 100K remains well below the national average of 2,385.5.

Comparing Colquitt to Georgia Averages

The county’s safety score is just below the Georgia state average of 97.8. Its property crime rate of 1,532.3 sits higher than the state average total crime rate of 1,412.9.

Regional Comparisons in South Georgia

Colquitt experiences higher crime volumes than neighboring Cook County, which reports a much lower rate of 562.6 per 100K. Six local agencies work to manage these regional crime trends.

The Reality of Property Crime

Property crime is the dominant issue, occurring at a rate of 1,532.3 per 100K residents. Violent crime accounts for 277.2 incidents per 100K, which is slightly higher than the state average of 248.1.

Proactive Steps for Home Security

Protecting your property with visible security cameras and recorded serial numbers for valuables is highly recommended. These measures act as deterrents and assist in recovery should a theft occur.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Colquitt County

via HealthByCounty

Colquitt County's Health Crisis Demands Action

Life expectancy in Colquitt stands at just 71.6 years, nearly five years below the U.S. average of 76.4 years. More than one in four residents (26.5%) report poor or fair health—the highest rate in this data set—far exceeding the national average of 18%.

Georgia's Lowest Health Rankings

Colquitt's 71.6-year life expectancy is 1.7 years below Georgia's average, while its 26.5% poor/fair health rate is among the state's worst. The county faces entrenched health inequities that require coordinated investment in prevention, access, and provider recruitment.

Hardest-Hit County in Southwest Georgia

Colquitt's 71.6-year life expectancy ties neighboring Coffee County as the lowest in this region, with both counties struggling far below state norms. Unlike neighbors with better primary care access, Colquitt's 37 providers per 100,000 residents represents one of the state's most severe provider shortages.

Uninsured & Underserved

Nearly one in five Colquitt residents (19.8%) go without health insurance, stranding thousands without access to preventive or emergency care. Though mental health providers number 91 per 100,000 (above some neighbors), the county's 37 primary care providers per 100,000 create dangerous gaps in basic medical access.

Finding Coverage in Colquitt County

With nearly 20% uninsured and provider shortages limiting options, Colquitt residents need to know about available support programs and coverage pathways. Contact 1-800-318-2596 or visit healthcare.gov today—coverage can be the first step toward better health outcomes.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Colquitt County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Rural Infrastructure for Growing Minds

Colquitt County supports 13 public schools, including 10 elementary schools and a specialized junior high. This single-district system manages 8,830 students across a diverse mix of town and rural campuses.

Meeting National Graduation Standards

The county's 87.0% graduation rate perfectly matches the national average, while the composite school score of 53.4 aligns with the state median. Per-pupil spending stands at $7,658, slightly above the Georgia average of $7,405.

The Colquitt County High School Hub

The Colquitt County School District manages every public student in the county, with no charter schools in operation. Colquitt County High School serves as the flagship institution with an enrollment of 1,787 students.

A Traditional Rural School Experience

With eight rural and five town-based schools, the county offers a classic Georgia educational setting. Schools average 679 students, but large secondary facilities like Willie J. Williams Middle create a more bustling environment for older students.

Settling Down in Colquitt County

Families looking for a consistent, single-district education find Colquitt County to be a stable choice. Consider the residential areas surrounding the highly-populated primary schools for convenient access to local education.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Colquitt County

via RiskByCounty

Colquitt County faces elevated risk profile

Colquitt County's composite risk score of 70.55 places it in the relatively low risk category, yet it exceeds Georgia's state average of 39.49 by 78%—a substantial margin. The county's hazard exposure spans multiple weather phenomena, with hurricane and tornado risks particularly pronounced. Preparedness here means planning for diverse threats.

Upper-middle risk among Georgia counties

Colquitt County ranks in the upper-middle tier statewide with its 70.55 composite score, driven strongly by hurricane risk of 90.86 and tornado risk of 85.37. Wildfire risk of 68.99 and earthquake risk of 56.49 round out a multi-hazard exposure profile. Few Georgia counties face such balanced risk across so many disaster types.

Slightly riskier than Coffee County nearby

Colquitt County (70.55) edges out Coffee County (59.61) to the north, both representing south Georgia's moderate-to-elevated risk zone. Cook County (34.83) to the west is substantially safer, while Columbia County to the northeast (76.84) carries marginally greater peril. Colquitt sits in a belt of counties vulnerable to Gulf-spawned tropical systems.

Hurricanes and tornadoes lead the list

Hurricane risk of 90.86 makes tropical systems Colquitt's primary threat—residents should monitor the Atlantic basin from June through November and have evacuation routes identified. Tornado risk of 85.37 is equally serious; spring severe weather can produce damaging winds and dangerous rotation without much warning.

Flood insurance is strongly recommended

Given hurricane risk of 90.86, Colquitt residents should obtain flood insurance immediately, as standard homeowners policies exclude water damage—particularly critical during tropical cyclones. Ensure your roof and foundation can withstand high winds, and consider a safe room or reinforced shelter given tornado risk of 85.37.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Colquitt County

via WeatherByCounty

A Warm Southern Agricultural Hub

Colquitt County’s average temperature of 66.3°F is significantly higher than the national median. The region benefits from 50 inches of rain annually, supporting its robust subtropical ecosystem.

Exceeding the State Temperature Average

Colquitt is roughly 2.6 degrees warmer than the Georgia state average of 63.7°F. This makes it one of the most consistently warm counties in the entire state.

Leading the Region in Heat

Colquitt is slightly warmer than neighboring Crisp County, which averages 65.8°F. It shares the same snow-free winter profile as Clinch County to the east.

Extreme Summers and Nonexistent Winters

The county endures 82 extreme heat days annually where temperatures top 90°F. Winter is essentially a period of mild weather, averaging 51.9°F with no recorded annual snowfall.

Prepare for 80+ Days of Heat

Homeowners should prioritize sun protection and heavy-duty air conditioning to handle the three-month stretch of 90-degree days. With zero snowfall, winter gear is rarely necessary, but rain protection is essential for the 50-inch wet season.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Colquitt County

via SoilByCounty

Southern Georgia's unique soil profile

Colquitt County does not have specific pH or taxonomic data available in this dataset. However, it likely mirrors the acidic nature of the state average of 5.26, which is lower than the national median of 6.5.

Understanding the texture of the coastal plain

While precise sand and clay measurements are currently unavailable, the region is known for textures that facilitate rapid water movement. These coastal plain soils often require regular nutrient amendments due to their specific mineral makeup.

Growing potential in a lush climate

Specific fertility data like organic matter content is currently limited for this county. Despite the lack of numbers, the area's agricultural history suggests a landscape capable of high yields with proper soil management.

Managing water in Colquitt's landscape

Drainage and hydrologic classifications are not specifically listed for this county at this time. Local growers should observe their land's reaction to heavy rainfall to understand how water moves through their specific soil profile.

Abundant sunshine in Zone 9a

Residing in hardiness zone 9a, Colquitt County is ideal for growing pecans, peaches, and sweet potatoes. The long frost-free window encourages residents to get outside and cultivate a diverse variety of crops.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Colquitt County

via LawnByCounty

Southern Challenges in Colquitt County

Colquitt County records a lawn difficulty score of 27.8, making it one of the more challenging areas in Georgia for a green lawn. This score is well below the national median of 50.0, reflecting the intense demands of the Zone 9a climate.

Managing Rapid Growth Cycles

With 82 extreme heat days and 6,272 growing degree days, grass grows fast but faces heavy thermal stress. Annual precipitation of 50.0 inches hits the top of the ideal range, providing a necessary buffer against the southern sun.

Building a Better Soil Foundation

Localized soil metrics are not currently available, so you should test your specific plot for pH and nutrient levels. Improving soil structure with compost can help your lawn withstand the high evaporation rates common in this region.

Thriving Through Severe Drought

The entire county is currently under severe drought status after experiencing 27 weeks of drought over the past year. Focus on water-efficient landscaping and avoid fertilizing during peak dry spells to prevent further stressing your turf.

Early Starts for Warm-Season Turf

Bermuda and Bahia grass are excellent choices for the high heat of Zone 9a. With a final frost around March 6, you can get an early start on your lawn to ensure it is fully established before the peak summer heat.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Colquitt County's county score?
Colquitt County, Georgia has a composite county score of 40.7 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 Colquitt County rank among counties in Georgia?
Colquitt County ranks #121 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 Colquitt County, Georgia?
The median annual property tax in Colquitt County is $1,051, with an effective tax rate of 0.87%. This earns Colquitt County a tax score of 47.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Colquitt County?
The median household income in Colquitt County, Georgia is $49,691 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Colquitt County earns an income score of 13.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Colquitt County, Georgia a good place to live?
Colquitt County scores 40.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #121 in Georgia. The best way to evaluate Colquitt 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 Colquitt 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.