countyscore
52.6
County Score
Water Quality 86Safety 76.5Disaster Risk 65.2

County Report Card

About Cook County, Georgia

Beating the National Average

Cook County earns a composite score of 52.6, comfortably exceeding the national median of 50.0. It offers a rare balance of rural affordability and surprisingly high safety rankings.

One of Georgia's Stronger Performers

Cook County's score of 52.6 is significantly higher than the Georgia state average of 46.7. It outperforms many larger neighbors by maintaining high marks across diverse categories.

Superior Safety and Low Risk

Safety is a standout with a score of 76.5, paired with a resilient risk score of 65.2. Residents also enjoy high water quality, which earns a score of 86.0.

Limited Income and Health Access

Income remains a hurdle, with a score of 14.7 and a median household income of $50,133. Health access is also a weak point, reflected in a score of 13.7.

A Balanced Rural Choice

Cook County is perfect for those who want a safe, low-risk environment without the high price tag of the suburbs. It offers a high quality of life for those with stable, portable incomes.

Score breakdown

Tax51.5Cost59.3Safety76.5Health13.7Schools58Income14.7Risk65.2Water86Weather35.6
🏛51.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠59.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼14.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡76.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤13.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓58
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡65.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤35.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱28.4
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

Berrien County
Georgia
39.7
Brooks County
Georgia
41
Colquitt County
Georgia
40.7
Tift County
Georgia
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Lanier County
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Lowndes County
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Irwin County
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Atkinson County
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Deep Dives

Cook County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Cook County

via TaxByCounty

Cook County keeps taxes exceptionally low

Cook County's 0.820% effective rate ranks below the national median of 0.92%, placing it in the bottom 30% of U.S. counties for tax burden. Annual median property taxes of just $1,009 run 62% below the national median of $2,690, reflecting the county's modest property values of $123,000.

Georgia's affordable south Georgia choice

Cook County's 0.820% rate sits below Georgia's state average of 0.898%, ranking it among the state's 159 counties with lighter tax loads. The median tax of $1,009 is 34% lower than Georgia's $1,529 average.

Beats Coffee and rivals Crisp

Cook County's 0.820% rate undercuts neighboring Coffee County (0.807%) by a hair and sits well below Crisp County (1.156%). Among south Georgia's rural counties, Cook offers some of the lowest effective rates available.

Median home costs $1,009 yearly

A typical Cook County home valued at $123,000 generates $1,009 in annual property taxes. Mortgaged homes owe $1,301 including debt service; outright owners pay $786.

Small savings add up over time

Even in Cook County's low-cost market, homeowners should verify their assessed value against recent comparable sales or appraisals. A 10% assessment reduction on a $123,000 home saves over $100 annually—meaningful in rural areas where household incomes are tighter.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Cook County

via CostByCounty

Cook County's rent burden runs heavy

Cook County's rent-to-income ratio of 21.6% significantly exceeds both the national average and Georgia's state average of 18.6%, signaling affordability stress despite modest absolute rent costs. At a median household income of $50,133, Cook households spend a larger wage share on housing than typical U.S. families.

Among Georgia's least affordable counties

Cook County's 21.6% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the state's poorest affordability outcomes, placing it in Georgia's bottom tier for housing accessibility. Despite rents of $901—still below state median—the income-to-rent mismatch creates genuine stress for working families.

Cook's rent stress exceeds South Georgia peers

Cook's $901 rent tops both Coffee County ($713) and Colquitt County ($779), while its significantly lower income creates the region's highest rent-to-income burden at 21.6%. This positions Cook as the least affordable option in the South Georgia cluster.

Ownership offers 28% cost savings pathway

Cook homeowners pay just $651 monthly—$250 less than renters—on median home values of $123,000, presenting a compelling ownership incentive for qualified buyers. This 28% ownership discount could substantially ease affordability pressures compared to renting.

Consider ownership or neighboring alternatives

Cook County's high rent burden suggests exploring homeownership options if you qualify, or comparing nearby Coffee County ($713 rent) and Colquitt County ($779 rent) for improved affordability. Remote work relocation here requires careful budget analysis given housing-income ratios.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Cook County

via IncomeByCounty

Cook County trails national income median

Cook County's median household income of $50,133 falls $24,622 below the national median of $74,755, reflecting limited local employment diversity. This gap positions Cook among lower-income U.S. counties with constrained economic opportunity.

Below-average Georgia earnings

Cook County ranks in Georgia's lower-income tier with median household income 17% below the state average of $60,488. Per capita income of $25,003 similarly underperforms Georgia's $31,115 state average by 20%.

Cook mirrors Coffee and Colquitt incomes

Cook's $50,133 median income clusters with neighboring Coffee County ($50,175) and Colquitt County ($49,691), confirming consistent economic conditions across this south Georgia subregion. All three counties face similar workforce challenges and income constraints.

Tight housing affordability challenge

Cook County's rent-to-income ratio of 21.6% marks the highest among Georgia's lower-income counties, consuming $10,829 annually for median earners. Median home value of $123,000 still represents 2.5 years of gross household income—a stretch for many local families.

Prioritize emergency funds first

Cook County residents earning $50,133 should focus first on building three- to six-month emergency reserves before pursuing investments. Maximize any employer 401(k) match and consider automatic IRA contributions to build wealth gradually despite modest income.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Cook County

via CrimeByCounty

Cook County Ranks Among National Safest

Cook County is exceptionally secure, boasting a safety score of 99.1. Its total crime rate of 562.6 per 100K is significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Exceeding Georgia State Standards

With a safety score of 99.1, Cook County is much safer than the average Georgia county score of 97.8. Its total crime rate is also less than half of the statewide average of 1,412.9.

Outperforming Neighbors in South Georgia

Cook is roughly three times safer than its neighbor Colquitt County, which has a crime rate of 1,809.5. This makes Cook a standout for safety across the southern region of the state.

Low Rates Across All Categories

Violent crime is very low at just 58.0 incidents per 100K people. Property crime is also minimal at 504.6 per 100K, meaning incidents are rare for the average resident.

Keep Cook County Safe

Maintaining this high level of safety starts with neighbors looking out for one another and reporting suspicious activity. Simple home lighting and locked doors are often all that is needed to stay secure.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Cook County

via HealthByCounty

Cook County Lags Behind National Health Norms

Cook residents have a life expectancy of 71.8 years, more than four years below the U.S. average of 76.4 years. Nearly one in four residents (24.5%) report poor or fair health, compared to the national average of 18%, revealing significant health disparities.

Among Georgia's Lowest Health Rankings

Cook's 71.8-year life expectancy trails Georgia's 73.3-year average by 1.5 years, while its 24.5% poor/fair health rate far exceeds state norms. The county faces persistent health challenges that require sustained investment in preventive care and provider access.

A Pattern of Rural Health Challenges

Cook's 71.8-year life expectancy places it among the lowest in rural south Georgia, alongside neighbors Coffee County (71.6) and Colquitt County (71.6). With just 52 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, Cook shares the provider shortage crisis affecting rural Georgia.

Limited Coverage & Provider Access

One in six Cook residents (17.4%) lack health insurance, nearly 2.4 percentage points above Georgia's average, restricting access to preventive and emergency care. Mental health providers number just 57 per 100,000 residents, limiting behavioral health services for residents struggling with addiction, depression, or anxiety.

Healthcare Options for Cook County

With 17.4% of Cook residents uninsured and provider shortages limiting options, coverage programs offer a lifeline to better health. Call 1-800-318-2596 or visit healthcare.gov to explore Medicaid eligibility and marketplace plans designed to make healthcare affordable.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Cook County

via SchoolsByCounty

Small, Efficient, and Highly Successful

Cook County maintains a streamlined educational system of just four public schools serving 3,096 students. This single-district model includes two elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school.

Leading the Region in Graduation Rates

Cook County boasts a remarkable 94.0% graduation rate, far exceeding the state's 88.1% and the nation's 87.0%. The county's school score of 55.3 is also notably higher than the Georgia average, despite lower-than-average per-pupil spending.

A Unified Community School System

The Cook County School District manages the entire local student body with a focus on core public education. Cook High School is the largest campus in the system, enrolling 909 students in grades 9 through 12.

A Purely Rural Educational Setting

All four schools in Cook County are located in rural locales, creating a close-knit educational environment. With an average school size of 774, the county offers a personal feel where the primary school serves 839 younger learners.

Top-Tier Results in a Rural Setting

Home buyers seeking some of the highest graduation rates in Georgia should look closely at Cook County. The compact school system ensures that every neighborhood is part of a high-performing rural academic community.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Cook County

via RiskByCounty

Cook County among safest in Georgia

Cook County's composite risk score of 34.83 places it in the very low category and actually sits slightly below Georgia's state average of 39.49—a notable distinction in a hazard-prone state. This relative safety spans multiple hazard types, though hurricane exposure remains elevated. Cook County residents enjoy substantially lower disaster risk than most of their state.

Significantly safer than most Georgia counties

Cook County's 34.83 composite score ranks it among Georgia's safest counties, particularly due to low flood risk (26.97) and tornado risk (53.02). Even earthquake risk (43.92) remains below many counties statewide. Cook County represents one of Georgia's safer natural disaster profiles.

Safest county in the immediate region

Cook County (34.83) stands as a notable outlier of safety compared to Coffee County (59.61), Crisp County (52.29), and Colquitt County (70.55)—making it substantially safer than surrounding areas. This advantage makes Cook an increasingly attractive location for risk-conscious residents in south Georgia. The county's low composite score is unusual for the region.

Hurricane risk the primary consideration

Hurricane risk of 86.23 is Cook County's main hazard concern, though this remains lower than in neighboring counties to the east and south. All other hazards—tornado, flood, earthquake, wildfire—score well below typical statewide levels. Residents should focus preparedness efforts primarily on tropical system preparedness.

Standard coverage likely adequate here

Cook County's very low composite risk of 34.83 means standard homeowners insurance may provide sufficient coverage for most residents, though hurricane risk of 86.23 warrants careful policy review during Atlantic basin season. Flood insurance is optional for most properties given flood risk of 26.97—among Georgia's lowest. Annual policy reviews remain wise practice.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Soil Quality in Cook County

via SoilByCounty

South Georgia soil characteristics

Cook County's specific pH and soil order data are not currently available in the dataset. Like much of the state, these soils are likely more acidic than the national median pH level of 6.5.

Texture profile for Cook County

Detailed measurements of sand, silt, and clay are currently limited for this county. Regional soils in this part of Georgia often favor sandier textures, which allow for better drainage but may require more frequent fertilization.

Monitoring organic matter for growth

Specific organic matter and water capacity figures are not listed for Cook County. To maximize growing potential, local residents can use the state organic matter average of 1.83% as a target for their own soil improvement projects.

Local drainage and water movement

Data on dominant drainage classes and hydrologic groups is not available for this location. Observing how quickly the ground dries after a summer storm can provide valuable clues about your specific soil's drainage capabilities.

Extended seasons in Zone 9a

Cook County's location in hardiness zone 9a allows for an exceptionally long growing season. This is an ideal climate for growing citrus trees or starting a vegetable garden that can produce food nearly year-round.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Cook County

via LawnByCounty

Zone 9a Lawn Care in Cook County

Cook County’s lawn difficulty score of 28.4 reflects the challenges of gardening in the deep south. This rating is significantly lower than the 50.0 national average, meaning homeowners must be more diligent with their maintenance routines.

Sustained Heat Stress and Maintenance

The region experiences 76 extreme heat days per year, which is 11 days more than the state average. This sustained heat makes it difficult for many common grass types to stay green without consistent attention.

Testing for Nutritional Balance

With no specific soil data recorded for the county, a soil test is your primary tool for planning. You likely need to adjust nutrient levels to support the high metabolic needs of grass during the long, hot growing season.

Responding to 100% Drought Coverage

The entire county is currently facing severe drought, continuing a trend of 26 weeks in drought over the last year. Focus on early morning watering to maximize absorption and minimize evaporation during these critical dry periods.

Choose Heat-Resistant Grasses

St. Augustine and Bermuda are the most resilient options for the intense heat of Zone 9a. While frost dates vary, aim for a late March start to capitalize on the long southern growing season.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cook County's county score?
Cook County, Georgia has a composite county score of 52.6 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 Cook County rank among counties in Georgia?
Cook County ranks #44 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 Cook County, Georgia?
The median annual property tax in Cook County is $1,009, with an effective tax rate of 0.82%. This earns Cook County a tax score of 51.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Cook County?
The median household income in Cook County, Georgia is $50,133 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Cook County earns an income score of 14.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Cook County, Georgia a good place to live?
Cook County scores 52.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #44 in Georgia. The best way to evaluate Cook 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 Cook 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.