countyscore
34.3
County Score
Water Quality 86Cost of Living 65.4Schools 56.8

County Report Card

About Crisp County, Georgia

Facing Significant National Headwinds

Crisp County has a composite score of 34.3, well below the national median of 50.0. This score reflects deep-seated challenges in the local economy and public safety.

Trailing Behind State Peers

At 34.3, Crisp County ranks significantly below the Georgia state average of 46.7. It struggles with social and economic metrics compared to other rural counties.

Solid Schools and Affordable Living

The county offers a respectable school score of 56.8 and a cost score of 65.4. Rents are very affordable, with a median of $743 per month.

Critical Safety and Income Gaps

Safety is a major concern with a score of only 2.3, among the lowest in the data. An income score of 5.0 reflects a median household income of just $42,745.

Affordable Living with Trade-offs

Crisp County is best suited for those on a strict budget who can leverage the local school system. However, residents must be prepared for significant challenges in safety and healthcare.

Score breakdown

Tax27.7Cost65.4Safety2.3Health15.7Schools56.8Income5Risk47.7Water86Weather33.6
🏛27.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠65.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡2.3
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤15.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓56.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡47.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤33.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱23.8
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

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Georgia
54.7
Dooly County
Georgia
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Lee County
Georgia
42.3
Worth County
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Wilcox County
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Sumter County
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Pulaski County
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Ben Hill County
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Deep Dives

Crisp County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Crisp County

via TaxByCounty

Crisp County taxes exceed national median

At 1.156%, Crisp County's effective tax rate ranks well above the national median of 0.92%, placing it in the top 30% of U.S. counties by burden. Despite low property values of $120,800, homeowners pay $1,396 annually—modestly below the national median of $2,690—because Crisp's assessment ratio is significantly higher.

Georgia's highest county tax rate

Crisp County's 1.156% effective rate towers above Georgia's state average of 0.898%, making it the highest-taxed county in the state among the 159 surveyed. The median tax bill of $1,396 exceeds Georgia's average of $1,529 despite property values 50% below the state norm.

Significantly higher than all neighbors

Crisp County's 1.156% rate dramatically exceeds Coffee County (0.807%), Cook County (0.820%), and Colquitt County (0.866%)—all nearby south Georgia counties. Homeowners in Crisp face the highest effective rates in their entire region.

Median home costs $1,396 yearly

A typical Crisp County home valued at $120,800 generates $1,396 in annual property taxes—the highest median in this eight-county sample relative to home values. With mortgage debt, owners pay $1,747; without, they pay $968.

Appeal now—savings are largest here

Crisp County's unusually high effective rate makes assessment appeals especially valuable; a 10% reduction saves $140 annually per home. Homeowners should request an independent appraisal and file a formal appeal immediately if their assessed value exceeds recent comparable sales by more than 5%.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Crisp County

via CostByCounty

Crisp County's rent burden runs tight

Crisp County's rent-to-income ratio of 20.9% exceeds both the national average and Georgia's state average of 18.6%, indicating significant housing cost stress despite modest absolute rents. With median household income of $42,745—the lowest in this county set—Crisp renters struggle with proportionally heavier housing expenses than typical U.S. households.

Among Georgia's least affordable counties

Crisp County's 20.9% rent-to-income ratio ranks among Georgia's worst affordability outcomes, placing it in the state's bottom tier alongside Cook County. Low incomes paired with moderate rents create genuine affordability challenges for working families in this rural community.

Crisp's income-rent mismatch fuels burden

While Crisp's $743 rent approximates Coffee County's ($713) and sits well below Cook County's ($901), Crisp's lowest median income of $42,745—significantly below peers—creates the region's tightest rent-to-income ratio at 20.9%. This income-cost misalignment distinguishes Crisp as the affordability outlier.

Ownership offers 8% cost advantage

Crisp homeowners pay $806 monthly—$63 more than renters—on median home values of $120,800, presenting ownership as marginally more expensive despite lower absolute costs. Both options consume roughly one-fifth of household income, leaving limited budget flexibility for other essential expenses.

Consider neighboring counties for relief

Crisp County's tight affordability suggests exploring nearby Coffee County ($713 rent, 17.1% ratio) or Crawford County ($751 rent, 14.8% ratio) for meaningfully better housing-income balance. Remote relocation here demands higher income assumptions due to the county's wage-rent structure.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Crisp County

via IncomeByCounty

Crisp faces significant income gap

Crisp County's median household income of $42,745 runs $32,010 below the national median of $74,755, representing a 43% deficit compared to typical American households. This substantial gap reflects limited employment diversity and educational opportunity in this rural south Georgia county.

Georgia's lowest median household income

Crisp ranks last among Georgia's 159 counties with median household income 29% below the state average of $60,488. Per capita income of $28,062 trails Georgia's $31,115 state average by 10%, indicating broader economic strain.

Crisp trails all south Georgia peers

Crisp's $42,745 median income significantly underperforms neighboring Coffee County ($50,175), Colquitt County ($49,691), and Cook County ($50,133), marking it as the region's most economically challenged county. The disparity suggests particular structural workforce challenges in Crisp.

Housing strains budget for many families

Crisp's rent-to-income ratio of 20.9% consumes $8,935 annually for median earners—the second-highest burden in this county group—leaving limited room for other expenses. Median home value of $120,800 represents 2.8 years of gross household income for families.

Build financial resilience gradually

Crisp County residents earning $42,745 should prioritize emergency savings and debt reduction before investing, given tight household budgets. Look for employer benefits like 401(k) plans with matching contributions—these free dollars compound significantly over decades.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Crisp County

via CrimeByCounty

Crisp County Exceeds National Crime Averages

Crisp County faces challenges with a total crime rate of 4,502.6 per 100K, nearly double the national average. This high volume results in a safety score of 92.9.

Comparing Crisp to State Norms

The county's safety metrics sit below the Georgia state average safety score of 97.8. Its total crime rate of 4,502.6 is more than triple the statewide average of 1,412.9.

Highest Crime Rates in the Region

Crisp sees far more crime than its neighbors, with rates significantly higher than nearby Coffee County's 1,238.0 per 100K. This disparity highlights a concentrated need for public safety resources.

Severe Property and Violent Crime

Violent crime is a concern at 938.0 per 100K, while property crime reaches a high of 3,564.6. These numbers suggest that residents are more likely to experience theft or burglary than in adjacent counties.

Prioritizing Your Home Security

High property crime rates make home security systems and community watch programs essential for local families. Investing in cameras and alarm monitoring can provide a critical layer of defense.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Crisp County

via HealthByCounty

Crisp County Faces Critical Health Challenges

Crisp residents have the lowest life expectancy in this dataset at just 70.1 years, more than six years below the U.S. average of 76.4 years. Nearly one in four residents (23.3%) report poor or fair health, well above the national average of 18%, signaling deep health disparities.

Georgia's Lowest Life Expectancy

Crisp's 70.1-year life expectancy is 3.2 years below Georgia's 73.3-year average—the widest gap among these eight counties—reflecting severe health inequities. The 23.3% poor/fair health rate confirms that Crisp residents face the state's most challenging health environment.

Most Disadvantaged County in South Georgia

Crisp's 70.1-year life expectancy is the lowest in this entire dataset, falling even below neighboring Coffee County (71.6 years) and Colquitt County (71.6 years). Provider access remains limited with 70 primary care and 76 mental health providers per 100,000, leaving residents with fewer options than affluent counties.

Uninsured & Underserved in Crisp County

One in seven Crisp residents (14.2%) lack health insurance, below Georgia's average but still representing nearly 3,000 uninsured residents without preventive care access. Limited provider availability combines with high uninsured rates to create a perfect storm for poor health outcomes in this county.

Pathways to Coverage in Crisp County

Crisp County residents—facing the state's lowest life expectancy—must prioritize health coverage to break the cycle of preventable illness and early death. Visit healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 today to explore Medicaid, marketplace plans, and community health resources.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Crisp County

via SchoolsByCounty

Focused Education in Crisp County

Crisp County supports six public schools serving a total of 3,591 students. The infrastructure includes two elementary and two middle schools, providing a balanced educational path for the local community.

Strong Outcomes and Higher School Scores

The county achieves a 91.0% graduation rate, significantly higher than the 87% national average. With a composite school score of 55.5, Crisp County performs well above the state average of 53.4 while spending $7,668 per pupil.

Public and Specialized Districts

The Crisp County School District serves 3,575 students across five primary campuses. The county also hosts the Department of Juvenile Justice district, which provides alternative education for 372 students across 25 smaller facilities.

Rural Roots Meet Town Centers

Schools are split evenly between rural and town locales, with an average enrollment of 599 students. Crisp County High School is the largest facility, housing 1,093 students in a central town setting.

Quality Education in South Georgia

With graduation rates hitting 91%, Crisp County offers a compelling case for families moving to the region. Explore homes in the town of Cordele to stay close to the county's central, high-performing public schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Crisp County

via RiskByCounty

Crisp County faces moderate elevated risk

Crisp County's composite risk score of 52.29 places it in the relatively low category, yet it exceeds Georgia's state average of 39.49 by 32%—indicating meaningful disaster vulnerability. The county's primary exposures cluster around hurricane (80.39) and tornado (74.17) hazards. Residents should maintain active preparedness across multiple threat types.

Lower-middle risk among Georgia counties

Crisp County ranks in the lower-middle tier statewide with a composite score of 52.29, notably driven by hurricane risk of 80.39 and tornado risk of 74.17. Wildfire risk of 61.07 and flood risk of 56.68 add additional considerations to the county's hazard profile. Crisp County represents a moderate-risk position for central Georgia.

Safer than eastern counties, riskier than west

Crisp County (52.29) sits safer than Colquitt County (70.55) and Columbia County (76.84) to the east, but somewhat riskier than Cook County (34.83) to the southwest. Coffee County (59.61) to the south presents slightly higher exposure. Crisp occupies a transitional zone in south-central Georgia's disaster landscape.

Hurricane and tornado season threats

Hurricane risk of 80.39 makes tropical systems Crisp County's foremost concern during Atlantic basin season—residents should monitor storm tracks from June through November and understand evacuation procedures. Tornado risk of 74.17 presents a secondary but serious threat during spring severe weather seasons. Both require family communication plans and shelter locations.

Flood and wind coverage recommended

Crisp County residents should obtain flood insurance given hurricane risk of 80.39 and flood risk of 56.68, as standard policies exclude water damage—particularly important during tropical systems. Ensure your homeowners policy includes wind and hail coverage for tornado risk of 74.17; consider reinforcing roof fasteners and installing storm shutters for seasonal preparedness.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Crisp County

via WeatherByCounty

High Heat in the Heart of Georgia

Crisp County averages 65.8°F annually, significantly exceeding the national median temperature. Its humid subtropical climate brings over 50 inches of rain and very little winter relief.

Warmer than the Georgia Average

Crisp's average of 65.8°F is more than two degrees higher than the state average of 63.7°F. It is consistently one of the warmer counties in the central-south region of the state.

A Local Hot Spot

Crisp County is slightly cooler than Colquitt County to its south but experiences more extreme heat days. It is significantly warmer and more humid than its counterparts in Northern Georgia.

A Massive Surge of Summer Heat

The county endures a staggering 96 days of temperatures at or above 90°F each year. Winter is mild at 49.6°F, and snow is almost nonexistent, averaging just 0.1 inches annually.

Prioritize Cooling and Hydration

With over three months of 90-degree weather, residents must have high-performing air conditioning and energy-efficient windows. Outdoor maintenance and activities should be scheduled around the July average high of 82.4°F to avoid heat exhaustion.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Crisp County

via SoilByCounty

The soil profile of Crisp County

Specific pH and taxonomic data for Crisp County are currently unavailable in the federal record. Most soils in this region are naturally acidic, trending below the national median pH of 6.5.

Texture across the landscape

Precise sand, silt, and clay percentages are not listed for Crisp County at this time. The region typically features soils that are easy to till, making it a historically significant area for large-scale Georgia farming.

Managing organic matter for yields

While specific organic matter data is missing, the state average of 1.83% is a helpful target for local growers. Improving soil organic matter can significantly increase the water capacity and overall health of your land.

Observing hydrology and drainage

Dominant drainage classes are not currently documented for Crisp County. Because this area is central to Georgia's agriculture, understanding local hydrology is essential for effective irrigation and soil conservation.

Abundant growing in Zone 8b

Crisp County is located in hardiness zone 8b, providing the heat needed for watermelons and cotton to flourish. This climate is welcoming to any gardener looking to take advantage of Georgia's long and sunny growing season.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Crisp County

via LawnByCounty

Crisp County's Extreme Lawn Demands

With a lawn difficulty score of 23.8, Crisp County is one of the most challenging places in Georgia to grow grass. This is significantly tougher than both the state average of 35.8 and the national median of 50.0.

Combatting 96 Days of Extreme Heat

The county faces a staggering 96 extreme heat days per year, more than 30 days above the state average. This heat, combined with 6,202 growing degree days, makes for an aggressive but highly stressful growing environment.

Start with a Scientific Soil Test

No specific soil metrics are available for this area, so testing your own dirt is vital. In this high-heat climate, understanding your soil's pH and drainage is the only way to effectively manage your lawn's health.

Total Drought Challenges for Homeowners

The entire county is under severe drought status after 30 weeks of drought conditions over the past year. Use drought-tolerant cultivars and strictly adhere to early morning watering schedules to save water and money.

Tough Grasses for Tough Conditions

Bahia and Bermuda are the best choices for surviving the intense 96-day heat cycles in Zone 8b. Aim to start your projects after the March 13 frost date to maximize the growing window before the next winter.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Crisp County's county score?
Crisp County, Georgia has a composite county score of 34.3 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 Crisp County rank among counties in Georgia?
Crisp County ranks #142 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 Crisp County, Georgia?
The median annual property tax in Crisp County is $1,396, with an effective tax rate of 1.16%. This earns Crisp County a tax score of 27.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Crisp County?
The median household income in Crisp County, Georgia is $42,745 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Crisp County earns an income score of 5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Crisp County, Georgia a good place to live?
Crisp County scores 34.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #142 in Georgia. The best way to evaluate Crisp 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 Crisp 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.