CountyScore

Dade County

Georgia · GA

#12 in Georgia
72.2
County Score

County Report Card

About Dade County, Georgia

Dade County Ranks Well Above National Average

With a composite score of 75.8, Dade County outperforms the national median of 50.0 by more than 50%, placing it in the upper tier of American counties overall. This score reflects strong fundamentals in tax burden and housing affordability that appeal to cost-conscious families and retirees.

Exceeds Georgia Average Across the Board

Dade County's 75.8 score surpasses Georgia's state average of 70.9, ranking it among the top-performing counties in the state. This above-average performance makes it a standout option within Georgia's livability landscape.

Tax Savings and Affordable Housing Shine

Dade County excels with a tax score of 84.7 backed by an effective tax rate of just 0.624%, the lowest among these eight counties. Housing is equally attractive: median home values of $166,600 and gross rent of $843/month make this one of Georgia's most affordable places to live.

Income Growth Lags Behind Cost Advantages

The county's income score of 21.9 reflects a median household income of $58,936, well below state and national benchmarks. Limited data on safety, health, schools, and water quality prevents a fuller livability picture, though current financial metrics strongly favor budget-conscious residents.

Perfect for Value-Seeking Families and Retirees

Dade County suits households prioritizing low taxes and affordable housing over high incomes—ideal for retirees living on fixed incomes, young families building equity, or remote workers seeking a low cost of living. The strong composite score signals a fundamentally livable community where your dollars stretch further.

Score breakdown

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

Tax84.7Cost82.6SafetyComing SoonHealth64.4SchoolsComing SoonIncome21.9Risk66.8WaterComing Soon
🏛84.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠82.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼21.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤64.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡66.8
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 Dade County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Chilton County
Alabama
72.2
Median income: $61,873
Baker County
Florida
72.2
Median income: $70,833
Oconee County
Georgia
72.2
Median income: $115,925
Dearborn County
Indiana
72.2
Median income: $82,693
Buchanan County
Iowa
72.2
Median income: $78,430

Deep Dives

Dade County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Dade County

via TaxByCounty

Dade's taxes rank among nation's lowest

At 0.624%, Dade County's effective tax rate sits well below the national median of 0.89%, placing it in the bottom 15% of U.S. counties. A homeowner paying the national median property tax of $2,690 would pay just $1,039 here—a savings of $1,651 annually.

Lowest-taxed county in Georgia

Dade's 0.624% rate is the lowest among Georgia's 159 counties, nearly 0.3 percentage points below the state average of 0.898%. Homeowners here pay just 68% of what the typical Georgia household pays in property taxes.

Dade taxes significantly undercut region

Neighboring Dawson County taxes at 0.632%, while Douglas County charges 0.793%—all substantially lower than the state average. Dade's combination of low rate and modest home values ($166,600 median) creates one of Georgia's most affordable property tax environments.

Your annual Dade property tax bill

On a median home valued at $166,600, the typical Dade homeowner pays $1,039 annually in property taxes. With a mortgage, that figure rises to $1,380; without one, it drops to $698.

Verify your Dade property assessment

Even at Georgia's lowest tax rate, many homeowners remain overassessed by county appraisers. Filing a formal appeal with Dade County's assessor's office could lower your assessed value and reduce your annual tax bill further.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Dade County

via CostByCounty

Dade's rent bite stays below national average

Dade County residents spend 17.2% of their income on rent, a healthier ratio than the national norm and well below the state average of 18.6%. With a median household income of $58,936—below the national median of $74,755—Dade still manages to keep housing costs manageable relative to what people earn here.

Among Georgia's most affordable counties

Dade ranks near the top of Georgia counties for housing affordability, with one of the lowest rent-to-income ratios in the state. The county's $843 median monthly rent undercuts the state average of $927, giving renters real breathing room in their budgets.

Dade edges out comparable counties

Compared to nearby Dawson County ($1,425/month rent) and DeKalb County ($1,591/month), Dade's $843 rent is dramatically lower, though incomes are also more modest. For renters prioritizing affordability over urban amenities, Dade delivers exceptional value.

Renters and owners fare well here

A renter in Dade spends about $843 monthly while homeowners carry roughly $699 in mortgage costs—both sustainable relative to the $58,936 median household income. This means roughly 17% of income flows to rent, leaving families resources for food, healthcare, and savings.

Consider Dade for rural affordability

If you're relocating to Georgia and prioritize low housing costs, Dade County offers genuine affordability with manageable rent-to-income ratios and home values around $166,600. Compare this county to pricier metropolitan options like DeKalb to see where your budget stretches furthest.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Dade County

via IncomeByCounty

Dade's income falls short nationally

Dade County's median household income of $58,936 trails the national median of $74,755 by nearly $16,000. This 21% gap means the typical Dade household earns substantially less than most American families, though the county still outperforms many rural peers nationwide.

Middle ground in Georgia

Dade's $58,936 median household income slightly underperforms Georgia's $60,488 state average by about $1,550. The county ranks in the middle tier among Georgia's 159 counties, neither among the wealthiest nor the most economically challenged.

Outearning Decatur and Dodge counties

Dade residents earn $8,451 more annually than Decatur County and $8,784 more than Dodge County, its closest neighbors. However, Dade falls well behind Dawson County's $88,986 median, highlighting sharp income disparities across northwest Georgia.

Housing costs are manageable here

At 17.2%, Dade's rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below the 30% affordability threshold, meaning housing remains reasonably accessible. With median home values around $166,600, homeownership is attainable for median-income households without severe financial strain.

Build security with what you have

Dade households earning $58,936 can prioritize high-yield savings accounts or employer 401(k) matches to grow wealth steadily. Even modest contributions compound significantly over time—starting with just $100 monthly toward retirement or investments can build substantial cushions.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Dade County

via HealthByCounty

Life expectancy below national average

Dade County residents live to an average of 73.0 years, slightly below Georgia's 73.3-year average and trailing the U.S. average of 76.1 years. About 16.5% of Dade residents report poor or fair health, compared to the national rate of 14.8%.

Dade ranks near middle of Georgia

Dade County's 73.0-year life expectancy places it in Georgia's middle tier, just 0.3 years below the state average. The county's health profile mirrors statewide patterns, with healthcare access and outcomes fairly typical for rural northwest Georgia.

Similar to neighboring Dawson County

Dade's life expectancy of 73.0 years falls between Dawson County (76.9 years) and Decatur County (71.0 years). Both Dade and Dawson counties have comparable uninsured rates around 14%, though Dawson residents have better access to mental health providers.

Limited primary care in rural Dade

Dade County has just 31 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—less than a third the rate in nearby DeKalb County. With 14.2% of residents uninsured, access to preventive care remains a significant challenge for many households.

Explore your health coverage options

If you're among the 14.2% of Dade residents without insurance, now is the time to explore options through the Health Insurance Marketplace or Georgia's Medicaid program. A few minutes of research could unlock access to preventive care, screenings, and chronic disease management that extend and improve your life.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Dade County

via RiskByCounty

Dade's disaster risk stays well below average

Dade County scores 33.21 on composite risk, placing it in the Very Low category and significantly below the national average. This county faces fewer natural disaster threats than most U.S. counties, though residents should still prepare for the hazards that do occur locally.

Safer than Georgia overall

At 33.21, Dade ranks well below Georgia's statewide average of 39.49, making it one of the state's lower-risk counties. This favorable standing reflects the county's geographic position and terrain relative to major hazard zones across Georgia.

Neighborhood risk varies significantly

Dade's neighbors include Dawson County (21.88, Very Low) to the east and DeKalb County (94.27, Relatively Moderate) to the south—a dramatic range showing how local geography shapes disaster exposure. Even within northwest Georgia, risk profiles shift sharply county to county.

Tornadoes and earthquakes pose biggest threats

Dade's tornado risk scores 74.05, its highest hazard, while earthquake risk reaches 56.39—both driven by the county's position near the Cumberland Plateau. Flood risk (37.34) and hurricane risk (38.13) remain secondary concerns, though neither should be ignored.

Secure your property against severe weather

Dade residents should prioritize tornado and wind coverage in their homeowners or renters policies, and consider reinforcing safe rooms or basements. A conversation with your insurance agent about earthquake coverage and flood risk—even at lower probability—can protect your investment in this relatively safe county.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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