countyscore
30.8
County Score
Cost of Living 55.4Property Tax 43.4Schools 41.2

County Report Card

About Decatur County, Georgia

Struggling Against National Benchmarks

With a composite score of 30.7, Decatur County falls well below the national median of 50.0. This score reflects significant regional challenges in infrastructure and public health.

Below the Georgia Average

The county trails the Georgia state average of 46.7 by a wide margin. It faces steeper hurdles in safety and economic development than the typical Georgia county.

Affordable Living and Moderate Taxes

Housing remains relatively affordable with a cost score of 55.4 and median gross rents of $860. The tax burden is also moderate, with an effective tax rate of 0.925% contributing to a 43.4 tax score.

Infrastructure and Safety Concerns

Public safety and water quality are critical areas for improvement, scoring just 6.8 and 15.4 respectively. Health outcomes also lag behind the rest of the state at a score of 17.0.

Low-Cost Entry Point

This county is best suited for those seeking a low-cost rural lifestyle who are comfortable with fewer public amenities. It provides an accessible entry point for homeownership with a median home value of $146,200.

2040608010043.455.46.81741.215.724.115.428.9Tax43.4Cost55.4Safety6.8Health17Schools41.2Income15.7Risk24.1Water15.4Weather28.930.8/100
This county
National avg
7 below average

Decatur County DNA

Foverall

How Decatur County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Decatur County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Safety (6.8/100), though Cost of Living (55.4/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
43.4-8.600000000000001
Cost
55.4
Safety
6.8-48.2
Health
17-33
Schools
41.2-12.799999999999997
Income
15.7-35.3
Risk
24.1-22.9
Water
15.4-42.6
Weather
28.9-27.1
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$146,200

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$860/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$146,200/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$34,400/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.9x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $50,485/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

3.4

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Nearby counties

Seminole County
Georgia
45.5
Gadsden County
Florida
51.7
Miller County
Georgia
54.3
Grady County
Georgia
43.9
Baker County
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Leon County
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Jackson County
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Mitchell County
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Deep Dives

Decatur County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Decatur County

via TaxByCounty

Decatur taxes slightly above national average

At 0.925%, Decatur County's effective rate exceeds the national median of 0.89%, landing in the top 40% of U.S. counties. Yet the median tax bill of $1,353 remains well below the national median of $2,690, thanks to lower home values.

Above-average tax rate for Georgia

Decatur's 0.925% rate ranks slightly above Georgia's 0.898% state average, placing it in the upper-middle tier of Georgia's 159 counties. Despite modest home values ($146,200 median), the county's rate edges higher than most peers.

Decatur taxes higher than surrounding counties

Nearby Dodge County charges 0.954% and Dougherty County charges 1.393%, but Decatur's 0.925% sits in between. When compared to the state average, Decatur homeowners feel the difference most acutely relative to their lower property values.

Your annual Decatur property tax bill

On a median home valued at $146,200, the typical Decatur homeowner pays $1,353 annually in property taxes. This amount remains consistent whether the property carries a mortgage or not, reflecting the straightforward rate structure.

Challenge your Decatur assessment today

In a county with above-average rates, overassessment stings even more—and appeals are common. Contact Decatur County's assessor's office to request a formal reassessment and potentially reclaim hundreds in annual tax savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Decatur County

via CostByCounty

Decatur's housing affordability faces real strain

At 20.4%, Decatur County's rent-to-income ratio ranks significantly above Georgia's state average of 18.6% and the national norm, indicating housing pressure. With a median household income of just $50,485—well below the national median of $74,755—residents here stretch smaller paychecks to cover housing.

Among Georgia's least affordable counties

Decatur County ranks near the bottom of Georgia counties for affordability, with housing costs consuming an outsized 20.4% of median income. The county's $860 monthly rent exceeds the state average, creating real strain for residents in this rural southwest Georgia community.

Decatur caught between cheaper and pricier

Decatur's $860 rent falls between the bargain rates of Dodge ($688) and Dooly ($761) counties and the steeper costs of urban Dougherty County ($905). Despite modest local incomes, Decatur's housing costs are comparatively high for its region.

Housing eats into lean household budgets

A renter in Decatur devotes roughly $860 monthly to housing while the median household earns $50,485 annually—meaning over 20% of gross income flows to rent alone. Homeowners faring better at $750 monthly, but both scenarios leave limited resources for other essentials.

Decatur requires careful financial planning

If relocating to rural Georgia, compare Decatur's tight housing ratio to nearby Dodge or Dooly counties, where similar rural lifestyles carry lower rent burdens. Only consider Decatur if your income significantly exceeds the county median, or if non-housing factors make it worth the trade-off.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Decatur County

via IncomeByCounty

Decatur trails national income significantly

Decatur County's median household income of $50,485 falls $24,270 short of the national median of $74,755, representing a 32% gap. The county ranks among lower-earning regions nationally, reflecting persistent economic headwinds in rural south Georgia.

Among Georgia's lowest-income counties

Decatur's $50,485 median household income ranks substantially below Georgia's $60,488 state average, trailing by nearly $10,000. The county clusters with Georgia's most economically disadvantaged regions, requiring targeted economic development attention.

Struggling alongside similar rural peers

Decatur residents earn roughly $8,451 less than Dade County and only slightly more than Dodge County's $50,152. The county faces shared economic challenges with nearby rural neighbors, though all three lag Dawson and Douglas counties dramatically.

Rent stretches household budgets

Decatur's 20.4% rent-to-income ratio pushes toward the affordability ceiling, meaning rental costs consume a significant portion of typical household earnings. With median home values under $150,000, homeownership offers more financial relief than renting for budget-conscious families.

Start small, build momentum steadily

Decatur households earning $50,485 should prioritize modest emergency funds before investing, targeting $500–$1,000 in liquid savings first. Employer benefits like matching 401(k) contributions offer free money growth, and even $25 monthly toward savings compounds meaningfully over decades.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Decatur County

via CrimeByCounty

Decatur County exceeds national crime rates

With a total crime rate of 3141.5 per 100K, Decatur County sits above the national average of 2,385.5. This results in a safety score of 95.0, indicating higher activity than many U.S. counties.

Safety score trails the Georgia average

Decatur County’s safety score of 95.0 falls below the state average of 97.8. Its total crime rate of 3141.5 per 100K is more than double the Georgia average of 1412.9.

Comparing safety in Southwest Georgia

Decatur County sees more reported crime per capita than several of its more rural neighbors. Five different reporting agencies contribute to this comprehensive view of the local safety landscape.

Property crime is the primary challenge

The property crime rate stands at 2670.1 per 100K, significantly higher than the violent crime rate of 471.4. Residents are more likely to experience theft or burglary than a violent incident.

Prioritize property security in Decatur

Given the high property crime rate, visible security measures like alarm systems and signage are essential. Keeping vehicles locked and valuables out of sight can deter the most common local crimes.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Decatur County

via SchoolsByCounty

Diverse School Options in Decatur County

Decatur County features a network of seven public schools serving 4,723 students. The infrastructure is split between three elementary schools, one middle school, two high schools, and a charter academy.

Strong Graduation Rates Above State Average

The county achieves an 89.0% graduation rate, surpassing both the Georgia state average and the national benchmark. Despite a lower per-pupil expenditure of $6,982, the county maintains a competitive school score of 53.0.

Charter and Traditional District Options

Education is divided between the Decatur County district and Spring Creek Charter Academy, which serves 413 students. The main county district remains the primary provider, managing six schools and the majority of the student population.

Town-Centered Learning with Rural Reach

Students attend schools in a balanced mix of town and rural locales with an average enrollment of 675 per school. Bainbridge High School is the largest campus with 1,229 students, while primary schools offer more focused early-learning environments.

Stability and Success in South Georgia

With graduation rates trending above the national average, Decatur County offers a compelling case for homebuyers with school-aged children. Consider exploring neighborhoods near Bainbridge to take advantage of the county's established educational resources.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Decatur County

via RiskByCounty

Decatur faces elevated national disaster risk

Decatur County scores 75.86 on composite risk, nearly double the national average and placing it in the Relatively Low category. The county's location in southwest Georgia and proximity to coastal weather patterns creates above-average exposure to multiple hazard types.

Among Georgia's riskier counties

Decatur's 75.86 score significantly exceeds Georgia's state average of 39.49, ranking the county in the upper tier of Georgia risk. This elevated position reflects the county's vulnerability to hurricanes, tornadoes, and flooding.

Riskiest county in its immediate area

Decatur stands out among southwest Georgia neighbors, scoring substantially higher than Dodge County (44.75) and Dooly County (14.95) to the north. The county's coastal proximity and relative flatness distinguish it from neighboring inland counties.

Hurricanes and tornadoes dominate the threat picture

Hurricane risk reaches 90.53—Decatur's highest hazard and among the highest in the state—while tornado risk scores 80.82. Flood risk (76.97) rounds out the major threats, making Decatur vulnerable to multiple severe weather events.

Comprehensive coverage is essential for Decatur

Decatur residents must carry robust homeowners insurance with hurricane, tornado, and wind coverage, and should carefully evaluate flood insurance given the 76.97 flood risk score. Securing window protection, roof reinforcement, and backup power systems offers practical protection against the county's primary hazards.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Decatur County

via WaterByCounty

Critical Health Violations Drive Grade F

Decatur County receives a Grade F for drinking water compliance following 35 health violations over five years. The county's violation rate of 191.3 per 100,000 residents exceeds the Georgia average of 152.5. Local officials face significant challenges in meeting Safe Drinking Water Act standards.

Fewer Impaired Water Bodies Than Neighbors

The 2022 ATTAINS report shows that 29.4% of assessed water bodies in Decatur County are impaired. Primary concerns for these 5 failing sites include pH levels, fecal coliform, and ammonia. This impairment rate is notably better than the statewide average of 48.4%.

Extensive Data Collection on Flint River

Decatur County hosts 9 monitoring sites that have recorded a massive 11,816 measurements in the past five years. This data-rich environment focuses heavily on physical properties, nutrients, and organic compounds. Much of this activity tracks the health of the massive Flint River basin.

Flint River Flow Below Historical Mean

At Bainbridge, the Flint River is currently flowing at 5,830 cfs. This is 71% of the historical mean of 8,265 cfs for this station. While the river remains active, the current deficit reflects broader regional rainfall patterns.

Consider Filtration Due to Compliance History

Because of the high number of health violations, residents should consider certified home water filtration and stay informed about utility notices. High ammonia and fecal coliform levels in the watershed also warrant caution during recreational use. Monitoring local pH levels is essential for those using private wells near impaired streams.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Decatur County

via WeatherByCounty

A Subtropical South Georgia Climate

Decatur County maintains an annual average temperature of 67.2°F, placing it well above the national median. This humid subtropical climate reflects its position in the deep South near the Florida border.

Exceeding the Georgia Temperature Average

The county is significantly warmer than the Georgia state average of 63.7°F. Its consistent heat makes it one of the more thermally intense regions in the state.

Warmer Than Southern Neighbors

Decatur stays slightly warmer than nearby Dougherty County, which averages 66.8°F. While neighbors share the same humid air, Decatur consistently edges them out in annual warmth.

Nearly 100 Days of Extreme Heat

Summer dominates the year with 99 days reaching 90°F or higher and a July average of 81.8°F. Winters are exceptionally mild, averaging 52.4°F with no recorded snowfall.

Prioritize High-Efficiency Cooling

Residents should invest in robust HVAC systems to handle over three months of extreme heat. Light, breathable clothing is essential for the long, humid summer season.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Decatur County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Soils of the South

Decatur County soils show an average pH of 5.27, nearly matching the state average. The county's soil score of 11.9 indicates significant challenges compared to the state average of 17.6.

Dominated by Heavy Sands

The soil contains a massive 79.3% sand, with only 8.6% clay and 12.2% silt. This high-sand mix provides excellent workability but requires frequent irrigation for moisture-loving plants.

Lower Fertility Benchmarks

Organic matter sits at 1.36%, trailing the state average of 1.83%. The available water capacity of 0.095 also falls below the state benchmark of 0.114, limiting natural drought resistance.

Rapid Water Movement

Formal drainage data is unavailable, but the high sand content suggests very rapid drainage. This prevents waterlogging but often leads to nutrient leaching in farm fields.

Heat-Loving Zone 9a Crops

Falling in Hardiness Zone 9a, Decatur County offers a long growing season for heat-tolerant plants. Citrus and pecans are excellent choices for this sandy, warm environment.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Decatur County

via LawnByCounty

Decatur County Faces High Lawn Difficulty

Maintaining a lawn in Decatur County is very challenging, evidenced by a low difficulty score of 18.1. This is significantly tougher than the state average of 35.8 and the national median of 50.0.

Sweltering Heat and Extended Growing Seasons

The county endures 99 extreme heat days annually, far exceeding the state average of 65 days. With 6,608 growing degree days, grass grows rapidly, necessitating frequent mowing and heavy irrigation from March through November.

Correcting Acidic and Sandy Soil Foundations

The soil is 79.3% sand with a very acidic pH of 5.27, well below the ideal range of 6.0 to 7.0. Extensive liming and organic matter additions are required to help this sandy earth retain nutrients and water.

Persistent Drought Challenges in Southern Georgia

Decatur County has suffered through 29 weeks of drought over the last year, with 100% of the land currently in severe drought. To survive these conditions, lawns require deep soakings and heat-tolerant turf varieties.

Choose Heat-Loving Grass for Zone 9a

St. Augustine and Bahia grass are the best choices for this Zone 9a climate because they can survive 99 days of extreme heat. Aim to seed or sod after the last spring frost, which typically occurs around March 14.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Decatur County's county score?
Decatur County, Georgia has a composite county score of 30.8 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 Decatur County rank among counties in Georgia?
Decatur County ranks #152 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 Decatur County, Georgia?
The median annual property tax in Decatur County is $1,353, with an effective tax rate of 0.93%. This earns Decatur County a tax score of 43.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Decatur County?
The median household income in Decatur County, Georgia is $50,485 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Decatur County earns an income score of 15.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Decatur County, Georgia a good place to live?
Decatur County scores 30.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #152 in Georgia. The best way to evaluate Decatur 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 Decatur County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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