CountyScore

DeKalb County

Georgia · GA

#157 in Georgia
58.1
County Score

County Report Card

About DeKalb County, Georgia

DeKalb County Comfortably Exceeds National Standards

DeKalb County's composite score of 61.0 surpasses the national median of 50.0 by 22%, indicating above-average livability across multiple dimensions. This solid national performance masks some regional trade-offs between income and housing costs.

Lags Behind Georgia's Average Performance

At 61.0, DeKalb County falls notably below Georgia's state average of 70.9, ranking it in the lower-middle tier of Georgia counties. This below-average state standing suggests tighter trade-offs for residents compared to the broader Georgia landscape.

Moderate Income Growth in Urban Setting

DeKalb County's income score of 34.1 reflects a median household income of $77,683, suggesting moderate earning power and economic activity. A tax score of 76.4 and effective rate of 0.919% provide reasonable tax relief for middle-income households.

Housing Costs Significantly Outpace Affordability

The cost score of 56.1—the county's weakest dimension—reflects median home values of $331,400 and gross rent of $1,591/month, making housing a substantial budget burden. Safety, health, schools, and water quality remain unmeasured, further limiting the full livability assessment.

For Urban Professionals Accepting Higher Costs

DeKalb County suits professionals and families earning solid middle-to-upper incomes who accept elevated housing costs in exchange for urban amenities and economic opportunity. If you prioritize access to job markets and urban services over affordable housing, DeKalb offers viable livability despite its price tag.

Score breakdown

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

Tax76.4Cost56.1SafetyComing SoonHealth68SchoolsComing SoonIncome34.1Risk5.7WaterComing Soon
🏛76.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠56.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼34.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤68
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡5.7
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 DeKalb County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Osceola County
Florida
58.1
Median income: $68,711
Polk County
Iowa
58.1
Median income: $81,621
Chester County
Pennsylvania
58.1
Median income: $123,041
Providence County
Rhode Island
58.1
Median income: $78,204
Matanuska-Susitna Borough
Alaska
58.2
Median income: $90,625

Deep Dives

DeKalb County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in DeKalb County

via TaxByCounty

DeKalb taxes track national average closely

DeKalb County's 0.919% effective rate aligns with the national median of 0.89%, placing it right at the 50th percentile of U.S. counties. The median tax bill of $3,046 exceeds the national median of $2,690, reflecting DeKalb's higher median home value of $331,400.

Mid-range tax rate across Georgia

At 0.919%, DeKalb ranks in the middle of Georgia's 159 counties, sitting just 0.02 percentage points above the state average of 0.898%. The county's higher home values drive a median tax of $3,046—nearly twice the state median of $1,529.

DeKalb taxes comparable to metro Atlanta peers

DeKalb's 0.919% rate mirrors the region's urban character, slightly above Dawson County (0.632%) but below Dougherty County (1.393%). The county's affluent suburban base supports both higher valuations and proportionally higher tax bills.

Your annual DeKalb property tax bill

On DeKalb's median home value of $331,400, the typical homeowner pays $3,046 annually. With a mortgage, that rises to $3,249; without one, it drops to $2,639.

Review your DeKalb assessment for errors

With three-thousand-dollar annual tax bills, even small overassessment errors cost significant money over time. DeKalb homeowners should request an assessment review from the county assessor—many discover their properties are valued 10-15% above market.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in DeKalb County

via CostByCounty

DeKalb's housing costs strain even above-average earners

DeKalb County's 24.6% rent-to-income ratio is the highest among all eight counties and far exceeds both the national and Georgia state averages of 18.6%. Despite earning $77,683 annually—above the national median—DeKalb residents dedicate nearly a quarter of their income to rent, signaling acute affordability stress.

Georgia's least affordable county here

DeKalb County ranks among Georgia's most expensive housing markets, with a 24.6% rent-to-income ratio that tops the state average by 6 percentage points. The county's position as a major job center and urban hub drives demand that inflates both rents and home values.

DeKalb far outpaces surrounding counties

DeKalb's $1,591 monthly rent dwarfs every peer county—Douglas ($1,447), Dade ($843), and Dodge ($688)—reflecting its status as metro Atlanta's second-largest county. Even affluent Dawson ($1,425) appears affordable next to DeKalb's price structure.

Metro premium costs eat deep into paychecks

DeKalb renters spend $1,591 monthly while homeowners carry $1,511 in ownership costs—figures that consume 24.6% and 23.4% of the $77,683 median household income respectively. The county's $331,400 median home value underscores how urban location and strong job markets dramatically inflate housing across all tenure types.

DeKalb rewards high earners and job seekers

If relocating to metro Atlanta for career opportunity, DeKalb offers walkable urban living and diverse job markets—but only if your income significantly exceeds the county median. Compare DeKalb's affordability gap to nearby counties and remote-work alternatives before committing to the 24.6% housing ratio.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in DeKalb County

via IncomeByCounty

DeKalb slightly exceeds national average

DeKalb County's median household income of $77,683 surpasses the national median of $74,755 by roughly $2,928, placing the county just above typical American earning levels. While modest, this advantage reflects DeKalb's position as Georgia's second-largest county with strong employment diversity.

Above-average performer for Georgia

DeKalb's $77,683 median household income exceeds Georgia's $60,488 state average by $17,195, putting the county in Georgia's upper-income tier. The county's large, educated workforce and proximity to Atlanta drive substantially higher earnings than state norms.

DeKalb leads metro Atlanta earnings

DeKalb residents earn $77,683 versus Douglas County's $80,764—a relatively close match among metro counties, though Douglas still edges ahead. Both counties dramatically outpace rural southern Georgia counties, reflecting the urban-rural income divide.

Housing costs bite heavily here

DeKalb's 24.6% rent-to-income ratio approaches affordability stress, meaning housing consumes nearly a quarter of typical household earnings. Median home values of $331,400 make ownership challenging for median-income households without substantial down payment savings.

Diversify beyond housing investments

DeKalb households earning $77,683 have capacity for diversified investment portfolios beyond home equity. Consider maximizing 401(k) contributions, opening index funds, and exploring real estate investment trusts to build generational wealth separate from your primary residence.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in DeKalb County

via HealthByCounty

DeKalb County leads Georgia in longevity

DeKalb County residents live to 78.2 years—2.1 years longer than the U.S. average of 76.1 years—making it a health outcomes leader. Only 17.7% report poor or fair health, well below the national average of 14.8%, driven by urban healthcare density and access.

DeKalb tops Georgia's life expectancy rankings

At 78.2 years, DeKalb County's life expectancy ranks first or second in Georgia, reflecting the strength of urban healthcare infrastructure and a relatively affluent population. The county's 17.7% poor/fair health rate is among Georgia's best.

DeKalb outpaces all comparison counties

DeKalb's 78.2-year life expectancy far exceeds neighboring Dade (73.0), Decatur (71.0), and Dodge (71.3) counties. With 106 primary care providers and 400 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, DeKalb offers healthcare access at least 1.5x higher than any neighboring county.

Robust healthcare infrastructure drives outcomes

DeKalb County's 106 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—the highest concentration among these eight counties—ensure most residents can access preventive care. Just 13.8% lack insurance, and the 400 mental health providers per 100,000 residents offer exceptional behavioral health support.

Maintain your coverage to stay healthy

DeKalb's exceptional health outcomes depend on sustained healthcare engagement; if you're uninsured, explore options through the Health Insurance Marketplace immediately. Consistent coverage enables you to take advantage of DeKalb's abundant providers and preventive services.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in DeKalb County

via RiskByCounty

DeKalb faces one of nation's highest risk profiles

DeKalb County scores 94.27 on composite risk, placing it in the Relatively Moderate category and well above the national average. This major Atlanta-area county contends with significant exposure to floods, tornadoes, earthquakes, and other hazards due to its dense development and geographic position.

Georgia's riskiest county by far

DeKalb's 94.27 score towers above Georgia's state average of 39.49, making it the state's highest-risk county. The county's ranking reflects its large population, urban density, and position in Georgia's seismic and tornado zones.

DeKalb's risk far exceeds surrounding counties

DeKalb's 94.27 score dwarfs Dade County (33.21) and Douglas County (65.71), both nearby, showing how dense urban areas concentrate disaster exposure. This risk concentration demands special attention from the county's 750,000+ residents.

Floods and tornadoes threaten every neighborhood

DeKalb's flood risk hits 96.25 and tornado risk reaches 96.06—the county's two dominant hazards and both near the top of any U.S. county ranking. Earthquake risk (94.75) adds significant secondary exposure, while hurricane risk (72.63) remains elevated from coastal systems.

Flood insurance is critical for DeKalb residents

All DeKalb homeowners should carry flood insurance, even those outside official flood zones, given the 96.25 flood risk score; standard homeowners policies exclude flood damage. Combine this with tornado/wind coverage, consider earthquake insurance, and ensure your property has safe room access for severe weather events.

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.