45.6
County Score
Water Quality 86Cost of Living 83.3Schools 60

County Report Card

About Dodge County, Georgia

Near the National Median

Dodge County’s composite score of 45.5 sits slightly below the national median of 50.0. It reflects a standard of living common in many rural Southern communities.

Matching the State Average

The county nearly matches the Georgia state average of 46.7, trailing by just over one point. It offers a balanced, though modest, lifestyle compared to its peers.

Outstanding Affordability and Schools

Exceptional affordability is the county's hallmark, boasting a cost score of 83.3 and median rents of just $688. Schools also perform well above average with a score of 60.0.

Economic Mobility and Health

Economic mobility is limited, as seen in an income score of 14.7 and a median household income of $50,152. Health outcomes are also a concern, scoring 23.1 out of 100.

Practical Choice for Families

For individuals or families prioritizing low living costs and solid public schools, Dodge County is a practical choice. It provides an extremely accessible housing market with median home values around $108,700.

Score breakdown

Tax41.5Cost83.3Safety17.6Health23.1Schools60Income14.7Risk55.3Water86Weather38.8
🏛41.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠83.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼14.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡17.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
23.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓60
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
55.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤38.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱31.6
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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Deep Dives

Dodge County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Dodge County

via TaxByCounty

Dodge taxes rank above national median

At 0.954%, Dodge County's effective rate exceeds the national median of 0.89%, placing it in the top 35% of U.S. counties for tax burden. However, the median tax bill of $1,037 remains far below the national median of $2,690 because homes here are significantly less valuable.

Above-average Georgia tax rate

Dodge's 0.954% rate ranks in the upper-middle tier of Georgia's 159 counties, sitting 0.056 percentage points above the state average of 0.898%. The county's combination of higher rates and lower home values creates an unusual affordability profile.

Dodge taxes exceed nearby southern Georgia

Nearby Decatur County charges 0.925% and Dooly County charges 1.243%, bracketing Dodge's rate. Despite its above-average rate, Dodge's median home value of $108,700 keeps actual tax bills lower than wealthier counties across the state.

Your annual Dodge property tax bill

On a median home valued at $108,700, the typical Dodge homeowner pays $1,037 annually. With a mortgage, that figure rises to $1,308; without one, it drops to $596.

Check if you're overassessed in Dodge

Rural Georgia counties like Dodge often see inconsistent appraisals; some homes are valued well above comparable sales. Filing an appeal with the county assessor's office is straightforward and could reduce your annual bill by 10-20%.

Cost of Living in Dodge County

via CostByCounty

Dodge offers Georgia's most affordable rents

Dodge County's 16.5% rent-to-income ratio is among the lowest in the nation, well below both the national norm and Georgia's state average of 18.6%. At just $688 monthly rent against a $50,152 median household income, Dodge delivers genuine housing affordability for rural Georgia families.

Dodge ranks among Georgia's best deals

With the lowest rent-to-income ratio in this eight-county peer set, Dodge County stands out as one of Georgia's most affordable housing markets. The county's modest $688 median rent and low home values around $108,700 make homeownership accessible for first-time buyers.

Dodge beats every peer on price

Dodge's $688 rent is the cheapest among all comparison counties, undercutting even rural peers like Dooly ($761) and Dade ($843). Only residents earning well above Dodge's median would find housing costs burdensome here.

Housing costs are genuinely modest

A Dodge County renter spends roughly $688 monthly while the median household earns $50,152 annually—a sustainable 16.5% of income flowing to rent. Homeowners faring similarly well at $635 monthly, creating real opportunity for working families to build equity.

Dodge is the budget choice for rural Georgia

If you're relocating to south Georgia and prioritizing affordability above all, Dodge County delivers the lowest housing costs in the peer set—$688 rent and $108,700 home values. Trade off urban amenities for genuine financial breathing room compared to every metro and near-metro alternative.

Income & Jobs in Dodge County

via IncomeByCounty

Dodge significantly trails national earnings

Dodge County's median household income of $50,152 falls $24,603 below the national median of $74,755, a stark 33% gap. The county ranks among America's lowest-earning regions, reflecting limited employment opportunities in rural south-central Georgia.

Bottom tier in Georgia rankings

Dodge's $50,152 median household income trails Georgia's $60,488 state average by $10,336, placing it among the state's lowest-earning counties. Only economic development and workforce expansion efforts can meaningfully close this substantial gap.

Tied with Decatur in rural struggle

Dodge households earn virtually the same as Decatur County residents ($50,152 vs. $50,485) and only $333 more than the state median for their county. Surrounding counties experience similarly constrained economic conditions, creating a shared challenge across rural south Georgia.

Affordability advantage in low-income setting

Dodge's 16.5% rent-to-income ratio offers relative affordability relief, one of the county's few economic bright spots. Median home values of just $108,700 make homeownership achievable for many households, unlike higher-priced regions.

Focus on stability, then growth

Dodge households earning $50,152 should prioritize building 3–6 month emergency funds before aggressive investing. Community development financial institutions and local credit unions often offer savings programs and microloans designed for modest-income families building toward stability.

Safety in Dodge County

via CrimeByCounty

Dodge County mirrors national safety trends

Dodge County reports a total crime rate of 2202.5 per 100K, which is slightly below the national average of 2,385.5. This earns the county a safety score of 96.5.

Dodge County safety vs. state average

The county’s total crime rate of 2202.5 per 100K is higher than the Georgia average of 1412.9. Consequently, its safety score of 96.5 is just below the state average of 97.8.

Local safety in Central Georgia

Dodge County shows a moderate crime profile compared to similar rural counties in the region. Three reporting agencies provide a consistent view of public safety within the county lines.

Theft remains the most common issue

Property crime accounts for 1952.2 incidents per 100K, whereas violent crime is recorded at 250.3. This suggests that the majority of police activity involves non-violent offenses.

Simple precautions for Dodge residents

Securing sheds and outdoor equipment is vital in rural areas where property crime occurs. Motion sensors and adequate perimeter lighting offer effective, low-cost protection.

Health in Dodge County

via HealthByCounty

Dodge faces health challenges below averages

Dodge County residents live to 71.3 years, 4.8 years below the U.S. average of 76.1 years and 2.0 years below Georgia's state average. About 21% report poor or fair health—significantly higher than the national average of 14.8%.

Dodge ranks among Georgia's lowest performers

Dodge County's 71.3-year life expectancy places it in Georgia's bottom tier, with only a handful of counties performing worse. The 21% poor/fair health rate reflects rural healthcare access challenges and chronic disease burden common to south-central Georgia.

Dodge struggles relative to neighbors

Dodge's 71.3-year life expectancy falls short of Dade County (73.0 years) and trails Douglas County (75.6 years) by 4.3 years. Primary care access is similarly limited, with only 30 providers per 100,000 residents—one of the lowest concentrations in the region.

Rural barriers limit health access in Dodge

Dodge County has just 30 primary care providers and 46 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, well below state and regional averages. With 13.9% uninsured, residents face compounded barriers: both limited provider availability and incomplete insurance coverage.

Health coverage can transform your access

Nearly 14% of Dodge residents lack insurance—a gap that prevents access to preventive screenings, chronic disease management, and mental health care. Enrolling through the Health Insurance Marketplace or Georgia Medicaid is a critical step toward better health outcomes for you and your family.

Schools in Dodge County

via SchoolsByCounty

Focused Public School Network

Dodge County provides education through six public schools, including two elementary campuses and three high school facilities. This single-district system supports 2,814 total students.

High Graduation Rates and Solid Scores

Dodge County boasts a strong 91.0% graduation rate, outpacing both the state average and the national benchmark. The county invests $7,951 per pupil, helping it achieve a school score of 56.1, which is higher than the Georgia median.

Centralized District Leadership

All traditional public education is managed by the Dodge County district, which oversees five main campuses and one achievement center. Dodge County High School is the largest facility, serving 834 students in the heart of the county.

Town-Based Schools with Intimate Sizes

The educational setting is primarily based in town locales, with an average school size of 469 students. While the high school is the most populous, the Dodge County Achievement Center offers a specialized environment for 50 students.

A Stable Foundation for Families

For families seeking a district with graduation rates that beat the national average, Dodge County is an attractive option. Homebuyers find that the county's solid academic scores and town-centered schools provide a stable environment.

Disaster Risk in Dodge County

via RiskByCounty

Dodge sits slightly above the national average

Dodge County scores 44.75 on composite risk, placing it in the Relatively Low category and moderately above the national average. The county's geographic position in central Georgia exposes it to multiple hazard types, though no single threat dominates dramatically.

Moderate risk for Georgia

At 44.75, Dodge exceeds Georgia's state average of 39.49, ranking in the middle tier of Georgia counties. This places Dodge at greater risk than its northern neighbors but below the state's highest-risk counties like DeKalb.

Dodge balances risk between safer and riskier counties

Dodge (44.75) sits between Dooly County (14.95, Very Low) to the southwest and Decatur County (75.86, Relatively Low) to the south. This positioning reflects Dodge's middle-ground exposure in central Georgia's hazard landscape.

Hurricanes and wildfires pose largest threats

Hurricane risk dominates at 79.72, followed by wildfire risk at 60.85, while tornado risk remains relatively moderate at 30.28. Flood risk (31.58) and earthquake risk (51.21) represent secondary concerns for Dodge residents.

Focus on hurricane and wildfire preparedness

Dodge homeowners should ensure wind/hurricane coverage is included in homeowners policies and consider brush/tree clearing around properties to reduce wildfire exposure. Document valuable possessions, maintain emergency supplies, and keep property defensible space clear—practical steps for the county's primary hazards.

Weather & Climate in Dodge County

via WeatherByCounty

Warm Southern Inland Weather

Dodge County features an average annual temperature of 65.7°F, significantly higher than the national median. This inland climate is characterized by long summers and short, mild winters.

Above the Georgia Average

Dodge averages two degrees warmer than the state average of 63.7°F. However, it is slightly drier than the state norm, receiving 47.0 inches of rain compared to the 51.4-inch average.

Cooler Than South Georgia Neighbors

While warm, Dodge is cooler than Decatur County, which sits further south with a 67.2°F average. It experiences less annual rainfall than coastal-adjacent counties like Effingham.

Strong Summer Heat Peaks

The county endures 76 days of extreme heat above 90°F annually, peaking with a July average of 81.5°F. Winters are pleasant and mild, with a December through February average of 50.4°F.

Plan Around Afternoon Heat

Residents should schedule outdoor activities for the morning to avoid the 76 days of extreme heat. Irrigation may be necessary for gardens as annual rainfall lags behind the state average.

Soil Quality in Dodge County

via SoilByCounty

The Mystery of Dodge Soils

Specific pH and taxonomic data for Dodge County are not currently available. Most soils in this region trend toward the state average pH of 5.26, which is quite acidic.

Exploring Soil Texture

Data for sand, silt, and clay percentages is missing for this area. Local growers can perform a simple sedimentation test to see how their minerals stack up.

Foundation for Growth

There is no current record for organic matter or water capacity in Dodge County. Soil testing is essential for local farmers to reach the state fertility average of 1.83% organic matter.

Water and Your Landscape

Hydrologic and drainage classifications remain undocumented for this county. Proper drainage is the key to preventing soil erosion and managing healthy crop roots.

Abundant Zone 8b Growth

The county sits in Hardiness Zone 8b, which is ideal for heat-loving southern vegetables. Consider planting tomatoes or peppers to take full advantage of the long growing season.

Lawn Care in Dodge County

via LawnByCounty

Dodge County Lawn Care Hurdles

Dodge County scores a 31.6 for lawn difficulty, making it tougher to maintain than the state average of 35.8. Residents in this Zone 8b area must work harder than the national median of 50.0 to keep grass green.

High Heat and Ideal Rainfall Totals

The county experiences 76 extreme heat days, which is higher than the state average of 65. However, the annual precipitation of 47 inches falls perfectly within the ideal 30-50 inch range for most southern grasses.

Analyze Your Soil Before Planting

Though specific soil data is unavailable, local lawns typically require monitoring to stay within the ideal pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. Given the 76 annual heat days, adding organic compost can help the soil retain moisture during hot spells.

Managing 28 Weeks of Drought Stress

Dodge County has faced 28 weeks of drought over the past year, with 100% of the area currently in severe drought conditions. Deep, early-morning watering is essential to prevent evaporation and keep root systems hydrated.

Best Grasses for Central Georgia

Centipede and Bermudagrass are excellent choices for the 6,140 growing degree days seen in this region. You can safely begin your spring seeding projects after the typical last frost on March 5.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Dodge County's county score?
Dodge County, Georgia has a composite county score of 45.6 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 Dodge County rank among counties in Georgia?
Dodge County ranks #92 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 Dodge County, Georgia?
The median annual property tax in Dodge County is $1,037, with an effective tax rate of 0.95%. This earns Dodge County a tax score of 41.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Dodge County?
The median household income in Dodge County, Georgia is $50,152 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Dodge County earns an income score of 14.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Dodge County, Georgia a good place to live?
Dodge County scores 45.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #92 in Georgia. The best way to evaluate Dodge 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 Dodge County with other counties side by side.