countyscore
54.9
County Score
Safety 97.5Water Quality 86Disaster Risk 85.1

County Report Card

About Dooly County, Georgia

Competitive National Standings

Dooly County exceeds the national median with a composite score of 54.9. This puts it in a competitive position among rural counties across the country.

High-Performing Rural Option

Scoring well above the Georgia average of 46.7, the county represents a high-performing rural option. It provides a unique mix of high safety and low environmental risk.

Peace of Mind and Low Risk

The county offers peace of mind with an outstanding safety score of 97.5. It also scores highly in environmental stability (85.1) and housing affordability (75.8).

Higher Taxes and Health Gaps

The tax burden is relatively high for the region, resulting in a tax score of 23.7. Health and school metrics also leave room for progress, scoring 20.9 and 32.6 respectively.

A Safe Rural Haven

This is a perfect destination for those seeking a safe, quiet, and affordable rural retreat. it appeals most to those who value security and low-cost housing over local tax breaks.

2040608010023.775.897.520.932.628.985.18640.9Tax23.7Cost75.8Safety97.5Health20.9Schools32.6Income28.9Risk85.1Water86Weather40.954.9/100
This county
National avg
4 above average5 below average

Dooly County DNA

Foverall

How Dooly County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Dooly County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Safety (97.5/100) but notably weak in Health (20.9/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
23.7-28.3
Cost
75.8+27.799999999999997
Safety
97.5+42.5
Health
20.9-29.1
Schools
32.6-21.4
Income
28.9-22.1
Risk
85.1+38.099999999999994
Water
86+28
Weather
40.9-15.100000000000001
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Think property taxes are too high in Dooly County?

Many homeowners in Dooly County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$96,400

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$761/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$96,400/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$30,440/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum1.7x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $56,545/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

18.1

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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Counties with similar scores

Gem County
Idaho
Median income: $66,245
54.9
Marshall County
Illinois
Median income: $69,818
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Piatt County
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Anderson County
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Median income: $64,925
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Cheyenne County
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Median income: $55,765
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Plaquemines Parish
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Median income: $82,874
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Cole County
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Median income: $73,273
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Van Wert County
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Median income: $65,344
54.9

Nearby counties

Macon County
Georgia
47.4
Pulaski County
Georgia
45.1
Crisp County
Georgia
34.3
Houston County
Georgia
38.2
Peach County
Georgia
32
Sumter County
Georgia
32.8
Wilcox County
Georgia
58.7
Schley County
Georgia
57.1

Deep Dives

Dooly County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Dooly County

via TaxByCounty

Dooly's tax rate ranks among nation's highest

At 1.243%, Dooly County's effective rate significantly exceeds the national median of 0.89%, placing it in the top 10% of U.S. counties for tax burden. The median tax bill of $1,198 remains modest nationally only because home values here are very low at $96,400.

Dooly has Georgia's highest tax rate

At 1.243%, Dooly ranks among the highest in Georgia's 159 counties, standing 0.345 percentage points above the state average of 0.898%. The county's aggressive tax rate makes it a cautionary tale for property owners seeking affordable rural living.

Dooly taxes far exceed regional peers

Nearby Dodge County charges 0.954% and Decatur County charges 0.925%—both significantly lower than Dooly's 1.243%. Dooly's high rate reflects chronic budget pressures in one of Georgia's economically challenged rural counties.

Your annual Dooly property tax bill

On a median home valued at $96,400, the typical Dooly homeowner pays $1,198 annually. With a mortgage, that rises to $1,848; without one, it drops to $968.

Appeal your Dooly assessment urgently

With Georgia's highest tax rate, Dooly homeowners must be vigilant about overassessment—errors hit hardest here. Request an immediate reassessment from the county assessor; even a 5% reduction in assessed value saves $40+ annually.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Dooly County

via CostByCounty

Dooly's rent stays well below national norms

Dooly County's 16.1% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the lowest in the nation and beats Georgia's state average of 18.6% handily. With median household income of $56,545 and monthly rent of just $761, Dooly delivers reliable affordability for rural Georgia residents.

Dooly ranks among Georgia's most affordable

Dooly County's 16.1% rent-to-income ratio places it in the top tier of Georgia's most affordable counties, rivaling Dodge for the best housing value. The county's modest $761 rent reflects rural demand and limited urban sprawl pressure.

Dooly competes favorably with rural peers

Dooly's $761 rent undercuts both Dade ($843) and Decatur ($860) while only slightly exceeding Dodge's $688, making it a strong middle option among rural counties. For families seeking rural stability with affordable housing, Dooly delivers on both counts.

Affordability built into rural economics

Dooly residents dedicate roughly 16.1% of the $56,545 median household income to $761 monthly rent—among the best ratios in the entire peer set. Homeowners at $636 monthly carry even lighter loads, making Dooly accessible to working families and retirees alike.

Dooly balances price and rural charm

If relocating to rural central Georgia, Dooly County offers a compelling alternative to pricier nearby Decatur—similar lifestyle, lower costs, and genuine affordability. Compare Dooly to Dodge for the deepest discounts, or to Dade for slightly higher incomes with comparable housing costs.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Dooly County

via IncomeByCounty

Dooly falls well below national income

Dooly County's median household income of $56,545 trails the national median of $74,755 by $18,210, roughly a 24% shortfall. The county ranks among lower-earning regions nationally, though slightly better positioned than Decatur and Dodge counties.

Below Georgia's state average income

Dooly's $56,545 median household income falls $3,943 short of Georgia's $60,488 state average, placing it slightly below the state norm. The county represents a middle-lower-income region within Georgia's economic landscape.

Middle ground among rural southern peers

Dooly residents earn $56,545, positioning them between Dade County ($58,936) and Decatur County ($50,485) in the regional income hierarchy. The county's relative stability offers modest advantages over its most economically challenged neighbors.

Rent remains surprisingly accessible

Dooly's 16.1% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the lowest in this group, meaning housing costs consume minimal household earnings. Median home values of just $96,400 provide extremely affordable homeownership for budget-conscious families.

Leverage low housing costs strategically

Dooly households earning $56,545 benefit from minimal housing expense ratios—freeing capital for savings and investment. Direct modest surplus income toward high-yield savings accounts or employer retirement plans to compound advantage over decades.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Dooly County

via CrimeByCounty

Dooly County reports minimal crime activity

Dooly County achieves a perfect safety score of 100.0 with 0.0 crimes reported per 100K residents. This stands in stark contrast to the national average of 2,385.5 per 100K.

A standout safety performer in Georgia

With a 100.0 safety score, Dooly County far exceeds the Georgia state average of 97.8. Its lack of reported crime makes it appear significantly safer than the state average of 1412.9 per 100K.

Comparing Dooly to its neighbors

While neighboring agricultural counties may report routine incidents, Dooly's data shows no activity across its two reporting agencies. This suggests a highly tranquil environment for the reporting period.

Analyzing the zero crime rate

Both violent and property crime rates sit at 0.0 per 100K according to 2022 data. For residents, this indicates a period of remarkably low criminal activity or reporting.

Maintaining safety in Dooly County

Though the data shows no crime, residents should continue to practice basic home security. Locking doors and staying connected with neighbors helps maintain this exceptional safety record.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Dooly County

via SchoolsByCounty

Streamlined Educational Infrastructure

Dooly County manages a streamlined system of four public schools serving 1,110 students. The infrastructure includes one elementary, one middle, and two high school programs.

Competitive Performance in Rural Georgia

The county maintains an 87.0% graduation rate, matching the national average exactly. While per-pupil spending is $6,755, the county achieves a school score of 51.4, remaining competitive with neighboring rural areas.

Single District Community Focus

The Dooly County School District is the sole provider for the area, managing all 1,110 enrolled students. Dooly County Elementary School is the district's largest campus, housing nearly half of the total student population.

Small-Scale Learning Environments

Schools are evenly split between town and rural settings, reflecting the county's geography. With an average school size of 278, students experience a very small-scale learning environment compared to larger Georgia districts.

Close-Knit Schools in a Rural Setting

Dooly County offers a small-district feel where students are part of a close-knit community. Families looking for a slower pace of life with manageable school sizes will find unique opportunities in this region.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Dooly County

via RiskByCounty

Dooly ranks among America's safest counties

Dooly County scores just 14.95 on composite risk, the Very Low rating putting it among the nation's least disaster-prone counties. This central Georgia county benefits from inland position and favorable terrain relative to major natural hazard zones.

Georgia's safest county overall

Dooly's 14.95 score is the lowest in Georgia, less than 40% of the state average of 39.49. The county stands out as a genuine natural disaster safety benchmark for the state.

Safest in south-central Georgia

Dooly (14.95) significantly underperforms its neighbors—Dodge County scores 44.75 and Decatur County hits 75.86—showing how favorable local conditions can create pockets of relative safety. Dooly's inland position, away from hurricane zones and major seismic areas, explains its exceptional standing.

Hurricane risk surprisingly highest here

Hurricane risk reaches 75.14 in Dooly—the county's highest hazard despite its inland location—though actual hurricane impacts remain rare. Wildfire risk (42.65) follows, while tornadoes, floods, and earthquakes all score below 40, making them minimal concerns.

Standard homeowners insurance adequately covers Dooly

Dooly residents can rely on basic homeowners coverage without needing specialized flood or earthquake policies, placing them among Georgia's most financially insulated homeowners. Maintain standard wind coverage for the county's minimal tornado/severe weather exposure, and focus resources on regular home maintenance and upkeep.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Dooly County

via WaterByCounty

Dooly County Maintains Grade A Water

Dooly County reports zero health violations in its drinking water over the past five years, earning a Grade A. Its 0.0 violation rate is superior to the Georgia average of 152.5 per 100,000 residents. The local water supply consistently meets federal safety benchmarks.

Watershed Health Better Than State Average

Exactly 40.0% of assessed water bodies in Dooly County are impaired, which is lower than the Georgia average of 48.4%. The 2022 ATTAINS reporting cycle identifies 4 impaired sites out of 10 assessed. Primary causes of failure include fecal coliform and poor fish bioassessment scores.

Sparse Water Quality Monitoring Records

Monitoring is limited in Dooly County, with only 1 site reporting 273 measurements over the last five years. These efforts focus on physical attributes and inorganic non-metals. This minimal monitoring footprint provides only a snapshot of the county's overall water quality.

Turkey Creek Facing Critical Low Flow

The USGS gauge at Turkey Creek at Byromville currently records a flow of only 6 cfs. This is just 15% of the long-term mean flow of 42 cfs. This extremely low discharge indicates a significant water deficit for the 48 square mile drainage area.

Practice Conservation During Extreme Low Flow

The critical 15% flow rate in Turkey Creek makes water conservation essential to protect local aquatic habitats and source water. While tap water meets all safety standards, recreational users should be mindful of fecal coliform in the 40% of impaired streams. Community efforts to reduce agricultural runoff can help improve biological health scores.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Soil Quality in Dooly County

via SoilByCounty

Dooly County's Soil Profile

Taxonomic classifications and pH levels for Dooly County are not presently in our database. The national median pH is 6.5, though local soils are likely more acidic.

A Mixture of Minerals

Sand, silt, and clay percentages are not yet recorded for this specific county. Understanding your soil's texture is the first step toward improving your land for farming.

Potential for Productivity

Organic matter and water capacity data are currently missing for Dooly County. Use local soil tests to see how your property compares to the state average organic matter of 1.83%.

Handling Heavy Rain

We lack specific data on drainage classes and hydrologic groups for this area. These factors determine how effectively your soil handles rainfall and irrigation runoff.

Farming in Zone 8b

Dooly County is located in Hardiness Zone 8b, offering warm temperatures for diverse crops. This zone is perfect for starting a garden with okra or watermelons.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Dooly County

via LawnByCounty

Zone 8b Gardening in Dooly County

Dooly County sits in Hardiness Zone 8b, where lawns must survive the typical Georgia heat that produces a state average difficulty score of 35.8. Without a specific local score, gardeners should look to regional trends to guide their maintenance.

Adapting to the Central Georgia Climate

Specific heat and rain data for the county are currently unavailable, but the regional climate typically exceeds the state average of 65 heat days. This necessitates a proactive approach to irrigation and selecting heat-tolerant grass species.

Soil Testing is the First Step

Local soil composition data is not currently recorded, making a private soil test vital for any Dooly County homeowner. Aim for the 6.0 to 7.0 pH sweet spot to ensure your lawn can absorb the nutrients it needs to grow.

Severe Drought Affects 100% of the County

With 27 weeks of drought in the past year, the entire county is currently struggling under severe drought conditions. Using drought-resistant landscaping techniques like xeriscaping at the edges of your lawn can help conserve water.

Selecting Resilient Grass for Dooly

Bermuda and Bahia grass are proven performers in Zone 8b, offering the heat tolerance needed for long Georgia summers. Check local frost forecasts carefully before seeding to ensure your new turf establishes properly.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Dooly County's county score?
Dooly County, Georgia has a composite county score of 54.9 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 Dooly County rank among counties in Georgia?
Dooly County ranks #34 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 Dooly County, Georgia?
The median annual property tax in Dooly County is $1,198, with an effective tax rate of 1.24%. This earns Dooly County a tax score of 23.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Dooly County?
The median household income in Dooly County, Georgia is $56,545 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Dooly County earns an income score of 28.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Dooly County, Georgia a good place to live?
Dooly County scores 54.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #34 in Georgia. The best way to evaluate Dooly 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 Dooly 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.