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.

Score breakdown

Tax23.7Cost75.8Safety97.5Health20.9Schools32.6Income28.9Risk85.1Water86Weather40.9
🏛23.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠75.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼28.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡97.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤20.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓32.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡85.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤40.9
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱
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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Nearby counties

Macon County
Georgia
47.4
Pulaski County
Georgia
45.1
Crisp County
Georgia
34.3
Houston County
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Peach County
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32
Sumter County
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Wilcox County
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Schley County
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Deep Dives

Dooly County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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

Health in Dooly County

via HealthByCounty

Dooly's health outcomes lag national average

Dooly County residents live to 73.2 years, 2.9 years below the U.S. average of 76.1 years, though nearly at Georgia's state average of 73.3 years. About 23.8% report poor or fair health—among the worst in this comparison set and well above the national average of 14.8%.

Dooly ranks in Georgia's lower half

With a life expectancy of 73.2 years, Dooly County falls in Georgia's lower-middle tier, facing health challenges tied to limited rural healthcare infrastructure. The county's 23.8% poor/fair health rate ties it with Decatur County as among Georgia's highest.

Dooly peers struggle similarly

Dooly's 73.2-year life expectancy slightly exceeds Decatur (71.0) and Dodge (71.3) counties but trails Dade County (73.0) by 0.2 years. All four rural counties face comparable challenges: limited providers, lower incomes, and higher rates of preventable disease.

Severe provider shortage strains residents

Dooly County has just 9 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—among the lowest provider-to-population ratios in Georgia—with no available mental health provider data. With 15.3% uninsured and minimal primary care access, residents must often travel significant distances for routine medical care.

Enroll now to bridge care gaps

Dooly's extreme provider shortage makes insurance even more critical; if you're among the 15.3% without coverage, enrollment through the Health Insurance Marketplace or Georgia Medicaid can connect you with telemedicine options and care coordination. Act now to build a healthcare plan that works for your situation.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

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

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.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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