CountyScore

Dougherty County

Georgia · GA

#158 in Georgia
57.7
County Score

County Report Card

About Dougherty County, Georgia

Dougherty County Exceeds National Livability Baseline

Dougherty County scores 64.7, beating the national median of 50.0 by about 30%, demonstrating above-average American livability standards. However, this is the lowest score among these eight Georgia counties, signaling trade-offs worth examining.

Significantly Trails Georgia's State Average

At 64.7, Dougherty County falls notably below Georgia's state average of 70.9, ranking among the lower-performing counties in this comparison. This below-average state showing indicates fewer livability advantages relative to the broader Georgia picture.

Reasonable Housing Costs in a Challenged Market

With a cost score of 78.6, Dougherty offers median home values of $129,200 and gross rent of $905/month—moderate prices that provide some financial relief. The tax score of 63.1 reflects an effective rate of 1.393%, the highest among these counties but still manageable.

Low Incomes and High Tax Burden Compound Challenges

Dougherty County's income score of just 13.9—the lowest in this group—pairs with a median household income of $46,784, indicating significant economic hardship. Missing safety, health, school, and water metrics leave a crucial gap in evaluating livability.

Consider Carefully; Limited Opportunities Present

Dougherty County may suit only those with very limited resources and no viable alternatives, as it combines the lowest incomes with the highest tax burden in this group. Before choosing Dougherty, explore whether neighboring counties with higher income potential or lower taxes better match your household profile.

Score breakdown

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

Tax63.1Cost78.6SafetyComing SoonHealth52.6SchoolsComing SoonIncome13.9Risk17.2WaterComing Soon
🏛63.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠78.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼13.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤52.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡17.2
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 Dougherty County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

San Joaquin County
California
57.7
Median income: $88,531
Hampden County
Massachusetts
57.7
Median income: $70,535
Montgomery County
Pennsylvania
57.7
Median income: $111,521
District of Columbia
District of Columbia
57.8
Median income: $106,287
Stephenson County
Illinois
57.8
Median income: $61,943

Deep Dives

Dougherty County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Dougherty County

via TaxByCounty

Dougherty ranks among nation's highest taxes

At 1.393%, Dougherty County's effective rate far exceeds the national median of 0.89%, placing it in the top 5% of U.S. counties. The median tax bill of $1,800 sits below the national median of $2,690 only because home values are modest at $129,200.

Second-highest tax rate in Georgia

At 1.393%, Dougherty ranks second-highest among Georgia's 159 counties, nearly 0.5 percentage points above the state average of 0.898%. Only a handful of Georgia counties impose steeper tax burdens on their residents.

Dougherty taxes dominate the region

Nearby Dooly County charges 1.243% and Dodge County charges 0.954%—both significantly lower than Dougherty's punishing 1.393%. Dougherty's rate reflects ongoing fiscal challenges in southwest Georgia's largest city, Albany.

Your annual Dougherty property tax bill

On a median home valued at $129,200, the typical Dougherty homeowner pays $1,800 annually. With a mortgage, that rises to $2,118; without one, it drops to $1,452.

Contest your Dougherty assessment now

At Georgia's second-highest rate, assessment errors cost Dougherty homeowners dearly—and appeals succeed frequently. File a formal challenge with the county assessor immediately; many properties are overvalued by 10-20%.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Dougherty County

via CostByCounty

Dougherty's housing burden exceeds national average

Dougherty County's 23.2% rent-to-income ratio ranks well above the national average and Georgia's state average of 18.6%, signaling serious housing affordability stress. Residents earning a modest $46,784 median household income—the lowest in this peer set—face the second-tightest housing squeeze among the eight counties.

Dougherty faces significant affordability challenges

With a 23.2% rent-to-income ratio, Dougherty County ranks near the bottom of Georgia counties for housing affordability, exceeding the state average by over 4 percentage points. The county's limited income base amplifies the burden of housing costs, leaving households vulnerable to economic shocks.

Dougherty's costs high relative to income

Dougherty's $905 monthly rent isn't the highest among peers—DeKalb ($1,591) and Dawson ($1,425) surpass it—but Dougherty's much lower income of $46,784 makes that rent proportionally more painful. For renters, Dougherty offers fewer resources than nearly every comparison county.

Housing leaves tight household budgets tighter

A Dougherty renter spends $905 monthly while the median household earns just $46,784 annually—consuming 23.2% of gross income before utilities, food, or transportation. Homeowners face similar strain at $887 monthly, leaving families with dangerously little margin for emergencies or savings.

Dougherty requires strong financial cushion

If considering relocation to Dougherty County, ensure your household income substantially exceeds the county median of $46,784, as housing costs consume nearly a quarter of typical earnings. Compare Dougherty to more affordable nearby counties like Dodge or Dooly before deciding—the affordability gap could be transformative for your family budget.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Dougherty County

via IncomeByCounty

Dougherty's income lags far behind

Dougherty County's median household income of $46,784 trails the national median of $74,755 by $27,971—a significant 37% gap. The county ranks among America's lowest-earning regions, indicating substantial economic challenges requiring comprehensive intervention.

Georgia's lowest-income county here

Dougherty's $46,784 median household income falls $13,704 below Georgia's $60,488 state average, the steepest shortfall in this group. The county faces the most acute economic disadvantage among these eight communities.

Struggling well below nearby counties

Dougherty residents earn $46,784, lagging Dooly County by $9,761 and Dade County by $12,152. Only Decatur and Dodge counties approach Dougherty's income levels, reflecting shared rural economic strain across south Georgia.

Housing costs strain tight budgets

Dougherty's 23.2% rent-to-income ratio signals housing stress, with rents consuming nearly a quarter of typical household earnings. Median home values of $129,200 exceed what many median-income households can comfortably afford, creating affordability pressures.

Seek community resources first

Dougherty households earning $46,784 benefit most from employer benefits and nonprofit financial counseling before investing independently. Organizations offering matched savings programs, financial literacy training, and emergency assistance can accelerate path toward economic stability.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Dougherty County

via HealthByCounty

Dougherty faces Georgia's worst health outcomes

Dougherty County residents have a life expectancy of 70.3 years—5.8 years below the U.S. average of 76.1 years—the lowest in this eight-county comparison. An alarming 25.6% report poor or fair health, nearly double the national average of 14.8%, reflecting severe public health challenges.

Dougherty ranks at Georgia's bottom

Dougherty County's 70.3-year life expectancy is among Georgia's lowest, with only a handful of counties performing worse. The 25.6% poor/fair health rate represents one of the state's most critical health crises, demanding urgent intervention and investment.

Dougherty significantly lags peer counties

Dougherty's 70.3-year life expectancy trails all comparison counties, falling 0.7 years below Dodge County (71.3) and 2.7 years below Dooly County (73.2). Despite having 78 primary care providers per 100,000, the county's high uninsured rate (15.8%) and social determinants of health create barriers even when providers exist.

Uninsured rate compounds existing barriers

Dougherty County has 78 primary care providers and 188 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, higher than most rural peers—yet 15.8% remain uninsured, the highest rate in this comparison. Provider availability cannot overcome the barriers created by unaffordable care, poverty, and social inequity.

Health insurance is essential coverage

If you're uninsured in Dougherty County, enrollment is urgent—15.8% of residents lack coverage, creating preventable suffering and premature mortality. The Health Insurance Marketplace and Georgia Medicaid offer pathways to care; enroll today to protect your health and access the providers available in your community.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Dougherty County

via RiskByCounty

Dougherty faces elevated national disaster risk

Dougherty County scores 82.79 on composite risk, placing it in the Relatively Moderate category and well above the national average. The southwest Georgia county's vulnerability to floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, and earthquakes creates a complex risk environment.

Among Georgia's highest-risk counties

Dougherty's 82.79 score substantially exceeds Georgia's state average of 39.49, ranking it as one of the state's most disaster-exposed counties. Only DeKalb County (94.27) surpasses Dougherty in composite risk among Georgia counties.

Dougherty faces significantly higher risk than nearby counties

Dougherty (82.79) substantially outranks Dodge County (44.75) and Decatur County (75.86) in composite risk, making it southwest Georgia's riskiest county. The county's position and flat terrain concentrate multiple hazard exposures.

Hurricanes, floods, and earthquakes dominate

Hurricane risk reaches 89.36, flood risk hits 87.56, and earthquake risk scores 77.42—all among the county's top three hazards. Tornadoes add a fourth major threat at 79.20, giving Dougherty County exposure to an unusually broad range of disasters.

Multi-hazard insurance strategy required

Dougherty residents need comprehensive homeowners insurance with hurricane and tornado coverage, plus separate flood insurance given the 87.56 flood risk; earthquake insurance warrants serious consideration at 77.42. Combine structural improvements—roof reinforcement, window protection, elevated mechanical systems—with emergency preparedness planning to address the county's multiple major threats.

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.