countyscore
29.6
County Score
Water Quality 86Cost of Living 41.6Safety 37

County Report Card

About Dougherty County, Georgia

Trailing the National Median

Dougherty County’s composite score of 29.6 is well below the national median of 50.0. The score indicates significant headwinds across most livability dimensions.

Below the Georgia Average

The county ranks significantly lower than the Georgia state average of 46.7. It faces more concentrated socioeconomic challenges than much of the state.

Infrastructure and Safety

Reliable water infrastructure remains a bright spot, scoring 86.0. Public safety also performs better than in some urban neighbors, maintaining a score of 37.0.

High Taxes and Low Income

The county struggles with a high effective tax rate of 1.393%, leading to a low tax score of 17.5. Income levels are also among the lowest in the state, with an income score of only 9.1.

Affordable Regional Access

Residents here benefit most from the low barrier to entry for housing, with a median home value of $129,200. It is best suited for those with local ties who prioritize housing accessibility.

2040608010017.541.63710.533.69.117.28630.1Tax17.5Cost41.6Safety37Health10.5Schools33.6Income9.1Risk17.2Water86Weather30.129.6/100
This county
National avg
1 above average7 below average

Dougherty County DNA

Foverall

How Dougherty County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Dougherty County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Income (9.1/100), though Water Quality (86/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
17.5-34.5
Cost
41.6
Safety
37-18
Health
10.5-39.5
Schools
33.6-20.4
Income
9.1-41.9
Risk
17.2-29.8
Water
86+28
Weather
30.1-25.9
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Many homeowners in Dougherty County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$129,200

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$905/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$129,200/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$36,200/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.8x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $46,784/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

34.6

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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Nearby counties

Lee County
Georgia
42.3
Baker County
Georgia
63.2
Mitchell County
Georgia
34.8
Terrell County
Georgia
47.9
Worth County
Georgia
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Calhoun County
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57.7
Crisp County
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Sumter County
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32.8

Deep Dives

Dougherty County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 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

Safety in Dougherty County

via CrimeByCounty

Dougherty County is safer than national norms

Dougherty County’s total crime rate of 1455.8 per 100K is well below the national average of 2,385.5. This results in a respectable safety score of 97.7.

Tracking closely with Georgia averages

The county's safety score of 97.7 is nearly identical to the Georgia state average of 97.8. Its total crime rate of 1455.8 is only slightly higher than the state average of 1412.9.

A regional hub with managed safety

As a regional center with seven reporting agencies, Dougherty County maintains lower crime rates than many similarly sized urban areas in the South. This indicates effective local law enforcement and community safety efforts.

Property crime vs. violent crime

Property crime sits at 1153.6 per 100K, while violent crime is much lower at 302.2. Residents should focus on protecting their belongings, as theft is the most likely risk.

Security tips for Dougherty residents

Investing in a doorbell camera can help deter property crime and package theft. Keeping residential areas well-lit at night is another effective way to maintain high safety levels.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Dougherty County

via SchoolsByCounty

Urban Infrastructure Serving Albany

Dougherty County features a robust urban education system with 22 public schools serving over 13,000 students. The landscape is dominated by 14 elementary schools supported by four middle and four high schools.

Meeting State Investment Benchmarks

The county spends $7,430 per pupil, matching the Georgia state average to maintain a school score of 50.8. While the graduation rate of 83.0% trails the state average, the district remains a major regional education provider.

Traditional District Management

The Dougherty County School District manages the entire public enrollment with no charter schools currently in the area. Westover High School leads as the largest campus, serving 1,360 students.

A Decidedly City-Based School Experience

Education here is decidedly urban, with 16 of the 22 schools located in city settings. The average school size is 593 students, though the high schools are much larger hubs of student activity.

Urban Accessibility and Education

Those looking for a city-based education with diverse school options should explore neighborhoods in Albany. The county's centralized system offers a traditional urban academic structure for growing families.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Water Quality in Dougherty County

via WaterByCounty

Excellent Drinking Water Quality in Dougherty

Dougherty County earns a Grade A for drinking water, with zero health violations recorded over the last five years. This performance places the county well ahead of the Georgia average violation rate of 152.5 per 100,000. Municipal water systems are consistently meeting high safety standards.

Watershed Health Stronger Than State Norm

In Dougherty County, 41.7% of assessed water bodies are impaired, outperforming the state average of 48.4%. Out of 12 assessed sites, 5 fail to meet Clean Water Act standards due to fecal coliform and mercury in fish tissue. These findings come from the most recent 2022 reporting cycle.

High Monitoring Density on the Flint River

Scientists maintain 19 monitoring sites in Dougherty County, gathering 9,203 measurements over the past five years. Data collection is robust, focusing on physical properties, nutrients, and inorganic compounds. This strong monitoring presence provides a detailed view of the Flint River's health.

Flint River Flows at Half Its Typical Volume

The Flint River at Albany currently shows a discharge of 3,080 cfs, which is 52% of its long-term mean of 5,908 cfs. This reduction impacts a massive 5,310 square mile drainage area. The river is currently significantly below its historical average flow for this period.

Follow Fish Consumption and Flow Advisories

Residents should check state guidelines regarding mercury in fish, as it remains a top cause of local watershed impairment. With the Flint River at 52% of its typical flow, mindful water use is encouraged to maintain river health. Drinking water remains safe and reliable, requiring no additional home treatment at this time.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Dougherty County

via WeatherByCounty

Deep South Thermal Intensity

Dougherty County averages 66.8°F annually, making it one of the warmer locations in the United States. This climate is defined by high humidity and consistent warmth year-round.

Warmer Than Typical Georgia

The county's average temperature of 66.8°F is over three degrees higher than the Georgia state average. It receives 49.6 inches of rain annually, slightly less than the state average of 51.4 inches.

Mirroring Southwest Georgia Trends

Dougherty closely matches Decatur County’s thermal profile but receives slightly more annual precipitation. It lacks the seasonal chill found in counties further north like DeKalb.

No Snow and Heavy Heat

Extreme heat is the norm here, with 97 days reaching 90°F or higher each year. Annual snowfall is non-existent at 0.0 inches, while July temperatures average a sweltering 82.5°F.

Focus on Sun Protection

With nearly 100 days of extreme heat, high-SPF sunscreen and shaded outdoor spaces are vital. Winter heating needs are minimal as January temperatures rarely dip below an average of 49.5°F.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Dougherty County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Ultisols of Dougherty

Dougherty County features Ultisols with a pH of 5.21 and a soil score of 12.2. This score falls below the state average of 17.6 and reflects higher acidity than the national 6.5 median.

Sandy Loam Characteristics

The loamy sand texture comes from a mix of 73.7% sand, 15.4% silt, and 10.9% clay. This high sand content ensures easy workability but may require amendments to boost nutrient retention.

Moisture and Matter Needs

Organic matter stands at 1.45%, which is below the state average of 1.83%. The available water capacity of 0.102 also trails the state benchmark of 0.114.

Efficient Water Infiltration

Soils here are well drained and belong to hydrologic group B. This combination allows for excellent water infiltration, making it a reliable choice for diverse farming and construction.

Sunny Zone 9a Gardens

In Hardiness Zone 9a, Dougherty County enjoys a very warm climate. This soil and temperature mix is perfect for growing heat-tolerant crops like peanuts and sweet potatoes.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Dougherty County

via LawnByCounty

The Challenges of Dougherty County Lawns

Dougherty County is a difficult place for turf, scoring just 23.7 on the lawn difficulty scale. This is well below the state average of 35.8 and less than half as easy as the national median of 50.0.

Intense Heat and Long Growing Seasons

Lawns must endure 97 extreme heat days annually, nearly 50% more than the Georgia average of 65. With 6,506 growing degree days, grass stays active for most of the year, demanding constant attention and water.

Thriving in Well-Drained Loamy Sand

The soil is 73.7% sand and well-drained, which helps prevent root rot but means water disappears quickly. Its acidic pH of 5.21 requires regular lime applications to reach the ideal 6.0 to 7.0 range.

Surviving 30 Weeks of Annual Drought

Dougherty County has endured 30 weeks of drought in the last year, and 100% of its area is currently in severe drought. Focus on building organic matter in the soil to improve water retention in this sandy environment.

Top Grass Choices for Zone 9a

St. Augustine and Centipede grass are best suited for these 97 heat days and 49.6 inches of rain. Start your planting after the last spring frost, which typically passes by March 10.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Dougherty County's county score?
Dougherty County, Georgia has a composite county score of 29.6 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 Dougherty County rank among counties in Georgia?
Dougherty County ranks #154 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 Dougherty County, Georgia?
The median annual property tax in Dougherty County is $1,800, with an effective tax rate of 1.39%. This earns Dougherty County a tax score of 17.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Dougherty County?
The median household income in Dougherty County, Georgia is $46,784 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Dougherty County earns an income score of 9.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Dougherty County, Georgia a good place to live?
Dougherty County scores 29.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #154 in Georgia. The best way to evaluate Dougherty 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 Dougherty 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.