With a composite score of 74.8, Early County ranks well above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top half of U.S. counties for overall livability. This strong performance reflects the county's particular advantages in affordability and tax burden, making it an attractive option for cost-conscious families.
2 / 5
Above Average in Georgia
Early County's score of 74.8 exceeds Georgia's state average of 70.9, ranking it among the stronger performers across the state's 159 counties. The county's position above state median shows consistent strength across its measured dimensions.
3 / 5
Housing Affordability Leads the Way
Early County excels in housing costs, with a cost score of 85.5 and median home values of just $130,100—well below Georgia and national norms. The effective tax rate of 0.822% is among the lowest measured, providing meaningful savings for property owners and residents.
4 / 5
Income Levels Remain Below Average
The county's income score of 18.5 reflects median household income of $53,750, considerably below state and national averages. Data on safety, health, schools, and environmental factors is not yet available, limiting a complete picture of livability.
5 / 5
Ideal for Budget-Conscious Families
Early County suits families and retirees prioritizing low housing costs and minimal tax burden over higher incomes and urban amenities. Its affordability makes it attractive for those seeking financial stability in a rural Georgia setting.
With a composite score of 74.8, Early County ranks well above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top half of U.S. counties for overall livability. This strong performance reflects the county's particular advantages in affordability and tax burden, making it an attractive option for cost-conscious families.
Above Average in Georgia
Early County's score of 74.8 exceeds Georgia's state average of 70.9, ranking it among the stronger performers across the state's 159 counties. The county's position above state median shows consistent strength across its measured dimensions.
Housing Affordability Leads the Way
Early County excels in housing costs, with a cost score of 85.5 and median home values of just $130,100—well below Georgia and national norms. The effective tax rate of 0.822% is among the lowest measured, providing meaningful savings for property owners and residents.
Income Levels Remain Below Average
The county's income score of 18.5 reflects median household income of $53,750, considerably below state and national averages. Data on safety, health, schools, and environmental factors is not yet available, limiting a complete picture of livability.
Ideal for Budget-Conscious Families
Early County suits families and retirees prioritizing low housing costs and minimal tax burden over higher incomes and urban amenities. Its affordability makes it attractive for those seeking financial stability in a rural Georgia setting.
Score breakdown
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🏛79.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
At 0.822%, Early County's effective tax rate sits well below the national median of 0.927%, placing it in the lower 30th percentile of U.S. counties. Homeowners here pay just $1,069 annually versus the national median of $2,690, a difference of nearly $1,600 per year.
Below average for Georgia
Early County ranks below the state average effective rate of 0.898%, with median taxes of $1,069 compared to Georgia's statewide median of $1,529. This places the county among the more tax-friendly options across Georgia's 159 counties.
Early County versus nearby counties
Neighboring Echols County (0.986%) and Emanuel County (0.975%) both carry higher effective rates, while the region's median home values cluster between $88,000 and $245,000. Early County's rate of 0.822% offers one of the better deals in this corner of southeast Georgia.
Your estimated annual tax bill
On Early County's median home value of $130,100, you'd pay approximately $1,069 annually at the county's 0.822% effective rate. With mortgage and homestead exemptions factored in, that drops to around $877 per year for most homeowners.
Check if you're paying too much
Many Georgia homeowners are overassessed on their property values and have the right to challenge their assessments before the local board of assessors. If you believe your assessed value exceeds the current market, filing an appeal could lower your annual tax bill at no cost.
At 17.3%, Early County's rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below the national benchmark, meaning renters here spend less of their paycheck on housing than the average American. The median gross rent of $774 per month is also significantly lower than typical rents across the U.S., though household incomes ($53,750) run about 28% below the national average.
Better than Georgia's housing burden
Early County outperforms Georgia's state average rent-to-income ratio of 18.6%, offering more breathing room for renters. The county's median rent ($774) also undercuts the state average by $153 per month, positioning it as one of Georgia's more affordable housing markets.
Early County compared
Among rural southeastern Georgia counties, Early offers competitive rent levels at $774—below Emanuel County ($742) and Evans County ($720), but lower than Effingham County's $1,116. Early's rent-to-income ratio of 17.3% ranks favorably against all neighboring counties in this region, reflecting modest rents paired with adequate incomes.
Where your Early County dollar goes
Renters in Early County pay $774 monthly against a median household income of $53,750, consuming 17.3% of gross income on rent. Homeowners face a median monthly cost of $597 for owner-occupied housing, with median home values at $130,100—a realistic buy-in point for middle-income households.
Consider Early County if you're relocating
Early County delivers affordable rents and moderate homeownership costs in a rural setting where your paycheck stretches further than national norms. If you work remotely or are relocating your small business, the 17.3% rent-to-income ratio leaves you room for savings and stability.
Early County's median household income of $53,750 trails the U.S. median by $21,005, placing the county well below the national standard. This income gap reflects broader economic challenges in rural Georgia compared to the nation's wealthier metropolitan areas.
Below Georgia's median income
Early County ranks below the Georgia state average of $60,488 in median household income. The $6,738 gap suggests residents here earn less than most of their counterparts across the state.
Income varies across rural southeast
Early County's $53,750 median sits between similar rural counties: slightly above Emanuel County ($50,053) but below Echols County ($61,723). Housing affordability looks favorable with a 17.3% rent-to-income ratio, among the better rates in the region.
Affordable housing supports stretched budgets
With a median home value of $130,100 and a rent-to-income ratio of 17.3%, Early County residents spend reasonable portions of income on housing. However, the lower overall income means less margin for healthcare, education, and savings after housing and basic expenses.
Build financial security in Early County
Early County residents should prioritize emergency savings and explore low-cost investment accounts to grow wealth over time. Even modest monthly contributions to a diversified portfolio or high-yield savings account can compound significantly—especially important when household income is below national average.
At 69.7 years, Early County's life expectancy falls 5.8 years below the U.S. average of 75.5 years, placing residents at significant health risk. The county's 25.2% poor or fair health rate exceeds the national average by 8 percentage points, signaling chronic disease burden across the population.
Among Georgia's least healthy counties
Early County ranks in the bottom tier of Georgia's 159 counties, with a life expectancy 3.6 years below the state average of 73.3 years. The 25.2% rate of residents reporting poor or fair health stands well above Georgia's typical county profile.
Struggling compared to regional peers
Early County's 69.7-year life expectancy significantly underperforms neighboring Effingham County (75.0 years) and Fannin County (74.1 years). With a 25.2% poor health rate, Early residents face markedly worse health outcomes than comparably sized Georgia counties nearby.
Healthcare gaps compound health risks
Early County has 47 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—below the state median—while 14.2% of residents remain uninsured, slightly undercutting Georgia's 15.0% rate. Limited mental health capacity at 95 providers per 100K suggests residents struggle to access both routine and behavioral health support.
Get insured, stay healthier
With 14.2% uninsured, Early County residents should explore coverage during open enrollment or through Georgia's Medicaid program. Health insurance reduces out-of-pocket costs and makes preventive care accessible—a critical step toward improving the county's troubled health trajectory.
Early County scores 43.38 on the composite risk scale, placing it above the national median and well above Georgia's state average of 39.49. This "Relatively Low" rating reflects moderate exposure to multiple hazard types, particularly hurricanes and tornadoes that threaten the region.
Mid-range risk among Georgia counties
Early County ranks in the middle tier of Georgia's 159 counties for natural disaster risk, with a composite score notably higher than the state average. The county faces elevated tornado and hurricane risks that distinguish it from lower-risk Georgia communities.
Riskier than most nearby counties
Early County's 43.38 score exceeds several neighboring counties—it's significantly higher than Evans County (21.91) and Emanuel County (39.85), making Early one of the riskier communities in its region. Only Effingham County to the east carries comparable overall risk levels.
Hurricanes and tornadoes pose greatest threat
Early County faces a hurricane risk score of 87.40 and tornado risk of 62.21, the two dominant hazards affecting residents. Flood risk (32.38) and wildfire risk (49.94) also merit attention, particularly during severe weather seasons and dry summer months.
Secure coverage for wind and water damage
Given Early County's high hurricane and tornado exposure, homeowners should verify comprehensive wind and hail coverage through their property insurance policies. Consider adding flood insurance—federally backed policies remain affordable and critical given the county's moderate flood risk.