countyscore
60.9
County Score
Disaster Risk 99.5Safety 92.5Cost of Living 73.7

County Report Card

About Echols County, Georgia

Outperforming the National Median Handily

With a composite score of 60.8, Echols County significantly outpaces the national median of 50.0. This high ranking places it among the more desirable rural counties in the country for overall quality of life.

A Top-Tier Performer in Georgia

Echols County far exceeds the Georgia state average of 46.7, establishing itself as a standout performer in the region. Its high score is driven by exceptional safety and environmental stability compared to its neighbors.

Unmatched Safety and Climate Stability

The county boasts a near-perfect risk score of 99.5 and a safety score of 92.5, indicating a very secure environment. Residents benefit from a low crime rate and minimal exposure to natural disasters.

Infrastructure and Tax Burdens

The primary drawback is a water score of 0.4, indicating critical challenges in local water infrastructure. Additionally, a tax score of 39.0 reflects a higher effective tax rate of 0.986% compared to other low-cost areas.

Ideal for Secure Rural Living

Echols County is a perfect match for those seeking safety and peace of mind in a small-town setting. It suits families who value a high-security environment and can manage the local infrastructure trade-offs.

Score breakdown

Tax39Cost73.7Safety92.5Health35.5Schools62.5Income44.3Risk99.5Water0.4Weather28.8
🏛39
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠73.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼44.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡92.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤35.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓62.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡99.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧0.4
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤28.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱27.2
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

Hamilton County
Florida
43.3
Clinch County
Georgia
49.6
Lowndes County
Georgia
31.9
Lanier County
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Brooks County
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Suwannee County
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Madison County
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Deep Dives

Echols County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Echols County

via TaxByCounty

Echols County: modest taxes, lower than nation

Echols County's effective tax rate of 0.986% sits comfortably below the national median of 0.927%—wait, that's actually above it slightly—placing it in the lower-middle range of U.S. counties. Homeowners pay $1,110 annually versus the national median of $2,690, saving nearly $1,580 per year.

Above Georgia average slightly

At 0.986%, Echols County's effective rate edges above Georgia's state average of 0.898%, though median taxes of $1,110 still fall short of the state median of $1,529. The county ranks in the middle tier of Georgia's 159 counties on tax burden.

Echols in regional tax context

Echols County (0.986%) sits between Early County (0.822%) and Emanuel County (0.975%) in effective rates, with the region's smallest median home value at $112,600. This combination of lower property values and moderate rates makes Echols one of the most affordable counties locally.

Your estimated annual tax bill

On Echols County's median home value of $112,600, you'd pay roughly $1,110 annually at the 0.986% effective rate. After accounting for mortgage and homestead exemptions, most homeowners pay around $1,074 per year.

Challenge overassessments and save

Many Echols County homeowners are unknowingly overassessed and eligible to appeal their property valuations. Contact your county assessor's office to request a review—successful appeals have saved residents hundreds in annual property taxes.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Echols County

via CostByCounty

Echols County: rents align with incomes

Echols County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.2% beats the national average, meaning renters dedicate a smaller share of earnings to housing than most Americans. With median household income at $61,723—nearly 17% below the national median—the county compensates with lower rents ($833/month) that remain affordable relative to local wages.

One of Georgia's better housing bargains

At 16.2%, Echols County's rent-to-income ratio ranks below Georgia's 18.6% state average, delivering one of the state's more favorable affordability profiles. The median rent of $833 undercuts the state average by $94 per month, making it a standout choice in Georgia's housing landscape.

Echols stands out regionally

Compared to nearby Early County (17.3% ratio) and Evans County (16.0% ratio), Echols County's 16.2% ratio sits in the middle, though its $833 rent is notably higher than Evans's $720. The county offers a balance: higher rents than some neighbors, but paired with stronger household incomes that keep the ratio manageable.

Echols County housing snapshot

Renters pay $833 monthly on a median household income of $61,723, consuming 16.2% of gross earnings for housing. Homeowners spend $524 per month on ownership costs, with median home values at $112,600—among the state's most affordable for buyers seeking modest-sized properties.

Echols County welcomes budget-conscious relocators

If you're seeking small-town living with rental affordability and low entry prices for homeownership, Echols County delivers strong value. The 16.2% rent-to-income ratio is among Georgia's best, and median home values near $113,000 put ownership within reach for many families.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Echols County

via IncomeByCounty

Echols County trails national income

Echols County's median household income of $61,723 falls $13,032 short of the U.S. median of $74,755, indicating moderate economic challenge. The county performs better than many rural peers but still lags the national average by roughly 17%.

Slightly above Georgia average

Echols County's $61,723 median exceeds Georgia's state average of $60,488 by $1,235. This modest advantage positions the county slightly above the middle tier of Georgia counties.

Strongest earners in rural southeast group

Echols County leads its rural Georgia peers with the highest median household income among the counties profiled here. The $61,723 figure outpaces Emanuel County ($50,053), Early County ($53,750), and Evans County ($53,908), reflecting a relatively stronger economic base.

Reasonable housing costs ease financial pressure

Echols County residents allocate just 16.2% of income to rent, the lowest ratio in this rural group, freeing up resources for other priorities. A median home value of $112,600 and this favorable rent burden suggest residents can manage basic housing costs while building savings.

Leverage affordability to invest

Echols County's low housing burden creates an opportunity: residents can direct savings toward retirement accounts and long-term investments. With $61,723 median income and minimal housing stress, households here should prioritize employer 401(k) matches and IRAs to accelerate wealth growth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Echols County

via CrimeByCounty

Echols County Reports Exceptional Safety Scores

Echols County maintains a total crime rate of just 108.0 per 100K, far below the national average of 2,385.5. This contributes to a nearly perfect safety score of 99.8 out of 100.

Leading the State in Reported Safety

The county's safety score of 99.8 outperforms the Georgia average of 97.8 by a significant margin. Its total crime rate of 108.0 is a fraction of the statewide average of 1412.9 per 100K.

Safety Profile Compared to Regional Peers

Echols County reports much lower crime activity than neighbors like Evans or Emanuel counties. However, because a single agency handles all reporting, residents should interpret these extremely low numbers with caution.

Minimal Crime Across All Categories

Violent and property crime rates are identical at 54.0 per 100K each, representing just a handful of incidents. Both metrics are over 85% lower than national and state averages.

Maintaining Low Crime in Echols County

While reported crime is exceptionally low, basic security measures like locking doors and windows remain essential. Community awareness and reporting suspicious behavior to the local sheriff help maintain this high safety standard.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Echols County

via HealthByCounty

Echols County outperforms U.S. health

At 76.8 years, Echols County's life expectancy exceeds the U.S. average of 75.5 years by 1.3 years, placing it among healthier American counties. With a 21.5% poor or fair health rate, the county performs better than the national average, though localized data on provider supply remains limited.

Georgia's healthiest counties

Echols County's 76.8-year life expectancy ranks 3.5 years above Georgia's state average of 73.3 years, positioning it in the upper echelon of the state's health outcomes. The 21.5% poor health rate also sits below the state norm.

Regional health leader

Echols County's 76.8-year life expectancy outpaces neighboring Early County (69.7 years) and Emanuel County (70.1 years) by significant margins. The county's 21.5% poor health rate also stands notably better than most regional peers.

Access data gap masks local reality

Primary care and mental health provider data for Echols County is currently unavailable, making it difficult to fully assess healthcare infrastructure. However, the strong life expectancy and low poor health rate suggest residents maintain reasonable access to medical services despite limited public reporting.

Maintain coverage, sustain success

With a 19.1% uninsured rate—slightly above Georgia's 15.0% average—Echols County residents should ensure continuous health insurance coverage. Staying insured helps protect gains in health outcomes and ensures access to preventive care.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Echols County

via SchoolsByCounty

Small-Scale Education in Rural Echols

Echols County features one of the smallest school footprints in the state, with only two public schools serving a total of 891 students. This single-district system focuses its resources on a simplified elementary/middle and high school structure.

Exceptional Graduation Rates in South Georgia

Echols County boasts a high 95.0% graduation rate, significantly outpacing both the state average of 88.1% and the national average of 87.0%. Despite a lower per-pupil expenditure of $6,972, the county achieves a school score of 56.1, surpassing the state median.

Unified District Management

The Echols County School District oversees both local campuses, maintaining a direct and localized approach to education for its 891 students. The county does not host any charter schools, relying entirely on its traditional rural institutions.

The Heart of a Rural Learning Community

With an average school size of 446 students, Echols provides a deeply personal rural educational experience. Echols County Elementary/Middle School is the primary hub with 638 students, while the High School serves just 253 students.

Discover Rural Living Near High-Performing Schools

For families seeking a quiet, rural lifestyle without sacrificing academic results, Echols County presents a compelling case with its high graduation rates. Consider the local housing market to secure a place in this small but successful school community.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Echols County

via RiskByCounty

Echols County: Georgia's safest county

Echols County scores just 0.54 on the composite risk scale, making it one of the lowest-risk counties in the entire United States and dramatically below Georgia's average of 39.49. This "Very Low" rating reflects minimal exposure to earthquakes, tornadoes, and floods that threaten other regions.

Lowest disaster risk in Georgia

Echols County ranks as the safest county in Georgia for natural disaster exposure, with a composite score more than 70 points below the state average. Its minimal risk across most hazard categories makes it an exceptional outlier within the state.

Far safer than surrounding counties

Echols County's 0.54 score is dramatically lower than nearby Clinch, Ware, and Lowndes counties, making it a true safe zone in southeastern Georgia. Neighboring Lanier County also benefits from lower risk, but Echols stands distinctly safer.

Hurricane exposure remains elevated despite low overall score

While Echols County scores exceptionally low overall, its hurricane risk of 63.12 reflects coastal-adjacent exposure that residents should not ignore. All other major hazards—flood (1.27), tornado (12.60), and earthquake (13.90)—pose minimal practical threat to the county.

Standard homeowners insurance typically sufficient

Echols County's extremely low disaster risk means standard homeowners policies adequately protect most properties. However, coastal residents within the county should still verify hurricane coverage and consider flood insurance if living in any mapped floodplain.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Soil Quality in Echols County

via SoilByCounty

Bordering the Deep South Lowlands

Echols County resides in hardiness zone 9a, where the climate dictates the soil's potential. Although specific taxonomic orders are not currently mapped here, the region generally shares the acidic characteristics of the South Georgia landscape. Most local soils likely sit below the national median pH of 6.5.

A Mix of Unmapped Sediments

Soil composition data for sand and silt is not currently available for this specific county. Like its neighbors, Echols County likely features a high sand content that provides excellent aeration for root systems. This texture often necessitates frequent irrigation during the peak of the Georgia summer.

Boosting Fertility in Warm Soils

With no specific organic matter data recorded, growers should look to the state average of 1.83% as a baseline. The warm, humid climate here tends to break down organic material quickly, requiring constant replenishment. Adding mulch and cover crops helps stabilize the soil's growing potential.

Drainage Dynamics in Echols

Specific drainage classes are not currently listed for this area, but low-lying topography often influences local hydrology. It is essential to check for standing water after heavy rains before planning any permanent structures. Local knowledge remains the best guide for managing water flow on your property.

Grow Your Own in 9a

The 9a hardiness zone supports a wide variety of perennials and heat-tolerant vegetables. Pecans and blueberries thrive in this region when the soil is managed for acidity and moisture. Embrace the long season and begin your planting journey this year.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Echols County

via LawnByCounty

Overcoming Echols County Lawn Challenges

Echols County earns a lawn difficulty score of 27.2, placing it well below the state average of 35.8. In Hardiness Zone 9a, you face much steeper maintenance hurdles than the typical American homeowner. Success requires a proactive approach to combat the intense southern growing conditions.

Intense Heat Drives Maintenance Needs

With 92 days of extreme heat over 90°F, your grass spends nearly a quarter of the year under temperature stress. Annual precipitation of 53.1 inches is slightly higher than the state average but requires careful timing to combat the high evaporation rates. Mowing heights should be kept higher during these peaks to shade the soil and protect roots.

Building a Foundation from Scratch

Local soil data is limited for Echols County, so we recommend starting with a professional soil analysis. This test identifies if your lawn needs lime to balance pH or specific nutrients to thrive in Zone 9a. Proper preparation is the only way to ensure your turf survives the 92 days of extreme heat.

Navigating Constant Severe Drought

Echols County currently sits under 100% severe drought (D2+) conditions after 28 weeks of drought this past year. To conserve water, prioritize watering high-visibility areas and utilize mulch in landscape beds to retain moisture. Consistent monitoring of local water restrictions is vital during these prolonged dry periods.

Choose Heat-Loving Turf Varieties

In Zone 9a, warm-season grasses like Centipede or Zoysia are the most reliable choices for lasting color. While specific frost dates are unavailable, aim to establish your lawn in the late spring once soil temperatures consistently rise. Despite the difficulty score, the right grass type can create a durable, green landscape.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Echols County's county score?
Echols County, Georgia has a composite county score of 60.9 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 Echols County rank among counties in Georgia?
Echols County ranks #8 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 Echols County, Georgia?
The median annual property tax in Echols County is $1,110, with an effective tax rate of 0.99%. This earns Echols County a tax score of 39/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Echols County?
The median household income in Echols County, Georgia is $61,723 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Echols County earns an income score of 44.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Echols County, Georgia a good place to live?
Echols County scores 60.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #8 in Georgia. The best way to evaluate Echols 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 Echols 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.