countyscore
49
County Score
Income & Jobs 88.9Water Quality 86Safety 73.1

County Report Card

About Effingham County, Georgia

Hovering Near the National Median

Effingham County earns a composite score of 49.0, placing it just slightly below the national median of 50.0. It offers a balanced profile that combines high earning potential with average national performance in other sectors.

Beating the Georgia State Average

At 49.0, Effingham County performs better than the Georgia average of 46.7. This competitive standing is largely due to its robust economic metrics and reliable public utilities.

High Incomes and Reliable Infrastructure

The county excels with an income score of 88.9, supported by a strong median household income of $85,465. It also maintains high-quality utilities, earning a water score of 86.0.

Rising Costs and Tax Pressures

Affordability is a major challenge, as seen in a cost score of 15.4 and median home values of $245,300. Residents also face a tax score of 41.3, reflecting the higher costs of maintaining a growing suburban area.

A Suburban Hub for Professionals

Effingham County is best suited for working professionals and families who prioritize high income and safety over low housing costs. It offers a stable environment for those established in their careers.

Score breakdown

Tax41.3Cost15.4Safety73.1Health53.9Schools48.7Income88.9Risk40.9Water86Weather35.2
🏛41.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠15.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼88.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡73.1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤53.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓48.7
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡40.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤35.2
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨28.7
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱23.9
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

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34.6
Bulloch County
Georgia
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Hampton County
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39.2
Bryan County
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Screven County
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Deep Dives

Effingham County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Effingham County

via TaxByCounty

Effingham taxes nearly match the nation

Effingham County's effective tax rate of 0.956% sits just above the national median of 0.927%, placing it at roughly the 55th percentile nationwide. Annual taxes of $2,344 come in closer to the national median of $2,690 than most Georgia counties, just $346 below.

Above Georgia's average rate

At 0.956%, Effingham County's effective rate exceeds Georgia's state average of 0.898%, and median taxes of $2,344 significantly outpace the state median of $1,529. The county ranks among the higher-tax counties in Georgia, though still moderate nationally.

Effingham leads the local pack

Effingham County (0.956%, $2,344) carries a substantially higher tax burden than surrounding areas like Early County (0.822%, $1,069) and Echols County (0.986%, $1,110). Higher median home values of $245,300 drive both the rate and the regional leadership position.

Your estimated annual tax bill

On Effingham County's median home value of $245,300, homeowners pay approximately $2,344 annually at the 0.956% effective rate. With mortgage and homestead deductions, most households see that reduced to around $1,949 per year.

Review your assessment before paying more

Effingham County homeowners with higher-value properties should verify their assessments, as overvaluation mistakes tend to be steeper on pricier homes. Filing an appeal with supporting comparable sales data could recoup hundreds or thousands in overpaid taxes.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Effingham County

via CostByCounty

Effingham County: prosperity meets affordability

Effingham County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.7% ranks among the nation's most affordable, a rare achievement given the county's median household income of $85,465—13% above the national average. Higher incomes combined with reasonable rents ($1,116/month) mean housing consumes a smaller slice of earnings than in typical U.S. counties.

Georgia's housing affordability leader

With a rent-to-income ratio of 15.7%, Effingham County significantly outperforms Georgia's 18.6% state average, offering one of the best affordability profiles in the state. The county's higher median household income and managed rent levels create an exceptional value proposition for Georgia families.

Effingham leads the regional pack

Effingham's 15.7% rent-to-income ratio tops surrounding counties—Early (17.3%), Evans (16.0%), and Emanuel (17.8%) all rank higher. The county's $1,116 rent is higher in absolute dollars but paired with the region's strongest median income ($85,465), making it the most balanced market here.

Effingham County's housing numbers

Renters pay $1,116 monthly on median household income of $85,465, dedicating just 15.7% to rent—the lowest burden among peer counties. Homeowners face $1,406 in monthly costs, with median home values at $245,300, reflecting a county where higher incomes support more expensive properties.

Effingham: for upwardly mobile relocators

Effingham County attracts professionals and families seeking suburban comfort without the affordability squeeze—strong incomes and reasonable rent-to-income ratios mean you can save or invest. If your household income exceeds $80,000, Effingham delivers the best housing value in this region of Georgia.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Effingham County

via IncomeByCounty

Effingham County earns above national median

Effingham County's median household income of $85,465 exceeds the U.S. median of $74,755 by $10,710, placing residents in the upper-income tier nationally. This 14% advantage reflects strong economic activity and employment opportunities in the county.

Georgia's income leaders

Effingham County ranks among Georgia's highest-earning counties with a median of $85,465, well above the state average of $60,488. The $24,977 premium demonstrates the county's robust economic base compared to most of the state.

Significantly outpaces surrounding rural areas

Effingham County's $85,465 median far exceeds nearby rural counties like Elbert ($49,727), Emanuel ($50,053), and Echols ($61,723). The county's economic strength likely reflects proximity to metropolitan areas and diverse employment sectors.

Income supports higher home values

Effingham County's median home value of $245,300 is significantly higher than rural peers, yet the 15.7% rent-to-income ratio remains manageable. The strong median income comfortably supports homeownership and provides cushion for household expenses and savings.

Accelerate wealth building with higher earnings

Effingham County residents with above-national-average incomes are well-positioned to invest aggressively in retirement and wealth-building vehicles. Consider maximizing 401(k) contributions, exploring real estate investment beyond primary residence, and consulting a financial advisor about diversifying into stocks and bonds.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Effingham County

via CrimeByCounty

Effingham County Outshines National Safety Trends

With a total crime rate of 640.0 per 100K, Effingham County is nearly four times safer than the national average of 2,385.5. The county boasts a high safety score of 99.0.

A Top Performer in Georgia Safety

Effingham's safety score of 99.0 comfortably exceeds the Georgia average of 97.8. Its total crime rate remains less than half of the statewide average of 1412.9 per 100K.

A Strong Shield Against Local Crime

Effingham County is significantly safer than Early County, reporting about 70% less crime per capita. It maintains a consistent reputation for safety among its four reporting agencies.

Property Crime Dominates Local Reports

Property crime accounts for 565.0 incidents per 100K, while violent crime remains very low at just 75.0. Both categories fall well below the national benchmarks of 2,015.7 and 369.8 respectively.

Smart Security for Effingham Residents

Property theft represents the primary concern, making alarm systems and secure entry points a smart investment. Four local agencies work together to keep these rates among the lowest in the state.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Effingham County

via HealthByCounty

Effingham County meets U.S. health

At 75.0 years, Effingham County's life expectancy aligns closely with the U.S. average of 75.5 years, marking solid national standing. The county's 16.1% poor or fair health rate sits well below the national average, indicating stronger-than-typical preventive health management.

Above-average health outcomes in Georgia

Effingham County's 75.0-year life expectancy ranks 1.7 years above Georgia's state average of 73.3 years, placing it in the healthier half of the state's counties. The 16.1% poor health rate also beats Georgia's typical county profile.

Outpacing struggling regional counties

Effingham County's 75.0-year life expectancy exceeds Early County (69.7 years) and Emanuel County (70.1 years) by over 4 years. Its 16.1% poor health rate also stands significantly better than regional counterparts like Evans County at 27.1%.

Strong coverage, adequate provider access

Effingham County boasts the lowest uninsured rate among these eight counties at 10.7%—well below Georgia's 15.0% average—enabling broad healthcare access. With 23 primary care providers and 63 mental health providers per 100K residents, the county maintains a solid care infrastructure.

Lead by example with insurance

Effingham County's 10.7% uninsured rate shows what community-wide coverage looks like; residents without insurance should follow neighbors' lead and enroll today. Health insurance ensures you catch health problems early and avoid costly emergency visits.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Effingham County

via SchoolsByCounty

Expansive School Infrastructure in Effingham

Effingham County supports a robust educational network of 13 public schools serving over 14,000 students. The infrastructure includes eight elementary schools, three middle schools, and two large high schools managed by a single district.

Strong Graduation Success on a Lean Budget

The county maintains an impressive 91.0% graduation rate, which is four points higher than the national average. Effingham achieves a school score of 54.1 even while spending $7,038 per pupil, a figure lower than the Georgia state average of $7,405.

A Large, Centralized District

The Effingham County School District is the sole provider for the area's 14,047 students across 13 campuses. There are no charter schools in the county, meaning the district manages 100% of the local public enrollment.

Large Campuses in a Rural Setting

The average school size is quite high at 1,081 students, with 12 of the 13 schools located in rural locales. Effingham County High School is the largest campus with 2,108 students, reflecting the area's significant suburban-rural growth.

Relocate to Effingham's Growing School System

Families are increasingly drawn to Effingham County for its balance of rural character and high-capacity schools. Research homes in the area to join a community where graduation rates consistently exceed state and national benchmarks.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Effingham County

via RiskByCounty

Effingham County: Above-average national risk

Effingham County scores 59.10 on the composite risk scale, placing it well above the national median and significantly above Georgia's average of 39.49. Its "Relatively Low" rating masks substantial exposure to multiple hazards, particularly hurricanes, earthquakes, and wildfires.

Higher-risk county in Georgia

Effingham County ranks in the upper third of Georgia's counties for natural disaster risk, with a composite score 50 percent higher than the state average. The county faces elevated exposure across nearly all hazard categories, making it one of Georgia's riskier communities.

Riskiest in its regional cluster

Effingham County's 59.10 score far exceeds neighboring Bryan, Screven, and Bulloch counties, making it the highest-risk community in its immediate region. Only Fannin and Fayette counties statewide carry comparable overall risk levels.

Hurricanes, earthquakes, and wildfires dominate

Effingham County faces a hurricane risk of 90.74, earthquake risk of 74.24, and wildfire risk of 72.30—three serious hazards affecting the county. Flooding (51.81) and tornadoes (46.95) also pose meaningful risks, particularly during storm seasons.

Comprehensive coverage essential for all hazards

Effingham County residents need robust homeowners policies covering wind, hail, and structural damage, plus separate flood insurance given moderate flood risk. Consider earthquake coverage if living near mapped fault zones or discussing wildfire risk mitigation with your insurance agent.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Effingham County

via WeatherByCounty

A High-Precipitation Coastal Climate

Effingham County receives 52.8 inches of annual precipitation, which is higher than the national median and the Georgia state average. While temperature data is limited, the rainfall profile suggests a lush, humid environment.

One of Georgia’s Wettest Spots

The county exceeds the state average rainfall of 51.4 inches by nearly an inch and a half. Its proximity to the coast influences this higher-than-average moisture level.

Wetter Than Inland Neighbors

Effingham is significantly wetter than Emanuel County, which receives only 47.5 inches of rain. It shares a lack of snow with most of its neighbors, recording a 0.0-inch average.

Wet Winters and Snowless Years

Snow is a rarity here, with the county averaging 0.0 inches annually. While specific seasonal temperature records are sparse, the rainfall is distributed throughout the year.

Maintain Your Drainage Systems

Given the 52.8 inches of rain, residents should ensure gutters and drainage systems are always clear. Humidity-resistant building materials are a wise choice for this moisture-rich environment.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Effingham County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Entisols Near the Coast

Effingham County's soil belongs to the Entisol order, characterized by its relatively young developmental stage. The average pH is a very acidic 4.89, significantly lower than the national median of 6.5 and the Georgia state average of 5.26. This acidity requires careful lime management for most traditional agriculture.

Dominated by Coastal Sands

The soil is overwhelmingly sandy, comprising 78.6% of its profile, with only 7.6% clay and 9.5% silt. This high sand content ensures excellent workability but limits the soil's natural ability to hold onto nutrients. Growers must manage fertilization carefully to prevent leaching through the porous structure.

Impressive Organic Reserves

Despite its sandy nature, Effingham boasts a high organic matter content of 5.74%, which is triple the state average of 1.83%. The available water capacity (AWC) is 0.109 in/in, slightly below the state average of 0.114. This high organic matter provides a critical buffer for nutrient retention and moisture.

Rapid Drainage Challenges

As an Entisol-dominated landscape, the county generally experiences rapid drainage through its sandy layers. While specific drainage classes are not mapped, the high sand percentage suggests a need for consistent irrigation during dry spells. Builders benefit from the stability of sand, though it offers little filtration for runoff.

Thriving in the 9a Zone

Hardiness zone 9a allows for a diverse range of crops, including citrus and heat-loving summer annuals. The high organic matter makes this soil surprisingly productive if you manage the sharp acidity with regular testing. Grab a shovel and start your garden in this unique coastal soil today.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Effingham County

via LawnByCounty

Steep Challenges in Effingham Lawns

Effingham County scores a 23.9 on our lawn difficulty scale, significantly lower than the Georgia state average of 35.8. Located in Hardiness Zone 9a, your lawn faces tough environmental pressures that demand specific care strategies. Homeowners here must overcome acidic soil and drought to find success.

Abundant Rain but Extreme Conditions

The county receives 52.8 inches of rain annually, which sits just above the ideal range for healthy turf. While temperature-specific averages are limited, the local climate typically requires robust water management to handle both wet and dry cycles. Proper drainage is essential to prevent root rot during peak rainfall months.

Correcting Highly Acidic Sandy Soil

With a pH of 4.89 and 78.6% sand content, your soil is significantly more acidic than the ideal 6.0-7.0 range. Lawns here require significant lime applications to neutralize the acidity and improve nutrient uptake for the grass. The high sand content also means nutrients leach away quickly, requiring more frequent, light fertilization.

Surviving Record-Length Droughts

Effingham has spent 31 weeks in drought over the last year, with 100% of the county currently in severe drought (D2+). Because your sandy soil drains rapidly, your lawn is especially vulnerable to these dry spells. Using organic compost can help improve soil water retention and give your grass a fighting chance.

Targeted Planting for Coastal Georgia

Warm-season grasses like Bermuda or Bahiagrass thrive in the 9a hardiness zone and tolerate sandy conditions. Plan your seeding or sodding for the late spring to take advantage of the warming soil and long growing season. Despite the low difficulty score, managing your pH can lead to a surprisingly lush lawn.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Effingham County's county score?
Effingham County, Georgia has a composite county score of 49 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 Effingham County rank among counties in Georgia?
Effingham County ranks #65 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 Effingham County, Georgia?
The median annual property tax in Effingham County is $2,344, with an effective tax rate of 0.96%. This earns Effingham County a tax score of 41.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Effingham County?
The median household income in Effingham County, Georgia is $85,465 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Effingham County earns an income score of 88.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Effingham County, Georgia a good place to live?
Effingham County scores 49/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #65 in Georgia. The best way to evaluate Effingham 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 Effingham County with other counties side by side.

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🏛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.