CountyScore

Effingham County

Georgia · GA

#114 in Georgia
65.2
County Score

County Report Card

About Effingham County, Georgia

Effingham County Exceeds National Median

Effingham County's composite score of 66.5 outpaces the national median of 50.0, indicating above-average livability compared to most U.S. counties. However, the score sits slightly below Georgia's state average, reflecting a mixed profile.

Slightly Below Georgia Average

With a score of 66.5 versus Georgia's average of 70.9, Effingham County ranks in the middle tier of the state's counties. The gap reflects affordability challenges that offset the county's income strengths.

Higher Incomes Drive Economic Strength

Effingham County leads with a median household income of $85,465 and income score of 39.2, reflecting a more prosperous population than most Georgia counties. The effective tax rate of 0.956% remains competitive, supporting overall financial health.

Housing Costs Rise Sharply

The county's cost score of 66.7 and median home value of $245,300 represent significant increases compared to neighboring counties, making it less affordable overall. Median gross rent of $1,116 monthly also exceeds state norms, straining household budgets despite higher incomes.

Right for Affluent Families

Effingham County suits established professionals and families with above-average incomes seeking suburban growth and opportunity. It works best for those who can absorb higher housing costs in exchange for stronger earning potential.

Score breakdown

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

Tax75.4Cost66.7SafetyComing SoonHealth69.6SchoolsComing SoonIncome39.2Risk40.9WaterComing Soon
🏛75.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠66.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼39.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤69.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡40.9
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 Effingham County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

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Alexander County
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Median income: $43,523
Christian County
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Median income: $59,253
Washington County
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Median income: $75,652

Deep Dives

Effingham County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

ByCounty Network

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Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS — informational only.