countyscore
43.6
County Score
Cost of Living 83.8Disaster Risk 60.2Safety 49.3

County Report Card

About Emanuel County, Georgia

Below the National Median Baseline

Emanuel County's composite score of 43.6 falls short of the national median of 50.0. While it offers significant cost benefits, it trails in categories related to long-term health and public schools.

Trailing the Georgia State Average

At 43.6, the county sits below the Georgia average of 46.7. This reflects a trade-off where lower living costs are coupled with lower investment in social services and infrastructure.

Superior Housing Affordability

Affordability is the county's primary strength, evidenced by a cost score of 83.8 and a median home value of $88,200. It also offers decent protection from natural disasters with a risk score of 60.2.

Significant Health and Water Needs

Healthcare access is a critical concern with a score of just 9.3, the lowest in its profile. The water score is also notably low at 10.7, suggesting a need for infrastructure improvements.

For the Budget-First Resident

Emanuel County is best for individuals who need to maximize their purchasing power, with a median gross rent of only $742. It is a viable option for those who prioritize low-cost housing and can tolerate limited local services.

Score breakdown

Tax40.1Cost83.8Safety49.3Health9.3Schools33.9Income14.6Risk60.2Water10.7Weather33.1
🏛40.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠83.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼14.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡49.3
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤9.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓33.9
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡60.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧10.7
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤33.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨15.1
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱40.6
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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Georgia
37.3
Treutlen County
Georgia
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Johnson County
Georgia
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Jenkins County
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Toombs County
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Laurens County
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Deep Dives

Emanuel County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Emanuel County

via TaxByCounty

Emanuel County offers rock-bottom taxes

Emanuel County's effective tax rate of 0.975% runs well below the national median of 0.927%, and its median annual tax of just $860 ranks among the lowest in America. Homeowners save approximately $1,830 per year compared to the national median of $2,690.

Among Georgia's most affordable

At 0.975%, Emanuel County's effective rate sits slightly above Georgia's state average of 0.898%, but the median tax of $860 is the lowest featured here—less than 57% of the state median of $1,529. This makes Emanuel one of Georgia's tax bargains.

Emanuel anchors the region's affordability

Emanuel County (0.975%, $860) has the lowest median home value at $88,200 and the lowest annual tax bill in this southeast Georgia cluster. Combined with comparable rates in Echols (0.986%) and Elbert (0.983%), the region is among Georgia's most tax-friendly.

Your estimated annual tax bill

On Emanuel County's median home value of $88,200, homeowners pay roughly $860 annually at the 0.975% effective rate. With mortgage and homestead exemptions applied, most residents pay around $737 per year.

Verify your value, even at low rates

Even in Emanuel County's affordable tax environment, overassessments happen and can inflate your modest bill further. Review your property assessment and file an appeal if comparable recent sales suggest your home is valued too high.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Emanuel County

via CostByCounty

Emanuel County: lower rents, lower incomes

Emanuel County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.8% sits just below the national average, but the county achieves this through rock-bottom rents ($742/month) paired with well-below-average incomes ($50,053). Renters here spend less in absolute dollars than typical Americans, though earnings lag significantly behind national norms.

Near Georgia's affordability middle ground

Emanuel County's 17.8% rent-to-income ratio performs slightly better than Georgia's 18.6% state average, offering modest affordability advantages. The county's median rent of $742 sits well below the state median of $927, positioning it as one of Georgia's more budget-friendly rental markets.

Emanuel's budget-friendly positioning

Emanuel County offers the lowest median rent in this regional cohort at $742/month—undercutting Evans County ($720 is lower, but Evans has a stronger rent-to-income ratio at 16.0%). Emanuel's 17.8% ratio ranks mid-pack regionally, competitive with Early County (17.3%) but below the affordability-leader Effingham (15.7%).

Emanuel County housing essentials

Renters pay just $742 monthly on a median household income of $50,053, consuming 17.8% of gross earnings. Homeowners spend $543 per month on owner-occupied housing, with median home values at $88,200—among the state's lowest, making homeownership accessible to lower-income households.

Emanuel County for budget-first relocators

Emanuel County is ideal if affordability is your top priority and you're willing to embrace rural living with fewer urban amenities. The lowest median home value ($88,200) and rents ($742) in this peer group stretch tight budgets furthest, though median household incomes here are also the lowest.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Emanuel County

via IncomeByCounty

Emanuel County lags national income significantly

Emanuel County's median household income of $50,053 trails the U.S. median by $24,702, ranking the county in the lower tier nationally. This 33% gap reflects limited job diversity and economic opportunities compared to more prosperous regions.

Among Georgia's lowest-income counties

Emanuel County ranks well below the Georgia state average of $60,488, with a median household income of $50,053. The $10,435 shortfall places residents in the lower-income bracket across the state.

Most challenged in rural southeast cluster

Emanuel County's $50,053 median is among the lowest in this rural group, slightly above Elbert County ($49,727) but significantly below Echols County ($61,723). Low per capita income of $24,356 also suggests wage constraints across the local economy.

Low home values offset tight incomes

Emanuel County's median home value of $88,200 is the lowest in this comparison, and at 17.8%, the rent-to-income ratio is moderate. However, the combination of very low income and limited housing affordability data suggests residents must carefully budget to cover housing plus other essentials.

Build wealth through disciplined saving

Emanuel County residents should prioritize establishing an emergency fund of $500–$1,000 before investing, given income constraints. Take full advantage of any employer retirement matching and consider free financial literacy resources to maximize the impact of every dollar saved.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Emanuel County

via CrimeByCounty

Emanuel County Beats National Crime Stats

Emanuel County reports 1139.4 crimes per 100K, performing much better than the national average of 2,385.5. Its safety score of 98.2 reflects a high level of community safety.

Safer Than the Average Georgia County

With a safety score of 98.2, Emanuel County ranks above the Georgia average of 97.8. Its total crime rate is about 19% lower than the state average of 1412.9 per 100K.

Data-Driven Safety Across Eight Agencies

Emanuel County utilizes eight reporting agencies, providing more comprehensive data than neighbors like Elbert. Its total crime rate of 1139.4 is slightly lower than that of nearby Evans County.

Understanding the Local Crime Mix

The local property crime rate of 982.2 is far below the national average of 2,015.7. Violent crime is also low at 157.2, less than half the national average of 369.8.

Secure Your Emanuel County Property

Protect your home by joining local neighborhood watch programs and securing all entry points. Eight local law enforcement agencies coordinate efforts to keep the property crime rate under 1000 per 100K.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Emanuel County

via HealthByCounty

Emanuel County well below U.S. health

At 70.1 years, Emanuel County's life expectancy falls 5.4 years short of the U.S. average of 75.5 years, marking one of the nation's lower benchmarks. The 25.7% poor or fair health rate—among the eight counties' highest—nearly triples the national average.

Georgia's struggling health counties

Emanuel County ranks among Georgia's worst-performing counties, with life expectancy 3.2 years below the state average of 73.3 years. The 25.7% poor health rate stands among the highest in the state.

Worst health outcomes in region

Emanuel County's 70.1-year life expectancy significantly underperforms Effingham County (75.0 years) and Fannin County (74.1 years), and ranks near Early County (69.7 years). Its 25.7% poor health rate represents the darkest picture among these eight regional counties.

High uninsured rate limits care

Emanuel County's 16.5% uninsured rate exceeds Georgia's average, leaving a sizable population without coverage for essential care. The county offers 40 primary care providers per 100K and 91 mental health providers per 100K—adequate mental health capacity but tight primary care access.

Coverage changes health trajectories

With 16.5% uninsured and the region's worst health outcomes, Emanuel County residents must prioritize insurance enrollment through Georgia's marketplace or Medicaid. Health insurance enables preventive visits and treatment of chronic disease—essential steps to reverse the county's health decline.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Emanuel County

via SchoolsByCounty

Emanuel County's Regional School Hub

Emanuel County serves 4,059 students across six public schools, providing a complete range of elementary, middle, and high school options. The infrastructure is centered in a single district that serves both town and rural populations.

Navigating Academic Challenges

The county's graduation rate of 84.0% trails the national average of 87.0% and the state average of 88.1%. With a school score of 51.1 and per-pupil spending of $7,334, the county continues to invest near the state average to improve outcomes.

Centralized Enrollment in Emanuel County

The Emanuel County School District oversees the entire student population of 4,059 across six campuses. There are currently no charter schools in the county, leaving all public education to the local district authorities.

Town-Focused Learning Environments

Four of the county's schools are located in town settings, with an average school size of 677 students. Swainsboro Primary is the largest campus, hosting 883 students, while the Emanuel County Institute offers a secondary-focused environment for 596 students.

Find Your Place in Emanuel County

Emanuel County offers a traditional town-centered school experience that serves as a community anchor. If you are researching a move, consider how the local school district's central role in the county can fit your family's needs.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Emanuel County

via RiskByCounty

Emanuel County near national average risk

Emanuel County scores 39.85 on the composite risk scale, sitting just at Georgia's state average of 39.49 and slightly below the national median. This "Very Low" rating reflects balanced exposure to multiple hazards with no single dominant threat.

Middle-of-pack Georgia county

Emanuel County ranks near the middle of Georgia's counties for natural disaster risk, with a composite score essentially matching the state average. The county faces typical Georgia-level exposure to tornadoes, hurricanes, and earthquakes.

Similar risk to nearby communities

Emanuel County's 39.85 score closely mirrors neighboring Johnson and Laurens counties, making it a representative mid-risk Georgia community. It carries notably higher risk than safer Evans County to the south but lower risk than Effingham to the east.

Tornadoes and hurricanes primary concerns

Emanuel County faces a tornado risk of 58.81 and hurricane risk of 84.02, the two hazards most likely to affect residents. Earthquake exposure (72.52) and wildfire risk (52.54) also present seasonal or structural concerns requiring attention.

Prioritize wind coverage and flood insurance

Emanuel County residents should ensure comprehensive wind and hail protection in their homeowners policies given tornado and hurricane exposure. Adding federally backed flood insurance proves prudent given moderate flood risk (34.13), particularly for properties in identified floodplain zones.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Emanuel County

via WeatherByCounty

Drier Inland Subtropical Climate

Emanuel County averages 47.5 inches of precipitation annually, which is lower than many of its humid subtropical peers. This makes it slightly drier than the national median for this climate type.

Below the State Rain Average

With 47.5 inches of rain, Emanuel is significantly drier than the Georgia state average of 51.4 inches. While temperature data is limited, the area typically follows the warm patterns of the coastal plain.

Drier Than Coastal Effingham

Emanuel receives five inches less rain per year than nearby Effingham County. However, it is more likely to see a trace of winter weather, averaging 0.2 inches of snow.

Rare Snow and Warm Cycles

Though seasonal temperatures are not fully recorded, the county sees a 0.2-inch annual snowfall average. This suggests slightly more winter variability than counties closer to the coast.

Focus on Water Conservation

The lower-than-average rainfall of 47.5 inches makes water-efficient landscaping a smart investment. Residents should still prepare for high humidity common to the entire Georgia region.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Emanuel County

via SoilByCounty

Weathered Ultisols of the Plain

Emanuel County features highly weathered Ultisols with an average pH of 5.32. This level is nearly identical to the state average of 5.26 but falls well below the national median of 6.5. These soils require supplemental lime to optimize the availability of essential plant nutrients.

Easy-Working Loamy Sands

The dominant texture is loamy sand, consisting of 79.6% sand and only 8.1% clay. This composition makes the soil exceptionally easy to till and work with hand tools. However, the low clay content means the soil struggles to hold onto water and fertilizers over time.

Modest Organic Reserves

The organic matter content stands at 1.54%, which is lower than the Georgia average of 1.83%. Available water capacity is also below the state benchmark at 0.085 in/in. To improve growing potential, local gardeners should prioritize adding compost and organic amendments.

Well Drained with Slow Infiltration

The soil is categorized as well drained but falls into hydrologic group C. This means that while water moves through the profile well, the soil can have slow infiltration rates when thoroughly saturated. This combination is generally favorable for farming but requires careful management during heavy rains.

Endless Growing in Zone 8b

Hardiness zone 8b provides a long, warm growing season for Emanuel County residents. This soil is particularly well-suited for peanuts, watermelons, and southern peas that enjoy sandy conditions. It is a great time to start your garden and experience the productivity of loamy sand.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Emanuel County

via LawnByCounty

Navigating Above-Average Growing Conditions

Emanuel County enjoys a lawn difficulty score of 40.6, which is notably better than the Georgia state average of 35.8. Situated in Hardiness Zone 8b, you have a solid environment for warm-season turf compared to your neighbors. However, success still requires managing sandy soil and high acidity.

Ideal Rainfall for Healthy Turf

The county receives 47.5 inches of annual precipitation, which falls perfectly within the 30-50 inch ideal range for lawns. While specific heat day data is limited, this rainfall level provides a strong natural baseline for growth. You can likely rely on rainfall more than many other Georgia counties, reducing your irrigation costs.

Managing Well-Drained Loamy Sand

Your soil is predominantly loamy sand with a pH of 5.32, which is more acidic than the preferred 6.0-7.0 range. Because the soil is well-drained but sandy, it loses moisture and nutrients quickly. Regular lime applications and organic matter additions are necessary to keep your lawn thriving and healthy.

Guarding Against Severe Soil Dryness

Emanuel County has seen 29 weeks of drought recently, with 99.6% of the area currently in severe drought (D2+). Sandy soils dry out faster than clay, so your lawn may show signs of stress sooner than those in nearby counties. Implementing a regular watering schedule during dry weeks is essential to protect your turf foundation.

Establish Your Lawn in Zone 8b

Centipede and Zoysia are the top performers in the sandy, well-drained soils of Zone 8b. Since specific frost dates are not available, wait for consistent spring warmth before seeding or laying sod. Your favorable difficulty score suggests that with proper pH management, your lawn can be the envy of the block.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Emanuel County's county score?
Emanuel County, Georgia has a composite county score of 43.6 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 Emanuel County rank among counties in Georgia?
Emanuel County ranks #107 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 Emanuel County, Georgia?
The median annual property tax in Emanuel County is $860, with an effective tax rate of 0.98%. This earns Emanuel County a tax score of 40.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Emanuel County?
The median household income in Emanuel County, Georgia is $50,053 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Emanuel County earns an income score of 14.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Emanuel County, Georgia a good place to live?
Emanuel County scores 43.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #107 in Georgia. The best way to evaluate Emanuel 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 Emanuel County with other counties side by side.

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