43.4
County Score
Water Quality 86Cost of Living 82.2Disaster Risk 78.1

County Report Card

About Evans County, Georgia

Below National Livability Standards

Evans County earns a composite score of 43.4, trailing the national median of 50.0. Its profile is defined by high affordability but significant challenges in healthcare and education.

Behind the Georgia State Average

The county's score of 43.4 is lower than the Georgia average of 46.7. It ranks among the more affordable but less service-rich counties within the state's borders.

Excellent Infrastructure and Value

Evans County maintains a strong water score of 86.0 and an impressive cost score of 82.2. With a median gross rent of $720, it is one of the more affordable locations in the region for renters.

Health and School Disparities

The county faces steep challenges in health (8.2) and school quality (21.3). These scores suggest that residents may have to look outside the county for high-tier medical care or educational opportunities.

Practical Living for Minimalists

Evans County suits people who prioritize utility reliability and extreme affordability. It is an ideal spot for those who work remotely or are retired and want their savings to go further in a low-cost environment.

2040608010035.782.246.78.221.322.778.18632.6Tax35.7Cost82.2Safety46.7Health8.2Schools21.3Income22.7Risk78.1Water86Weather32.643.4/100
This county
National avg
3 above average5 below average

Evans County DNA

Foverall

How Evans County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Evans County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (82.2/100) but notably weak in Health (8.2/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
35.7-16.299999999999997
Cost
82.2+34.2
Safety
46.7-8.299999999999997
Health
8.2-41.8
Schools
21.3-32.7
Income
22.7-28.3
Risk
78.1+31.099999999999994
Water
86+28
Weather
32.6-23.4
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Evans County?

Many homeowners in Evans County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$139,700

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$720/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$139,700/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$28,800/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.6x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $53,908/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Deep Dives

Evans County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Evans County

via TaxByCounty

Evans County above U.S. tax average

Evans County's effective tax rate of 1.032% exceeds the national median of 0.927%, placing it in the upper-middle tier of American counties. At $1,442 annually, median taxes still fall short of the national median of $2,690, saving homeowners roughly $1,248 per year.

Above Georgia's state average

At 1.032%, Evans County ranks above Georgia's state average effective rate of 0.898%, with median taxes of $1,442 exceeding the state median of $1,529. The county sits in the upper third of Georgia's 159 counties for tax burden.

Evans County the regional leader

Evans County (1.032%) carries the highest effective rate in this southeast Georgia cluster, though its median home value of $139,700 remains modest compared to national figures. The county stands alone at the higher end of the regional tax spectrum.

Your estimated annual tax bill

On Evans County's median home value of $139,700, homeowners pay approximately $1,442 annually at the 1.032% effective rate. After accounting for mortgage and homestead exemptions, most residents pay around $1,342 per year.

Check your assessment for errors

Evans County homeowners with higher-rate properties should compare their assessments to recent arm's-length sales in their area. If overvaluation exists, filing an appeal could reduce your already-elevated tax bill and return significant annual savings.

Cost of Living in Evans County

via CostByCounty

Evans County: rents are a bargain

Evans County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.0% beats the national average, with renters dedicating less of their earnings to housing than typical Americans. At just $720/month, Evans offers some of the state's lowest rents, even though median household income ($53,908) trails the national median by 28%.

Among Georgia's most affordable rentals

Evans County's 16.0% rent-to-income ratio performs better than Georgia's 18.6% state average, and its $720 median rent ranks among the state's lowest. The county delivers strong rental affordability relative to the rest of Georgia, making it attractive to budget-conscious renters.

Evans County: regional rent leader

Evans County's $720 median rent is the lowest in this peer group, and its 16.0% rent-to-income ratio ties with Echols County for the best affordability. Combined with solid homeownership costs ($607/month), Evans emerges as the most comprehensively affordable county for both renters and owners in this region.

Evans County: rents and costs

Renters pay $720 monthly on median household income of $53,908, consuming just 16.0% of gross earnings—excellent affordability. Homeowners pay $607 per month on properties valued at $139,700, offering a reasonable entry point for middle-income families seeking to build equity.

Evans County: the value champion

Evans County delivers the best overall housing value in this regional peer group, with the lowest rents ($720) and strong affordability ratios for both renters and owners. If you prioritize lowest-cost renting or balanced homeownership without excessive monthly payments, Evans County deserves your serious consideration.

Income & Jobs in Evans County

via IncomeByCounty

Evans County falls below national income

Evans County's median household income of $53,908 trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by $20,847, placing residents 28% below the national standard. This gap reflects economic challenges typical of rural Georgia communities.

Below Georgia's median income

Evans County's $53,908 median falls short of Georgia's state average of $60,488 by $6,580. The county ranks in the lower-middle tier of Georgia counties by household income.

Middle of rural income spectrum

Evans County's $53,908 median places it in the middle of this rural cluster, above Emanuel ($50,053) and Elbert ($49,727) but below Echols ($61,723). Housing values of $139,700 suggest moderate economic activity and resident stability.

Favorable housing ratio supports stability

Evans County residents allocate just 16.0% of income to rent, one of the better ratios in this rural group, easing housing affordability. A median home value of $139,700 paired with this favorable ratio suggests residents can maintain housing while covering other essential expenses.

Use affordable housing to save more

Evans County's favorable housing costs create an opportunity to direct savings toward long-term goals. Residents should explore employer retirement plans, open individual savings accounts with automatic deposits, and gradually build an emergency fund to strengthen financial security.

Safety in Evans County

via CrimeByCounty

Evans County Offers Secure Living Environment

Evans County features a total crime rate of 1199.0 per 100K, roughly half the national average of 2,385.5. This translates to a strong safety score of 98.1.

Beating State Averages in Evans County

The county's safety score of 98.1 is higher than the Georgia average of 97.8. Its total crime rate of 1199.0 remains below the state average of 1412.9.

Regional Comparisons Show Stable Trends

Evans County reports a total crime rate very similar to Elbert County. It remains significantly safer than Early County, despite having a smaller number of reporting agencies.

Low Violent Crime Defines the Area

Violent crime in Evans County is just 139.4 per 100K, which is 62% lower than the national average. Property crime stands at 1059.6, also far below the national mark of 2,015.7.

Prioritize Prevention in Evans County

With property crime making up the bulk of incidents, residents should secure valuables and install home monitoring. Three local agencies remain active in responding to calls and patrolling residential areas.

Schools in Evans County

via SchoolsByCounty

Evans County's Intimate Educational Setting

Evans County features a small educational landscape of five public schools serving 1,828 students. This includes a mix of primary and secondary campuses, as well as specialized alternative and juvenile justice facilities.

Investment and Graduation Trends

Evans County spends $6,609 per pupil, which is lower than the Georgia state average of $7,405. The graduation rate currently stands at 82.0%, while the composite school score is 48.5, indicating a need for continued focus on academic growth.

Diverse District Management

The Evans County School District manages four of the five local schools, while the Department of Juvenile Justice oversees a regional youth center. No charter schools currently operate within the county's borders.

Small Schools in a Rural Landscape

With an average school size of 366 students, Evans County offers some of the most intimate learning environments in the region. Most schools are rural, ranging from Claxton Elementary with 881 students to specialized programs with fewer than 50 students.

Explore Small-Town Living in Evans County

For families who prefer smaller school sizes and a rural atmosphere, Evans County provides a very manageable educational footprint. Start your home search here to find a community where your student won't get lost in the crowd.

Disaster Risk in Evans County

via RiskByCounty

Evans County: Safest Georgia county

Evans County scores 21.91 on the composite risk scale, making it one of Georgia's lowest-risk counties and well below both the national median and state average of 39.49. This "Very Low" rating reflects minimal exposure to most natural disasters.

Among Georgia's safest communities

Evans County ranks in the bottom tier of Georgia's counties for natural disaster risk, with a composite score 44 percent below the state average. Only a handful of Georgia counties share Evans's exceptionally low risk profile.

Safest county in its region

Evans County's 21.91 score is dramatically lower than neighboring Tattnall, Bulloch, and Candler counties, making it the safest community in its immediate area. Only Echols County statewide matches Evans's exceptional safety.

Hurricane and wildfire secondary concerns

While Evans County scores exceptionally low overall, its hurricane risk of 82.73 remains notable despite the county's general safety profile. Wildfire risk (47.96), earthquake exposure (59.16), and tornado risk (33.72) all present minimal practical threats to residents.

Streamlined insurance typically adequate

Evans County's low disaster risk means most residents can rely on standard homeowners coverage without expensive add-ons. Review policies annually to ensure wind and hail protection against rare severe storms, but comprehensive flood insurance remains unnecessary for most residents.

Water Quality in Evans County

via WaterByCounty

Evans County Drinking Water Passes with Honors

Evans County earns a Grade A for drinking water with zero health violations over the last five years. With a 0.0 violation rate per 100K, it significantly outperforms the statewide average of 152.5. Local water infrastructure is successfully providing safe, compliant water to the community.

High Impairment Levels in Evans County Watersheds

A substantial 77.8% of the county's assessed water bodies are currently listed as impaired. This is far above the Georgia average of 48.4% and is primarily driven by mercury, low dissolved oxygen, and fecal coliform. These 2022 findings indicate that while tap water is safe, local natural waters are in distress.

Moderate Monitoring Support for Evans Water

Two monitoring sites have provided 718 measurements in the last five years, focusing on physical properties and nutrients. This focused monitoring captures the basic health of local streams but leaves room for more comprehensive data collection. These readings are critical for tracking the high levels of watershed impairment.

Canoochee River Flow Almost Stops

The Canoochee River near Claxton is currently recording a discharge of only 2 cfs, just 1% of its long-term mean. This near-total lack of flow is critical for aquatic life and water quality in the Canoochee basin. Such low levels can result in concentrated pollution and high water temperatures.

Navigating Safe Water and Stressed Rivers

While your drinking water meets all standards, local rivers like the Canoochee are under extreme stress. Avoid contact with slow-moving or stagnant water due to the high risk of bacteria and low oxygen levels during this low-flow period. Pay close attention to state fish consumption advisories related to mercury contamination.

Soil Quality in Evans County

via SoilByCounty

A Coastal Plain Identity

Evans County is located in hardiness zone 9a, enjoying a climate that supports growth year-round. While specific taxonomic and pH data are not currently available, local soils typically follow the acidic trend of the region. Most growers will need to test their soil to determine specific lime requirements.

Sandy Foundations for Growth

Specific percentages for sand, silt, and clay are not recorded for this county. Given its location, the soil is likely dominated by sand, which allows for fast drainage and easy root penetration. This workability makes it a friendly environment for beginner gardeners and large-scale farmers alike.

Building Ground Fertility

No specific organic matter data is available, but the state average of 1.83% serves as a useful comparison point. In this warm climate, available water capacity is often a limiting factor for plant health. Regularly incorporating organic material will help your soil hold moisture through the summer heat.

Understanding Local Water Movement

There is currently no data on the dominant drainage class or hydrologic group for Evans County. It is important to observe how your land responds to Georgia's intense summer thunderstorms to understand its drainage needs. Local extension offices can provide guidance on managing the water table for your specific acreage.

Long Seasons in Zone 9a

The 9a hardiness zone allows you to grow a wide array of vegetables, herbs, and ornamental plants. Onions, particularly the famous Vidalia varieties nearby, thrive in these sandy conditions. Put some seeds in the ground and enjoy the advantages of this long Southern growing season.

Lawn Care in Evans County

via LawnByCounty

Coastal Plain Lawn Care Challenges

Evans County sits in Hardiness Zone 9a, a region known for long, hot growing seasons that test even the hardiest grasses. While a specific difficulty score is currently unavailable, nearby counties suggest a challenging environment compared to national averages. Success here depends on selecting the right warm-season species and managing water carefully.

Preparing for a Long Growing Season

Specific climate data for Evans County is limited, but Zone 9a typically experiences high humidity and significant summer heat. You likely face a growing season that lasts most of the year, requiring more frequent mowing and fertilization than northern counties. Monitoring local weather stations for rainfall totals will help you stay ahead of irrigation needs.

Start with a Soil Health Check

Local soil metrics are not currently on file, so we recommend a professional test to reveal your yard's pH and texture. Most soil in this region tends to be sandy and acidic, which can starve grass of vital nutrients. Correcting these issues early will make your long-term maintenance much easier and more effective.

Evans County Faces Extreme Dry Spells

The county has spent 33 weeks in drought over the last year, and 100% of the area is currently experiencing severe drought (D2+). This is one of the highest drought durations in the region, making water conservation your top priority. Use smart controllers or rain sensors to ensure you only water when your lawn truly needs it.

Planting Success in Zone 9a

St. Augustine and Bermuda grass are the gold standards for the heat and humidity of Zone 9a. Because frost dates are not specifically tracked here, look for the end of the spring cool-down before beginning new turf projects. Despite the environmental hurdles, these hardy varieties can produce a beautiful, resilient lawn.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Evans County's county score?
Evans County, Georgia has a composite county score of 43.4 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 Evans County rank among counties in Georgia?
Evans County ranks #110 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 Evans County, Georgia?
The median annual property tax in Evans County is $1,442, with an effective tax rate of 1.03%. This earns Evans County a tax score of 35.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Evans County?
The median household income in Evans County, Georgia is $53,908 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Evans County earns an income score of 22.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Evans County, Georgia a good place to live?
Evans County scores 43.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #110 in Georgia. The best way to evaluate Evans 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 Evans County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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