countyscore
60.1
County Score
Property Tax 96.2Water Quality 86Schools 79.9

County Report Card

About Fannin County, Georgia

Exceeding National Livability Benchmarks

Fannin County scores an impressive 60.1, placing it well above the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a high-quality lifestyle that stands out even on a national scale.

A Premier Location in Georgia

Far surpassing the Georgia average of 46.7, Fannin County is one of the state's top-performing areas. Its combination of low taxes and strong schools makes it a highly competitive destination.

Elite Tax Benefits and Schools

The county features a remarkable tax score of 96.2, driven by a very low effective tax rate of 0.349%. Education is also a major draw, with a school score of 79.9 that ranks among the state's best.

Healthcare and Income Barriers

Despite its overall success, the county has a health score of 29.0 and an income score of 33.0. These figures suggest that while the lifestyle is high-quality, local high-paying jobs and medical facilities are less abundant.

A Top Choice for Families and Retirees

Fannin County is a dream for those who value low taxes and excellent schools above all else. It is especially attractive to retirees and families who have external income sources but want a high quality of life.

Score breakdown

Tax96.2Cost50.2Safety54.9Health29Schools79.9Income33Risk43.5Water86Weather79.1
🏛96.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠50.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼33
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡54.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤29
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓79.9
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡43.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤79.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱49.2
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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Deep Dives

Fannin County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Fannin County

via TaxByCounty

Fannin County: exceptionally low tax rates

Fannin County's effective tax rate of 0.349% ranks among the lowest in the entire nation, far below the national median of 0.927%. Even at $959 annually, Fannin homeowners pay only about 36% of the national median tax of $2,690.

Georgia's most tax-friendly county

At 0.349%, Fannin County's effective rate is less than half of Georgia's state average of 0.898%, making it by far the most affordable among the counties profiled here. With median taxes of $959, Fannin residents enjoy the state's lowest property tax burden.

Fannin stands alone in affordability

Fannin County (0.349%) operates at a dramatically lower rate than all regional neighbors, including Early County (0.822%) and Evans County (1.032%). Despite having the highest median home value at $274,600, Fannin residents pay the lowest taxes—a unique advantage.

Your estimated annual tax bill

On Fannin County's median home value of $274,600, homeowners pay just $959 annually at the remarkably low 0.349% effective rate. With mortgage and homestead exemptions factored in, most residents pay approximately $743 per year.

Fannin: verify your exceptional rate

Fannin County residents benefit from exceptionally low rates but should still verify their assessments annually to ensure accuracy. Even small overvaluations on higher-priced homes can inflate your already-minimal tax obligation.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Fannin County

via CostByCounty

Fannin County: modest incomes, steeper rents

Fannin County's rent-to-income ratio of 18.1% slightly exceeds the national average, driven by modest median household income ($58,073) paired with higher rents ($876/month) than many rural peers. Renters here face a tighter squeeze than typical Americans, particularly relative to the county's below-average earnings.

Slightly below Georgia's affordability average

Fannin County's 18.1% rent-to-income ratio sits just below Georgia's 18.6% state average, placing it near the state median for housing affordability. The $876 median rent moderately exceeds Georgia's state average of $927, reflecting a county with balanced but not exceptional rental conditions.

Fannin: mid-range regional position

Fannin County's 18.1% rent-to-income ratio ranks mid-pack among southeastern peers—better than Elbert (20.5%) but worse than Evans (16.0%) and Effingham (15.7%). The $876 rent is higher than nearby rural counties, though the county compensates with moderate homeownership costs ($802/month).

Fannin County housing landscape

Renters pay $876 monthly on median household income of $58,073, dedicating 18.1% to housing. Homeowners spend $802 per month on median-valued properties at $274,600—notably higher than rural peers, reflecting Fannin's mountain location and desirability among lifestyle relocators.

Fannin County for mountain-seeking homeowners

Fannin County appeals to relocators prioritizing scenic mountain living and homeownership over minimal rents; the median home value of $274,600 attracts those willing to invest more for lifestyle. Renters face tighter affordability (18.1% ratio), so Fannin is best suited for owner-occupants or well-heeled remote workers.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Fannin County

via IncomeByCounty

Fannin County below national median

Fannin County's median household income of $58,073 falls $16,682 short of the U.S. median of $74,755, placing the county about 22% below the national average. Despite this gap, the county's per capita income of $38,719 suggests some wealth concentration among higher earners.

Near Georgia's state average

Fannin County's median household income of $58,073 is close to Georgia's state average of $60,488, trailing by just $2,415. The county ranks near the state median tier.

High home values, moderate household income

Fannin County's median household income of $58,073 is above most rural peers like Elbert ($49,727) and Emanuel ($50,053), yet the median home value of $274,600 is notably high. This mismatch suggests strong non-local investment or seasonal residents pushing property values beyond local wage levels.

Housing costs elevated relative to income

At 18.1%, Fannin County's rent-to-income ratio is among the highest profiled, and the median home value of $274,600 creates significant purchasing power requirements. Residents must carefully evaluate affordability before committing to homeownership at these price points.

Plan strategically for home and retirement

Fannin County residents should balance housing decisions with retirement savings, given elevated property costs. Work with a financial advisor to ensure home purchases don't crowd out 401(k) contributions or emergency funds—wealth building requires both property and diversified investments.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Fannin County

via CrimeByCounty

Fannin County Ranks Highly for Safety

Fannin County reports a total crime rate of 1026.1 per 100K, much lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This results in an impressive safety score of 98.4.

A Safety Leader in North Georgia

Fannin County's safety score of 98.4 outperforms the Georgia average of 97.8. The total crime rate is approximately 27% lower than the statewide average of 1412.9 per 100K.

Stronger Safety than Regional Neighbors

Fannin County is safer than Fayette and Evans counties based on total crime rates. It maintains a peaceful environment with only three reporting agencies tracking incidents.

Analyzing Property vs Violent Crime

Property crime occurs at a rate of 861.0, while violent crime is 165.1 per 100K. Both measures are significantly lower than national averages, indicating a low risk for most residents.

Keep Fannin County Homes Secure

Residents are encouraged to use smart home security and stay connected with neighbors to prevent property theft. Maintaining visibility around your property helps sustain the county's low property crime rate of 861.0.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Fannin County

via HealthByCounty

Fannin County meets national health

At 74.1 years, Fannin County's life expectancy approaches the U.S. average of 75.5 years, marking solid national standing despite being slightly behind. The 20.1% poor or fair health rate sits below the national average, indicating better-than-typical health management.

Above-average Georgia health outcomes

Fannin County's 74.1-year life expectancy exceeds Georgia's state average of 73.3 years by 0.8 years, placing it in the healthier half of state counties. The 20.1% poor health rate also beats Georgia's typical county profile.

Regional health outperformer

Fannin County's 74.1-year life expectancy substantially exceeds struggling peers like Early County (69.7 years), Emanuel County (70.1 years), and Evans County (70.7 years). Its 20.1% poor health rate ranks second-best among these eight counties, behind only Fayette County.

Strong provider access supports outcomes

Fannin County leads with 62 primary care providers per 100K—one of the highest concentrations—while strong mental health capacity at 89 providers per 100K ensures comprehensive care. At 17.8% uninsured, the county exceeds Georgia's average but maintains better health outcomes than comparable uninsured rates elsewhere.

Sustain health with coverage

While Fannin County shows strong health outcomes, its 17.8% uninsured rate should be addressed to maintain gains; uninsured residents should explore Georgia's marketplace options. Continuous coverage ensures you sustain the preventive care and provider access that Fannin residents benefit from today.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Fannin County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Rural Educational Network in Fannin

Fannin County operates five public schools serving a total of 2,799 students. This high-performing rural system includes three elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school, all under a single district.

Leading the State in Academic Success

Fannin County boasts a stellar 95.0% graduation rate, far exceeding the state and national averages. With a school score of 59.5 and per-pupil spending of $8,556, the county effectively translates high investment into top-tier results.

A Unified, High-Achieving District

The Fannin County School District manages all 2,799 students in the area without the presence of charter schools. This centralized approach allows for a consistent academic standard across all five rural campuses.

The Essence of Rural Education

All five schools in Fannin County are situated in rural locales, maintaining an average size of 560 students. Fannin County High School is the largest with 900 students, while the elementary schools provide smaller, 400-student environments.

Invest in a High-Performing Rural Lifestyle

Fannin County is a premier choice for families seeking excellent public schools in a beautiful rural setting. With some of the best graduation rates in Georgia, finding a home here is an investment in your children's future.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Fannin County

via RiskByCounty

Fannin County: Above-average national risk

Fannin County scores 56.49 on the composite risk scale, placing it well above the national median and significantly above Georgia's average of 39.49. This "Relatively Low" rating reflects substantial exposure to floods, wildfires, tornadoes, and earthquakes.

Higher-risk county in Georgia

Fannin County ranks in the upper third of Georgia's counties for natural disaster risk, with a composite score 43 percent higher than the state average. The county faces elevated exposure across nearly all hazard categories, placing it among Georgia's riskier communities.

Riskiest in northern Georgia

Fannin County's 56.49 score exceeds neighboring Union, Lumpkin, and Dawson counties, making it one of the higher-risk communities in North Georgia. Only Fayette County statewide carries comparable overall risk levels.

Wildfires, floods, and tornadoes converge

Fannin County faces wildfire risk of 76.27, flood risk of 66.09, and tornado risk of 63.90—three serious hazards affecting mountain and valley communities. Earthquake exposure (72.36) also poses meaningful structural risk to homes and infrastructure.

Comprehensive protection across multiple hazards

Fannin County residents need robust homeowners policies covering wind, hail, and flood damage; flood insurance is essential given the county's elevated flooding risk. Consider wildfire defensibility around your property and discuss earthquake coverage if living in mapped seismic zones.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Soil Quality in Fannin County

via SoilByCounty

Mountain Soils of the Blue Ridge

Fannin County sits in the cooler 7b hardiness zone, distinctly different from the coastal plains. While detailed taxonomic data is currently limited, the mountain environment often produces rocky, acidic soils. This provides a unique growing environment compared to the rest of the state.

Complex Mountain Textures

Local composition data for sand and clay is not available for Fannin County. Typically, Blue Ridge soils feature a mix of weathered rock and silt that offers better nutrient retention than sandy coastal soils. However, the presence of stones can make the soil more challenging to work.

Higher Potential in Cooler Climates

With no specific organic matter data recorded, the state average of 1.83% provides a baseline. The cooler temperatures in the mountains often lead to slower decomposition, potentially resulting in higher natural organic levels. This can translate to excellent growing potential for a variety of specialty crops.

Managing Runoff and Slope

Specific drainage classes are not currently listed for Fannin County. In this mountainous terrain, drainage is heavily influenced by slope and the presence of underlying bedrock. It is essential to manage erosion and runoff when gardening or building on these inclined landscapes.

Cooler Harvests in Zone 7b

Fannin County's 7b zone is perfect for apples, berries, and cool-season vegetables like kale and broccoli. The shorter growing season is offset by the ability to grow crops that struggle in the heat of South Georgia. Start your mountain garden today and enjoy a different side of Georgia's agriculture.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Fannin County

via LawnByCounty

Fannin County's Favorable Mountain Climate

Fannin County is a high performer with a lawn difficulty score of 49.2, nearly reaching the national average of 50.0. This makes it significantly easier to maintain a lawn here than in the rest of Georgia, where the average score is 35.8. Your location in Hardiness Zone 7b offers a much cooler environment for turf.

Cool Summers and Heavy Rainfall

You only face 8 extreme heat days per year, a massive advantage compared to the state average of 65 days. Annual precipitation is a generous 60.3 inches, well above the national ideal of 30-50 inches. This means your primary challenge is managing excess moisture and ensuring your soil has proper drainage.

Monitor Your Mountain Soil Needs

Specific soil metrics for Fannin County are unavailable, so a local soil test is your best guide for amendments. Given the high annual rainfall, nutrients can wash out of the soil more quickly than in drier regions. A test will confirm if you need to add lime to counteract potential acidity caused by heavy precipitation.

Navigating Severe Drought Periods

Even with high rainfall, 100% of Fannin County is currently in severe drought (D2+), with 25 weeks of drought over the past year. During these dry intervals, focus on keeping your soil healthy to maximize water absorption when the rain returns. Mulching and reducing foot traffic can help protect stressed grass blades.

Versatile Grass Options for Zone 7b

Zone 7b allows you to grow either cool-season grasses like Tall Fescue or hardy warm-season varieties like Zoysia. Because local frost dates vary in the mountains, wait for stable spring temperatures before starting your lawn. Your high ease score indicates that with a little care, you can maintain a stunning yard year-round.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Fannin County's county score?
Fannin County, Georgia has a composite county score of 60.1 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 Fannin County rank among counties in Georgia?
Fannin County ranks #10 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 Fannin County, Georgia?
The median annual property tax in Fannin County is $959, with an effective tax rate of 0.35%. This earns Fannin County a tax score of 96.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Fannin County?
The median household income in Fannin County, Georgia is $58,073 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Fannin County earns an income score of 33/100 on CountyScore.
Is Fannin County, Georgia a good place to live?
Fannin County scores 60.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #10 in Georgia. The best way to evaluate Fannin 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 Fannin 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.