58.5
County Score
Income & Jobs 99.6Water Quality 86Health 84.4

County Report Card

About Forsyth County, Georgia

A National Leader in Prosperity

Forsyth County boasts an impressive composite score of 58.5, far exceeding the national median of 50.0. This high ranking places it among the most desirable counties in the country for overall well-being.

Setting the Standard in Georgia

The county significantly outperforms the Georgia state average of 46.7. It serves as a benchmark for high-performing communities across the Southeast.

High Incomes and Exceptional Wellness

Prosperity defines the county with a near-perfect income score of 99.6 and a median household income of $138,000. Safety and health metrics are also elite, scoring 81.2 and 84.4 respectively.

The High Price of Success

Affordability is the main challenge, evidenced by a cost score of only 2.0. Median home values reach $493,800, creating a significant barrier for new residents.

Ideal for High-Earning Professionals

Forsyth County is perfect for affluent families who value safety and health above all else. It offers a premium lifestyle for those who can afford the high entry costs of the housing market.

Score breakdown

Tax56.7Cost2Safety81.2Health84.4Schools68.6Income99.6Risk13.9Water86Weather75
🏛56.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼99.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡81.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
84.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓68.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
13.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤75
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨16.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱40.4
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

Forsyth County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Forsyth County

via TaxByCounty

Forsyth's rate ranks low nationally

Forsyth County's effective tax rate of 0.759% is well below Georgia's state average of 0.898% and places it among the more tax-efficient counties across America. Though the median tax here is $3,747—higher than the national median of $2,690—this reflects Forsyth's elevated home values of $493,800, not a high tax rate.

One of Georgia's lowest rates

Forsyth County ranks among the most tax-friendly counties in Georgia with a 0.759% effective rate, well below the state average of 0.898%. This advantage compounds for homeowners with high-value properties, where even a lower rate saves substantial dollars annually.

Lowest rate in the Atlanta region

Forsyth County's 0.759% effective rate significantly undercuts Fulton County's 0.892% and outperforms most neighboring counties across North Georgia. Prosperous homeowners looking to minimize tax burden in the metro area find Forsyth's rate structure particularly advantageous.

Premium homes, efficient taxes

A typical Forsyth County home valued at $493,800 carries an annual property tax of $3,747. With a mortgage, the tax rises to around $4,025; without one, homeowners pay approximately $2,374.

Even low rates reward appeals

High-value properties in Forsyth County are sometimes assessed above market, and given the large sums involved, an appeal could return significant savings. Every Georgia homeowner has the right to challenge their assessment if they believe it exceeds fair market value.

Cost of Living in Forsyth County

via CostByCounty

Forsyth punches above national income curves

Forsyth County's $138,000 median household income is 85% higher than the national median of $74,755, and renters here spend only 16.8% of income on rent—below the national ratio. This wealthy suburban county achieves affordability through sheer earning power rather than cheap housing.

Georgia's most affluent housing market

Forsyth County ranks as one of Georgia's most expensive and wealthiest counties, with a median home value of $493,800 and the lowest rent-to-income ratio in this analysis at 16.8%. Its affordability advantage stems entirely from exceptionally high household incomes, not lower costs.

Forsyth costs reflect upscale suburban status

At $1,937 monthly rent, Forsyth is Georgia's priciest rental market in this comparison—$1,010 more than rural Franklin County. Yet the county's 16.8% rent-to-income ratio proves this premium remains manageable for its high-earning residents.

Hefty housing costs, but income scales higher

Forsyth renters pay $1,937 monthly and homeowners $2,044, totaling roughly $4,000 in annual housing expenses on a $138,000 income. This 35% housing-cost burden is higher in absolute dollars than most counties but lower as a percentage of income.

Forsyth rewards high earners with convenience

Moving to Forsyth makes sense if your household income matches or exceeds the county's $138,000 median—the combination of excellent schools, low crime, and highway proximity justifies the premium. If your income falls below $100,000, you'll face affordability challenges despite the county's low rent-to-income ratio.

Income & Jobs in Forsyth County

via IncomeByCounty

Forsyth County dominates national earnings

At $138,000, Forsyth County's median household income nearly doubles the U.S. median of $74,755—a gap of $63,245. This extraordinary wealth places Forsyth among the most affluent counties in America, reflecting a booming suburban economy anchored by Atlanta's northern growth corridor.

Georgia's wealth champion

Forsyth County's $138,000 income towers 128% above Georgia's state average of $60,488, making it the clear income leader across all 159 Georgia counties. This dominance reflects decades of steady corporate relocation and high-wage job creation in the region.

Vastly outpaces Atlanta metro rivals

Forsyth County's $138,000 median dwarfs Fulton County's $91,490 and every other neighboring county measured here. Even the region's second-wealthiest county lags by roughly $47,000, underscoring Forsyth's exceptional economic position.

Affluence offset by housing costs

Despite high incomes, Forsyth County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.8% and median home value of $493,800 signal that housing consumes substantial wealth. At this price point, homes require disciplined financing; most households spend $23,184 annually on mortgage or rent, a manageable but significant commitment.

Invest aggressively at peak earning years

Forsyth County's $138,000 household income provides exceptional capacity for wealth building beyond basic homeownership. High earners should maximize retirement contributions, diversify into taxable investment accounts, and consider real estate or business investments to compound wealth over decades.

Safety in Forsyth County

via CrimeByCounty

Forsyth County Ranks Among Nation's Safest

With only 448.6 total crimes per 100,000 people, Forsyth County is far safer than the national average of 2,385.5. It boasts an exceptional safety score of 99.3.

Leading the Way in Georgia Safety

Forsyth's safety score of 99.3 easily outpaces the Georgia state average of 97.8. It remains one of the lowest-crime jurisdictions in the entire state.

A Low-Crime Standout Among Neighbors

The county's crime rate is less than half of Fulton County's rate of 1,016.5. This low frequency of incidents makes Forsyth a regional leader in public safety.

Violent Crime is Remarkably Rare

The violent crime rate is just 48.6 per 100,000, which is nearly eight times lower than the national average. Property crimes also remain low at 400.0 per 100,000 residents.

Preserving Your Peace of Mind

Smart home technology and neighborhood watch programs help maintain these impressively low statistics. Three local agencies work diligently to keep Forsyth County exceptionally secure.

Health in Forsyth County

via HealthByCounty

Forsyth County boasts exceptional longevity

At 81.0 years, Forsyth County residents live 2.1 years longer than the U.S. average of 78.9 years. The county's 11.9% poor or fair health rate is less than two-thirds of the national average, reflecting robust community health outcomes.

Georgia's healthiest county

Forsyth County's 81.0-year life expectancy dramatically exceeds Georgia's 73.3-year average by 7.7 years. The county ranks as one of Georgia's top performers in health outcomes, setting a benchmark for the state.

Far outpacing regional health trends

Forsyth County's life expectancy of 81.0 years surpasses Floyd County (72.6 years) by 8.4 years and Fulton County (77.5 years) by 3.5 years. The county's 11.9% poor or fair health rate is the lowest among its peer counties, reflecting exceptional wellness across the region.

Low uninsured rates, limited primary access

Only 8.3% of Forsyth County residents lack health insurance—nearly half the state average of 15.0%—indicating strong coverage. However, primary care availability at 40 per 100K lags behind Floyd County (135 per 100K), suggesting residents may need to travel for routine care.

Maintain your winning advantage

With 8.3% uninsured, Forsyth County is doing well—but the remaining uninsured should act now. Check healthcare.gov to see if you qualify for subsidies or marketplace plans that fit your budget.

Schools in Forsyth County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Large, Unified Suburban School System

Forsyth County operates as a single, massive school district containing 42 public schools. The infrastructure supports 54,077 students through 23 elementary, 11 middle, and 8 high schools.

Elite Graduation Rates in North Georgia

The county achieves a stellar 96.0% graduation rate, far exceeding both the state average of 88.1% and the national 87% benchmark. Efficiency is key here, as the county maintains these results with a per-pupil expenditure of $7,228, which is lower than the state average.

One District Leading the Way

The Forsyth County district manages all 54,077 students without the use of charter schools. This centralized approach allows for consistent standards across one of the state's most populous educational systems.

Large Campuses in a Suburban Setting

Life in Forsyth schools feels grand, with an average school size of 1,288 students and 38 schools located in suburban locales. Lambert High School is the largest in the county, serving 3,007 students.

Invest in a High-Performing Suburban Community

Families prioritize Forsyth County for its exceptional 96% graduation rate and modern suburban campuses. Secure your future by finding a home within this top-tier school district.

Disaster Risk in Forsyth County

via RiskByCounty

Forsyth County faces elevated disaster risks

Forsyth County's composite risk score of 86.13 substantially exceeds the national average, placing it in the "Relatively Moderate" risk category. This rating reflects significant exposure across multiple disaster types that every resident should account for in their preparedness plans.

Among Georgia's highest-risk counties

Forsyth County's score of 86.13 towers over Georgia's state average of 39.49, making it one of the state's most disaster-prone counties. This more-than-doubling of state-average risk signals that Forsyth faces hazard pressures distinctly different from most of Georgia.

Most threatened county in the region

Forsyth County (86.13) surpasses neighboring Floyd County (81.97) and significantly outranks nearby counties like Gilmer (68.10), making it the most at-risk in its immediate area. This elevated status warrants particular attention to regional disaster planning and home hardening efforts.

Floods and tornadoes dominate here

Flood risk in Forsyth County reaches 90.01, among the state's highest, while tornado risk peaks at 94.31, reflecting vulnerability to severe weather systems. These two hazards together account for the county's outsized composite risk and demand dedicated mitigation strategies.

Prioritize flood and wind coverage now

Forsyth County residents in flood-prone zones should obtain flood insurance immediately, as standard policies provide no coverage and the National Flood Insurance Program enrollment has waiting periods. Additionally, ensure your homeowners policy includes tornado/windstorm coverage and consider impact-resistant roofing and reinforced garage doors in this high-tornado-risk zone.

Weather & Climate in Forsyth County

via WeatherByCounty

Mild Temperatures Near the Mountains

Forsyth County averages 60.1°F, which is notably warmer than the national median but mild for the South. This climate provides a comfortable balance between the heat of the plains and mountain cool.

One of Georgia’s More Temperate Counties

At 60.1°F, Forsyth sits several degrees below the Georgia state average of 63.7°F. This makes it a popular retreat for those looking to avoid the more intense heat found further south.

High Rainfall for the Region

The county records 56.4 inches of annual precipitation, which is significantly higher than the state average of 51.4 inches. It is one of the wetter counties in the Piedmont region.

Manageable Summers and Crisp Winters

Forsyth experiences only 32 extreme heat days over 90°F, far fewer than its southern neighbors. Winter temperatures average 43.3°F and occasionally bring 0.6 inches of snow.

Focus on Moisture Management

With 56.4 inches of rain, homeowners must ensure excellent drainage and gutter maintenance. The relatively low number of 90-degree days may offer a slight break on summer utility costs.

Soil Quality in Forsyth County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Ultisols define Forsyth's profile

Forsyth County is dominated by Ultisols, which are highly weathered soils typical of the Southeast. The average pH of 5.37 is significantly more acidic than the national median of 6.5, but slightly above the Georgia average of 5.26.

A gritty clay loam mix

The soil features a clay loam texture, composed of 57.3% sand, 24.4% silt, and 17.3% clay. This high sand content ensures decent workability, though the clay helps retain enough moisture for steady plant growth.

Thirsty soil with moderate nutrients

Organic matter sits at 1.26%, which is below the state average of 1.83% and the national average of 2.0%. However, the available water capacity of 0.128 in/in exceeds the state average, indicating a good ability to hold onto moisture during dry spells.

Fast-moving water and steady drainage

Classified as well-drained and falling into Hydrologic Group B, these soils move water effectively. This makes the land suitable for home building and most farming, as it rarely stays saturated for long periods.

Garden success in Zone 8a

Forsyth belongs to Hardiness Zone 8a, where the long summers favor heat-loving crops like tomatoes and okra. Because the pH is low, adding lime and organic compost will help your garden reach its full potential.

Lawn Care in Forsyth County

via LawnByCounty

A Healthy Head Start in Forsyth

Forsyth County holds a lawn difficulty score of 40.4, which is notably better than the Georgia state average of 35.8. Situated in Hardiness Zone 8a, the county offers a relatively favorable environment for southern turf compared to its neighbors.

Abundant Water for Growing Lawns

The county receives 56.4 inches of rain annually, well above the state average of 51.3 inches. While the 32 extreme heat days are fewer than the state average of 65, the high rainfall means you must watch for fungal issues during humid months.

Amending Acidic Clay Loam Soils

The local soil is an acidic clay loam with a pH of 5.37, falling below the ideal 6.0-7.0 range for most grass. Because the soil is 57.3% sand and well-drained, you will likely need lime applications to raise the pH for optimal nutrient uptake.

Combatting Widespread Severe Drought

Despite high rainfall, 100% of the county is currently experiencing severe drought after 25 weeks of dry conditions this year. Use mulch-mowing to return clippings to the soil, which helps retain moisture and protect grass crowns from the sun.

Timing Your Forsyth Lawn Success

Zoysia is an excellent choice for this well-drained soil and climate. Plan your major lawn projects between the last frost on April 4th and the first frost on November 4th to maximize the 4,626 growing degree days.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Forsyth County's county score?
Forsyth County, Georgia has a composite county score of 58.5 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 Forsyth County rank among counties in Georgia?
Forsyth County ranks #14 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 Forsyth County, Georgia?
The median annual property tax in Forsyth County is $3,747, with an effective tax rate of 0.76%. This earns Forsyth County a tax score of 56.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Forsyth County?
The median household income in Forsyth County, Georgia is $138,000 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Forsyth County earns an income score of 99.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Forsyth County, Georgia a good place to live?
Forsyth County scores 58.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #14 in Georgia. The best way to evaluate Forsyth 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 Forsyth County with other counties side by side.