CountyScore

Fulton County

Georgia · GA

#156 in Georgia
58.4
County Score

County Report Card

About Fulton County, Georgia

Solid livability above national baseline

Fulton County scores 59.5, exceeding the national median of 50.0 by nearly 20%. The county balances mixed strengths and challenges typical of large metro areas with diverse economic profiles.

Underperforming Georgia's county average

Fulton County scores 59.5, falling notably short of Georgia's state average of 70.9. Despite being Georgia's most populous and economically significant county, it trails the composite livability of smaller peers.

Strong incomes and moderate taxes

Fulton County's income score of 43.1 supports a median household income of $91,490, well above the national median. The tax score of 77.2 with an effective rate of 0.892% remains competitive for a major urban county.

High housing costs erode affordability

The cost score of 50.3 reflects median home values of $431,200 and rent of $1,635 monthly, pricing out budget-conscious residents. Safety, health, schools, and environmental data are not yet available.

Urban professionals with solid incomes

Fulton County suits employed professionals and established families prioritizing urban job markets and services over affordability. The county demands higher housing budgets but delivers urban infrastructure and income-earning opportunities.

Score breakdown

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

Tax77.2Cost50.3SafetyComing SoonHealth73.5SchoolsComing SoonIncome43.1Risk4.2WaterComing Soon
🏛77.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠50.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼43.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤73.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡4.2
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 Fulton County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Montgomery County
Maryland
58.4
Median income: $128,733
Ingham County
Michigan
58.4
Median income: $64,354
Shelby County
Tennessee
58.4
Median income: $62,337
Gregg County
Texas
58.4
Median income: $64,809
Starr County
Texas
58.4
Median income: $38,182

Deep Dives

Fulton County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Fulton County

via TaxByCounty

Fulton's rate aligns with state average

Fulton County's effective tax rate of 0.892% sits just below Georgia's state average of 0.898%, making it roughly representative of the typical Georgia tax burden. The median property tax of $3,847 exceeds the national median of $2,690, primarily because Fulton homes are valued significantly higher at $431,200.

Near the state average rate

Fulton County's 0.892% effective rate places it just below Georgia's 0.898% average, ranking it in the middle of the state's tax competitiveness. As Georgia's most populous county and home to Atlanta, Fulton's tax structure reflects its urban character and substantial property values.

Higher tax burden than surrounding counties

Fulton County's 0.892% rate exceeds most neighboring counties including Forsyth (0.759%), Floyd (0.804%), and Franklin (0.766%), reflecting Atlanta's urban tax base. Only Glascock County (0.989%) carries a materially higher effective rate in the immediate region.

Atlanta homes bring Atlanta taxes

A typical Fulton County home valued at $431,200 carries an annual property tax of $3,847. With a mortgage, that figure rises to approximately $3,948; without one, homeowners owe around $3,537.

High-value homes warrant reassessment review

Given Fulton County's market volatility and urban property values, overassessment occurs regularly—and appeals can save thousands annually on high-value homes. If your property was last assessed more than a year ago, filing a challenge is often worth the effort.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Fulton County

via CostByCounty

Atlanta's affordability crisis is real

Fulton County renters spend 21.4% of income on housing—the highest ratio in this analysis and 3 percentage points above the national average. At $1,635 monthly rent on a $91,490 median income, Fulton's housing costs squeeze residents harder than most American counties.

Fulton struggles worst among Georgia peers

Fulton County's 21.4% rent-to-income ratio is 2.8 percentage points above Georgia's state average, ranking it as one of the least affordable counties surveyed. Atlanta's booming economy hasn't translated into housing affordability for typical renters.

Fulton's costs dwarf surrounding counties

At $1,635 monthly, Fulton rents are $664 higher than neighboring Forsyth County and $857 more than rural Franklin County. Only Forsyth approaches Fulton's price point, but with nearly double Fulton's median income.

Housing dominates Fulton household budgets

Fulton renters pay $1,635 monthly and homeowners $1,839, consuming 38% of the $91,490 median income when combined. This leaves proportionally less for transportation, childcare, and savings compared to more affordable counties.

Fulton demands high income to thrive

Atlanta's job market and amenities attract migrants, but moving here requires household income exceeding $100,000 to avoid housing-cost strain. Compare Fulton's expenses against Forsyth or Franklin before committing to the region.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Fulton County

via IncomeByCounty

Fulton County exceeds national income bar

At $91,490, Fulton County's median household income surpasses the U.S. median of $74,755 by $16,735—a 22% advantage. This strong regional performance reflects Atlanta's status as a major economic hub attracting corporate headquarters and high-skill employment.

Second-richest county in Georgia

Fulton County's $91,490 income towers 51% above Georgia's state average of $60,488, ranking second only to Forsyth County among all 159 Georgia counties. This top-tier position reflects the concentration of wealth and professional jobs in downtown Atlanta and surrounding business districts.

Clear leader among peers

Fulton County's $91,490 significantly outpaces all measured neighboring counties, with only Forsyth ($138,000) surpassing it—and Forsyth's advantage narrows relative to its peer group. This income strength reflects Atlanta's magnetic pull for corporate and creative talent.

Housing costs rise with opportunity

Fulton County's rent-to-income ratio of 21.4% exceeds most peers, and the median home value of $431,200 reflects Atlanta's competitive real estate market. While incomes support these costs, households here allocate notably more wealth to housing than in lower-cost regions.

Leverage urban advantages for wealth

Fulton County's $91,490 median income and access to Atlanta's financial services ecosystem position households perfectly for diversified wealth building. Maximize employer benefits, invest in index funds and ETFs, and explore real estate appreciation in one of the nation's fastest-growing metro areas.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Fulton County

via HealthByCounty

Fulton County's life expectancy near national average

At 77.5 years, Fulton County residents live 1.4 years below the U.S. average of 78.9 years. The county's 14.0% poor or fair health rate is significantly better than the national average of 18%, suggesting above-average health outcomes.

Georgia's health leader among large counties

Fulton County's 77.5-year life expectancy exceeds Georgia's 73.3-year average by 4.2 years, marking it as the state's strongest-performing large county. The 14.0% poor or fair health rate stands well below the state baseline.

Clear advantage over peer counties

Fulton County's 77.5-year life expectancy outpaces Floyd County (72.6 years) by 4.9 years and Gordon County (73.1 years) by 4.4 years. The county's 112 primary care providers per 100K significantly exceed Franklin County's 34 per 100K.

Strong coverage, abundant mental health support

Fulton County's uninsured rate of 10.8% beats Georgia's 15.0% average, reflecting better access to employer and marketplace coverage. The county boasts 352 mental health providers per 100K—more than double most peer counties—supporting robust behavioral health care.

Keep Fulton's momentum going

At 10.8% uninsured, Fulton is ahead of the curve—but the remaining uninsured can do better. Explore healthcare.gov to see if you qualify for zero-premium or low-cost plans.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Fulton County

via RiskByCounty

Fulton County faces the highest risks

Fulton County's composite risk score of 95.80 ranks among the nation's most hazard-exposed counties, earning a "Relatively High" risk rating. This substantial vulnerability across nearly all disaster types makes comprehensive preparedness and insurance coverage non-negotiable for residents.

Georgia's single most at-risk county

Fulton County's score of 95.80 dwarfs Georgia's state average of 39.49, making it the state's clear leader in composite disaster risk. More than double the state average, this extraordinary exposure reflects Fulton's size, infrastructure density, and geographic vulnerabilities.

Dramatically riskier than surrounding counties

Fulton County's 95.80 score towers above every nearby county, including Forsyth (86.13) and Fulton's other neighbors, indicating uniquely severe hazard convergence. This isolation at the top of Georgia's risk rankings demands special attention from residents and policymakers alike.

Floods, tornadoes, and earthquakes threaten

Flood risk reaches a critical 97.68 in Fulton County, while tornado risk peaks at 97.01 and earthquake risk scores 95.99, representing triple threats to safety. These three hazards collectively drive Fulton's status as Georgia's riskiest county.

Enhanced coverage is essential here

Fulton County residents must obtain flood insurance regardless of flood zone status, as claims data shows damages outside traditional flood zones. Simultaneously, ensure earthquake and tornado/windstorm riders supplement your homeowners policy, and consider foundation reinforcement or safe-room installation for maximum protection.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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